Year 5 — Writing

Persuasive and argumentative writing

Write to persuade using rhetorical questions, emotive language, and the rule of three, and structure a balanced argument considering both sides before reaching a conclusion.

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💡Understand

PERSUASIVE writing uses techniques like RHETORICAL QUESTIONS (questions not needing an answer, designed to make the reader think), EMOTIVE LANGUAGE (words chosen to trigger feeling), and the RULE OF THREE (listing three related points for rhythm and emphasis).

“Can we really justify throwing away tonnes of plastic every single day? Our oceans are choking, suffering, dying — and it is entirely within our power to stop it.”

"Can we really justify..." is a rhetorical question. "Choking, suffering, dying" is both emotive language AND the rule of three, working together to create a powerful, urgent effect.

🔍Spot it

Which persuasive technique is being used?

Question 1

"Is this really the world we want to leave behind?"

💡 This question isn't asking for an answer — it's designed to make the reader reflect and agree.

Question 2

"Polluted, poisoned, and permanently damaged."

💡 Three related words listed together create rhythm and build emphasis.

Question 3

"Innocent animals are suffering and dying because of our carelessness."

💡 Words like 'innocent' and 'suffering' are chosen deliberately to trigger an emotional response.

🧠Think about it

Why might a balanced argument (considering both sides) actually be MORE persuasive than only presenting one side?

✍️Try it

Identify the persuasive technique.

You are writing to persuade your school to ban single-use plastic.

Question 1

Which sentence uses a rhetorical question?

💡 Look for the sentence phrased as a question that isn't seeking a literal answer.

📝Practise

Identify the persuasive technique used in each sentence.

Question 1

"Cruel, unnecessary, and completely avoidable."

Question 2

"How can we sit back and do nothing?"

Question 3

"Vulnerable, defenceless animals are paying the price for our mistakes."

Question 4

In one phrase, what technique lists three related points together for emphasis?

💡 It's named directly in the Understand section.

Question 5

Why should a strong persuasive argument acknowledge the opposing view?

Question 6

"Wouldn't you want someone to help if it were you?"

🎯Apply

Read the passage, then answer the questions below.

Some people say school uniforms are old-fashioned and unnecessary. But is that really true? Uniforms are practical, affordable, and fair — they remove the daily pressure of trying to compete with what others are wearing. Yes, uniforms may feel restrictive at times. However, the sense of equality they create for every single student far outweighs that minor inconvenience.

Question 1

Which opposing view does the writer acknowledge?

💡 Look at the very beginning of the passage.

Question 2

Which phrase uses the rule of three?

Question 3

What word does the writer use to pivot from acknowledging the opposing view back to their own argument?

💡 It's the word that begins the final sentence.

🏆Challenge

Write a persuasive paragraph (four to five sentences) arguing for or against homework, using a rhetorical question, emotive language, AND the rule of three, while acknowledging the opposing view.

🔄Review

A quick mastery check — 3 questions.

Question 1

"Should we really ignore a problem this serious?" is an example of...

Question 2

"Tired, hungry, and forgotten." is an example of...

Question 3

A balanced argument is more persuasive because it...