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Persuasive Writing Features

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Persuasive Writing Features

A community group is deciding whether to make the local waterfront car-free on Sunday afternoons. Read the proposal below, then investigate how persuasive writing works. Use evidence from the text and your own ideas.

A Sunday waterfront for everyone

Our waterfront should be closed to private cars every Sunday afternoon. At present, traffic squeezes past walkers and cyclists, making a place meant for everyone feel unsafe. A car-free afternoon would give whānau room to stroll, ride and enjoy the harbour without breathing in exhaust fumes. Some people worry that closing the road will make it harder to reach nearby shops. However, visitors could still travel by bus, bike or on foot, and clear signs could guide drivers to nearby parking. In fact, a calmer waterfront may encourage people to stay longer and support local cafés and shops. Most importantly, a weekly car-free afternoon is a practical way to create a healthier, more welcoming public space. Let’s give the waterfront back to the community: support car-free Sundays.

Spot the persuasive features

Use the proposal above when answering Questions 1–6. More than one answer may be possible for interpretation questions; give evidence for your ideas.

1.Which sentence states the writer’s main viewpoint most clearly? Choose one.

“At present, traffic squeezes past walkers and cyclists…”
“Our waterfront should be closed to private cars every Sunday afternoon.”
“Some people worry that closing the road will make it harder to reach nearby shops.”
“In fact, a calmer waterfront may encourage people to stay longer…”

2.Identify two reasons the writer gives in favour of car-free Sundays. Write each reason in your own words.

3.The phrase “give the waterfront back to the community” is an example of emotive or vivid language. What feeling or idea is it meant to create?

4.Match each quoted feature to its purpose. Write the letter beside each number.

1. “However”
2. “Most importantly”
3. “Let’s give the waterfront back…”

C. Emphasises the strongest point
A. Directly encourages the audience to act
B. Signals a contrast or response to another view

5.How does the writer respond to the concern that nearby shops could be harder to reach? Include one detail from the proposal.

6.Which option best describes the proposal’s structure?

A viewpoint, supporting reasons, a response to a concern, and a reinforcing conclusion
A list of instructions followed by a personal story
A question, a sequence of events, and an unrelated ending
A balanced report that gives equal support to both sides

Build your own persuasive message

Imagine you are writing to the community group. You may support or oppose car-free Sundays. Make your position clear and support it thoughtfully.

7.Write a clear claim for or against car-free Sundays. Make your position unmistakable.

8.Write two different supporting reasons for your claim. At least one reason should be specific to the waterfront or its community.

9.Write one sentence that acknowledges a possible opposing view and then answers it. Use a linking word such as “although”, “however” or “while”.

10.Write a short persuasive paragraph (about 4–6 sentences) for the community group. Include a clear claim, at least two reasons, a linking word, and a concluding call to action.