Persuasive Writing

It is a type of non-fiction writing used to convince the reader to take the side of the writer. The main components of a persuasive text are: 

• Introduction of Persuasive Writing
• Main argument (this will be summed up in a thesis statement) 
• Evidence/evidences to support the point/ argument  
• Conclusion to summarize the text 

A persuasive text will have a minimum of 3 paragraphs. 

Persuasive writing is used in the following: 

• Advertising campaigns 
• Newspaper columns 
• Campaign flyers 
• Academic essays 
• Brochures 
• Reviews 

Usually, writers using persuasive writing techniques will have an argument, idea, or message that they’re trying to convince the reader to agree with. 

Techniques used in persuasive writing 

• Writers use various techniques to build a strong argument and win over the reader/audience.  

Rhetorical Questions 

These questions do not expect an answer. They get the reader/listener thinking. This is common in advertisements. 

• Want to lose 15 pounds in 10 days? 
• Want to go on a free trip to Rome? 
• Don’t you hate cleaning during the holidays? 
• Who doesn’t love a smooth milkshake? 
• Where are your dreams now? 

All of these questions tempt the readers. They make them long for something that they always wanted. Hence, they continue to read, hoping that they will get what they want.  

Emotive Language 

• It stirs up the reader’s imagination. 
• It helps to paint a mental picture. 
• It is used in persuasive texts that contain a moral message. 
• Our planet is sinking and drowning under the weight of water pollution. 
• The words ‘drowning’ and ‘sinking’ are emotive verbs. They evoke a powerful emotional picture in the minds of the readers. 

Facts and Statistics 

• The writer can convince the readers with facts. Let’s take an example. 
• Men have found this anti-hair growth cream to be useful. 
• 90% of the men in Chicago had reported hair growth up to 40% with this anti-hair growth cream.  
• Elon Musk used this hair growth cream! 
• The numbers, statistics, names of places, referrals from people (famous people are an advantage), etc., can make the persuasive text more legitimate. 
• Statistics are also used to show the significance of something.  
• In 2020, 58,950 wildfires burned 10.1 million acres of land.  

Repetition 

• This is to ensure that the reader retains the most important and convincing piece of information. 
• 50% off! 
• Buy one, get one!  

Modal Verbs  

• They call the reader to action. They are ‘must,’ ‘will,’ and ‘should.’  
• You must buy now, or the offer will end soon. (Showing that the offer has a narrow window, thus tempting the reader) 

Modal adverbs  

• They leave no room for questions.  
• ‘Definitely’, ‘absolutely’ and ‘certainly’. 
• Combine modal verbs and adverbs to make it more convincing. 
• You absolutely must act now. 
• This will definitely help you achieve your goals! 

Opinion as Fact 

• For essays and articles, writers can state their opinion as a fact. 
• Deforestation is man’s cruelty towards animals. 
• Saving endangered species is the responsibility of everyone. 
• This is the writer’s opinion written as plain fact. 

Use of Figure of Speech 

• When they found the man, he was said to have the hunger of an elephant as he hadn’t eaten in many days. (hyperbole) 
• The earth is becoming a baked potato due to intense global warming. (metaphor)  
• Tar is a terrifyingly terrible toxin with tragic terminations. (alliteration) 
• History in his hands. (alliteration) 
• “Welcoming weariness by the washing waves.” (alliteration) 
• After having XYZ cereal, you will feel light as a feather! (simile)