⚖️ Argumentative & Persuasive Writing — the format

Change a reader's mind, or justify a position against the strongest version of the opposing case.

Writing for: A reader who does not already agree. Writing as though they do is the central error.

Register: Formal

Length: Usually 350–450 words for a composition.

Audience: A reader who does not already agree

The format, in order

  1. 1

    Opening

    A hook plus your position, stated outright. Do not save it for the end.

    We have spent a decade telling students that screens are the problem. The evidence says otherwise.

  2. 2

    Strongest argument

    Lead with your best point, developed with evidence or example.

  3. 3

    Supporting arguments

    Two more points, each its own paragraph.

  4. 4

    Counter-argument

    State the opposing case fairly, then answer it. Doing this well is what separates the top band.

  5. 5

    Conclusion

    Restate the position in sharper terms and end on a call to action or a reframing.

What the marks are for

Content

  • ✓A clear position held from start to finish
  • ✓Arguments developed, not listed
  • ✓A counter-argument taken seriously and answered
  • ✓Evidence or example supporting each claim

Language

  • ✓Rhetorical devices used purposefully — triads, rhetorical questions, direct address
  • ✓Discourse markers signposting the argument
  • ✓Controlled, confident tone
  • ✓Varied sentence length for emphasis

What loses marks

  • ✗Giving a balanced discussion when the task asked you to argue a side
  • ✗Omitting the counter-argument, which caps the content mark
  • ✗Stacking rhetorical questions until they lose force
  • ✗Fabricating statistics — examiners notice, and it undermines the whole piece
  • ✗Saving your position for the conclusion

Phrases that work

  • It is tempting to assume that…, yet…
  • Critics of this view argue that… However, this overlooks…
  • The evidence points firmly towards…
  • Consider the alternative: …
  • If we accept that…, then it follows that…

Before you hand it in

0 / 8
Command words cheat sheet

Study notes on the Learning Portal

Where this is examined

  • · Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (0500) — composition and directed writing
  • · Cambridge IGCSE ESL (0510)
  • · Cambridge O Level English Language (1123)
  • · Cambridge AS & A Level English Language (9093)

Word counts, paper numbers and mark allocations are set by the syllabus for your session and change between series. Always check your current syllabus and your teacher's guidance before relying on a length or a mark split given here.

Other writing formats

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