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For educators: ready-to-use lesson slides, revision notes for Writing to argue and persuade (English Language, Writing) — use them in your lesson, or run the topic as an interactive class activity your learners play as a live game.
To argue is to present reasons for a viewpoint; to persuade is to move the reader to agree or act. Exam tasks include articles, speeches and letters on topics such as homework, social media, or the environment.
You need a clear viewpoint and a sense of audience (the person or group you are writing to).
Build the reasoning
Techniques (use the acronym DAFOREST)
An acronym such as DAFOREST is a memory aid for possible choices, not an assessment checklist. Direct address, anecdotes, evidence, opinion, rhetorical questions, emotive language and triplets can work when relevant.
Repetition, contrast, hyperbole and imperatives can shape an appeal. Distinguish a counter-argument from its rebuttal. Check factual evidence rather than inventing surveys or treating anecdotes as representative samples.
Check the support
Structure
Use a clear opening, connected developed points and a purposeful conclusion. Address alternatives where useful. A call to action is appropriate for some tasks; a supported judgement may suit others.
Use connectives: "Furthermore", "However", "Therefore", "Above all".
Addressing an audience
Tone and register
Choose register and tone for the actual relationship, purpose and situation. A speech to students can be serious or conversational; a formal letter normally uses suitable formal language. Confidence should come from clear reasoning rather than unsupported certainty.
Slides
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