Techniques of Persuasive Language: Practice Worksheets by Stacey Lloyd - Free Printable

Let’s go through each sentence and fix the grammar, word choice, or punctuation so it sounds more natural and persuasive — like something you’d read in a real article or advertisement.

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1. Original: The brochure says that we should have been told to eat fruit – obviously wrong!
→ “should have been told” is awkward. Better: “tells us we should eat fruit” (simple and direct).
Also, “obviously wrong!” doesn’t make sense here — if the brochure says to eat fruit, that’s usually good advice! Maybe they meant “but many people ignore this”? But since we’re making it persuasive, let’s keep it positive.
✔ Fixed: *The brochure tells us we should eat fruit — and it’s right!*

2. Original: In order to remain healthy as we live. Eat well.
→ This is two fragments. Combine them into one clear sentence.
✔ Fixed: *To stay healthy as we age, eat well.*

3. Original: You should buy this same car as it has had great reviews. (When writing probably)
→ “this same car” is odd unless you’re comparing to another specific car. Better: “this car”. Also, “has had” is okay but “has received” sounds smoother. Remove the note in parentheses.
✔ Fixed: *You should buy this car — it has received great reviews.*

4. Original: That bad really suits me. (No idea!)
→ “That bad” doesn’t make sense. Probably meant “That hat”? Or maybe “That style”? Since it says “suits me”, likely talking about clothing. Let’s assume “hat” was intended.
✔ Fixed: *That hat really suits me.*

5. Original: Do you need a new car? You should stop by our dealership. (How do you know?)
→ The question is fine, but the second part feels pushy. Make it friendly and helpful.
✔ Fixed: *Need a new car? Stop by our dealership — we’ll help you find the perfect one!*

6. Original: Brightly colored fruit and vegetables are healthier for you. (again)
→ “Brightly colored” is correct, but add “are often” to sound less absolute (since not ALL brightly colored foods are healthier). Also, remove “(again)” — it’s not part of the sentence.
✔ Fixed: *Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are often healthier for you.*

7. Original: You should not run around a swimming pool because it is really dangerous. As if!
→ “As if!” is sarcastic and undermines the warning. For persuasion, be serious and clear.
✔ Fixed: *Never run around a swimming pool — it’s very dangerous.*

8. Original: Sit down to your macabre, we will give goodies. Enjoy!!!
→ “Macabre” means scary or grim — definitely wrong here! Probably meant “table” or “meal”. “Give goodies” is vague. Make it warm and inviting.
✔ Fixed: *Sit down to your meal — we’ve got delicious treats waiting for you. Enjoy!*

9. Original: These are nice cookies, you should try them. (I’m hungry)
→ Run-on sentence. Add a conjunction or break it up. “Nice” is weak — use “delicious” or “tasty”. Remove parenthetical.
✔ Fixed: *These cookies are delicious — you should try one!*

10. Original: You need to buy your ticket four times are missed bus and cheap. Confused!
→ This is messy. Likely meant: “Buy your ticket early — buses fill up fast, and prices go up!” Or maybe “four times” was a typo for “before”? Let’s guess: “You need to buy your ticket before the bus fills up — it’s cheaper too!”
✔ Fixed: *Buy your ticket early — buses fill up fast, and prices go up!*

11. Original: That place does the most make good coffee. (What?)
→ “does the most make” is nonsense. Probably meant “makes the best coffee”.
✔ Fixed: *That place makes the best coffee.*

12. Original: Slow is the time for change, we must take action. Ponder!
→ “Slow is the time” is poetic but unclear. For persuasion, be direct: “Now is the time...” Also, “Ponder!” is too soft — use “Act now!”
✔ Fixed: *Now is the time for change — we must take action!*

13. Original: Mac computers are better than PCs. Not!
→ “Not!” contradicts the statement. If you want to persuade, pick a side. Maybe they meant “Some say Macs are better — but are they?” But since we’re making it persuasive, let’s support Macs confidently.
✔ Fixed: *Mac computers are better than PCs — sleek, fast, and reliable.*

14. Original: You should get at least 8 hours sleep a night. Why?
→ Good start! Just remove “Why?” — it weakens the message. Make it firm and helpful.
✔ Fixed: *You should get at least 8 hours of sleep every night — your body needs it!*

15. Original: There are children who don’t always get enough exercise. Somewhat!
→ “Somewhat!” is vague. Turn this into a call to action.
✔ Fixed: *Many children don’t get enough exercise — let’s encourage them to play outside!*

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Final Answer:

1. The brochure tells us we should eat fruit — and it’s right!
2. To stay healthy as we age, eat well.
3. You should buy this car — it has received great reviews.
4. That hat really suits me.
5. Need a new car? Stop by our dealership — we’ll help you find the perfect one!
6. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are often healthier for you.
7. Never run around a swimming pool — it’s very dangerous.
8. Sit down to your meal — we’ve got delicious treats waiting for you. Enjoy!
9. These cookies are delicious — you should try one!
10. Buy your ticket early — buses fill up fast, and prices go up!
11. That place makes the best coffee.
12. Now is the time for change — we must take action!
13. Mac computers are better than PCs — sleek, fast, and reliable.
14. You should get at least 8 hours of sleep every night — your body needs it!
15. Many children don’t get enough exercise — let’s encourage them to play outside!