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
What a learner can do afterwards
- Write an argument essay with a clear claim supported by at least three pieces of evidence
- Acknowledge and respond to a counterclaim rather than ignoring opposing views
- Use linking words and phrases (however, furthermore, consequently) to connect claims, reasons, and evidence
1 · Read
To argue for a change you care about, start with your purpose and audience. State a claim, the position you want readers to accept. Support it with reasons and relevant evidence: facts, data, or examples that bear on it. Follow any evidence count in the task. Subtract what you have from the required total to find what is still needed.
A counterclaim is an opposing argument. State it fairly, then respond with reasons and evidence. You may need to change your own claim if the objection holds up. A conclusion draws together your argument and explains what follows from it. Reasons alone leave these jobs unfinished.
One useful plan: claim, reasons, counterclaim and response, then conclusion.
Linking words explain connections: 'however' signals contrast, 'furthermore' adds support, and 'therefore' or 'consequently' introduces a result. In a practice argument, Zara writes: 'We need more library books. However, funds are limited. A book swap costs little; therefore, I suggest trying one.' The response answers the cost objection.
For a formal essay, use clear, reasoned language. Replace slang such as "lol" with precise words. Formal wording helps the tone fit the task; it does not prove a claim.
Check each reason against your claim. Check each response against the objection it answers.
Make a claim, support it, answer objections, and draw a conclusion. Link ideas with words that show their relationship.
The rewritten reading was written for this dataset.
2 · Watch
Take it off screen
Where it sits
Learn first
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.