The key idea
The learner can write an article that hooks the reader, develops a point of view with examples and ends with a call to action.
What is it for?
Learn how to persuade magazine readers with a strong opening, clear reasons, useful examples and a final call to action.
What you need to know
- A title and an opening that catch the reader's attention.
- A clear opinion that readers can understand quickly.
- Two or three reasons supported by everyday examples.
- A different point of view and a fair response to it.
- Persuasive words that sound confident but remain reasonable.
- A final suggestion that encourages readers to take action.
1. Start with a strong opening
A magazine article needs a title that attracts attention.
Start with a surprising fact, a short scene or a bold statement.
Do not begin with a direct question in this lesson.
Connect your opening to your main opinion.
- Keep the title short and relevant.
- Use a clear opening statement.
- Give readers a reason to continue.
Your lunch break could become the most useful part of your day.
This statement makes readers curious about a familiar activity.
Imagine having a cleaner park just five minutes from home.
The word imagine helps readers picture a possible result.
2. Speak directly to your readers
Use you and we to make readers feel included.
Give readers something familiar to think about.
Use these words naturally, not in every sentence.
A lively tone helps, but avoid shouting or blaming people.
- Use imagine to help readers picture an experience.
- Use think about to introduce an important point.
- Use we when you share a common experience.
Think about the time you spend waiting for the bus.
This example connects the topic with everyday life.
We can make our school area cleaner by working together.
We creates a shared goal.
3. Build your argument with examples
Choose two or three reasons that support your opinion.
Explain each reason and give a clear example.
Words such as because, for example and as a result show connections.
A different opinion can make your article more balanced.
- Give one main reason in each section.
- Add an example from school, work or home.
- Mention a different view fairly.
- Explain why your main opinion still makes sense.
Group sports improve teamwork because players must share decisions.
The reason explains why the activity can help.
Some people prefer staying home, but outdoor activities offer fresh air.
This sentence presents another view and a response.
4. Choose persuasive language carefully
Persuasive phrases show that you believe your opinion.
Use surely, it is clear that and there is no doubt that carefully.
Do not make claims that you cannot support.
Specific examples often persuade readers more than strong words.
- Use surely when the point seems reasonable.
- Use it is clear that before a supported conclusion.
- Use there is no doubt that only for strong evidence.
- Avoid repeating the same phrase throughout the article.
Surely, a short walk is better than another hour indoors.
Surely presents the opinion with confidence.
It is clear that regular practice builds useful skills.
This phrase introduces a conclusion.
5. Finish with a clear call to action
The ending should tell readers what they can do next.
Suggest one clear action that feels possible.
Connect the action to the benefits explained earlier.
Keep your tone lively but controlled.
- Use try, join, visit or start to suggest an action.
- Make the action specific.
- End with a reason to act soon.
Join a local walking group this weekend and discover new places.
The final sentence gives readers a clear action.
Start with one short session and see what you gain.
This suggestion makes the first step feel manageable.
How to do it, step by step
- Choose a title that attracts attention.
- Open with a scene, a surprising fact or a bold statement.
- State your opinion and develop two or three reasons.
- Add examples and answer one different point of view.
- Finish with a clear call to action.
Formulas and key language
| Use it for | Example | Another example |
|---|---|---|
| A bold statement: [strong opening idea]. | Your local park deserves more visitors. | Every school should offer more outdoor activities. |
| Imagine [a situation or possible result]. | Imagine spending your weekend learning a new skill. | Imagine travelling to school without sitting in traffic. |
| Think about [a familiar situation]. | Think about the money you spend on short trips. | Think about the time you lose indoors. |
| One reason is that [reason]. | One reason is that walking costs very little. | One reason is that team games build trust. |
| For example, [specific example]. | For example, a short walk can fit into your lunch break. | For example, a school club can organise weekly games. |
| Some people believe [different view], but [response]. | Some people believe sports take too much time, but short sessions can help. | Some people prefer driving, but cycling can save money. |
| Surely, [reasonable opinion]. | Surely, cleaner streets benefit everyone. | Surely, learning together makes practice more enjoyable. |
| It is clear that [supported conclusion]. | It is clear that regular practice improves skills. | It is clear that shared spaces need regular care. |
| Take action: [verb] [specific activity]. | Join a local club this week. | Try one beginner class this Saturday. |
UK / US: Both British and American English use persuasive articles. Some spelling differs, such as organise (UK) and organize (US).
Level up: Replace basic words (good, very, nice) with stronger ones. See our A2 to B2 upgrades page.
Model text
Make Your Free Time Count
Title and opening
Your free time can offer more than hours on your phone. A new sport can help you meet people, improve your fitness and discover skills you never expected to develop. You do not need expensive equipment or years of experience to begin.
The title attracts attention, and the opening introduces clear benefits.
Main argument
First, sport makes daily life more active. For example, a weekly badminton session gives you exercise without requiring a long journey. It can also improve your concentration, which may help with school or work. Second, group activities help people build friendships. When you practise with others, you learn to communicate and share decisions. These skills are useful beyond the sports hall.
Two reasons support the opinion, and each reason has a clear example.
Different view and response
Some people believe sport takes too much time. However, a short session after work can fit into a busy week. Others worry about making mistakes, but beginners usually learn together. There is no doubt that the first sessions may feel difficult. Regular practice, however, can make each visit more comfortable.
The article presents common concerns and answers them calmly.
Call to action
What matters most is taking the first step. Find a beginner class near your home, invite a friend and try one session this week. You may discover a new interest that makes your free time more rewarding.
The ending gives readers practical actions and a final reason to try.
Common mistakes
✗ Sport is good and everyone must play it.
✓ Sport is useful, and everyone should consider trying it.
Useful reasons persuade readers better than unfair demands.
✗ There is no doubt that one walk fixes every health problem.
✓ There is no doubt that regular walks can support better health.
A reasonable claim is more convincing than an impossible promise.
✗ Join a club. It is useful. You can meet people. It is fun.
✓ Join a club because you can meet people and enjoy new activities.
Linking related ideas makes the article easier to read.
✗ Some people dislike sport. They are lazy.
✓ Some people dislike sport, but they may enjoy other activities.
Respectful language helps readers consider your opinion.
✗ In conclusion, participation in sporting activities is recommended by me.
✓ In conclusion, I recommend trying a new sport.
Direct, natural language is clearer and more engaging.
✗ Try a sport sometime.
✓ Try a beginner class this weekend.
A specific action gives readers a clear next step.
Plan it, then check it
Plan
- Choose a sport and decide why readers should try it.
- Write a title and an opening that catches attention.
- Choose two or three reasons and add everyday examples.
- Think of one concern and prepare a fair response.
- Plan a final action that readers can take soon.
Check
- Does the title attract attention?
- Does the opening introduce the main opinion?
- Does each reason have a clear example?
- Does the article answer a different point of view?
- Does the ending suggest a specific action?
Practice
Choose persuasive language
Choose the best answer for each item.
1.Which opening is strongest for an article about local parks?
The second option presents an interesting possibility.
2.Which phrase introduces a clear example?
For example introduces a specific detail.
3.Which phrase shows confidence without giving a command?
Surely expresses confidence without attacking readers.
4.Which sentence presents another view fairly?
The sentence recognises another preference and gives a response.
5.Which ending gives readers a clear action?
The final option names an action and a time.
6.Which sentence makes a careful claim?
Can help makes a reasonable claim without promising too much.
Match each part to its example
Match each article part with the correct example.
1.Title
2.Opening hook
3.Main reason
4.Different view and response
5.Call to action
Complete the persuasive sentences
Write the missing phrase in each sentence.
1., regular practice can improve your skills.
Surely shows confidence in a reasonable opinion.
2., our school club meets every Thursday.
For example introduces a specific detail.
3. about the time you spend on your phone.
Think about encourages readers to consider their habits.
4.Some people prefer staying indoors, outdoor activities offer fresh air.
But connects a different view with a contrasting point.
5.It is clear regular exercise supports an active lifestyle.
That introduces the idea following this persuasive phrase.
6. a beginner class this weekend.
Join gives readers a direct and practical action.
Improve the persuasive language
Change only the weak, excessive or unsuitable word or phrase.
1.Sport is nice for everyone.
Useful gives a clearer and more precise description.
2.A short walk fixes every health problem.
Can help avoids making an impossible promise.
3.People who dislike sport are lazy.
May prefer gives a fairer view of other people.
4.I am writing this article in order to make a suggestion to you.
To make a suggestion is shorter and more natural.
5.You should try a sport at some point in the future.
A clear time makes the call to action more useful.
Now write
Your task
Write a 140-180 word article for a student magazine. Persuade readers to try a new sport. Use this situation: a local sports centre offers beginner badminton classes every Saturday. The first class costs a small fee, and the centre lends rackets. Explain two benefits, give an example, answer one concern and finish with a clear call to action. Add an interesting title and opening. These details are fictional and belong to your writing task.
Word bank
beginner classstay activebuild confidencemeet new peoplelearn new skillsfor exampleas a resultsurelyit is clear thatsome people believeon the other handregular practicetake the first stepjoin this weekend
Sentence starters
- Your free time could become ...
- Imagine learning ...
- One important reason is that ...
- For example, ...
- Some people believe ..., but ...
- Take the first step by ...