Writing to Persuade, Argue and Advise

When writing to persuade, argue and advise you are trying to

convince your reader of your viewpoint

Planning First plan arguments for and against.

This may change your views. If not, it will at least prepare you for counter-arguments (arguments against your own)

Work out a logical order to present your case – numbering will help.

You may find it is most effective to save your best argument until last.

Where possible supply evidence. For example, statistics.

Include the views of others in the form quotations and expert opinions – while not proving your case, this will add support to it.

Useful words and phrasesFor counter arguments: however, nonetheless, despite, on the other hand,

although, in reality, the facts are, yetFor emphasis: Important, above all, absolute, vital, essential,

certainly, necessaryHowever!When writing to advise you may want to help readers

decide, so phrases like could, should, might, perhaps and on the other hand will be useful

Rhetorical Devices to Persuade

Repetition – to emphasise your viewpoint Address the reader directly – Pronouns such as ‘you’ and ‘we’

involve the reader Rhetorical questions – to make the reader question their own

viewpoint Imperatives – give commands, rather than make suggestions, for

example: ‘Take a break. Visit Alton Towers today.’ Emotive language – to provoke an emotional reaction in your

reader, such as sympathy, anger and joy. For example: ‘Hundreds of starving puppies are cruelly abandoned in Britain every year.’

Short sentences for dramatic effect, e.g. ‘This must stop.’ Exaggeration – For example: ‘Everybody knows that all

teenagers love pizza’