Writing to Argue, Persuade & Advise

ARGUE

Can you argue the case for a point of view?

Word Level

Emotive language, e.g. ‘outrageous’, ‘disgraceful’ or ‘unbelievable’

Sentence level

Variety of sentence lengths third person generic Subordinating clauses, e.g. ‘if’, ‘unless’ or ‘because’Sequential connectives, e.g. ‘First’, ‘Secondly’ etc

Text Level

  Begins with a powerful statement about position followed by topic sentences with supporting points via PEEL Clear summary and dramatic final statement for impact.Sustained point of view for the reader

PERSUADE

Can you make people do or buy something?

Word Level

       Emphatic Language, e.g. ‘Of course’, ‘Naturally’, ‘Obviously’Emotive Language ‘Distressing’, ‘Devastating’, ‘Amazing opportunity’

Sentence Level

Use of second person to personalise effectShort punchy sentences for impactRhetorical questions The rule of three

Text Level

RepetitionHyperboleStatisticsAnecdotes

ADVISE

Can you tell someone (how) to do something?

Word Level

Modal verbs, e.g. ‘might’, ‘could’ Use of contractions (You’ll, Don’t, etc)

Sentence Level

Active sentences   Use of colon prior to lists Use of second person

Sequential connectives, e.g. ‘First, ‘Secondly’ etcPolite, but informalConditional phrases (‘if’ clauses)

Text Level

Sequential Clear unfussy central layoutEasy to scan for next instruction Encouraging and MotivatingProvides clear choices

Writing to Advise: Useful phrases

Your next step might be …Don’t worry about …Boost your confidence by …If this doesn’t work for you …It’s never too late to …On the other hand you might …DON’T panic; DO take control …

Connectives – Writing to Argue, Persuade, Advise

For exampleTherefore

SoConsequently

As a resultIn contrastSimilarly

For instanceOn the other hand

First(ly)Second(ly)

Last(ly)Finally

To begin withAt the outset

ButStill

However

NeverthelessYet

On the contraryIn spite of thisIn other words

RatherMoreover

FurthermoreWhat is more

In addition…also..

NaturallyOf courseCertainly

Strangely enoughOddly enough

LuckilyAdmittedly