Mastering Selective and Scholarship Persuasive Writing

The persuasive writing section of selective entry and scholarship exams is designed to test a student's ability to form coherent arguments, present their ideas clearly, and demonstrate strong English skills. To score highly in this section, it's essential to follow a clear structure and focus on English mechanics, including spelling, punctuation, grammar, fluency, and content. Below are tips and guides to help you excel in this section and achieve the best marks, aligned with the criteria used in many exams.

What to Expect in the Persuasive Writing Section

A persuasive piece asks you to take a stance on an issue and convince the reader of your position. For example, you might be asked whether or not you believe the Olympics are a waste of money. Your job is to argue your point clearly and persuasively, backed by strong reasons and examples.

Structure Tips for Persuasive Writing

A strong persuasive essay follows this clear structure:

• Introduction: Open with a clear statement of your position on the topic and briefly outline the main arguments you'll present. This sets the foundation for your essay and lets the reader know what to expect.


• Body Paragraphs: Present two compelling arguments that support your stance. Each argument should be thoroughly explained and reinforced with relevant examples or logical reasoning to make your case convincing.


• Rebuttal: Demonstrate critical thinking by acknowledging and addressing a potential counter-argument. This shows you've considered multiple perspectives and strengthens your overall position.


• Conclusion: Circle back to your initial stance and provide a concise summary of your main arguments, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Key Strategies for Success

• Structure and Clarity Are Key: Structure is paramount. Use clear, logical progression throughout your essay. Each paragraph should serve a distinct purpose—introduce your argument, provide evidence, and link it back to your main point.


• Planning is Crucial: Before you start writing, spend around 4 minutes planning. This includes deciding your stance or the main points you want to discuss. Strong planning ensures you stay on track and produce coherent essays.


• Be Specific and Compelling: Avoid vague or general statements. For example, when arguing that the Olympics are a waste of money, specify why the funds could be better used elsewhere, such as investing in local infrastructure. Specificity makes your argument more persuasive and convincing.


• Use Strong, Sophisticated Vocabulary: While it's important not to overcomplicate things, using varied and precise vocabulary can help your writing stand out. Words like "detrimental" or "influx" show a deeper understanding and can impress examiners.


• Practice Under Time Pressure: Once you're comfortable with your structure and arguments, practice writing under timed conditions. You may be given only 15 minutes depending on the school, so mastering the art of concise, impactful writing within a short period is crucial.


• Rebuttal Paragraphs Add Depth: Including a rebuttal to a counter-argument demonstrates critical thinking. It shows you're not just defending your viewpoint but also considering other perspectives. This can elevate your essay and show depth in your reasoning.


• Proofread: Use the last few minutes of your time to quickly proofread your work. Correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, as these can affect the clarity of your argument. A polished, mistake-free piece will stand out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Lack of structure: Make sure your essay follows the clear structure of an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Jumping between points without clear transitions can confuse the examiners.


• Weak arguments: Each body paragraph should present a clear and well-supported argument. Avoid vague statements that don't add value to your essay.


• Grammatical errors: Minor grammar issues, such as incorrect verb tenses or punctuation mistakes, can lower your score in the English skills section.


• Overly general content: Avoid making statements that are too general or unsupported. For example, don't say "Olympics are important" without elaborating on why it is or providing evidence to back up your claim.

Conclusion

The persuasive writing section is a chance to demonstrate your ability to argue effectively and communicate clearly. By focusing on a well-structured essay, clear and concise language, and mastering spelling, punctuation, grammar, fluency, and content, you can maximise your marks. Remember, the key to success is practice, planning, and revision—follow these strategies, and you'll be well on your way to acing the persuasive writing section of your selective entry or scholarship exam!