The short answer
Purpose: to persuade a reader to a point of view on an issue.
Structure: introduction (state your position) → body (reasons with supporting evidence) → conclusion (reinforce the position).
Total: 48 marks — one more than narrative, because Paragraphing is scored 0–3 instead of 0–2.
The genre-specific criterion: Persuasive Devices, worth 0–4.
What the task actually asks
A persuasive prompt gives your child a topic and asks them to take a position. The instructions follow a consistent pattern: What do you think? Do you agree or disagree? followed by a reminder to start with an introduction, give reasons and explain them, and finish with a conclusion.
Two things surprise parents. First, children are explicitly told they may consider both sides — arguing only one side is fine, but so is weighing both and landing somewhere. Second, the task doesn't specify what content to include. Two children can take opposite positions on the same topic and both score full marks. Markers assess how the argument is built, not which side it takes.
The three-part structure
1. Introduction
Its job is to introduce the topic, give the reader some context, and state the writer's position clearly. The strongest introductions do more than announce an opinion — they narrow the topic or set up the argument that follows.
Effective openings include a relevant fact with brief elaboration, a short anecdote that illustrates the issue, or a definition that focuses the topic. A weak introduction states an opinion and immediately jumps to a reason, which reads as a point of argument rather than an opening.
2. Body — development of argument
This is where the reader is convinced. Each point needs supporting evidence: an explanation, an example, a comparison, expert opinion, or an anecdote. The difference between an average and a strong body is elaboration — one reason developed properly beats four reasons listed.
Higher-scoring responses also look beyond the personal. Arguments that consider benefits to a whole group, or reflect on wider issues, score above those that only say what the writer likes.
3. Conclusion
A conclusion should reinforce the position, not merely repeat it. Top-scoring conclusions reflect on the issues raised or recommend an action — they do something more than restate the introduction in different words.
A missing or tacked-on conclusion is one of the most common reasons children lose Text Structure marks. Running out of time is usually the cause, which is why planning matters.
Persuasive devices: the criterion worth 4 marks
This is the criterion unique to persuasive writing, and it's the one most children underuse. It isn't about using many devices — it's about using them effectively and consistently.
Devices that work
- Rhetorical questions — "What kind of message does that send?"
- High modality — must, should, essential, never, certainly. Modal words are one of the fastest improvements available.
- Direct appeal to the reader — addressing "you", or invoking shared values.
- Appeals to reason, values or emotion — the best responses use more than one.
- Emphatic statements — a short, firm sentence after a longer explanation.
- Refuting the other side — "Some may argue… but…" This also lifts the Ideas criterion.
- Repetition and paired phrasing — used deliberately, for rhythm and emphasis.
A caution worth knowing: if a child writes a story when the prompt asks for persuasive writing, Text Structure scores zero — no matter how good the story is. Off-genre responses are also capped low on Audience. This is exactly why children must practise both genres, not just the one they enjoy.
Where marks are actually lost
- No real conclusion. Running out of time costs Text Structure marks that were easy to hold.
- Opinions without elaboration. "It's bad because I don't like it" is one idea, unelaborated. Adding why, plus an example, moves Ideas up two levels.
- One device, repeated. Five instances of "I think" counts as one type. Variety matters.
- Paragraphs that don't build. Persuasive paragraphing is worth 3 marks — the top score requires paragraphs ordered so the argument accumulates, each with a topic sentence and supporting detail.
- Never acknowledging the other side. Refutation is one of the clearest markers of a mature argument.
Practise persuasive writing free
25 persuasive prompts in a NAPLAN-style format, plus AI feedback scoring all 10 criteria including Persuasive Devices. No signup.
Get the free prompts →How to help at home
- Argue at the dinner table. Genuinely — pick a topic, take opposite sides, and make your child give reasons. Persuasive writing is a spoken skill first.
- Teach three modal words. Must, should, essential. Using them deliberately lifts Persuasive Devices immediately.
- Insist on the "but" sentence. One sentence acknowledging the other view, then refuting it. It's a small habit with a large scoring effect.
- Plan three paragraph topics before writing. Five minutes of planning protects both Text Structure and Paragraphing — 7 marks between them.
- Always finish. A short conclusion beats a brilliant unfinished argument.
Frequently asked questions
Does it matter which side my child argues?
No. Markers assess how well the argument is constructed, not which position it takes. Children can also argue both sides and reach a considered position.
How long should a persuasive response be?
There's no word count in the criteria. However, the guide notes that about a page of writing is needed before sustained use of devices, vocabulary and cohesion can be judged — so very short responses cap out at lower scores.
Should my child write in first person?
Yes, that's completely acceptable — personal opinion is expected. Stronger responses simply move beyond "I like" toward reasoned argument, evidence and wider consideration.
What if they get narrative instead?
Then they must write a narrative — the genre is set by the prompt and can't be chosen. See our narrative writing guide.