Persuasive Writing Mastery

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Date:

WALT & Success Criteria

WALT: We are learning to identify an author’s point of view and use persuasive techniques to strengthen an argument.

Success criteria: I can (1) explain the author’s point of view, (2) identify persuasive devices used, (3) rewrite a sentence to increase persuasive impact, and (4) justify my choices using persuasive language terminology.

Differentiation: Support: sentence starters and examples. Challenge: add rhetorical devices and referee peer versions. Dyslexia-friendly option: shorter paragraphs, clear fonts, extra spacing (teacher to provide print settings).

📚 Part 1: Multiple Choice (choose the best answer)

1. What is the author's main point in the passage about sharks?

Sharks are the most dangerous animals to people worldwide.

Sharks are less dangerous than people commonly think.

Sharks kill more people than mosquitoes.

Sharks only live near Australia and the USA.

2. Which statistic from the passage best supports the author’s argument?

Sharks killed 11 people worldwide in 2021.

Mosquitoes carried diseases that killed 1 million people in 2021.

Cows killed 22 people in the USA in 2021.

Snakes kill about 50,000 people worldwide each year.

3. Which persuasive device is used when the author compares shark deaths to deaths from cows, snakes and mosquitoes?

Hyperbole (exaggeration)

Analogy / comparison

Anecdote (personal story)

Metaphor

4. Check all the techniques that would strengthen this argument further:

Add precise sources for statistics (e.g. WHO, scientific studies)

Use emotive language about victims to appeal to feelings

Include expert testimony (marine biologist)

Repeat the word “dangerous” many times to increase fear

✏️ Part 2: Short Answers & Rewrite

5. In one sentence, identify the author's point of view. (Use the passage facts in your answer.)

6. Rewrite the sentence below to make it more persuasive. Then explain which persuasive techniques you used and why.

Original: "So, the next time someone says that sharks are dangerous, just remind them to look out for cows, mind their feet in snake country, and to stock up on insect repellent."

Rewrite (more persuasive):

Explain your choices (which devices and why):

7. Use two persuasive sentence starters below to write a short closing that convinces readers to respect sharks rather than fear them. (Choose two starters and finish them.)

Sentence starters: "Clearly,...", "Imagine...", "Remember that...", "Because the facts show..."

8. Peer comparison: Briefly note which technique you chose and a question to ask a partner when comparing versions.

Teacher Notes & Answers

Answers (suggested):

1. Sharks are less dangerous than people commonly think.

2. Sharks killed 11 people worldwide in 2021.

3. Analogy / comparison.

4. Correct choices: Add precise sources; Include expert testimony; Use emotive language may strengthen but must be used carefully—repeating “dangerous” many times is not recommended.

Model rewrite for Q6 (example):

"Next time someone claims sharks are a deadly threat, remind them that only 11 people worldwide died from shark bites in 2021 — far fewer than those killed by mosquitoes or snakes — so we should respect sharks and focus on proven dangers instead."

Techniques used: precise statistic, comparison with other risks, inclusive language ("we"), and a strong concluding directive. These make the claim clearer, factual and harder to dismiss.

Q7 Example closing: "Because the facts show sharks cause very few deaths compared with other animals, we should respect their role in the ocean. Imagine what we lose if fear leads us to harm marine life needlessly."

Dyslexia-friendly reading options: Provide the passage in shorter lines, use a sans-serif font, left-align text, increase line spacing and use coloured overlays if needed.

Extension activity: Ask advanced students to find primary sources for the statistics (e.g. WHO, Australian Government data) and write a short paragraph evaluating the reliability of each source.

Assessment tips: Look for correct identification of point of view, accurate naming of persuasive devices, clear justification for rewrite choices, and effective use of persuasive language (emotive words, statistics, inclusive language, rhetorical questions).