Welcome to Language for Persuading and Giving Opinions!
Have you ever tried to convince a friend to play your favourite game at break time? Or maybe you shared what you thought about a book during a group discussion? If so, you were already using the language of persuasion and opinions!
In our units of inquiry and daily conversations, being able to share your point of view and explain why you think that way is a wonderful communication skill. Don't worry if this seems tricky at first—with a few handy words and phrases, you will soon feel confident speaking, listening, reading, viewing, and writing to persuade others!
Note: To learn about other word types, check out our companion chapter on "Functional language: asking, explaining, comparing".
---1. Fact vs. Opinion: What is the Difference?
Before we can persuade anyone, we need to understand the difference between a fact and an opinion.
What is a Fact?
A fact is a statement that is true and can be proven or checked.
Example: "The Earth travels around the Sun." or "A triangle has three sides."
You can look these up in reference books, check them through inquiry, and prove them.
What is an Opinion?
An opinion is a personal feeling, belief, or thought. It tells us what someone thinks, feels, or prefers. Different people can have completely different opinions about the exact same thing, and that is okay!
Example: "Vanilla is the best flavour of ice cream." or "Reading is more exciting than running."
Someone else might love chocolate ice cream or prefer running, so this cannot be proven true for everyone.
Did you know? Authors often mix facts and opinions together when they write. A critical reader always pauses to ask: "Is this statement a proven truth, or is it the author's personal view?"
Key Takeaway: A fact can be tested and proven. An opinion tells what someone thinks or feels.
---2. Sharing Your Opinion Respectfully
Sharing your opinion does not mean simply saying, "This is good" or "I don't like it." We use specific sentence starters to show our listeners and readers that we are expressing our personal view while still respecting the views of others.
Helpful Opinion Starters
Here are clear phrases you can use in class discussions, group presentations, or in your learning journal:
• In my view... (e.g., "In my view, our class should spend more time reading outside.")
• I believe that... (e.g., "I believe that everyone should have a turn to speak.")
• From my perspective... (e.g., "From my perspective, this story has a surprising ending.")
• It seems to me that... (e.g., "It seems to me that the character made an unfair choice.")
Respecting Other Points of View
In oral language, good communication is a two-way street. Being a persuasive speaker also means being an active listener! When someone has a different view from yours, you can respond politely:
• "I see what you mean, but I think..."
• "That is an interesting point. However, from my perspective..."
• "I understand your idea, yet I look at it a different way."
Common Mistake to Avoid: Avoid saying "You are completely wrong!" Persuasion works much better when we stay calm, kind, and open-minded.
Key Takeaway: Frame opinions with clear sentence starters, and always listen respectfully to the viewpoints of others.
---3. Language for Persuading: How to Win People Over
To persuade means to convince someone to agree with your point of view, adopt an idea, or take action. An author's purpose is often to persuade readers, just as speakers persuade in debates or presentations.
Connecting Your Opinion to Reasons and Evidence
An opinion by itself is just a thought. To make it persuasive, you need to support it with reasons and evidence. Linking words help bridge your opinion to your support:
• because (e.g., "We should reuse plastic bottles because it reduces waste.")
• for instance / for example (e.g., "Cycling is healthy. For instance, it builds strong leg muscles.")
• therefore (e.g., "Exercise keeps us fit; therefore, daily play time is essential.")
• as a result (e.g., "Many plants need sunlight; as a result, we should place the garden near the window.")
The O.R.E.O. Memory Trick
When you are planning a persuasive speech or paragraph, remember the delicious word O.R.E.O.!
• O — Opinion: State clearly what you believe or what position you are defending.
• R — Reason: Explain why you hold that belief.
• E — Example or Evidence: Share a real-world example, fact, or detail that proves your reason.
• O — Opinion restated: Restate your opinion using fresh, confident words to leave a strong lasting impression.
Key Takeaway: Persuasion requires an opinion backed up by clear reasons and solid examples.
---4. Persuasion Across Spoken, Visual, and Written Language
We use persuasion across all strands of language: when we speak, when we view images, and when we read or write.
Spoken Language (Oral)
In debates, group presentations, and class meetings, spoken words can influence how people think. When speaking to persuade:
• Use a clear, confident tone.
• Vary your sentence length so your speech stays lively and interesting.
• Defend your position using accurate reasons while responding politely to questions.
Visual Language (Viewing & Presenting)
Did you know that pictures, signs, and advertisements persuade us without using many words at all? Commercial media and posters are designed to influence our thinking and behaviour.
• Colours: Bright colours can create excitement or draw attention to an important message.
• Symbols & Logos: Simple shapes and familiar logos instantly show who created the message.
• Layout & Size: Important words or images are made large so your eyes land on them first.
• When viewing advertisements or posters, always ask yourself: "What is the creator's intention? How are they trying to influence me?"
Written Language (Reading & Writing)
When you read, look out for the author's purpose: are they writing to inform, to entertain, or to persuade? Persuasive texts often include letters, reviews, and opinion articles.
When writing your own persuasive text:
• Organize your ideas logically with clear paragraphs.
• Adapt your style to your audience (for instance, a message written to your school principal will sound more formal than a note to a classmate).
• End with a strong call to action (e.g., "Join our clean-up club today!").
Key Takeaway: Persuasion happens through our voices, through visual designs like colours and symbols, and through well-structured writing.
---Quick Review: Check Your Understanding!
Test yourself with these three quick questions:
1. Fact or Opinion? "The library has over five hundred books."
Answer: Fact! You can count the books to prove it.
2. Fact or Opinion? "The library is the most peaceful place in the whole school."
Answer: Opinion! Someone else might feel the garden is more peaceful.
3. What does O.R.E.O. stand for?
Answer: Opinion, Reason, Example/Evidence, Opinion restated!
Keep practising these sentence starters and persuasive tools during your discussions, presentations, and inquiry projects. You have wonderful ideas—use your language to share them with the world!