Writing Persuasively — Exam Technique

<h3>Before You Write</h3>

<ul>

<li>Identify the <strong>form</strong> (letter? speech? article?)</li>

<li>Identify the <strong>audience</strong> (formal or informal?)</li>

<li>Identify the <strong>purpose</strong> (persuade? argue? advise?)</li>

<li>Plan your <strong>key points</strong> (3–4 arguments)</li>

</ul>

<h3>Structure for a Persuasive Text</h3>

<ol>

<li><strong>Introduction</strong> — State your position clearly. Hook the reader.</li>

<li><strong>Point 1</strong> — Strongest argument first</li>

<li><strong>Point 2</strong> — Evidence and examples</li>

<li><strong>Counter-argument + rebuttal</strong> — Show you understand other views, then dismiss them</li>

<li><strong>Conclusion</strong> — Return to your main argument. Call to action.</li>

</ol>

<h3>Register and Tone</h3>

<ul>

<li>For a <strong>formal letter or report</strong>: Standard English, no contractions, polite but firm</li>

<li>For a <strong>speech or article</strong>: Can be more passionate, rhetorical, personal</li>

</ul>