Persuasive/Opinion Writing Lisa Grey December 6, 2016 The Maryland Writing Project

Purpose for Persuasion “Persuasive writing is a form of nonfiction writing that encourages careful word choice, the development of logical arguments, and a cohesive summary. Young children can be guided through a series of simple steps in an effort to develop their persuasive writing skills.” Persuasive Writing | Reading Rockets www.readingrockets.org/strategies/persuasive_writin

Getting Started Planning/ Brainstorming Students come up with a list of possible topics related to them and topics that they have a personal interest in. Topics that students are familiar with personally is crucial to the success of their writing.

Sample Ideas for Opinion/Persuasive Writing Should we have more recess time? Should we have more less/homework? Should we have a shorter school day? Should kids have cell phones? Should people eat healthier? Should schools sell chocolate milk? Should all fifth grade classes have the same lunch and recess? Should we have school uniforms? Should we be allowed to play dodgeball? Should kids have a facebook/Instagram account?

Mentor Texts/Stacks Gather as many examples of this type of writing as possible. Examples that show exactly what you expect students to include in their writing. Specifically, for persuasive writing texts and examples that show clear evidence and reasons that support their specific opinion on topic they are writing about. Study these texts for a long period of time prior to beginning writing with your students. They should be able to identify key components of persuasive writing after reading several examples over time.

Key components of persuasive writing Topic sentence, stating topic. Body of evidence/ reasons supporting topic. Concluding sentence, restating position on topic.

Stating evidence/support Start by using picture books to have students verbalize why they think a picture conveys a specific idea, mood, theme or message. Have students verbalize their ideas first, then have students write down their ideas. Practice this strategy using picture books for a few days, then move on to actual text books that are short in length and easily accessable to students. Have them practice focusing in on specific statements of that topic that support a specific stance.

Get organized! Have students use an organizer to only focus on their reasons/evidence for their topic. Have them only focus on 3 reasons and ranking them from most important to least important. After this, have students focus on the topic sentence and concluding sentence.

Follow the writing process…. Drafting Revising Editing Publishing Celebrate