Argumentative and Persuasive Texts

Start with structure

Begin with Language Analysis Essay Structure, a note that starts by identifying the focus issue of an article. It also prompts you to consider the wider implications, the writer’s interests and the writer’s viewpoint. Use those prompts to organize your approach before moving on to a specific text.

The Discussion texts mind map offers another starting point. It sets out a position alongside supporting arguments, evidence and responses to counterarguments. Compare its structure with the prompts in the note to see how each resource approaches an issue.

Explore persuasive language

Public Speeches groups features of speech, including repetition, contrast, listing and sentence length. Use the map to find features to look for when you analyze a speech. You can then turn to English Language Techniques Toby Toone, which considers effects on the reader, including how direct address can make a reader feel involved.

For an example of persuasion in advertising, explore the mind map about a crisp product. It considers the product’s presentation and word choice in relation to encouraging consumers to buy it. The note on a gravy advertisement offers another example to examine.

Pair maps with practice

The flashcard deck on language analysis includes persuasive techniques such as hyperbole, emotive language and rhetorical questions. Use it to recall a technique, then return to a mind map to see how a feature is presented in context. This page has no quizzes, but a quiz you make yourself could provide another way to practice alongside a map.

Connect your study

This topic is a section of an English language unit. Its resources give you ways to practice text analysis through essay planning, discussion, speeches and advertising. Moving between a general structure and a specific example can help you compare how the resources approach an argument or persuasive text.

Pick a mind map and build a quiz to use alongside it.