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Structuring a Persuasive Text

Goal Plan and structure a persuasive text.

STRUCTURE

  1. Introduction: hook + your position (contention) + preview of your reasons
  2. Body paragraphs (usually 3): one reason each, using PEEL
  3. Conclusion: restate your position + strong final sentence (call to action)

PEEL PARAGRAPHS

P - Point: your reason in one sentence
E - Evidence: facts, examples, expert opinion
E - Explain: how the evidence supports your point
L - Link: back to your main argument

EXAMPLE BODY PARAGRAPH (topic: schools should have a later start time)
(P) Firstly, a later start would improve students' health. (E) Sleep researchers
report that many teenagers' body clocks shift later during adolescence, making
early nights difficult. (E) This means that a 7 am alarm can leave students
short of sleep, which affects their mood and concentration. (L) Clearly, starting
school later is a simple way to support student wellbeing.

PLANNING (spend 5 minutes on this!)
Position: ______
Reason 1: ______ Evidence: ______
Reason 2: ______ Evidence: ______
Reason 3: ______ Evidence: ______

PRACTICE

Plan a persuasive text on: "Mobile phones should be banned at school."
Choose your position and fill in the planning table.

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