Writing to Argue and
Persuade
Icons key:
For more detailed instructions, see the Getting Started presentation
Flash activity. These activities are not editable.
Extension activities
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Web addresses
Teacher’s notes included in the Notes Page
Accompanying worksheet
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Learning Objectives
In this unit you will…
Be taught to write a successful counter-argument
Write informatively by giving a balanced analysis
Analyse issues from different perspectives
Practise writing persuasively
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How to inform and argue
People argue, inform and persuade through various
forms of writing and speaking. For example:
radio discussions
essays
letters
newspaper articles
interviews
formal reports
chat shows
leaflets.
Can you think of any other arenas or media
in which people argue their point of view?
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Introduction to writing to argue
I can’t believe you think that
foxhunting is a sport, Lei.
It’s barbaric and should
never be allowed to happen!
I really don’t see what the big
deal is, Megan. It’s just a fun
passtime and foxes are farm
pests so it’s useful…
Who do you think is right?
How could Megan and Lei
improve their arguments?
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Writing to argue
Megan and Lei could improve their arguments by making
counter-arguments. This is done by acknowledging the other
person’s argument and then countering it with facts, e.g.
Yes, x is true BUT so is y AND MORE IMPORTANTLY z.
Yes, foxhunting does control
pests but it is a painful way for
the fox to die. And hunts
encourage violence and
brutality.
Yes, foxhunting may be painful
for the fox but so is death by a
trap. Also hunts create many
jobs in rural communities.
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Foxhunting
Which girl has made the best argument?
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Whaling
Read the text below and pick out the key arguments.
Then write a counter-argument in response.
Remember to use the formula:
Yes, x is true BUT so is y AND MORE IMPORTANTLY z.
Whaling is wrong and has been banned, but it still
occurs in some parts of the world illegally. It is
endangering many species of whale which are essential
parts of the marine food chain. The whales are killed
using explosive harpoons. This is a horrifically cruel
practice because it can take hours for the whales to
die. Whale meat products are also full of toxins which
are harmful to humans, so whales are not even a good
source of food.
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Informative writing
Think about the following questions:
1. Should parents be allowed to smack their own children?
2. Should animal testing for medical research be allowed?
3. Should 16-year-olds be given the right to vote?
Do you have an opinion on any of them?
In your KS3 test you will need to show that you can view an
issue from more than one perspective.
This can be difficult when you feel very strongly about the
subject, but it is an important skill to learn.
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Informative writing
When you are asked to write informatively in your KS3
exams you will need to accurately describe both the
advantages and disadvantages of a particular situation, i.e.
you will have to give a balanced analysis.
When you write an informative piece you must present the
issue fairly and show that you can see a subject from more
than one perspective – unlike Megan and Lei:
Foxhunting is cruel!
Foxhunting
creates jobs!
Remember: there are two
sides to everything!
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CCTV cameras
Read this text about CCTV cameras:
CCTV cameras seem to be everywhere.
But are they a protection or a plague?
If you are a driver, you’ll know how
irritating speed cameras can be,
positioned on nearly every major road
in Britain. They are meant to stop you
from driving too fast. However, other types
of camera can be useful in preventing
burglary and street crime.
How does the writer try to present a
balanced analysis of CCTV cameras?
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Should animals be kept in captivity?
Use the grid below to write down all of the arguments for and
against keeping animals in captivity.
Yes
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No
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Should animals be kept in captivity?
Using the grid you made, write an article which informatively
details both the advantages and disadvantages of zoos.
Remember: try to hide your own views for now.
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Writing to inform and argue
When you have an opinion to express, there are good and
bad ways of arguing your case.
The most effective way to argue is by
presenting your readers with a
balanced analysis, similar to the way you
have been learning to write informatively.
This shows that you know there are two
sides to the argument. And it shows you are
willing to consider the views of others before
coming to your own conclusions.
You will also need to give reasons for your
conclusions; it is no good having an opinion
if it cannot be explained!
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Writing to persuade
You should now feel comfortable presenting arguments by
writing informatively. However, you also need to be able to
write persuasively in your KS3 exams.
Persuasive writing is an important skill because it will help
you to convince your readers that your opinion is the right
one through the language you use and the facts you provide.
I want to write a
persuasive letter to
my local MP to ask
her to ban foxhunting
on private land…
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Credit cards
Read the extract below which presents a balanced view of
credit card usage. It is currently informative writing.
Credit cards provide consumers with the funds to buy those
things which are beyond their immediate means. With a
credit card, it is no longer necessary for shoppers to carry
around large sums of cash.
Of course they have their disadvantages. Many people
rely on their credit cards and find themselves spending more
than they can repay, which results in huge debts with high
interest rates.
1. How has the writer managed to
present a balanced view?
2. How do you think readers will
respond to this writing?
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Credit cards
The balanced view of credit cards could, however, be altered
to reveal the writer’s personal view:
Credit cards provide consumers with the funds to buy
those things which are beyond their means. With a credit
card, it is no longer necessary for shoppers to carry
around large sums of cash, but
but they
theycannot
cannotsee
seetheir
their
money being
money
beingdwindled
dwindled
away.
away.
Many vulnerable
vulnerablepeople
peoplecome
cometotorely
relyon
ontheir
theircredit
credit
cards and find themselves spending much
much more
more than
than they
they
can ever
ever afford
affordtotorepay.
repay.This
Thisresults
resultsininhuge
hugedebts
debtswith
with
ridiculously high
ridiculously
highinterest
interestrates
ratesand
andserious
serious
stress
stress
for for
the
poorpoor
the
naivenaive
shopper.
shopper.
The writer uses emotive language (language that
causes strong feelings) to sound persuasive.
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Credit cards
Rewrite this extract to convince readers that credit cards
are useful and advantageous for shoppers.
Credit cards provide consumers with the funds
to buy those things which are beyond their
immediate means. With a credit card, it is no longer
necessary for shoppers to carry around large sums
of cash.
Of course they have their disadvantages.
Many people rely on their credit cards and find
themselves spending more than they can repay
which results in huge debts with high interest rates.
Try to use emotive language. Think of what may
concern your readers and offer them reassurance.
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Persuasive statements
Different techniques are used by writers to produce
persuasive arguments.
1. It is
is commonly
commonlyaccepted
accepted
that
that
animals
animals
areare
happier when out in wide open spaces.
2. Everyone
Everyone knows
knowsthat
thatkeeping
keepinganimals
animalsininzoos
improves
zoos
improves
their chances
their chances
of survival.
of survival.
3. No one
one can
candoubt
doubtthat
thatzoos
zoosare
arecruel
cruelplaces.
places.
Although the statements above present different opinions,
they do so in a similar way.
What do the sentences have in common and
why may this help to persuade readers?
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Persuasive questions
What is the purpose of these questions?
1. What is the point in
keeping animals caged up
for the pleasure of
humans?
2. If animals are so
mistreated in zoos then
why do zoos remain so
popular?
Do you know what these types of questions are called?
Can you think of your own similar questions?
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Rhetorical questions activity
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Factual information and statistics
Another way to persuade readers is to provide them with
factual information (dates, names and numbers) backed
up with statistics. This makes the writer appear very
knowledgeable.
Can you pick out the factual information and statistics
in this extract?
The Banking Bureau carried out its audit across 72
insurance companies and banks. By 1st June this year, it had
reviewed around sixty per cent of those insurance
companies and banks which offer ROT services and more
than nine out of ten banks which provide services at Tiers 2,
3 and 4 of the now widely accepted 4 Tier Model.
Note: you will need to use the evidence provided in
your KS3 exams to back up your persuasive writing.
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Writing to inform or persuade
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Writing a persuasive letter
Should animal testing be banned for cosmetic research?
Write a letter to the director of a cosmetics company to
persuade them to stop testing on animals.
Include some persuasive techniques and write in
an appropriate tone and style. Try to anticipate
their responses and offer counter-arguments.
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