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 effect Short punchy sentences for impact Rhetorical questions The rule of three

Text Level Repetition Hyperbole Statistics Anecdotes

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’ etc Polite, but informal Conditional phrases (‘if’ clauses)

Text Level Sequential Clear unfussy central layout Easy to scan for next instruction Encouraging and Motivating Provides 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 example Therefore So Consequently As a result In contrast Similarly For instance On the other hand

First(ly) Second(ly) Last(ly) Finally To begin with At the outset But Still However

Nevertheless Yet On the contrary In spite of this In other words Rather Moreover Furthermore What is more

In addition …also.. Naturally Of course Certainly Strangely enough Oddly enough Luckily Admittedly