Persuasive
Learn how to state a clear opinion, support it with ordered arguments and finish with a powerful call for agreement or action.
Watch the lesson
Watch the matching Path to Selective lesson when available, then review the structure before you practise.
Purpose, audience and tone
Purpose
Persuade the reader to agree with your opinion or take a particular action.
Typical audience
Decision-makers such as principals, councils, parents or classmates.
Tone
confident, persuasive, formal
Core structure
Follow these steps so your response matches the expected Persuasive format.
Strong opening opinion
State your position clearly in the first paragraph.
Argument one
Give your strongest reason with an example or explanation.
Argument two
Add another reason that builds your case.
Argument three or counter-argument
Add a third point or briefly address the other side, then refute it.
Powerful conclusion
Restate your view and urge the reader to agree or act.
Exam time plan
A clear 30-minute plan for exam conditions.
Example opening or extract
Sample opening
Key features
- A clear opinion statement
- Ordered reasons with examples
- Persuasive devices such as rhetorical questions
- Confident vocabulary
- A strong concluding call to agree or act
Common mistakes
- Not stating an opinion clearly
- Giving reasons without examples
- Repeating the same argument
- Ending weakly without a call to action
Planning checklist
- What is my opinion in one sentence?
- What are my three best reasons?
- What examples will support each reason?
- Who am I trying to persuade?
- How will I end powerfully?
Practice options
Apply what you learned in a timed exam using the Path to Selective exam experience.
Timed Exam Practice
Complete the response under realistic 30-minute NSW Selective exam conditions.
Start 30-Minute ExamFinal editing checklist
- Is my opinion clear from the start?
- Does each paragraph have a reason and support?
- Have I used some persuasive language?
- Does the ending urge agreement or action?
Related formats
Continue with a nearby format to strengthen transferable skills.