CSEC English A Notes: Writing Persuasive Speeches

1. Purpose of a Persuasive Speech

A persuasive speech aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular point of view, believe
something, or take action. It combines logical reasoning, emotional appeal, and rhetorical
techniques.

2. Key Features of a Persuasive Speech

a. Clear Point of View (Stance)

State your opinion clearly early in the speech.

Be passionate and confident.

b. Audience Awareness

Consider who you are speaking to (students, teachers, parents, general public).

Use language and examples that suit the audience.

c. Logical Structure

Typical Structure:

1. Greeting and Introduction – Greet the audience and introduce the topic.

2. Thesis Statement – State your position clearly.

3. Main Points with Supporting Evidence – Use facts, statistics, examples, anecdotes, and
expert opinions.

4. Counterarguments – Address and refute opposing views.

5. Conclusion/Call to Action – Reinforce your main point and urge the audience to act or think
differently.

3. Persuasive Techniques (Devices)

4. Language and Style

Tone: Confident, passionate, assertive, and respectful.

Pronouns: Use “we,” “us,” and “you” to include the audience.

Vivid Vocabulary: Use strong, convincing words.

Linking Words: Moreover, in addition, however, therefore, although.

5. Tips for Writing a Persuasive Speech

Plan your points before writing.

Choose a topic you care about or can strongly support.

Know your audience—what do they care about?

Use a mix of emotional and logical appeals.

Practice reading it aloud to ensure flow and emphasis.

6. Sample Topics

“School uniforms should be optional.”

“Social media does more harm than good.”

“Every student should be required to learn a second language.”

“The government must do more to protect the environment.”

7. Practice Activity

Prompt: “Junk food should be banned in schools.”

Task: Write a persuasive speech for a school assembly. Try to include:

A rhetorical question

At least one statistic

A call to action at the end

Here's a model persuasive speech

Topic: "Junk Food Should Be Banned in Schools"

Audience: School Assembly (Students and Teachers)

Good morning Principal, teachers, and fellow students,

Have you ever wondered why we feel so tired after lunch or why so many students struggle to
focus in class? The answer might be right in front of us—in the vending machines and canteen.
I stand before you today to argue that junk food should be banned in our schools.
We come to school to learn, to grow, and to become the best versions of ourselves. But how
can we do that when we’re feeding our bodies chips, soda, and sugary snacks that leave us
feeling sluggish and unmotivated?

Studies show that students who eat healthy meals perform better academically and have more
energy throughout the day. Junk food, on the other hand, is packed with sugar, salt, and
unhealthy fats that harm our bodies and our minds. It may taste good in the moment, but the
long-term effects include obesity, diabetes, and poor concentration.

Some may argue that it’s a personal choice, but schools have a responsibility to create a
healthy environment. Just like we ban smoking on campus, we should also ban harmful food
choices. We are shaping our future, and that starts with what we put into our bodies.

Imagine a school where the canteen offers tasty yet nutritious options, where every student is
energized and ready to learn. That’s not a dream—it can be our reality, but only if we take
action.

So I ask you: Do we want our school to be part of the problem, or part of the solution?

Let’s ban junk food in our schools and take a bold step toward a healthier, smarter future. Thank
you.

Persuasive Speech Writing Worksheet & Checklist

Persuasive Speech Writing Worksheet

Step 1: Choose Your Topic

My Topic: _______________________________________

Step 2: Define Your Stance

My Position: ____________________________________

Step 3: Know Your Audience

My Audience: ___________________________________
What they care about: ____________________________

Step 4: Plan Your Points

Step 5: Address the Other Side

Counterargument: ________________________________
My Response: ___________________________________

Step 6: Persuasive Devices to Use

Tick at least 4 devices you plan to use:

[ ] Rhetorical question

[ ] Emotive language

[ ] Repetition

[ ] Personal anecdote

[ ] Statistic or fact

[ ] Direct address (e.g. “You,” “We”)

[ ] Call to action

[ ] Rule of three
Step 7: Draft Your Speech

Title: ___________________________________________
Write your draft below or in your notebook.

Persuasive Speech Checklist

Before submitting or presenting, check each box:

[ ] I clearly stated my opinion in the introduction.

[ ] I used at least 2–3 strong, well-supported points.

[ ] I addressed the opposing view and refuted it.

[ ] I used persuasive language and rhetorical devices.

[ ] My conclusion includes a call to action.

[ ] My tone is confident, respectful, and convincing.

[ ] I wrote with my audience in mind.

[ ] I practiced reading it aloud for clarity and impact.

Choose one prompt from those below and complete:

CSEC English A Persuasive Speech Prompts

Your speech should:

Clearly state your position on the issue.

Present at least three strong arguments to support your stance.

Address and refute one counterargument.

Use persuasive language and rhetorical devices.

End with a strong conclusion or call to action.

Prompts

1. "All students should participate in at least one extracurricular activity."

Write a speech persuading your schoolmates to support or reject this idea.

2. "School uniforms should be optional."

Prepare a speech for your school’s student council meeting on this issue.

3. "Social media is doing more harm than good among teenagers."

Deliver a persuasive speech to your peers during a youth conference.

4. "Every secondary school should have a mental health counselor."

Write a speech to convince the Ministry of Education to implement this.

5. "CXC should remove oral presentations from the English A SBA."

Write a speech expressing your view to a panel of educators.

6. "Teenagers should be allowed to work part-time during the school year."

Deliver your speech at a school careers day.

7. "The environment must take priority over economic growth."

Write a speech to present at a regional youth environmental forum.

8. "Students should be given money as a reward for good grades."

Prepare a speech for a school-wide debate on this issue.

9. "Fast food restaurants should be banned near schools."

Write a persuasive speech to present at a community meeting.

10. "Traditional classrooms are outdated and should be replaced by digital learning."
Present your speech to a group of education stakeholders.
Your speech should:

Clearly state your position on the issue.

Present at least three strong arguments to support your stance.

Address and refute one counterargument.

Use persuasive language and rhetorical devices.

End with a strong conclusion or call to action.

Prepared by:
Andrea Longmore
April 2025