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 convince 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.

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