Persuasive and Discursive Writing Focus
Persuasive and Discursive Writing Focus covers the techniques needed to argue a viewpoint convincingly at 11+: rhetorical devices such as rhetorical questions, the rule of three, direct address to the reader and emotive language, alongside the structural discipline of building a case point by point and acknowledging then answering a counter-argument. Persuasive writing argues consistently for one side; discursive writing weighs both sides before reaching a reasoned conclusion, and papers expect pupils to recognise which one a prompt is asking for.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Decide whether the task is persuasive (argue one side only, aiming to convince) or discursive (present both sides fairly before giving a balanced conclusion), since they need different structures.
- For persuasive writing, open with a strong, clear statement of your position, then build your case with points arranged from strong to strongest (or vice versa) rather than randomly.
- Use rhetorical devices deliberately and sparingly: a rhetorical question to make the reader consider the issue, the rule of three (a list of three linked words or phrases) for rhythm and emphasis, and direct address ('you') to involve the reader personally.
- Support each point with a specific example, statistic-style claim, or scenario rather than a vague general statement, since specific detail is far more convincing than assertion alone.
- Anticipate the strongest counter-argument to your position and answer it directly within the piece, since acknowledging and refuting an opposing view makes an argument look more, not less, confident.
- For discursive writing, structure the piece with a clear paragraph (or set of paragraphs) for each side of the argument before a final paragraph that weighs them and reaches a reasoned judgement.
- End with a strong final sentence or short paragraph that restates your position (persuasive) or your judgement (discursive) clearly, rather than trailing off or simply repeating the introduction.
Worked example
Write an opening paragraph for a persuasive piece arguing that school should start later in the morning.
- Decide the position clearly: arguing in favour of a later school start time.
- Open with a rhetorical question to engage the reader immediately: 'How many of us have sat through a first lesson barely able to keep our eyes open?'
- Add emotive, specific detail rather than a vague claim: mention the specific effect of tiredness, such as struggling to concentrate or perform well in early lessons.
- Use direct address to involve the reader personally: 'You know the feeling.'
- Draft the paragraph, combining these techniques while stating the clear position early on.
- Final answer: 'How many of us have sat through a first lesson barely able to keep our eyes open? You know the feeling: the dragging walk to school, the yawns you cannot quite hide, the simple facts that will not stick no matter how hard you try. It is time schools admitted what every tired pupil already knows: the school day starts too early.'
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Q1State the main difference between persuasive writing and discursive writing.Show answer
Answer: Persuasive writing argues consistently for one side to convince the reader; discursive writing presents both sides of an argument fairly before reaching a balanced conclusion.
Q2Give an example of the 'rule of three' in a sentence persuading readers to recycle more.Show answer
Answer: Any valid example using three linked words/phrases, e.g. 'Recycling saves energy, saves resources, and saves our planet's future.'
Q3Write one rhetorical question that could open a persuasive piece arguing against homework at weekends.Show answer
Answer: Any valid rhetorical question on the topic, e.g. 'Should our weekends really belong to worksheets instead of our families?'
Q4Explain what 'direct address' means in persuasive writing, and give a short example.Show answer
Answer: Direct address means speaking straight to the reader, often using 'you', to make the argument feel personal, e.g. 'You deserve a say in this decision.'
Q5Why is it a strength, not a weakness, for a persuasive piece to mention and then answer a counter-argument?Show answer
Answer: Because it shows the writer has considered the opposing view and can still defend their own position, which makes the argument appear more confident and thoroughly reasoned, rather than one-sided or naive.
Q6In a discursive essay, how many main viewpoints should generally be presented before the concluding paragraph?Show answer
Answer: Both sides of the argument (at least two viewpoints) should generally be presented, each given fair and roughly balanced coverage, before the concluding paragraph.
Q7Explain why a specific example is more persuasive than a vague general statement.Show answer
Answer: A specific example gives the reader something concrete and believable to picture or check, making the point feel more credible, whereas a vague statement can sound like an unsupported opinion.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 11+ exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Write a persuasive paragraph (approximately 80 to 120 words) arguing that pupils should be allowed to choose more of their own subjects at school. Your paragraph must include at least one rhetorical question, one example of the rule of three, and one specific supporting example. (6 marks)
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'Mobile phones should be allowed in lessons.' Plan and write a short discursive response (approximately 100 to 150 words) that presents one point in favour, one point against, and a balanced concluding judgement. (6 marks)
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Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the persuasive and discursive writing focus worksheet pack - 21 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. One email opens every download in this browser for 14 days - no account, no card. Print it for personal and classroom use.
This topic is chapter 28 of 11+ English Workbook 2, the whole course as one free printable PDF.
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