Myriora English › 11+ English › Chapter 3: Writing

Writing to explain or persuade

11+Chapter 3 · Lesson 4

In this lesson

To explain, give clear facts in order.
Use words like first, next and finally.
To persuade, say what you think.
Give reasons, using because.

Your turn

Is this passage explaining or persuading?

Show the answer

The answer is explaining! It gives clear steps, using first and next.

The common mistake

Here's a common mistake. Giving opinions with no reasons. Saying it's good isn't enough. Give a reason, using because.

Try it at home

Choose something you'd like to change at home. Write what you think, two reasons with because, and what you want to happen.

Read the whole lesson

Hello, and welcome to Myriora English! Not all writing tests ask for a story. Some ask you to explain something, and some ask you to persuade someone. Each one has a simple shape.

To explain, give clear facts in a clear order. Start by saying what it's about. Then give the steps, using words like first, next and finally. End with one short sentence to sum up.

To persuade, you want the reader to agree. Start by saying what you think. Give two or three reasons, each with because. End by telling the reader what to do.

Here's a start. Our school should have a garden. It would help wildlife, because bees need flowers. Please vote for it.

Let's try one together. Everyone should walk to school. Is the writer explaining or persuading? Here's a tip: does the writer want you to agree? Say it out loud!

The answer is persuading! The writer wants you to agree, and the word should gives it away.

Here's a common mistake. Giving opinions with no reasons. Saying it's good isn't enough. Give a reason, using because.

Your turn! Is this passage explaining or persuading? Pick the right card. You've got ten seconds, or pause the video. Go!

Time's up! The answer is explaining! It gives clear steps, using first and next.

Quick review. To explain, give clear facts in order. Use words like first, next and finally. To persuade, say what you think. Give reasons, using because. See you next time!