11 Plus Persuasive Writing: Tips, Techniques and Practice Resources

Persuasive writing is one of the most commonly tested writing styles in 11 Plus entrance exams – and one that trips up many children who haven’t practised it specifically. Unlike narrative writing, persuasive writing requires a completely different set of techniques: strong opening statements, structured arguments, counter-arguments and a convincing call to action.

The good news is that persuasive writing is a learnable skill. With the right practice resources and a few core techniques, most children can make significant progress within a few weeks.

What Is Persuasive Writing in the 11 Plus?

In 11 Plus English exams, children may be asked to write a persuasive letter, a newspaper editorial, a speech to their school, or an argument for or against a statement. The examiner is looking for: a clear point of view, evidence of reasoning, varied sentence structure, and a confident, authoritative voice.

Key Persuasive Writing Techniques to Teach Your Child

• AFOREST – the classic persuasive technique acronym: Alliteration, Facts, Opinion, Rhetorical questions, Emotive language, Statistics/Superlatives, Triplets. Learning these gives children a toolkit to draw from under exam pressure.
• Strong opening statement – begin with a bold, clear position. “Schools should never give homework” is far more compelling than “I think that homework might not always be a good idea.”
• Rule of three – group arguments or adjectives in threes for rhythm and impact. “It is unfair, unnecessary and outdated.”
• Address the reader directly – use “you” and “we” to create connection. “Imagine waking up every morning knowing your child is falling behind…”
• Concede and counter – acknowledging the opposing view before dismantling it shows sophistication. “Some may argue that… however, this ignores the fact that…”
• Powerful conclusion – end with a call to action or a memorable final line that echoes the opening.

Common Mistakes Children Make in Persuasive Writing

The most common errors we see in 11 Plus persuasive writing practice are: using weak, hedging language (“I kind of think…”), failing to structure arguments clearly, not using any persuasive devices, and writing in a flat, unenthusiastic tone. Children who’ve only practised story writing often struggle to switch register.

How to Practice Persuasive Writing at Home

The most effective approach is regular, timed practice with a structured prompt – not open-ended writing. Give your child a clear task (“Write a letter persuading your headteacher to ban school uniform”), set a timer for 30 minutes, and review the techniques used afterwards.

Our 30 Persuasive Writing Tasks Booklet provides 30 fully structured persuasive writing tasks, each with a clear brief, vocabulary support and planning framework – everything your child needs to practise independently. It’s one of our most downloaded resources and is matched directly to 11 Plus and KS3 exam requirements.

For a broader writing practice toolkit, our 50 Question 11+ Writing Prompts Booklet includes persuasive, descriptive, narrative and diary-entry prompts – ideal for children who need variety in their practice. Browse the full 11 Plus writing resources shop.