The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) English exam assesses a range of skills, including writing essays that convey clear, persuasive arguments. Whether crafting an argumentative, persuasive, or discursive essay, students are often tasked with convincing the reader of their viewpoint. Persuasive writing is an essential skill, not just for exams but also for everyday life, allowing individuals to influence others’ opinions and actions effectively.

This article explores how IGCSE English essay examples utilize persuasive arguments, focusing on structure, rhetorical techniques, evidence, and emotional appeal. By analyzing these examples, students can better understand what constitutes a compelling essay and how to apply these strategies in their own writing.

What Makes a Persuasive Argument?

A persuasive argument seeks to convince the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view or take a specific action. Effective persuasive essays often include the following elements:

1. Clear Thesis Statement: The essay should begin with a clear and concise thesis statement, which sets out the writer’s position on the issue.
2. Logical Structure: The essay should be well-organized, with each paragraph building on the previous one to strengthen the argument.
3. Evidence and Examples: Persuasive arguments must be supported by facts, statistics, expert opinions, and examples that lend credibility to the writer’s position.
4. Appeals to Ethos, Pathos, and Logos: Successful persuasive essays often appeal to the reader’s sense of credibility (ethos), emotions (pathos), and logic (logos).
5. Counterarguments: Addressing and refuting counterarguments demonstrates a balanced approach, showing that the writer has considered multiple perspectives.

Example 1: Should Homework Be Abolished?

Thesis Statement: “Homework should be abolished as it adds unnecessary stress to students’ lives, reduces time for extracurricular activities, and does not significantly enhance academic achievement.”

Introduction:
The introduction begins by acknowledging the traditional belief that homework reinforces learning and improves academic performance. However, it quickly transitions to the writer’s stance that homework should be abolished because it contributes more harm than good.

• Clear Thesis Statement: The thesis is clear and directly outlines the position the essay will argue. It is concise and establishes the reasons for abolishing homework: stress, reduced time for activities, and minimal academic impact.

Body Paragraph 1: The Stress Factor
The first body paragraph focuses on how excessive homework contributes to heightened stress among students. The writer cites studies showing a correlation between large amounts of homework and increased levels of anxiety and depression among schoolchildren.

• Evidence and Examples: The writer uses research data to support their argument. For instance, they mention a study from the American Psychological Association that shows 60% of teenagers cite homework as a primary source of stress.
• Appeals to Pathos: By describing the emotional and physical toll of stress on students, the writer appeals to the reader’s empathy, making the argument more persuasive.

Body Paragraph 2: Time for Extracurricular Activities
This paragraph explores the impact of homework on students’ ability to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and volunteering. The writer argues that these activities are essential for a well-rounded education and personal development, but they are often neglected due to the burden of homework.

• Appeals to Logos: The writer uses logic to argue that a balance between academic work and extracurricular activities is crucial for student development. They provide examples of successful education systems, such as Finland’s, which prioritize minimal homework and emphasize extracurriculars.

Body Paragraph 3: Limited Academic Benefits
The final body paragraph challenges the traditional view that homework improves academic performance. The writer cites studies that show little correlation between homework and academic success, particularly in younger students.

• Counterarguments: The writer acknowledges that homework can be beneficial for older students or in subjects like mathematics but argues that, overall, its academic benefits are overestimated.
• Refutation: The writer refutes the counterargument by pointing to countries with high-performing education systems and little or no homework.

Conclusion:
The conclusion reiterates the thesis and summarizes the key points made in the essay. It ends with a call to action, urging educators and policymakers to reconsider the role of homework in education.

• Appeals to Pathos and Ethos: The conclusion appeals to the reader’s emotions by emphasizing the well-being of students and their need for a balanced life. It also appeals to ethos by referencing educational experts and credible research.

Example 2: Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16?

Thesis Statement: “The voting age should be lowered to 16 because younger people are politically aware, deserve a say in their future, and would bring fresh perspectives to the political arena.”

Introduction:
This persuasive essay opens with a brief discussion of the historical context of voting age laws, followed by the writer’s stance that 16-year-olds should have the right to vote. The thesis is clear and outlines the main arguments that will be made: political awareness, the right to influence their future, and the introduction of new perspectives.

Body Paragraph 1: Political Awareness Among Youth
The first argument in support of lowering the voting age is that today’s youth are more politically aware than ever before. The writer cites examples of young people leading climate change movements and participating in protests for social justice.

• Evidence and Examples: The writer provides specific examples, such as the activism of Greta Thunberg and the global youth climate strikes, to demonstrate that 16-year-olds are engaged with political issues.
• Appeals to Logos: The writer uses logical reasoning, arguing that if young people are already participating in political discourse and activism, they should be granted the right to vote.

Body Paragraph 2: The Right to Influence Their Future
The second body paragraph argues that 16-year-olds deserve a say in decisions that will shape their future. The writer points out that many policies—such as those on education, climate change, and employment—will have a direct impact on their lives for years to come.

• Appeals to Pathos: This argument is framed in a way that appeals to the reader’s emotions, emphasizing the unfairness of making decisions that affect young people without giving them a voice.

Body Paragraph 3: Fresh Perspectives
The final body paragraph argues that lowering the voting age would bring fresh perspectives to the political landscape. The writer suggests that young people are more progressive and open to change, which could lead to more innovative solutions to society’s problems.

• Counterarguments: The writer acknowledges the concern that 16-year-olds may lack the maturity to vote responsibly but refutes this by arguing that political education could be introduced in schools to prepare them for the responsibility of voting.
• Refutation: The writer points to countries like Austria and Scotland, where the voting age has been successfully lowered to 16, as evidence that younger voters can contribute positively to the political process.

The conclusion reiterates the main arguments and emphasizes the importance of giving young people a voice in their future. It calls on lawmakers to consider lowering the voting age as a step towards a more inclusive democracy.

• Appeals to Ethos: By referencing successful examples from other countries and citing experts on youth engagement, the writer strengthens the ethical appeal of the argument.

Techniques Used in Persuasive Essays

By analyzing these examples, we can identify several persuasive techniques that are commonly used in IGCSE English essays:

1. Rhetorical Questions: Rhetorical questions engage the reader and prompt them to think about the issue. For example, in an essay on lowering the voting age, a rhetorical question like “Why shouldn’t young people have a say in their future?” can make the reader reflect on the fairness of current laws.
2. Repetition: Repeating key points throughout the essay reinforces the argument and makes it more memorable. For instance, the phrase “students deserve a balanced life” could be repeated in different forms in an essay on abolishing homework.
3. Emotive Language: Emotive language appeals to the reader’s emotions, helping to create a connection with the argument. In the homework essay, words like “stress,” “burnout,” and “overwhelmed” evoke a sense of urgency and concern for students’ well-being.
4. Appeals to Authority: Citing experts, studies, and credible sources adds legitimacy to the argument. For example, referencing educational research in the homework essay or citing political scientists in the voting age essay strengthens the argument’s credibility.
5. Anecdotes: Personal stories or anecdotes can make an argument more relatable. For instance, an anecdote about a student struggling with homework or a young activist fighting for climate change can add a human element to the essay.

In persuasive essays for the IGCSE English exam, strong arguments are built on a foundation of clear thesis statements, logical organization, credible evidence, and appeals to ethos, pathos, and logos. By analyzing IGCSE English essay examples, students can learn how to structure their arguments, employ persuasive techniques, and effectively address counterarguments.

Mastering persuasive writing is not only crucial for excelling in the IGCSE English exam but also a valuable skill for everyday life. Whether arguing for a social cause, presenting an opinion in a debate, or writing a persuasive essay, the ability to convince others is a powerful tool that can make a lasting impact.