Persuasive Writing

Researching A Topic

TASK: Choose a topic and write a persuasive

essay to convince the reader of your opinion on this topic.

Create a convincing argument for your opinion Use facts and statistics to support your argument Show that you know the counter-arguments and

can make a strong case against these Use persuasive writing techniques for powerful

writing

Choose a Topic 1

We should (not) tell children about Santa. Smoking should (not) be banned in public

places in Scotland. Junk food should (not) be banned in

Scottish state secondary schools. Reality TV talent shows are (not) stifling

the British music industry.

Choose a Topic 2

The iPod will be the saviour/ slayer of the British music industry.

Euthanasia should (not) be legalised in the United Kingdom.

Football players should (not) receive exorbitant wages.

Capital punishment should (not) be reinstated in the United Kingdom.

Step 1FORCreate a list of arguments to support your opinion

1.Killing people is a crime2.Mistakes can be made in court

AGAINSTFind counter-arguments that people might use against you

1.People who kill deserve to die2.Violent crime is on the increase – a stern measure must be put in place.

Step 2: Researching FactsResearch your topic on the internet.Here are some suggested sites-

www.bbc.co.ukwww.theherald.co.ukwww.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

Researching Facts

Alternatively, search the internet using one of the following search engines. www.google.co.ukwww.yahoo.co.ukwww.altavista.com

Reliable Facts

How can you be certain your facts and figures are genuine?Use government or other trusted sites Verify your information on other sites or through a search engine

Create a table of the facts you have found for both sides of your argument

70 countries have abolished it in the last 30 years

America and Japan still use it for serious crimes

The last person killed in Britain

e.g.

Persuasive Writing Criteria

ContentContent is relevant and appropriate for purpose and audience, reveals some depth and complexity of thought and some sustained development

StructureStructure takes account of purpose, audience and genre; content is sequenced and organised in ways which are mainly effective.

Expression

Competent use of techniques relevant to the genre and appropriate choice of words and sentence structures establish a style and tone which communicate a point of view/stance consistent with purpose and audience.

Technical Accuracy

Spelling, grammar and punctuation are consistently accurate