Sample Persuasive Response (Continued)

Once your class finishes reading the sample response, describe what makes the middle and ending parts effective. For the middle part, demonstrate how the responder uses separate paragraphs to explain separate reasons to support the main opinion. For the ending part, demonstrate how the responder restates the main opinion and gives a call to action. 

Finally, point out the overall voice of the response. Even though it is trying to convince readers to do something, the voice sounds serious and polite as opposed to pushy.

Writing, Revising, and Editing

Remind your students that persuasive responses, like all other forms of writing, should include beginning, middle, and ending parts. The beginning introduces the topic and states a clear opinion. The middle describes reasons to support the opinion, with each reason elaborated in a separate paragraph. The ending restates the opinion and encourages readers to agree or take a certain action.

Additionally, stress the importance of leaving enough time for revising and editing. Download and distribute the persuasive essay revising checklist to help students check the quality of their responses.

Once students feel confident with the process of responding to a persuasive prompt, provide them this prompt and have them complete a practice timed writing:

We all wish we could change something about our school. Maybe we need more time at recess. Maybe we need tastier food in the cafeteria. Maybe there should be a club for people interested in model trains. What change would you most like to see at your school? In an essay, give your opinion about an important change at your school and argue for it with convincing reasons.