Persuasive Writing
Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence — including introducing claims, acknowledging counterclaims, organising reasons logically, maintaining a formal style, and providing a concluding statement
Typical age: 11–14 years
“If your child wants to convince you to let them stay up later, can they write down clear reasons and examples to support their case rather than just saying "because I want to"?”
0 / 3 mastered
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Needs first
- Writing for an audienceREQUIRED
Writing extended arguments with acknowledged counterclaims and formal style requires the prior ability to produce coherent, organised writing appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience
- Evaluating Arguments in Non-Fiction
Writing arguments benefits from reading skill of evaluating arguments and claims
- Justifying Views About TextsREQUIRED
Supporting claims with evidence extends KS2 providing reasoned justifications
- Writing Techniques for Effect
Argument writing benefits from conscious application of rhetorical and literary devices drawn from reading — the student who can use tricolon or contrast intentionally will write more persuasive arguments
- Cohesion and Transitions Across WritingREQUIRED
Writing arguments with logically organised reasons, acknowledged counterclaims, and a formal concluding statement requires command of varied transitions, cohesive devices, and paragraph-linking strategies
- Choosing Form and Tone for Your AudienceREQUIRED
Argument writing extends KS2 identifying audience and purpose
Unlocks next
- Modern Archaeology and Egyptian Ethics
Thinking critically about the ethics of displaying mummies or returning artefacts requires the structured argument-writing skills developed in English — claims, evidence, counterclaims
- Who Really Built the Pyramids
Evaluating competing explanations (e.g., who built the pyramids?) requires the argument-construction and evidence-weighing skills from English persuasive and analytical writing
- Formal Debates
Debating requires skills in constructing arguments with evidence from argument writing