Persuasive Writing
What is it?
Persuasive writing is a form of writing in which the writer attempts to convince or persuade the audience to adopt a particular point of view or take a specific action by presenting logical reasoning, supporting evidence, and compelling arguments.
Why use it?
As children mature as writers, it is important to give them the opportunity to write using a variety of formats.
Persuasive writing helps students formulate specific reasons for their opinions and provides them with the opportunity to research facts related to their opinions.
As students develop an understanding of how writing can influence or change the thoughts or actions of others, they may begin to understand the persuasive nature of the marketing they are exposed to through television, the Internet, and other media.
How to implement it?
1. Have the students listen to or read examples of persuasive writing. Together, listen and look for words, phrases, and techniques that helped the writer persuade the audience..
2. Conduct a brainstorming session about something that is important to a particular child or to the group. Is it having an extra recess? Another chapter of the read-aloud? The possible closure of a library? The more authentic the topic, the more passionately your students will write.
3. Once the important privilege has been chosen, have the student (or the class) start listing reasons why they should have this privilege. "Just because" and "because I like it" should not be considered valid reasons. Students can work together to generate at least three good reasons to support an argument. Providing them with a list of persuasive words and phrases can help students get started.
4. Have the students research to gather facts or examples that support their reasons.
5. Persuasive writing often involves considering the needs and perspectives of the target audience. Students learn to tailor their arguments to appeal to different readers.
6. A well-crafted introduction is essential for capturing the reader's attention. It often includes a hook, background information on the topic, and a clear thesis statement that expresses the writer's opinion.
7. Students can consider counterarguments or opposing viewpoints. This helps them anticipate and address potential objections to their opinion.
8. Have the students summarize their position. The conclusion summarizes the main points and reaffirms the opinion convincingly. It may also include a call to action or a statement that provokes reflection.
How?
Individual
Small groups
All the class
Focus
Writing
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Diversity in the classroom
For second language learners, students with varied reading skills, and younger students.
• Have the students work in small groups to generate their ideas and research.
• Offers several suggestions on how students can share their argument: for example, a debate format or letters to the editor of the newspaper.
Evidence
Wollman-Bonilla, J. (2000). Family message journals: Teaching writing through family involvement. Urbana, IL: National Council of Teachers of English.
This article is a free adaptation and translation of: Reading Rockets (n.d.) Dictation.https://www.readingrockets.org/classroom/classroom-strategies/persuasive-writing
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