24 Other Forms of Persuasive Writing

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Persuasive Letter

Theme:

Education Travel

English Language Arts:

Page 211 from Write on Course 20-20

Problem-Solution Letter (Continued)

As you finish reading the problem-solution letter, lead a discussion about the persuasive tactics that the writer uses. How does the writer build the argument (by showing that cutting field trips is a bad idea, that replacing them with virtual field trips does not solve the problem, and that fund-raisers for field trips would solve the problem)? Note how the writer considers the principal's position and works to draw him around to a different way of thinking.

Afterward, review the "Pattern of Organization" graphic at the bottom of the page. Show how this letter follows this effective pattern, and encourage students to follow a similar pattern when writing their own problem-solution letters.

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Persuasive Letter

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Education Travel

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Page 212 from Write on Course 20-20

Writing Guidelines: Problem-Solution Letter

Help your students brainstorm problems in different locations: home, school, or the community. Ask, "What one thing do you wish would change?" "What is the biggest disappointment?" "What is the one thing that needs to be fixed?" After students select topics to write about, they need to think of someone (or some group) to write to for help in solving the problem.

Before they start writing, though, students need to study the problem, looking at its causes and effects. You can use the related minilesson to have students create a cause-effect chart to explore the problem.

Afterward, students need to think of solutions. Have them look at their cause-effect charts and think of ways to eliminate or reduce the causes of the problem or the negative effects.

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Writing Process Prewriting

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Persuasive Letter

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Page 213 from Write on Course 20-20

Writing, Revising, and Editing

When students have fully analyzed the problem and come up with a workable solution, they will be ready to write the first drafts of their persuasive letters. Lead them through the tips for creating strong beginnings, organizing the middle, and ending effectively. Then have students write their first drafts.

To guide their revising and editing, have them use the revising and editing checklist.

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Revising and Editing Checklist

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Problem-Solution Persuasive Letter

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Writing Process Writing Revising Editing Traits of Writing Strong Ideas Logical Organization Effective Voice Precise Words Fluid Sentences Correct Conventions

Page 214 from Write on Course 20-20

Persuasive Poster and Brochure

Though the two forms on this page might seem less academically rigorous than a problem-solution letter, posters and brochures can more easily reach authentic audiences. Students' days are packed with activities such as concerts, plays, and basketball games that could use promotion. Also, these assignments require students to connect word and image in persuasive ways.

Point out to your students how the images attract readers' attention and present the band in a fun light. The top line is a slogan and a call to action. The bottom material includes information that readers need in order to take action (attend the concert).

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Poster Brochure

Theme:

Music

English Language Arts:

Page 215 from Write on Course 20-20

Writing Guidelines: Persuasive Poster and Brochure

Ask your students what events they would like to promote in the school or community. Have them brainstorm a list and choose one as the subject for the poster or brochure. Then lead them through the other prewriting suggestions. Have students create their posters or brochures.

Then refer to the revising and editing checklist to help them improve their projects.

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Revising and Editing Checklist

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Poster Brochure

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Page 216 from Write on Course 20-20

Pet Peeve Essay

Introduce the idea of the pet peeve by asking your students what little thing annoys them the most. Itchy tags in shirt collars? Ice cream cones that drip? That one mosquito that flies around your bedroom as you're trying to fall asleep. Point out that a pet peeve is a humorous personal complaint about a fairly trivial issue.

Have a student volunteer read the sample pet peeve. Then go back to discuss the side notes.

Have more advanced students read the pet peeve essay "Mosquito Madness."

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Pet Peeve

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Health Education

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Page 217 from Write on Course 20-20

Writing Guidelines: Pet Peeve Essay

Have students create a cluster like the one at the top of page 217, centered around the nucleus word "annoying." Ask them to write down as many annoying things as they can think of at school, at home, and in their community. Tell them to select a topic that they could turn into a humorous complaint.

Then, have students freewrite about their topics, expressing their annoyance in a funny way. You can use the related minilesson if you need to teach freewriting.

After students have gathered enough details, lead them through the beginning, middle, and ending strategies.

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Writing Process Prewriting Writing

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Pet Peeve

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Page 218 from Write on Course 20-20

Revising and Editing Checklist

Once students have completed their first drafts, refer to the revising and editing checklist to support them as they improve their pet peeves.

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Revising and Editing Checklist

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Writing Process Revising Editing Traits of Writing Strong Ideas Logical Organization Effective Voice Precise Words Fluid Sentences Correct Conventions

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Pet Peeve

English Language Arts:

Page 219 from Write on Course 20-20

Responding to a Persuasive Prompt

Have students use a piece of paper or a hand to cover everything below the prompt. Then have students read the prompt to themselves and use the PAST strategy to analyze it. When they are done, they can uncover the page and check their answers against those listed under "Prompt Analysis."

Then direct their attention to the "Planning Quick List" that one student used to organize ideas for the response. Ask student volunteers to read each paragraph and any side notes attached to it.

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