English Works

EAL: Persuasive techniques

Perfect Practice for EAL STUDENTS: Years 10-12

Please purchase the workbook for maximum use and work through our Lessons and Exercises .

techniquesSpecial Price: Techniques of Persuasion: $14.95 (incl. postage)

Suggested format of essay:

(Short introduction (optional/two sentences): introduce the article, the title, the author and the main contention.) (I think it is better to keep the short introduction separate from the three body paragraphs. This is because it is easier for Assessors/Teachers to clearly identify your first point/first body paragraph and support techniques/purpose.)

First paragraph: Identify the author’s most important reason. (Ms X supports/recommends/approves of/applauds the construction of the site because it will provide a safer place for workers.

  • 1 technique and purpose: quote word choice
  • 1 technique and purpose: quote word choice
  • Use one or two tone words to capture the author’s attitude and feelings.

Second paragraph: State the next supporting reason.
(In addition; Furthermore, Secondly, Ms X also supports/advocates the construction because it will minimise chaos in the surrounding area. Or According to Ms X, the construction is a worthwhile project because it will minimise chaos in the area. Or “Ms X disapproves of/condemns the Senator’s alternative proposal because it overlooks the potential for chaos.”)

  • 1 technique and purpose: quote word choice
  • 1 technique and purpose: quote word choice
  • Use one or two tone words to capture the author’s attitude and feelings/include references to the image. Make these stand out as it will be fresh. The symbols are useful.

Third paragraph (or cartoon or blog/letter): If there is only one article, state this author’s final reason or rebuttal. If there is a blog or a letter, write one paragraph on the second author’s views and values.

Finally, Ms X believes that/resolves that/concludes that/condemns/challenges/criticises the senator’s views because : “Mr D concludes his opinion article with the point that the Council must provide better facilities.”

Or, Contrastingly, Mr X disagrees with Ms X’s proposal because it would cause considerable chaos in the area.

  • 1 technique and purpose: quote word choice
  • 1 technique and purpose: quote word choice
  • Use one or two tone words to capture the author’s attitude and feelings.

What it looks like:   The Techniques of Persuasion is ideal for EAL students.  See examples.

We have developed a range of extension activities focused on the articles that help EAL students prepare for the English Exam.

Please purchase the workbook for maximum use. Options for use: Please click here if you would like to buy an immediate PDF version. This PDF version of the workbook includes all the exercises that you will need so that you can follow these extension activities and suggested responses.

  1. See our Lesson Plans and Exercises; Responses and Extension Activities
  2. See “Taking it Further” extension activities. These exercises include an analysis of views, tone, technique and purpose. You can use these as the basis of your paragraph. (View+tone: two techniques+purpose)