Click on the link below to hear Norman MacCaig read “Basking Shark”.

Powerpoint Analysis:

Basking Shark Kelso finalised

Persuasive writing is a form of writing in which the writer uses words to convince the reader that the writer’s opinion is correct in regards to an issue.

Persuasive writing encourages careful word choice, the development of logical arguments, use of carefully constructed rhetoric and a cohesive summary.

Here are some of the techniques we have discussed.  Remember to include these  in your persuasive writing:

Engaging opening
Lists
Rule of 3
Addressing specific concerns of the audience
Rhetorical question(s)
Emotive language – think about connotation
Second guessing
Exclamation
Inclusive and Exclusive Language – Personal pronouns: I, my, you and your. Use of them / their
Repetition of key phrases / anaphora
Formal language
Antithesis / opposing ideas
Facts and figures
Similes and metaphors
Catchy words and phrases
Anecdotes – little stories to illustrate a point
Naming someone famous / an authority / an expert
Quoting from someone famous/ an authority / an expert
Quoting from a poem, a bit of Shakespeare/ a religious text
Naming a moment in history, or a classical reference
Ellipsis at the end of a paragraph…
Short sentences for effect
Long sentences, punctuated by semi-colons, and commas
Signal or Signpost Words
Linking Sentences
Forceful phrases
Humour / irony
Imperative verbs
Alliteration for effect
Engaging ending

THE EXAMINER’S VIEW ​ ​ ​

The best candidates: ​ ​

Write in a way which shows ​clarity​ of thought and persuades in a ​convincing / compelling ​way​
Engage the reader with ​detailed​, succinct argument, a ​range​ and ​variety​ of persuasive ideas, abstract concepts, vivid detail, e.g. makes a moral appeal, invokes finer feelings ​
​Makes and sustains the purpose​, intention and objective of writing, e.g. by specifying outcomes, considering implications ​
​ Write a ​formal ​article, the tone of which is ​appropriately serious but also manipulative ​and subtle, employs e.g. assertion, reason, sophistication​ ​
Use ​linguistic devices ​such as the rhetorical question, hyperbole, irony, satire in an ​effective​ and ​appropriate​ way
Show control ​of ​extensive​ but ​appropriate​ discursive marking e.g. ‘ Surely it is reasonable to expect….’, ‘One ​alternative position might be..’ etc.​
Now look at what you have written and check whether you have used some of these techniques.

Need extra help with English revision?

Reminder that National 5 / Higher Help Sessions are on Tuesday 3.45 – 5pm in room 5 and on a Thursday 3.45 – 4.45pm in room 5.