How to Write a Persuasive Text for Written Expression Test

When you take the QASMT or Brisbane State High School Written Expression test, it's really important to write in a way that convinces the reader and gets your ideas across. The test looks at important things like using the right punctuation, being creative, organizing your sentences clearly, using correct grammar, spelling words correctly and sticking to the topic they give you. 

Keep reading to learn some really helpful tips and tricks for writing persuasive texts.

What is Persuasive Writing?

Persuasive writing, also known as argumentative writing, is all about persuading readers to agree with your opinion. You choose a side, explain why you believe it's correct and support it with reasons. 

Unlike creative writing that focuses on vivid descriptions, persuasive writing aims to make a compelling case that can change readers' minds. 

As you become skilled in persuasive writing, you gain the ability to communicate your ideas in a way that effectively influences others.

Examples:

• Should kids have longer hours of school? Do you agree? 
• Is it better to study alone or in a group? Argue for  or against
• Is social media more harmful or beneficial for society?

Writing Strategies for Persuasive Writing

Here are some strategies that can help students aiming for high marks in the persuasive writing part of the written expression test.

Understand the Essay Prompt 

When writing an essay, it's really important to truly understand the question. If you misunderstand it, you might lose points. Let's explore why understanding the essay question is so crucial and the benefits it brings:

Staying on Track: Understanding the question helps you stay focused and avoid talking about things that aren't related. Following the prompt shows that you can follow instructions and present a relevant argument.

Easier Planning: When you understand the question well, it becomes easier to plan your essay. You can organize your thoughts in a logical way, which makes the structure of your essay better. This leads to well-written paragraphs and a strong conclusion.

Clearer Writing: When you fully grasp the question, your writing becomes clearer. Your arguments flow smoothly between paragraphs, making it easier for readers to understand your ideas.

Let's Apply What You Have Learned

Mobile phones have become a big part of our daily lives, and their use in schools has caused teachers, parents and students to argue. On the one hand, supporters say that letting students bring mobile phones to school improves connection, helps them learn by giving them access to information, and makes them feel safe. On the other hand, people who are against it worry about distractions, cheating in school and possible bad effects on relationships and mental health. Should students be allowed to have mobile phones in schools?

Read the exam question and look for important words or phrases: "Should students be allowed to use mobile phones in schools?"

Ask yourself,  Does it require me to make a choice?

Yes, the question is about whether or not students should be able to use mobile phones in school.

You have to decide if you agree or disagree with the idea of letting mobile phones into schools.

What ideas or problems does it deal with?

The topics or problems could include how well students do in school, what distracts them, how they communicate, how safe they feel and how technology is used in schools.

Ask yourself again if what you're thinking connects directly back to the exam question and important words.

By doing these steps, you should have a better idea of how to answer the essay question and what the most important points are. This will help you plan and make sure you stay on topic and give a well-structured case in your essay.

Write a Compelling Argument in Your Persuasive Essay

In addition to understanding the essay prompt, choosing the right position is crucial when writing persuasive arguments. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to effectively present arguments:

Step 1: Write an Introduction:

To start, you should explain the topic you'll be talking about in your essay. Give some background information to help your readers understand how and why the topic is essential. Get their attention by pointing out the problem that your opinion is trying to solve. 

Step 2: Choose A Position That You Are Comfortable With

This will be argument number 1.

Choose the position that makes you feel most comfortable. Choose the one you know a lot about and where you can quickly come up with reasons. Give your first argument that aligns with the position you chose. 

Also, give an example that is helpful to show what your point means in the real world. 

Step 3 Make The Argument Stronger

Next, come up with a strong second argument that backs up your opinion. Use words that persuade and reasons that make sense to back up your point. If you can, use an example to back up your point and make it easier to understand.

Step 4: Respond To The Other Side's Reasoning

If you want to show that you can think critically, you should accept another viewpoint and answer it. Bring up an issue or a different way to look at this topic.

Then give your own case that rejects the other side's point of view and make your original point stronger.

Remember that this part should show that you can look at different points of view while still supporting your own.

Let's Apply What You've Learned

"Should animal testing be allowed for medical and scientific research?"

Sample Position:  Animal testing should be allowed for medical and scientific research.

Your argument 1 here can be:  Advancing medical knowledge and improving human health

You can say:

By trying drugs on animals before trying them on people, experts can learn important things, find out the risks and benefits of medical ways and make the drugs better. This process makes sure that new medical findings are safe and useful, which will help people in the future.

If you can, give an example to back up your point. 

Next, your argument 2 can be: Animal research is done by following ethical rules and making sure the animals are safe.

When experts do study animals, they make sure to follow strict ethical rules and take a lot of care to keep the animals safe. Regulatory bodies are things like institutional review boards and animal ethics groups. They make sure that methods of study that use animals are well-tested and follow strict rules of ethics.

Refutation (contrary argument): Critics say that testing on animals is cruel and not necessary and that other ways should be used instead.

You can respond by saying: 

Still, it's important to try medicines and treatments on animals to learn how they affect the whole body. Even though there are other ways to study things, like using computer models, they can't totally replace testing on animals when we need to see how the body as a whole reacts. It helps us learn how drugs and diseases work and makes sure that treatments are safe.

Again, this part should show that you can look at other points of view while still backing your own.

Additional Reminders for Writing Persuasive Essays

Here are some more persuasive essay tips:

1. Use clear and brief language. Make sure your ideas are clear and don't use complicated language that is not needed. Make your points easy for people to understand. 

2. Provide proof and examples from real life. This makes your point stronger and gives your claims more weight.

3. Use logical reasoning. Make sure that your ideas flow in a way that makes sense.

Read Editorials for Better Persuasive Writing in Written Expression Test

Reading commentaries and editorials, like those in the Courier Mail or The Australian, can be beneficial if you are given a specific topic for your exam. Below are a few of the benefits:

1. Exposure to Different Perspectives

Commentaries and editorials often give different points of view on current events, social issues, or specific trends. Reading them can broaden your knowledge of different topics. 

2. Improvement of Argumentative Skills 

Editorials and commentary are persuasive. They argue with reasoning and facts. By understanding how seasoned writers form arguments, use rhetorical devices, and express their viewpoints, you can improve your persuasive writing abilities.

3. Current and Relevant Information 

Most of the time, editorials and commentaries talk about recent events and trends. They keep you up to date on current issues, fights, and arguments.

Final Words

To write a persuasive text for a written expression test, understand the prompt, choose a position, and provide strong arguments with examples. Reading editorials and commentaries can provide valuable insights and improve your persuasive writing skills. Follow these strategies to confidently tackle the test and showcase your persuasive abilities. Good luck!