How-To-Structure-Persuasive-Writing-At-Gcse-aqa

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Exam code:8700

Structure is one of the most important elements of persuasive writing on your GCSE English Language exam.

A well-organised response helps the examiner follow your argument clearly and shows that you can write purposefully and fluently.

How do I structure persuasive writing?

There are different ways to approach the structure of persuasive writing, though the key is to:

Whether you’re writing an article, a letter or a speech, your structure should match the purpose and audience.

Here’s a simple structure you could follow:

Each paragraph should serve a specific purpose in strengthening your viewpoint. Here are some key features to include:

Discourse markers	Link your points clearly: “firstly”, “furthermore”, “however”, “in conclusion”
Direct address	Directly address your audience: Don’t we want our young people to engage with the wider world?
Rhetorical questions	Make your audience think or reflect on your topic: When did society become so risk-adverse?
Facts and statistics	Add credibility and back up your argument: According to research, the world is safer now than it’s ever been.
Emotive language	Appeal to the reader’s emotions: If young people have more freedom, they won’t only be happier, but healthier too!
Repetition and rule of three	Emphasise key ideas: Real connections with real people in real life…
Anecdotes	Include a short, personal story to illustrate your point My grandmother recently told me of the long summer days of her childhood…
Call to action	Encourage your reader to act or think differently: Let the children run free!

Task:

Establish viewpoint	Agree: Parents are too over-protective and should allow children more independence
Introduction	Personal anecdote about grandmother’s adventurous childhood Contrast with restrictions on young people today Rhetorical question: Where is that sense of adventure now?
Paragraph 1	Consequences of overprotection: Prevents children from developing life skills Example: 16-year olds not allowed to go on holiday without parents Taking risks leads to increased responsibility and resilience
Paragraph 2	Real-life benefits of risk-taking: Learn practical skills such as budgeting, decision-making etc. Promotes curiosity and independence
Paragraph 3	Give counter-argument: Parents are protective due to fear However, that fear is outdated Statistic: the world is safer now than it used to be
Paragraph 4	The importance of resilience: Risks teach children to handle danger and failure Encourages self-confidence
Conclusion	Call to action: Reinforce viewpoint: taking risks is essential for growth Memorable final line

For more great tips, check out our Model Answer pages.