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Introduction to Persuasion Perspectives

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Introduction to Persuasion Perspectives

Read the two short opinion texts, then analyse how each writer shapes a perspective. Finish by drafting a persuasive response. Use evidence from the texts and explain the effects of language choices.

A proposal for Harbour Street

The local council is considering a one-year trial that would close Harbour Street to private cars on weekends and make it a pedestrian-focused precinct. Buses would continue to run, and loading access would be available during set hours. The two writers below respond to the proposal.

TEXT A — A street for people Harbour Street should be closed to private cars on weekends. At present, visitors hurry along narrow footpaths while traffic claims most of the space. A weekend trial would give families, older residents and local customers room to move safely. It could also invite people to linger at cafés and shops rather than drive straight through. This is not a war on motorists: buses will still run, and deliveries can be scheduled. Council should measure foot traffic, business activity and safety during the trial, then publish the results. A town centre belongs to the people who use it, not just the vehicles that pass through it. TEXT B — A trial with real costs A weekend car-free Harbour Street sounds appealing, but council should not mistake a pleasing idea for a practical plan. Some people with limited mobility rely on door-to-door access; tradespeople and small businesses may depend on flexible deliveries. Diverting cars could also push congestion onto nearby residential streets. These are not reasons to reject change outright. They are reasons to test the proposal carefully, consult affected residents and businesses, and publish clear measures of success. If access and trading suffer, the trial should be adjusted or stopped. A fair plan must work for people who cannot simply choose another way to get around.

Analyse the persuasion

Use precise evidence from the texts. A technique is only persuasive when you explain how it may affect a particular audience.

1.Which statement best describes the main difference between the writers’ positions?

Text A supports the weekend trial; Text B urges careful testing and safeguards before deciding.
Both texts reject any change to Harbour Street.
Text A focuses on delivery access; Text B focuses on café profits.
Both texts argue that buses should be removed from the street.

2.In Text A, the writer says, “A town centre belongs to the people who use it, not just the vehicles that pass through it.” Identify the contrast in this sentence and explain how it supports the writer’s perspective.

3.Select the two phrases from Text B that most clearly acknowledge uncertainty or make the proposal conditional.

“sounds appealing” and “could also push congestion”
“narrow footpaths” and “street belongs”
“families, older residents” and “local customers”
“buses will still run” and “deliveries can be scheduled”

4.Compare how Text A and Text B use inclusive or audience-aware language. Quote one example from each and explain which groups each writer appears to consider.

5.True or false: Text B opposes all changes to Harbour Street and argues that the trial should never go ahead. Support your answer with evidence.

TrueFalse

6.Explain how each writer’s selection of details shapes the reader’s view of the same proposal. Refer to at least one detail from each text.

Shape your own response

Choose a position on the weekend trial, or argue for a modified version. Build a case rather than simply listing opinions.

7.Which evidence would be most useful for council to collect when evaluating a one-year trial? Choose the most useful option and explain why.

Weekend pedestrian numbers and reported safety incidents
The colour of shop awnings and the number of street trees
The number of cars owned by residents across Australia
The length of the council meeting agenda

8.Write a thesis sentence for a persuasive piece about the proposal. State your position and give a reason that could be developed with evidence.

9.Draft a persuasive paragraph of about 100–130 words to council. Include a clear claim, at least two supporting reasons, one deliberate persuasive language choice, and a response to a reasonable counterargument. Do not invent statistics.

10.Review your paragraph: underline its claim, put a box around one piece of evidence or reasoning, and mark one phrase that aims to influence the audience. Then write one revision that would make your argument more balanced or precise.