Year 6 English: Non-fiction, persuasive and discursive writing, and poems for a purpose
Part of the Year 6 English writing for purpose: narrative, non-fiction, persuasive and discursive chapter. Chapter overview · whole chapter on one page
Non-fiction, persuasive and discursive writing, and poems for a purpose
A persuasive text tries to change the reader's mind, using opinions, a rhetorical question (a question that makes the reader think) and strong language. A discursive text explores both sides of an issue, with a balanced argument: on the one hand and on the other hand. A poem written for a purpose uses a planned form.
Persuasive or discursive?
| Feature | Persuasive | Discursive |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | to change the reader's mind | to explore both sides |
| Typical phrase | Surely, everyone agrees | On the one hand; on the other hand |
| Ending | a call to act | a balanced conclusion |
Key ideas
- A persuasive text uses opinions and a rhetorical question.
- A discursive text gives both sides of the argument, in a balanced way.
- A poem written for a purpose has a planned form, such as rhyme or a repeated line.
Method. Look for opinions and a rhetorical question.
- Find the feature. Surely, everyone wants is an opinion and a rhetorical question.Surely
- Name the text. Opinions and rhetorical questions make the text persuasive.persuasive
- Write the answer. persuasive
Check. The feature is persuasive. ✓
Method. Look for the phrase that sets out one side.
- Look at the phrases. On the one hand sets out one side of the argument.one side
- Choose. Surely is persuasive, not a balanced phrase.on the one hand
- Write the answer. on the one hand
Check. On the one hand begins a balanced argument. ✓
Method. Think about the meaning.
- Think about the meaning. A question that makes the reader think is rhetorical.make the reader think
- Name the word. The word is rhetorical.rhetorical
- Write the answer. rhetorical
Check. rhetorical is the term. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a balanced argument must give both sides fairly. Do not give one side all the detail and the other side one short sentence.
Exam tip
Grown-up tip. Ask your child to write a short paragraph arguing for a family rule, first with one side, then with both sides in a balanced argument.
Exercise 12E Practice: persuasive, discursive and poems for a purpose
Method. Write a question that makes the reader agree.
- Choose the idea. A reading area is the idea.reading area
- Write the question. The question makes the reader think of the benefit.Who could say no?
- Write the answer. Who could say no to a place where every child can read?
Check. The question makes the reader think. ✓
Method. Look for the phrase that sets out the other side.
- Look at the phrases. On the other hand introduces the other side.other side
- Choose. Without doubt is persuasive, not balanced.on the other hand
- Write the answer. on the other hand
Check. On the other hand begins the other side. ✓
Method. Use a phrase for the first side, then give the reason.
- Use the phrase. On the one hand begins one side.On the one hand
- Give the reason. Homework helps pupils practise.practise what they have learned
- Write the answer. On the one hand, homework helps pupils to practise what they have learned.
Check. One side is given fairly. ✓
Method. Do not take one side in the conclusion.
- Recognise both sides. Both views have merit.both views
- Conclude. The decision depends on the pupil.depends on
- Write the answer. Both views have merit, so the decision should depend on each pupil's needs.
Check. The conclusion is balanced. ✓
Method. Think about what an information text does.
- Think about the purpose. An information text informs with facts.facts
- Choose. Persuasive texts use opinions more than facts.facts
- Write the answer. facts
Check. Facts are the feature of information texts. ✓
Method. Plan the form, then write the lines.
- Plan the form. A repeated line gives the poem a clear shape.repeated line
- Write the lines. Four lines, with the same ending or repeated phrase.four lines
- Write the answer. Accept any four-line poem about a harbour, with a clear form, such as a repeated line or a rhyme pattern.
Check. The poem has a planned form. ✓
Method. Think about the purpose of the poem.
- Think about the purpose. A poem may celebrate, warn or move the reader.celebrate or warn
- Think about the form. A planned form helps the purpose.supports the purpose
- Write the answer. The form helps the poem achieve its purpose, such as to celebrate, warn or move the reader.
Check. The form serves the purpose. ✓
Method. Think about the purpose of a balanced argument.
- Think about the balance. A balanced argument explores both sides.both sides
- Choose the type. Discursive texts explore both sides.discursive
- Write the answer. discursive
Check. A balanced argument is discursive. ✓
Method. Give an opinion and a reason.
- Give the opinion. Everyone should recycle is an opinion.Everyone should recycle
- Give the reason. It protects the planet.protects the planet
- Write the answer. Everyone should recycle, because it protects the planet for future generations.
Check. The sentence is persuasive. ✓
Method. Look for a phrase that asks the reader to do something.
- Look at the phrases. Please consider asks the reader to act.asks the reader
- Choose. The mill was built is a fact, not a call to act.please consider
- Write the answer. please consider
Check. Please consider invites action. ✓
Method. Compare the purposes.
- Persuasive. It tries to change the reader's mind.change the mind
- Discursive. It explores both sides.both sides
- Write the answer. A persuasive text tries to change the reader's mind, while a discursive text explores both sides.
Check. The purposes differ. ✓