1. Writing to Persuade, Argue and Advise When writing to persuade, argue and advise you are trying to convince your reader of your viewpoint

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Useful words and phrases For counter arguments: however, nonetheless, despite, on the other hand, although, in reality, the facts are, yet For emphasis: Important, above all, absolute, vital, essential, certainly, necessary However! 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

5. 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’