Persuasive Writing in the 11+: How to Argue with Impact

Learn a reliable approach to plan, structure, and write persuasive pieces under time pressure—with examples, sentence frames, and a quick checklist.

What Is Persuasive Writing in the 11+?

You’ll be asked to take a clear position and convince a specific audience (headteacher, council, readers of a school magazine). Successful answers are focused, logical, and use persuasive devices without sounding exaggerated.

Typical Tasks

Write a letter to your headteacher arguing for/against a new school rule
Write a speech to persuade the community to support an environmental project
Write an article convincing readers to try a new club or activity

7-Step Quick Plan (3 minutes)

Interpret: What exactly is the question asking? What is your stance?
Audience & tone: Who’s reading? Formal, semi-formal, or upbeat?
Three reasons: Jot 3 strongest points (order from strongest to second strongest).
Evidence: Fact/example per reason (realistic statistics or practical examples).
Counterpoint: Note one opposing view; plan a short rebuttal.
Hook & CTA: Opening hook idea and a clear call to action for the end.
Time split: 4–5 mins intro, 12–14 mins body, 3–4 mins ending & check.

Paragraph Framework (PEEL+)

Point: State your reason clearly.
Evidence/Example: Fact, statistic, anecdote, or practical example.
Explain: Why it matters; link to audience values.
Link/Lead: Link to the question and lead into the next point.

Hooks, Signposting, and Closings

Hook Examples

Rhetorical question: “What kind of school do we want to be?”
Surprising fact: “Every week, our bins overflow—yet half is recyclable.”
Short anecdote: “Yesterday, I watched two pupils walk past a bin and drop wrappers.”

Signposting

“Firstly… Secondly… Finally…”
“More importantly… In addition… Crucially…”
“Some say…, however…; therefore…”

Closing with a Call to Action

“If we want a cleaner, prouder school, let’s begin with one simple change today: separate recycling bins in every classroom. Write to the council. Bring this to the next assembly. Let’s act.”

Evidence That Convinces

Useful Evidence Types

Realistic statistic (keep it plausible and simple)
Specific example from school life/community
Expert or authority reference (teacher, council, charity)
Comparison (before/after, with/without)

Sentence Starters

“According to…”, “In our school last term…”, “For instance…”, “Evidence shows…”, “If we compare…”, “This means…”

Common Pitfalls

Shouting language or insults—stay respectful, especially to authority
Unrealistic data (“100% of people agree”)—use plausible figures or examples instead
Repeating the same point—each paragraph should add a new reason
Forgetting the audience—adjust tone and examples to who is reading

Timing Plan (25 minutes)

3 minutes: 7-step plan (stance, 3 reasons, evidence, counter, hook/CTA)
18–20 minutes: Write intro + 3 PEEL paragraphs + short counter + closing CTA
2 minutes: Edit for tone, repeated words, punctuation, and a punchy final line

Quick Checklist

✓Clear stance and audience-aware tone
✓Three distinct reasons with evidence
✓Counter-argument acknowledged and rebutted
✓Strong opening hook and clear CTA ending
✓Varied sentences; accurate punctuation and spelling

Practice Task

Prompt: Write a speech persuading your school to reduce plastic waste. Use at least one statistic, one rhetorical question, and end with a clear call to action. 200–250 words.

Plan: stance → 3 reasons → evidence → counter → CTA.