How to identify texts that persuade and argue
Persuasive writing is an important style of writing to master for Functional Skills English Level 2 because sometimes the writing tasks require students to convince their audience to consider their point of view, for example, in an article, or to get their audience, such as a local council, to do something.
What is writing to argue and persuade?
To put it simply, writing to persuade or argue is just like having a conversation with someone, and you have a strong point of view about a particular subject or issue. In your attempt to prove that you have the correct point of view, you provide a list of reasons to prove your perspective.
What is the difference between texts that persuade and argue?
Persuasive and argument texts are similar in that they both attempt to influence the reader in some way. However, persuasive texts try to convince their audience to buy or do something. Whereas texts that argue attempt to get the reader to agree with or consider their point of view.
Types of texts that persuade and argue
Newspaper and magazine articles argue their point of view on an issue or topic and influence readers to agree.
Leaflets advertise a product or service they want you to buy.
Advertisements sell products or services
Opinion pieces in magazines, blogs and newspapers
Reviews
Essays
Letters
Speeches
In trying to persuade their audience, writers employ a variety of techniques to make their writing more compelling and convincing, often referred to as rhetorical devices.
Below are just some of the rhetorical devices writers use. It is important to note that writers use the most appropriate devices for their purpose, so they do not necessarily use them all.
Repetition
Repetition is important in persuasive writing because the audience needs to understand the message, idea, viewpoint or thing the writer wants the reader to do.
For instance, we usually repeat something several times before we learn or understand it. Likewise, with persuasive writing writers often repeat the same point in several ways, for example, they might state it directly, use an anecdote, use a quote from an expert, provide statistics and then conclude with the same point, stated in the opening paragraph.
Also, repetition helps to reinforce the main points of your text and to build up a pattern and rhythm in your writing. What’s more, it helps your audience to understand and remember your main points.
Reasons why
When writers want their readers to agree with their way of thinking or to purchase a product or service, they need to know the reasons why.
Writers cannot simply make a statement, for example, vegetables are bad, without providing all the reasons to support it.
Metaphors, similes and analogies
Metaphors, similes and analogies create vivid and powerful imagery, which makes the writer’s message easier to understand and remember.
Take the following metaphor:
It is not a vending-machine world where you can insert coins of entitlement and receive beautifully wrapped rewards.
The metaphor of the world being a vending-machine evokes a powerful image of people being able to put in minimal effort while expecting huge rewards.
Guilt
Guilt is a powerful negative emotion that can make people change their behaviour, beliefs and take action.
2000 children die every day from poor sanitation and dirty water.
Heart breaking, isn’t it?
What’s even more saddening is that all these tragic deaths could have been so easily prevented.
But we can stop more deaths happening with your help!
Just by donating £2 a week, we can provide children with safe, clean water and sanitation. We can save lives.
This advertisement uses guilt to make the audience feel terrible and guilty that children are dying because they do not have access to clean water.
Emotive language
Some words have more emotive power than others. Therefore, writers choose the most powerful words to get their message across to their audience.
For example, look at the words below:
died killed slaughtered executed
Slaughtered and executed are more powerful than killed, and killed is more powerful than died.
Emotion and urgency
As a resident of this neighbourhood, and this street. I’m aware, of course, of the extent of the criminal activities taking place. Already, there have been two burglaries this month. Not satisfied with violating our homes and our safety, these thugs have now turned to dealing drugs from the car park at the end of the street.
You see what a menace these thugs are? They bring all kinds of dangerous and damaging activities to the area.
We all know what happens when drug deals openly take place: gun crime and murder. Before you know it, our kids will be doing county lines, and hooked on crack.
Our kids are no longer safe to play out on this lovely tree-lined street, so I’m sure we all agree something must be done immediately before this gets out of control. If not for the kids, then for the value of our property. As we all know, this type of unsavoury activity will dramatically devalue the properties on this street.
Hyperbole / exaggeration
Hyperbole is an overstatement used to create a dramatic effect.
Nicola is in critical condition and her injuries will take a long time to heal. One thing is certain, she will be psychologically scarred for life.
First Person
Using the first person, e.g., I, we, creates a personalised effect to the text, making the reader feel there is a degree of intimacy with the writer.
Facts, Statistics and Quotes
Both give the writer’s claims more authority and make them appear more believable.
Strong Ending
All persuasive texts need a firm ending, a call to action, which closes the deal in terms of convincing them to do something or agree with a particular point of view. For example, ‘join today.’
The rule of three
The use of a list of three words (verbs, nouns or adjectives), or phrases for emphasis.
E.g., The film was entertaining, funny and ground-breaking.
It took my blood, sweat and tears to get him to go to school this morning.
Direct address
Direct address when the writer uses the pronoun ‘you’ or ‘your’ to talk directly to the reader. This is designed to engage the reader in the text and create a personal connection with them too.
Alliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of words close together in a sentence that start with the same letter sound, which creates a rhythmic effect and is easy to remember.
E.g., petty politics persists
How to practise
There are several activities you can do to practise the skill of persuasion: try to sell one of your belongings. For example, a house, car or phone.
To argue, think about a topic you feel passionate about and then try to put forward your arguments in an interesting and engaging way. Use evidence and examples to support your points.
To become familiar with more persuasive techniques read the article on language features, or to find out about the other types of texts, read purposes of texts.
