Purpose: to discuss and/or debate ideas developing an argument to convince the reader to agree with the writer’s premise

Opening Statement: provides an overview of the topic and states the writer’s position (e.g. Racial slurs are damaging and should not be permitted.)

Arguments and Reasons: provides three or more arguments or assertions that have supporting statements (I believe...because...) drawn from facts or personal experience; begins to identify other points of view and counter-arguments

Conclusion: includes a statement to reinforce or summarize position

Special Features

- persuasive devices (quotes from experts, examples, anecdotes, flattery, authorial intrusion, irony, wit, humour)

- linking words/phrases (because, however, also)

- present tense

- first person singular or plural (I, we)

- persuasive adjectives/adverbs (most, must, strongly)

- technical terms which are often verbs changed into nouns (e.g. new comers becomes immigrants)