Persuasive writing techniques: choose words that support your reason

Persuasive techniques are language choices that influence how a reader considers an argument. Rhetorical questions, inclusive language and repetition can help, but they need a clear reason and a suitable audience.

Before you start

A sentence can sound forceful without saying much. Before adding a device, decide what you want the reader to understand or do. Then choose language that helps that purpose.

The examples below all concern the same original proposal: a sheltered waiting area at a school pickup point. Keeping the proposal constant makes it easier to compare what each technique changes.

Step by step

  1. Name the reader and the purpose

    A request to school leaders needs a different tone from a speech to classmates. Write down who you want to persuade and what decision you want them to make. Avoid language that insults someone who might reasonably disagree.

  2. Build the reason first

    Explain the problem and the proposed change in plain words. If that version makes no sense, a rhetorical question will not repair it. Check the cause, consequence and example before changing the tone.

  3. Choose one useful technique

    Try a question that directs attention, a repeated phrase that emphasises the main point, or inclusive language that identifies a shared responsibility. Compare it with the plain version and keep the one that expresses your purpose best.

  4. Read for fairness and accuracy

    Strong language should still match the claim. Replace 'everyone knows' if you have not established it. Do not disguise an invented fact as a statistic or an imagined statement as an expert quotation.

Four ways to express a reason

Original proposal: create a sheltered place for students waiting at pickup. These are separate sentence options, not a paragraph to copy as a set.

Rhetorical question

Why should the school day end with students trying to keep their bags dry in the rain?
Explanation. The question draws attention to the problem. Follow it with an explanation of the shelter proposal.

Inclusive language

We can make the pickup area more comfortable by giving waiting students somewhere sheltered to stand.
Explanation. 'We' frames the change as a shared task without claiming unanimous agreement.

Repetition

A dry place for bags. A dry place for books. A dry place to wait.
Explanation. Deliberate sentence fragments create rhythm in a speech-style passage. Use them sparingly and show control of full sentences elsewhere.

Emotive detail

A soaked jumper is an uncomfortable way to begin the trip home.
Explanation. A specific detail can invite concern without exaggerated claims about disaster.

Avoid the device checklist

You do not need to squeeze every technique into every paragraph. If three questions in a row delay the reason, replace two with direct explanation. A device should give the reader something useful to consider.

Compare a plain sentence with a rhetorical question. Does the question help a reader consider the shelter, or accuse them without evidence?

Keep the support honest

An imaginary example can show what a wet pickup might look like. It cannot establish how often rain occurs or how many students are affected. Those are different kinds of claim and would need information you actually have.

Read the paragraph with its devices removed. If no reason remains, add substance before returning to style. Persuasive language works best when it emphasises an argument the reader can already follow.

Try it yourself

Persuade your school to provide clearer signs for visitors.

  1. Write a plain explanation of one problem unclear signs could cause.
  2. Rewrite the point using a rhetorical question.
  3. Try a version using inclusive language.
  4. Choose the version that fits a respectful request and explain your choice.

Check your draft

Underline the reason beneath the technique. If the sentence only asks for agreement, add the reason.

Common questions

What is a rhetorical question?

It is a question used to direct thought or emphasise a point rather than request a spoken answer. It should connect to the reason you develop next.

Is emotive language always exaggeration?

No. A concrete word or detail can help a reader understand how someone might feel. Exaggeration goes further than the situation supports, so check that the tone is proportionate.

How many persuasive techniques should I use?

Choose techniques that help this audience understand your argument. There is no useful target count that guarantees a strong response. Clear reasoning matters throughout the text.

Curriculum connection

These exercises practise planning, organising and revising written ideas. Australian Curriculum English includes creating texts for an audience and grouping related information into paragraphs. TEEL, PEEL and the other planning methods are teaching aids, not compulsory curriculum formats.

QCAA: Australian Curriculum v9.0 English, Year 3

Sources and further reading

These resources provide background on the skill. The examples and practice tasks above are original.

Try your persuasive choices in a draft

Open writing practice and try one language technique in a persuasive response. Keep it only if it helps the reader understand your reason.

Practise persuasive language

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Examples and activities are NAPLAN Expert teaching material. Sources checked in October 2026.