✏️ Lesson Focus: Persuasive Writing

WALT: We Are Learning To write a clear and convincing persuasive paragraph.

Success criteria: I can state a clear opinion, support it with relevant reasons and examples, use persuasive language, and organise my ideas logically.

Writing prompt: Should mobile phones be allowed in the classroom for learning purposes?

1. Choose your position.

Mobile phones should be allowed for learning.

Mobile phones should not be allowed in the classroom.

I am undecided.

2. Write two strong reasons that support your position.

3. Which persuasive techniques could strengthen your writing? Select three.

Rhetorical question

A relevant statistic

Emotional language

Unrelated details

A personal or real-world example

4. Complete this persuasive sentence starter: “Schools should __________________ because __________________.”

Dyslexia-friendly option: Ask someone to read the prompt aloud, use a ruler or coloured overlay to track each line, and plan ideas with key words before writing full sentences.

📝 Part 2: Plan and Draft

5. Plan your paragraph using the structure below.

Topic sentence: State your opinion clearly.

Reason and example: Explain your first reason and support it with an example.

Second reason: Add another reason or persuasive point.

Concluding sentence: Restate your opinion in a strong way.

6. Write your persuasive paragraph. Aim for 120–150 words.

Differentiation: Use the sentence starters and planning boxes for support. You may dictate your ideas first, use speech-to-text, or write one sentence at a time. Challenge yourself to include a counterargument and rebuttal.