Persuasive & Formal Writing
<p>Some 11+ exams ask you to write a letter, a speech, or an article that persuades the reader to agree with you. This is very different from story writing — it needs a clear argument, formal language, and clever techniques to win the reader over.</p>
<h2>Understanding the Task</h2>
<p>Read the question carefully. Are you writing:</p>
<ul>
<li>A <strong>formal letter</strong> to a headteacher, council, or newspaper?</li>
<li>A <strong>speech</strong> to persuade your class or school?</li>
<li>An <strong>article</strong> giving your opinion on an issue?</li>
</ul>
<p>Each has a slightly different format, but the persuasive techniques are the same.</p>
<h2>Formal Letter Layout</h2>
<p>Your address goes in the top right. The recipient's address goes on the left. Start with "Dear Mr/Mrs [Name]" or "Dear Sir/Madam." End with "Yours sincerely" (if you used their name) or "Yours faithfully" (if you wrote "Dear Sir/Madam").</p>
<h2>Planning Your Argument</h2>
<p>Before writing, list your three or four strongest reasons. Then think about what someone who disagrees might say, and prepare a counter-argument. A simple plan:</p>
<ol>
<li>Introduction: state your opinion clearly</li>
<li>Reason 1 with evidence or example</li>
<li>Reason 2 with evidence or example</li>
<li>Reason 3 with evidence or example</li>
<li>Address the opposing view (and explain why it is wrong)</li>
<li>Conclusion: restate your opinion and call to action</li>
</ol>
<h2>Persuasive Techniques (AFOREST)</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>A — Alliteration:</strong> "Cruel, careless, and completely unacceptable"</li>
<li><strong>F — Facts:</strong> "Studies show that 73% of students learn better with music"</li>
<li><strong>O — Opinions (presented as facts):</strong> "Everyone knows that homework improves results"</li>
<li><strong>R — Rhetorical questions:</strong> "Is it really fair to punish everyone for one person's mistake?"</li>
<li><strong>E — Emotive language:</strong> "Imagine the disappointment on children's faces"</li>
<li><strong>S — Statistics:</strong> "Only 1 in 5 schools offer this opportunity"</li>
<li><strong>T — Three (rule of):</strong> "It is unfair, unnecessary, and outdated"</li>
</ul>
<h2>Formal Language</h2>
<p>Formal writing avoids slang and contractions. Write "do not" instead of "don't," "it is" instead of "it's." Use phrases like:</p>
<ul>
<li>"I firmly believe that..."</li>
<li>"Furthermore..." / "Moreover..." / "In addition..."</li>
<li>"It is essential that..."</li>
<li>"I would urge you to consider..."</li>
</ul>
<h2>Addressing the Other Side</h2>
<p>A strong argument acknowledges the opposing view and then demolishes it. For example: "Some may argue that school uniforms limit self-expression. However, uniforms ensure that no student feels excluded because of what they wear, which promotes equality."</p>
<h2>Worked Example Opening</h2>
<p>"Dear Mrs Patel, I am writing to express my strong belief that our school should introduce a weekly outdoor learning session. Not only would this improve students' wellbeing, but research consistently shows that learning in nature boosts concentration and creativity."</p>
<h2>Writing a Speech</h2>
<p>Speeches are slightly less formal and more direct. Use "we" and "us" to create a sense of unity. Repeat key phrases for impact. Imagine you are speaking aloud — the rhythm matters.</p>
<h2>Practice Tips</h2>
<ul>
<li>Practise writing formal letters on topics you care about — school rules, local issues, something in the news</li>
<li>Use connectives to link paragraphs: "Furthermore," "On the other hand," "In conclusion"</li>
<li>Aim for at least four paragraphs plus an introduction and conclusion</li>
<li>Always include a clear call to action in your conclusion: what do you want the reader to DO?</li>
</ul>