Writing: Opinion, Argumentative & Persuasive Writing (B2) - Lesson 4: Writing Basic Persuasive Texts
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Hello B2 Influencers! 👋
You've learned how to form arguments and support them. Now, let's apply these skills to persuasive writing. The goal of persuasive writing is to convince your reader to agree with your viewpoint or to take a specific action.
Today, we'll focus on two common types of basic persuasive texts: letters of complaint and simple proposals.
In this lesson, you will:
- Understand the key elements and purpose of persuasive writing.
- Learn the structure and appropriate language for basic letters of complaint.
- Learn the structure and appropriate language for simple proposals.
- Practice planning and writing parts of these persuasive texts.
What is Persuasive Writing?
The main goal of persuasive writing is to convince your audience to:
- Agree with your opinion or viewpoint.
- Take a specific action.
- Accept your proposal or suggestion.
While it uses many of the same skills as argumentative writing (clear claims, logical reasons, supporting evidence), persuasive writing often has a more direct call to action or a clear desired outcome from the reader.
Key Elements (Review & Application):
- Clear Purpose: What do you want to achieve with this piece of writing?
- Audience Awareness: Who are you trying to persuade? What are their needs, concerns, or motivations? Tailor your arguments and language to them.
- Strong Claim/Thesis: Your main argument, proposal, or request.
- Logical Reasons: Why your claim is valid or your proposal is good.
- Relevant Evidence/Examples: Facts, details, or specific instances to back up your reasons.
- Appropriate Tone: This is crucial. It might be polite but firm (complaint), or enthusiastic and confident (proposal), but always aimed at persuading.
Writing Basic Letters of Complaint
A letter of complaint is written to express dissatisfaction with a product, service, or situation and usually to request a specific resolution.
Key Features & Structure:
- Formal Tone & Format: Even if you are angry, maintain a polite but firm and formal tone. Use a standard formal letter layout (your address, date, recipient's address if known, formal salutation).
- Clear Subject Line (if an email): e.g., "Complaint regarding Order #12345" or "Issue with service on [Date]".
- Introduction Paragraph:
- Clearly state why you are writing (i.e., to complain).
- Provide specific details: what product/service, when/where purchased or experienced.
- Briefly state the problem.
- Body Paragraph(s):
- Explain the problem(s) in detail, one point per paragraph if there are multiple issues.
- Provide specific evidence: dates, times, what exactly went wrong, what was promised versus what was delivered, names of staff involved (if relevant and you have them).
- Explain the inconvenience or negative impact this has caused you.
- Desired Resolution:
- Clearly state what you want the company or person to do to resolve the issue. Be reasonable.
- Examples: a full refund, a replacement product, a repair, an apology, a discount on future services.
- Conclusion Paragraph:
- Politely express your expectation for a resolution.
- Mention any enclosed documents (e.g., copies of receipts, photos).
- State that you look forward to their reply and a resolution.
- Formal Closing: "Sincerely," or "Yours faithfully," followed by your typed name.
Tone Tip: Be assertive, not aggressive. Focus on facts and the impact, rather than overly emotional language.
Writing Basic Simple Proposals
A proposal suggests an idea, plan, or course of action and aims to convince the reader of its value or feasibility. For B2, we'll focus on simple, informal, or semi-formal proposals (e.g., proposing a new club activity at school, or a small project idea to a team leader).
Key Features & Structure:
- Clear Title/Subject Line (if applicable): Indicate what you are proposing. (e.g., "Proposal for a School Photography Club").
- Introduction:
- Clearly state your proposal – what is your idea or plan?
- Briefly explain why you are proposing it (the need or opportunity).
- Body Paragraph(s):
- Details of the Proposal: Explain your idea more thoroughly. What would it involve? What are the key activities or steps?
- Benefits/Advantages: This is crucial for persuasion. Explain the positive outcomes or advantages of your proposal. How will it help? Who will benefit?
- Feasibility (Optional but good): Briefly address if it's practical or easy to implement (e.g., resources needed, if any).
- Call to Action/Request:
- Clearly state what you want the reader to do.
- Examples: Approve the idea, provide support/resources, discuss it further.
- Conclusion:
- Briefly summarize the main benefit or reiterate your enthusiasm.
- Polite closing.
Tone Tip: Be positive, confident, and enthusiastic about your idea. Show that you've thought it through.
Simple Persuasive Language Techniques (for B2)
While keeping your tone appropriate, you can use certain language techniques to make your writing more persuasive:
- Strong Verbs & Positive Adjectives: Use words that convey confidence and highlight benefits.
Instead of: "This plan is good." → Try: "This innovative plan offers significant advantages." - Focus on Benefits for the Reader/Audience: Explain how your idea or request will help *them* or address *their* needs/concerns.
Example (Proposal): "Implementing this new system will save the department valuable time and reduce overall costs." - Use "We" (if appropriate): To create a sense of collaboration or shared interest, especially in proposals.
Example: "Together, we can make this project a success." - Rhetorical Questions (Use Sparingly): Questions that make the reader think or agree with you.
Example: "Wouldn't we all benefit from a cleaner environment?" - Clear Call to Action: Be very specific about what you want the reader to do.
Example (Complaint): "I request a full refund of $50."
Example (Proposal): "I propose we schedule a meeting next week to discuss this further." - Confident but Polite Language: Avoid overly aggressive or demanding language in most situations. Politeness is often more persuasive.
Avoid: "You MUST fix this now!" → Better: "I would appreciate it if you could rectify this issue at your earliest convenience."
Practice Persuasive Writing!
Activity 1: Identify the Persuasive Purpose
Read the short text snippets. What is the main persuasive purpose of each?
Activity 2: Plan a Letter of Complaint OR a Simple Proposal
Choose one scenario below. Briefly outline the key information you would include for each part.
Selected Scenario: (Choose one above)
✨ Tips for Effective Persuasive Writing ✨
- Know Your Audience: Tailor your arguments, language, and tone to who you are trying to persuade.
- Be Clear About Your Purpose: What exactly do you want to achieve? Make this clear to your reader.
- State Your Main Point Early: Don't make your reader guess what you want.
- Support with Logic and Evidence: Use facts, reasons, and examples to back up your claims.
- Anticipate Objections (for more advanced persuasion): Think about why your reader might disagree and address those points if possible.
- Maintain a Respectful Tone: Even when complaining, a polite but firm tone is usually more effective than anger.
- Have a Clear Call to Action: Tell the reader what you want them to do next.
- Proofread Carefully: Errors can undermine your credibility.
Writing to Convince! 🎉
Learning to write persuasively is a powerful skill for many situations, from everyday requests to more formal arguments. By focusing on your audience, purpose, and providing strong support, you can make your voice heard effectively!