Reading Rockets
- Research, Guides and Resources
- Our PBS Shows
Persuasive Writing
More writing strategies
- Descriptive Writing
Why teach persuasive writing?
As children mature as writers, it's important to give them the opportunity to write using a variety of formats. Persuasive writing helps students formulate specific reasons for their opinions, and provides an opportunity to research facts related to their opinions. As students develop an understanding of how writing can influence or change another's thoughts or actions, they can begin to understand the persuasive nature of the marketing they are exposed to through television, the Internet, and other media.
How to teach persuasive writing
- Have students listen to or read examples of persuasive writing. Together, listen and look for words, phrases and techniques that helped the writer persuade the listener.
- Brainstorm something that is important to an individual child or the group. Is it extra recess? Another chapter of the read aloud? The potential closing of a library? The more authentic the issue, the more passionately your students will write.
- Once the important privilege is chosen, have the child (or class) start to list reasons why they should be allowed this privilege. "Just because," and "because I like it" should not be considered valid reasons. Students can work together to generate at least three good reasons to support an argument. This list of persuasive words and phrases from the site Teaching Ideas may help get students started.
- Have students do some research to gather facts or examples that support their reasons.
- Have students summarize their position.
Here's a persuasive letter written by an elementary school student from Crozet, VA:
Watch: Bubble Gum Letters
Create an authentic writing opportunity that motivates students to write persuasive letters to a target audience. See the lesson plan .
This video is published with permission from the Balanced Literacy Diet . See related how-to videos with lesson plans in the Text Structures and Genres section as well as the Writing Processes and Strategies section.
Collect resources
Language arts.
This persuasive writing lesson from ReadWriteThink uses the Beverly Cleary book Emily's Runaway Imagination as the springboard for kids to write letters to a librarian urging the addition of certain titles to the library. A Persuasion Map Planning Sheet guides students through steps similar to what is described above.
This resource shows the lifecycle of writing a persuasive letter to a child's parents about where to vacation for the summer. The PDF begins with the brainstorming, moves through drafting, editing, and publishing of the final letter.
Health/Science
From Writing Fix, here's a speech writing lesson that uses the mentor text Otto Runs for President in conjunction with the RAFT strategy. In this lesson, students assume to the role of a talking fruit or vegetable. Pretending that there's a "Fruit/Vegetable of the Year" election, the students will create a campaign speech that explains why their fruit/veggie is the best candidate for the job.
Differentiated instruction
For second language learners, students of varying reading skill, students with learning disabilities, and younger learners.
- Have students work in small groups to generate their ideas and do the research.
- Offer various suggestions for how students can share their argument: e.g., a debate format, a "soapbox" in the classroom, or letters to the editor of the newspaper.
See the research that supports this strategy
Wollman-Bonilla, J. (2000). Family message journals: Teaching writing through family involvement . Urbana, IL: National Council of Teachers of English.
Children's books to use with this strategy
Emily's Runaway Imagination
Emily Bartlett lives in an old farmhouse in Pitchfork, Oregon at a time when automobiles are brand-new inventions and libraries are a rare luxury. Can Emily use her lively mind to help bring a library to Pitchfork? ReadWriteThink offers a persuasive writing lesson plan featuring this book.
Otto Runs for President
When Otto runs for school presidency, he must defeat some underhanded techniques used by his opponents. What might convince the students that Otto is the best candidate for the job?
How Oliver Olsen Changed the World
Oliver Olsen learns how to change his own world as the engaging third grader works on a school science project. The telling (third person) is natural and the situations plausible. The story can be retold using transition words to emphasize or identify individuals' favorite (or most memorable) parts.
The Storyteller's Candle
This is the story of librarian Pura Belpré, told through the eyes of two young children who are introduced to the library and its treasures just before Christmas. Lulu Delacre's lovely illustrations evoke New York City at the time of the Great Depression, as well as the close-knit and vibrant Puerto Rican community that was thriving in El Barrio during this time. Bilingual Spanish-English text.
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type
Farmer Brown has his hands full when the cows on his farm get a typewriter. Duck, however, negotiates successfully for all parties in this very funny farm story of very clever animals. Be prepared to talk about typewriters or take a trip to a museum to see one!
Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. grew up fascinated by big words. He would later go on to use these words to inspire a nation and call people to action. In this award-winning book, powerful portraits of King show how he used words, not weapons, to fight injustice.
I would also the Duck series (Duck for President) and the Pigeon Series (Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus) as books to use!
Thanks for this, it really helped!
This is a good site and very helpful to my son.
I agree with all of these
very good website
Add comment
More information about text formats
- No HTML tags allowed.
- Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
- Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
New and Popular
Our Literacy Blogs
Reading SOS
Tips from experts on how to help your children with reading and writing at home.
Target the Problem
Pinpoint the problem a struggling reader is having and discover ways to help.
FAQs About Reading
Real questions from parents and educators, answered by experts.
Literacy Apps
Find the best apps for building literacy skills.
Book Finder
Create your own lists of fiction and nonfiction children’s books. We have more than 5,000 books in our library!
- Primary Hub
- Art & Design
- Design & Technology
- Health & Wellbeing
- Secondary Hub
- Citizenship
- Primary CPD
- Secondary CPD
- Book Awards
- All Products
- Primary Products
- Secondary Products
- School Trips
- Trip Directory
- Trips by Subject
- Trips by Type
- Trips by Region
- Submit a Trip Venue
Trending stories
Top results
Persuasive writing KS2 – 10 of the best worksheets and resources
Help kids put together a convincing argument, whether it's in an essay, advert, debate or letter, with these lessons, ideas, activities and more for Key Stage 2 English lessons…
What is persuasive writing?
Persuasive writing tries to convince the reader to do something or believe something. Adverts, reviews, leaflets and letters can all include persuasion.
Persuasive writing examples
Adverts Have a break, have a Kit Kat.
A speech ‘I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character.’ Martin Luther King Jr
Persuasive argument You should do your homework first, then you have all weekend to play and don’t have to worry about it.
Persuasive essay Is it all right to boil a sentient creature alive just for our gustatory pleasure? David Foster Wallace ‘Consider the Lobster’
Persuasive writing techniques
Rhetoric/rhetorical questions ‘Is the Pope Catholic?’
Opinion stated as fact This is the greatest invention of the 21st-century!’
Hyperbole ‘Gillette, the best a man can get.’
Emotional language ‘I will be as harsh as truth, and as uncompromising as justice. On this subject, I do not wish to think, or to speak, or write, with moderation.’ William Lloyd Garrison
Emotional appeal ‘For just £5 a month you can help her and others in her village access clean water that will save lives.’
Repetition ‘…and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.’ Abraham Lincoln
Rhyme ‘If the gloves don’t fit, you must acquit’ Johnny Cochran
1 | Persuasive Writing KS2 – ‘Eating Insects’ Topic in 5 Lessons
This 43-page download contains plans and resources for a series of five lessons centred on a unique ‘writing for a purpose’ activity – convincing a teacher to eat insects!
The lessons in this pack aim to give children the opportunity to rehearse persuasive arguments and create a piece of persuasive writing via a series of distinct stages.
And don’t worry, you’re not just finding worms in the playground and gobbling them down.
Check out this resource here.
2 | KS2 persuasive writing model texts and worksheets – Text types
Support children in KS2 to develop their skills of persuasive writing with this persuasive language KS2 text types pack .
It features persuasive writing examples for KS2 – including a persuasive writing techniques KS2 checklist, a vocabulary bank, writing plan and two persuasive letter writing KS2 model texts.
3 | Persuasive writing model text resource packs
These writing units for UKS2 are built around an original persuasive writing model text on various topics.
In each two-week unit, pupils will look at the features of the persuasive writing and the devices used before creating their own version.
Click the links to give each one a look:
- Why buy this brick?
- Come to Darlington Academy
- Why should I visit Skara Brae?
- Visit Russia
- Visit Yorkshire
- Is your child fit and healthy?
- A greener tomorrow
- Visit Florida
- Is this the perfect trainer?
4 | Practise persuasive writing skills with Topical Tuesday
Each week, kids’ newspaper The Week Junior produces these Topical Tuesday resources which feature a current news story, with four accompanying reading and writing activities for KS2 students.
Each of these has a persuasive writing activity as one of its four tasks.
To see more about each of these persuasive writing topics, click these links:
- Why should students be at home during Covid-19?
- Write a persuasive advertisement, promoting your amazing new invention
- Write a letter protesting a supermarket opening in an open, natural space
- Write a persuasive argument for something you strongly believe in
- Write to the Prime Minister on how they should make the country a more-inclusive place
- Design and write a persuasive poster letting people know why you should be the President of the USA
- Write a persuasive letter to your MP about either protecting or changing the name of something in your region
- Write a job advertisement to persuade people to volunteer for a space mission
- Write a persuasive argument why someone you know should be made a knight or dame
- Write an advertising poster for a museum near you
- Write an advertisement for taking a holiday in your own house
- Write a promotional leaflet encouraging people to visit a new archaeological find
- Write a persuasive text arguing that people are assumed to consent to the transplant of their organs unless they have said otherwise
- Create an advert persuading aliens to visit Earth on holiday
- Create a persuasive advert convincing European beavers to help look after British rivers
- Write an informal, persuasive letter from nature to you, asking you to look after it
- Write to your MP as to why children should be allowed to vote
- Write a persuasive article proposing a famous person to be commemorated on a 50p coin
5 | Dr Seuss Green Eggs and Ham persuasive writing resource
Dr Seuss’ classic book Green Eggs and Ham , featuring the famous Sam-I-Am, celebrated its 60th Anniversary last year.
While this is a Key Stage 1 resource, Year 3 children can still use this Dr Seuss-inspired teaching plan to play with words and the power of persuasion.
There are starter questions, three full activities and an extension activity.
6 | Pie Corbett’s Alex Rider persuasive writing lesson
Break out the gadgets and take your class undercover with Pie Corbett’s Alex Rider-themed look at persuasive writing.
Children can design and advertise their own spy gadgets with these examples and exercises.
Download it here.
7 | Features of persuasive writing worksheets
These worksheets are an excellent way to develop children’s understanding and use of persuasive writing in KS2. There are a number of activities that demonstrate different types of persuasive writing, along with a model text, examples of adverts, and writing challenges.
There are images to included to help inspire children’s writing, as well as sentences for the children to rewrite and improve upon.
It’s a great way to revise previous learning, and to experiment with new ideas.
Give it a look here.
8 | The Day the Crayons Quit KS1 book topic
Explore empathy, persuasive writing and understanding emotion in this activity-packed book topic from Sue Cowley, based on Drew Daywalt’s book.
Ignored, stereotyped and diminished, if the crayons in your classroom could talk, they might object to their treatment. Understanding why leads to great lesson activities, such as looking at emotion cards, getting creative with colours and dramatising feelings.
Find this book topic here.
9 | KS2 cohesive devices in persuasive writing pack
Cohesive devices are used to connect ideas, sentences and paragraphs. As the name suggests, they add coherence to what we are saying.
This powerful KS2 grammar resources pack provides everything you need to teach a series of five lessons on cohesive devices in persuasive writing, culminating in an extended writing task where children can use their grammatical understanding in context.
10 | Hyperbole worksheets for KS2 persuasive writing
This worksheet is an excellent way for Key Stage 2 pupils to revise and practise recognising and using hyperboles – exaggerated statements used for effect, not meant to be taken literally.
Hyperbole can be used for comedic effect or persuasive reasons. It helps to emphasise your point by over-stressing the qualities involved.
This resource contains examples of hyperboles and five different challenges, which can be tackled during one lesson or spread over a number of teaching sessions.
Questions encourage creative responses as well as revision, and include interesting images to stimulate ideas.
Check out the BEST RESOURCE EVER here.
Sign up to our newsletter
You'll also receive regular updates from Teachwire with free lesson plans, great new teaching ideas, offers and more. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)
Which sectors are you interested in?
Early Years
Thank you for signing up to our emails!
You might also be interested in...
Why join Teachwire?
Get what you need to become a better teacher with unlimited access to exclusive free classroom resources and expert CPD downloads.
Exclusive classroom resource downloads
Free worksheets and lesson plans
CPD downloads, written by experts
Resource packs to supercharge your planning
Special web-only magazine editions
Educational podcasts & resources
Access to free literacy webinars
Newsletters and offers
Create free account
I would like to receive regular updates from Teachwire with free lesson plans, great new teaching ideas, offers and more. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)
By signing up you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy .
Already have an account? Log in here
Thanks, you're almost there
To help us show you teaching resources, downloads and more you’ll love, complete your profile below.
Welcome to Teachwire!
Set up your account.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Commodi nulla quos inventore beatae tenetur.
Log in to Teachwire
Not registered with Teachwire? Sign up for free
Reset Password
Remembered your password? Login here
Download your resources and pay in 3 interest-free installments with Klarna
Pay in 3 interest-free installments with Klarna
- 📚 Cross-Curricular Topics
- ✂️ Design & Technology
- ♻️ Education for Social Responsibility
- 🌍 Geography
- ⛪️ Religious Education
- 🎉 Special Days
- 🦸♀️ Special People
- Whole School Art
- Whole School DT
- Whole School ESR
- Whole School Geography
- Whole School History
- Whole School Maths
- Whole School RE
- Whole School Science
- Free Sample Packs
- Free Mini-Schemes
- Learn at Home
- Objective Checker
- How does it work?
- Special Offers
- BECOME A MEMBER 🧡
Persuasive Writing KS2
What is persuasive writing ks2.
Persuasive writing is a type of non-fiction writing that is written to persuade a reader of a belief, opinion or idea. Here are some common examples of persuasive writing:
- Advertisements: These could be in the form of a pritned advert that you might find in a newspaper or magazine. Alternatively they might take the form of a radio or TV advertisement. In any form, their main purpose is to persuade you to buy something.
- Travel brochures: These persuade you to go to a particular holiday destination, hotel or tourist spot. Images are extremely important for this type of persuasive text.
- Essays: A longer form of persuasive writing in which the opinion is laid out in the opening paragraph (the introduction). The following paragraphs then go into more detail, backing up the argument being made with facts, statistics and research.
- Newspaper columns: Newspaper articles are a way that a journalist can express their belief or opinion on a news story in a position of authority. However, these can also be neutral, expressing no particular viewpoint.
- Reviews: A way of expressing an opinion on a product or experience. With online reviews ever more prevalent, we are now more frequently turning to this text type for a second opinion!
- Speeches: There have been many famous persuasive speeches written throughout history.
When are children taught persuasive writing?
Children are typically taught persuasive writing when they get into KS2.
Persuasive Writing Techniques KS2
What techniques can writers use to persuade the reader of their opinion? Here is a list of persuasive writing techniques:
1. A persuasive title - The title of a persuasive text should imply the point of view of the author. It should be short and 'to the point'.
2. An introduction - A short paragraph under the heading which outlines what the issue is and the point of view of the writier. The following paragraphs then go into more detail.
3. Paragraphs - Each paragraph outlines a different reason for the opinion. This structure makes sure the argument is clear.
4. Facts and figures - To convnice the reader of the writer's point of view, it is important to include facts which support the opinions.
5. Writing directly addresses the reader - Using personal pronouns such as you, I, my and we can help the reader connect with the arguments being made.
6. Emotive language - Vocabulary that is included to make the reader feel a particular emotion. Adjectives can be useful when trying to make an idea sound either good or bad.
7. Adverbials - Words or phrases that indicate time, place or manner. Words such as obviously, clearly, without doubt and without question are all examples of adverbials that might be used in a persuasive text.
8. Daring the reader to disagree - Explaining the opposing opinion and highlighting its weaknesses is a powerful persuasive tool.
9. Rhetorical questions - With these questions, the answer is already assumed by the writer. They are included not because the writer needs to answer something but to make a point.
10. Modal verbs - These auxilliary verbs modify the main verb in the sentence to show possibility or obligation. Using words like must or will makes opinions sound more authoritative.
11. Repetition - Use repeated words, phrases or sounds (alliteration) to emphasise a point or make it more memorable. Repeating something three times is the most powerful way to use repetition for persuasive effect!
12. A conclusion - A short paragraph at the end of the text which sums up the opinion and reasons for it. This is the last thing the reader reads so needs to have an impact.
Progression in Persuasive Writing KS2
Below is a table to show how children's persuasive writing should progress in terms of grammar / sentence elements and punctuation.
Grammar and Sentence elements to include (LKS2)
Grammar and sentence elements to include (uks2).
Imperative verbs to convey urgency, Buy it now! Listen very carefully....
Rhetorical questions to engage the reader, Do you want the best food you've ever tasted?
Noun phrases to add detail and description, Our incredible shop has amazing products which you will love!
Relative clauses to provide additional enticement, Our hotel, which has over 100 luxurious rooms, overlooks a deightful swimming pool.
Imperative and modal verbs to convey urgency, Buy it now! This product will transform how you cook!
Adverbials to convey sense of certainty e.g. Clearly this is wrong. Surely we can all agree…?
Short sentences for emphasis This has to stop! This is wrong! Ban the car!
Subjunctive form for formal structure If I were you, I would...
Punctuation elements to include (LKS2)
Punctuation elements to include (uks2).
Ensure use of capital letters for proper nouns
Use ? ! for rhetorical / exclamatory sentences
Use commas to mark relative clauses
Use commas to make fronted adverbials and subordinate clauses
Use colons and semi-colons to list features, attractions or arguments
Use brackets or dashes for parenthesis, including for emphasis
Use semi-colons for structure repetition
LESSON PACK: HS2 Persuasive Writing - The Key Features of Persuasive Writing
LESSON PACK: Holes Persuasive Writing - Persuasive Techniques
LESSON PACK: The Great Kapok Tree - Persuasive Writing - Features
LESSON PACK: Floodland - Persuasive Speeches
LESSON PACK: The Twits - Estate Agent Adverts
FREE: Persuasive Sentence Starters
Added to your cart:
What's Your Email?
Let customers speak for us
Flying Kites Display Pack
Greek Vase Template
Perfect resource for an eco-council display board
Thank you for your review! We're glad you found our Fair Trade Poster resource helpful.
This was just what I needed to teach instructional texts to my year 1’s. It’s engaging and fun! My kids loved it. Thank you 😃
Thank you for the kind words! We're glad to hear that the Writing Instructions resources were helpful and engaging for you and your children.
Moveable Skeleton Template
Thank you, Dianne!
Accessibility links
- Skip to content
- Accessibility Help
- CBBC iPlayer
Exploring persuasive writing
Learning focus.
To understand and practise the techniques used in persuasive writing.
This lesson includes:
two videos to help you use persuasive language in writing
three activities
When you persuade someone in your writing, your aim is to get them to agree with your point of view.
Watch this video where teacher Mr Smith explores persuasive writing and gives you some examples of when it’s used.
Play the whole clip as it covers other useful topics, but focus particularly on the section between 2:05 and 2:40 for this lesson.
Persuasive writing comes in different forms:
Letters that try to persuade the reader to do something or think in a certain way.
Articles in magazines or newspapers that aim to persuade the reader to show interest in an important topic or story.
Adverts that aim to persuade people to buy something.
Reviews of things, such as films or books, where the writer gives their opinions and tries to influence (change or impact) what the reader thinks.
- You can also persuade people when speaking , in a speech or presentation that you have prepared.
Making your writing persuasive
When you are writing to persuade people, it’s important to say why the reader should agree with you. You need to give your reasons, otherwise your reader may not believe you!
A good way to make your writing more persuasive is to think of the following:
P ersonal - keep your writing friendly .
E motive - use words that make your reader have strong feelings .
R hetorical questions - to make your reader stop and think.
S ay it again - repeat your message!
U ndermine - mention different opinions to yours and say why they are wrong.
A necdote - a short, funny real-life story will help the reader connect with you.
D irect - use the words you and your to make your reader feel special.
E xaggeration – make a big deal of what you say!
- Rhetorical questions don’t need an answer , but are great for grabbing a reader’s attention. Saying things like ‘ Isn’t that amazing? ’ or ‘ Why would you not want to buy this? ’ can be very effective when you’re trying to persuade someone!
Persuasive writing in adverts
Watch this video next to see an example of persuasive writing being used in advertising - an area where writing persuasively can be very useful!
Adverts and brochures don't just give the reader information - they use clever ways, or 'techniques', to try to make the reader buy a product.
Adverts keep their messages short and catchy, which makes them easy to remember. The messages are called slogans and they often use jokes or word tricks to entertain their reader. By being entertained, the reader is more likely to want to spend their money!
You will need paper and a pen or pencil for some of these activities.
How much do you know about spotting persuasive words in slogans ? Have a go at this quiz to test your skills so far!
Click on the image to the right to see a magazine article called The Power of Persuasion .
Read the article carefully, and then draw a table like the one below on a piece of paper. Use your table to note down examples of persuasive writing that have been used in the article.
Some examples have been given, to help you. Look back at the Learn section if you need a recap on the different ways you can make your writing persuasive.
The Power of Persuasion
Magazine article
- You could place some of the examples of persuasive writing in more than one row in the table.
To check your answers, you can use this answer sheet .
Now have a go at doing some persuasive writing of your own!
Choose one of the titles below and write a magazine article where you try to persuade your reader to agree with you. Write at least 80 words.
Why trying foods you don't like is a good thing to do
Why you must make time for nature every day
- To remind you of the ways you can persuade readers, look at the list in the table in Activity 2 again.
- Share your article with a friend or family member and see if you can persuade them to agree with you!
Where next?
In this lesson you have learned to understand and practise the techniques used in persuasive writing.
There are other useful articles on Bitesize to help you with your writing skills.
- How to write for different audiences
- Context for writing
- Challenge your writing skills with the Crystal Explorers !
There's more to learn
More English Guides
Take a look at our other English guides.
KS2 English
More from KS2 English
BBC Bitesize
Bitesize games
There's more to learn ....
Using adjectives for more descriptive writing
How to pronounce new words
What are facts and opinions?
Making great literacy lessons easy. Why join Plazoom?
Persuasive writing – Teaching techniques for KS2
Can you afford to miss out read on to discover the best persuasive writing technique tips ever, absolutely free.
By Sue Drury
Last updated 20 July 2020
New! Best ever resources for hardworking teachers. Save hours of work so that you can do the things you really enjoy! Because you’re worth it.
Persuasive writing is a very interesting genre. Other types of writing might involve an element of fantasy or make-believe but, if you think about it, persuasive writing must be one of the few that actually expect you to act upon it. It is also fascinating to think that many of us would, as readers, be quite capable of pointing out the ways in which our beliefs, feelings and actions are being manipulated, yet we often fall for it anyway.
Now’s your chance to introduce your class to a range of persuasive writing techniques that will help them produce convincing textual arguments from promotional leaflets to persuasive letters.
What is persuasive writing?
Here’s a question that might be fun to put to your students: is persuasive writing fiction or non-fiction? Your first answer would probably depend on how cynical you are. Nevertheless, it should be seen as a non-fiction genre because any proposition being promoted should be grounded in honesty. That’s why we have things like advertising rules, libel laws and trading standards. Even so, we all know that some persuasive writing stretches the truth to breaking point. At the very least, it often presents a very biased or one-sided view. As a teacher, you should insist on pupils using language to persuade rather than deceive.
Persuasive writing techniques KS2
Teaching persuasive writing might seem akin to teaching dark arts in a school for magic but it’s really just another form of effective writing or writing for a purpose – and every writer should be doing that! Remember, not every trick will work in every situation but it is important that pupils have a good understanding of a range of persuasive writing features. Here are a few of the most obvious ones.
Features of persuasive writing – Powerful vocabulary
The choice of words really matters in persuasive writing – almost as much as in poetry. Apparently, there has been research carried out into this but a quick internet search reveals a broad consensus as to what the most powerfully persuasive words are. Here are just a few to share with your pupils, remembering that not every word will be relevant to every persuasive writing task. Nor are they necessarily the most adventurous words in the dictionary. They are just known to be effective.
New , free and save always grab people’s attention, for obvious reasons. Because is always a useful one because people like a good explanation. Easy and guaranteed tend to put the reader’s mind at rest. Discover is like a more active version of new ; hurry builds a sense of urgency and everyone likes to think they are in on a secret . However, there is one word that tops them all…
Grab the reader’s attention with this persuasive device
We’re talking to you! . Wherever possible, pupils should be encouraged to write a persuasive piece in the second person. This is because it is much easier to persuade someone if they think you are addressing them directly. Obvious really, wouldn’t you agree?
Persuasive language – Hype
Short for hyperbole, hype is one of the most important persuasive strategies featured in more-commercial forms of persuasive writing. This is where that line between fiction and non-fiction can get blurred because hyperbole means exaggeration. Encourage pupils to use words like amazing , outstanding and incredible , which are powerful without being quantifiable. Words like unbeatable are certainly hyperbolic but might stretch credibility too far, especially since almost anything can be beaten.
A final thought on the subject of hyperbole: one exclamation mark is enough … and often one too many.
How to write persuasively – Logical arguments and order
This might seem surprising at first but putting your ideas in the right order is a crucial part of this genre. After all, a good persuasive text should be like a well-thought-through argument, giving the reader a good reason to believe you. If the order of your persuasive essay or persuasive letter doesn’t make sense, nor will the logic and your point might be lost. That’s why planning is so important, not only to make sure you’ve thought of the best points, but also to check that you’ve lined them up in the most compelling order.
Rhetorical questions
Have you ever wondered why advertisements use questions? Do you want to be a more persuasive writer? If so, you need questions in your writing. Questions draw the reader into your argument because you can hardly avoid answering them the moment you read them, even if it’s only subconsciously. Just make sure that your question has no chance of making the reader say “No!” because then you would have lost them.
Persuasive writing examples and resources
Once you have shown your pupils the toolkit, give them plenty of chance to hone their skills. Our persuasive writing challenge mat resource is a great way to help them apply their knowledge through a range of writing challenges. Or why not try our Grammar Burst pack for using cohesive devices in persuasive writing – a series of five lessons culminating in an extended writing task?
You could also try our persuasive writing model text pack , complete with vocabulary bank, writing plan and success criteria. Or, if you’re feeling brave enough, take a look at our Bug Banquet writing topic which builds towards your pupils writing a text to persuade you to try eating insects.
Don’t delay! Get the expert help you so richly deserve with our fantastic resources. Just watch out for anything surprisingly crunchy in your lunch…
Persuasive writing tries to convince the reader to do something or believe something. Adverts, reviews, leaflets and letters can all include persuasion.
Persuasive writing examples
Have a break, have a Kit Kat.
“I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Martin Luther King Jr
Persuasive argument
You should do your homework first, then you have all weekend to play and don’t have to worry about it.
Persuasive essay
Is it all right to boil a sentient creature alive just for our gustatory pleasure?
David Foster Wallace ‘Consider the Lobster’
Persuasive writing techniques
Rhetoric/rhetorical questions
“Is the Pope Catholic?”
Opinion stated as fact
This is the greatest invention of the 21st-century!”
“Gillette, the best a man can get.”
Emotional language
“I will be as harsh as truth, and as uncompromising as justice. On this subject, I do not wish to think, or to speak, or write, with moderation.”
William Lloyd Garrison
Emotional appeal
“For just £5 a month you can help her and others in her village access clean water that will save lives.”
”...and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”
Abraham Lincoln
“If the gloves don’t fit, you must acquit”
Johnny Cochran
You may also be interested in...
> How to teach coordinating conjunctions in Key Stage 2: FANBOYS
> 10 ways to teach bossy verbs (imperative verbs/the imperative form)
Latest Stories
How to teach coordinating conjunctions in key stage…, 10 ways to teach bossy verbs (imperative verbs/the…, save hours of planning. get loads of benefits..
- Access 1,500+ resources
- Over 80 expert CPD guides
- New resources every week
- Full curriculum coverage
- Member-only premium collections
- Plus lots more...
Trending resources
Ks2 comprehension – classic literature – the invisible man, a..., ks1 and ks2 writing templates for english lessons, year 1 home learning pack (1), year 6 spelling revision – ks2 challenge worksheets, editable primary lesson plan template and english unit..., ks2 story writing – scaffolds and plot types resource pack, expanded noun phrases year 2 spag worksheets, reading comprehension year 6 – inference, information and..., browse by year group, upgrade now.
Click 'Upgrade now' to activate your subscription. An invoice will appear on your accounts page and be sent by email. Once paid, the benefits of your full account will be unlocked within five days.
Persuasive Writing Examples and Prompts for Kids
- Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
- Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
Is your student stepping into the world of persuasive writing?
As a parent, it’s fun to watch your child learn the art of forming and supporting an argument.
(Plus, it’s a significant step toward critical thinking.)
If they need extra help, here are a few persuasive writing examples for kids along with 20 writing prompts to make it fun!
Why Persuasive Writing Is Important for Elementary Writers
Teaching persuasive writing is important because it’s a fundamental step in helping your child think critically.
By arguing a topic, your student will need to examine both sides, which is an essential component of critical thinking. Persuasive writing also inspires formation of opinion and sharing that opinion effectively.
Students as young as elementary-school age can learn to write persuasively. In fact, we’ll share some quick examples of persuasive essays for kids below.
First, let’s discuss the structure of a “mini” persuasive essay.
(If you have an older student, read our step-by-step guide to writing a persuasive essay .)
A Simplified Structure for Persuasive Writing
Of course, expectations and writing guidelines become more involved for older students, but elementary-aged students should keep it simple.
The basic features of persuasive writing can be broken down into 5 steps:
- Topic sentence
- Opening argument 1
- Concluding statement
A topic sentence introduces the argument and clearly expresses the writer’s viewpoint. For a younger child, this is simply a straightforward statement that clearly expresses “this is my opinion.”
The next three steps list “pros” that support their topic statement. Each argument should be distinctly stated.
Again, for an elementary-aged student, arguments can be brief and can simply be a list of reasons.
The concluding statement wraps up by summarizing the arguments and restating the opinion.
If this method of persuasive writing sounds complicated at first, rest assured, it’s not.
Let’s look at how you can easily reinforce this structure for your students, along with some examples.
Homeschool Mom Tip: Use a “Persuasive Text Structure” Poster
One effective method of teaching and reinforcing the persuasive writing model is by using a “persuasive structure” chart or poster.
A visual representation of the steps involved in persuasive writing is important for a few reasons:
- Some students learn best visually. It helps them understand and remember the method when they see it laid out in front of them.
- Graphic illustrations of the different components allow students to take in one piece at a time and avoid overwhelm.
- Hanging the poster where your children do their schoolwork makes it easy for them to reference the structure while they’re writing.
- Knowing the poster is nearby in case they get stuck helps make writing a calmer process.
One other tip I recommend is breaking up essay-style writing with creative writing assignments. ( Try these one-sentence writing prompts! ).
Kid-Friendly Persuasive Writing Examples
Along with tools like a poster, providing simple examples of persuasive writing is another helpful way to teach this new concept.
Here are a few examples of elementary-level persuasive paragraph examples that will give both you and your student an idea of what to expect.
Example 1: A Persuasive Argument About Cats
Cats are the best pets. They can be left alone all day without getting mad. Cats don’t bark, so they are not noisy like dogs. You don’t have to let cats go outside to use the bathroom. As you can see, cats are less work and easier to take care of than dogs.
Example 2: A Persuasive Argument About Meal Choices
French fries should be served with every meal. First, French fries are delicious. Second, French fries are made of potatoes, which are vegetables, and they can air-fried without oil. Also, French fries don’t cost a lot of money. Because they are tasty, cheap, and can be cooked in a healthy way, French fries a perfect side dish to every meal.
Example 3: A Persuasive Argument Against Littering
You should never litter because it is wrong. Littering pollutes the Earth. Littering is throwing trash around outside, which looks ugly. Littering can also make you sick if it has germs on it. Littering is wrong because it makes the world a dirty, unsanitary place to live.
20 Persuasive Writing Prompts for Kids
When you provide a step-by-step structure and supply examples of what is expected, you set your student up for writing success.
The final step in teaching persuasive writing to kids effectively is to present them with an antidote to the dreaded blank page.
To assist you with that, we’ve come up with 20 persuasive writing topics for your students to make it easier for them to get them started on their persuasive essays.
If they can’t come up with their own topics, one of these prompts should spark their interest.
These ideas for persuasive essays cover a wide variety of topics, so there should be something for everyone.
Plus, since persuasive writing is closely related to debate, you can also use these prompts as persuasive debate topics for kids :
- I deserve to be paid for my chores.
- Hamsters are the best type of pet.
- Everyone should eat a salad daily.
- Board games help you learn.
- Kids need free time to relax and play.
- You should always obey speed limits.
- Every family should have a dog.
- Dinner should always end with dessert.
- Homeschool students should get “snow days” as well.
- Kids should choose where the family spends summer vacation.
- I am old enough for a later bedtime.
- All students should learn a second language.
- School should only be 4 days per week.
- Soda is bad for you.
- I am responsible enough to learn how to cook.
- My cat should be allowed to sleep on my bed.
- Kids should be allowed to vote in their local elections at age 16.
- I am old enough to babysit and be paid.
- You should always wear a seatbelt in the car.
- Pizza is a healthy food.
I hope these persuasive texts and prompts for kids are helpful to you!
If you haven’t already, don’t forget to provide a few persuasive paragraph examples for your students to gain inspiration (and eliminate overwhelm).
If your student is entering 6th grade or above , we have a complete course that teaches students to write skillfully, think critically, and speak clearly as they explore the history of ideas! As a bonus in these dark days, Philosophy Adventure also teaches students to discern truth from error:
will your children recognize truth?
About the author.
Jordan Mitchell
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Have students listen to or read examples of persuasive writing. Together, listen and look for words, phrases and techniques that helped the writer persuade
This wonderful resource includes a helpful PowerPoint and worksheet that guide you through persuasive language techniques (KS2) and key features.
What persuasive writing techniques will KS2 students learn · Emotive language: Using language that triggers emotion. · Alliterative words: Using multiple words
Write a persuasive argument why someone you know should be made a knight or dame · Write an advertising poster for a museum near you · Write an advertisement
What is persuasive writing? What does it mean to persuade or convince someone of my opinion? Who can I persuade? How can I do it?
In this video, Twinkl Teacher Rachael showcases our persuasive writing resource packs for upper and lower KS2. Check out the Upper KS2 Pack:
Persuasive writing is a type of non-fiction writing that is written to persuade a reader of a belief, opinion or idea. Here are some common examples of
Making your writing persuasive ... When you are writing to persuade people, it's important to say why the reader should agree with you. You need to give your
Persuasive writing – Teaching techniques for KS2 · Adverts. Have a break, have a Kit Kat. · A speech · Persuasive argument · Persuasive essay.
Persuasive Writing Examples and Prompts for Kids · Example 1: A Persuasive Argument About Cats. Cats are the best pets. · Example 2: A Persuasive