1

Persuasive texts come in many different forms. Some include

advertisements, letters, debates, articles and reports.

Their main purpose is to persuade the reader to see an argument from their point of view and change their mind, buy or support something.

Each paragraph states a reason or opinion and then

is followed by 2 or 3 pieces of evidence to

support it.

Ask the reader questions that encourages them to think

•A strong concluding paragraph •that sums up the main argument

12,The Mews,

Gotham City.3.3.2011

Dear Robin,I am writing to persuade you to give up your life with Batman and go back to school.

For the last few years, you have been trailing behind Batman, mopping up after his handiwork. He treats you like a second class citizen and we think that you deserve better. Have you not noticed how he takes all the credit? Isn’t it always Batman who barges in first, with you following behind? Surely you are worth more than this?

Also, I am concerned that you have been falling behind with your studies. Last year your results in maths, english and science at the end of term were poor. You might be able to fight like a tiger but there are no certificates in that! I know your results in PE are good but in other subjects you are not up to scratch.

2

If you do not perform well in your exams then your hopes of a well paid job are limited. It is alright for Batman. He is older than you and has had time to gather a fortune. What will you do when you are older?

Furthermore, have you thought about what would happen if you become seriously injured? Supposing the Joker managed to get his revenge? What then? I have been concerned for some time that Batman is putting you in danger.

Why not give up this life of hiding behind Batman’s cape? Go back to school full-time and gain some good qualifications. Then you will have a good future. You are very welcome to stay with me.

Yours

truly,

Cat Woman

3

Dear Robin,I am writing to persuade you to give up your life with Batman and go back to school.

For the last few years, you have been trailing behind Batman, mopping up after his handiwork. He treats you like a second class citizen and we think that you deserve better. Have you not noticed how he takes all the credit? Isn’t it always Batman who barges in first, with you following behind? Surely you are worth more than this?

Also, I am concerned that you have been falling behind with your studies. Last year your results in maths, english and science at the end of term were poor. You might be able to fight like a tiger but there are no certificates in that! I know your results in PE are good but in other subjects you are not up to scratch.

Introduces topic

Series of attempt

s to persuad

e

Use of questions

Use of facts

4

If you do not perform well in your exams then your hopes of a well paid job are limited. It is alright for Batman. He is older than you and has had time to gather a fortune. What will you do when you are older?

Furthermore, have you thought about what would happen if you become seriously injured? Supposing the Joker managed to get his revenge? What then? I have been concerned for some time that Batman is putting you in danger.

Why not give up this life of hiding behind Batman’s cape? Go back to school full-time and gain some good qualifications. Then you will have a good future. You are very welcome to stay with me.

Yours truly,

Cat Woman

Risking his future

Possibility of danger!

Final attempt to persuade

5

12,The Mews,

Gotham City.3.3.2011

Dear Robin,I am writing to persuade you to give up your life with Batman and go back to school.

For the last few years, you have been trailing behind Batman, mopping up after his handiwork. He treats you like a second class citizen and we think that you deserve better. Have you not noticed how he takes all the credit? Isn’t it always Batman who barges in first, with you following behind? Surely you are worth more than this?

Also, I am concerned that you have been falling behind with your studies. Last year your results in maths, english and science at the end of term were poor. You might be able to fight like a tiger but there are no certificates in that! I know your results in PE are good but in other subjects you are not up to scratch.

6

If you do not perform well in your exams then your hopes of a well paid job are limited. It is alright for Batman. He is older than you and has had time to gather a fortune. What will you do when you are older?

Furthermore, have you thought about what would happen if you become seriously injured? Supposing the Joker managed to get his revenge? What then? I have been concerned for some time that Batman is putting you in danger.

Why not give up this life of hiding behind Batman’s cape? Go back to school full-time and gain some good qualifications. Then you will have a good future. You are very welcome to stay with me.

Yours truly,

Cat Woman

7

Read through letter and discuss.

What is the point of view of the writer?

How does the writer try to persuade?

8

List the specific words /phrases and

techniques,e.g. use of questions

If you do not...Identify structure

e.g. set out topic

•use of a number of persuasive arguments

summarise at end

Oral persuasive discussion in pairs

(role play would be a useful precursor)

Superhero theme –persuade Superman to

spend more time at the newspaper office.

Traditional TalePersuade the ugly sisters to let Cinderella to go to

the ball.

9

Possible persuasive subjects

10

Remember to write in paragraphs.

Have you remembered to end your letter by strongly stating your point of view again ?

Persuasive writing is mainly in present tense

Use powerful verbs and strong adjectives

End with a summary of your key points.

11

bends steel with his bare hands

jumps great distances

sees through solid objects

X-ray eyesight

moves entire planets at once

unlimited super strength

genius level intellect

confuses enemies

protects his secret identity

Daily Planet Offices,

Metropolis.3.3.2011Dear

Superman,I am writing to persuade you to give up your life as a Superhero and return to the Daily Planet.

Over the last few years, you have been saving mankind from all sorts of disasters. That is all very well but I feel you are neglecting your duties back home. Isn’t it time you thought of your job here? Flying off to other parts of the world may be exciting but you still have to be loyal to the newspaper. Surely you are fed up solving the problems of the world?

Also, I am concerned that the newspaper circulation has gone down. Last year all our readers followed your articles about our amazing planet. Everyone is asking when the next instalment is. You might be able to bend steel with your bare hands but that's no use to us! I know you enjoy your Superhero duties butwe need you. 12

Besides it is getting more difficult to explain your absence from the office. It looks very suspicious that every time there is a catastrophe – you are not around! . Some people might put two and two together and your secret identity might be revealed. Everyone keeps asking – Where is Clark?

Furthermore, have you thought about what would happen if that mad scientist Lex Luther catches up with you? Supposing your super powers fail? What then? Isn't it time for one of the other Superheroes to step up? What about Spiderman or Captain America? I am sure they could help out once in a while.

Why not give up this double life ? Settle down with Lois and come back to the Daily Planet.

Yours

truly,

The Editor

13