Crafting Persuasive Arguments

Name:

Date:

📝 Part 1: Understanding Persuasive Arguments

I can: Identify the key parts of a persuasive argument (thesis statement, supporting details, and counterarguments)

1. Read this persuasive paragraph and identify its parts:

Students should have longer recess periods at school. First, physical activity helps students focus better in class and improves their health. Second, playing with friends builds important social skills that students need. Third, taking breaks from studying actually helps the brain remember information better. Some people might say that longer recess means less time for learning subjects like math and reading. However, research shows that students who get more physical activity actually perform better on tests and assignments.

a) What is the thesis statement (main opinion)?

b) List the three supporting details:

1. _________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________

c) What counterargument does the writer address?

2. Which of these is the strongest thesis statement?

I think video games are okay.

Video games can be good and bad.

Educational video games should be used in classrooms because they make learning fun and help students remember information.

Some video games are educational.

🎯 Part 2: Planning Your Persuasive Argument

I can: Plan and draft my own persuasive argument using a graphic organiser

3. Choose ONE topic and complete the graphic organiser below:

Should students be allowed to use phones at school?

Should homework be banned on weekends?

Should the school day start later?

Should students choose their own classes?

Persuasive Argument Planner

My thesis statement (your main opinion):

Supporting Detail #1:

Supporting Detail #2:

Supporting Detail #3:

Counterargument (what someone who disagrees might say):

Your response to the counterargument:

✍️ Part 3: Writing Your Persuasive Paragraph

I can: Write a complete persuasive paragraph that includes a thesis, supporting details, and addresses a counterargument

4. Use your planner from Part 2 to write a persuasive paragraph. Use these sentence starters if helpful:

Sentence Starters:

I believe that...
First, ... Second, ... Third, ...
Some people might argue that...
However, ...
In conclusion, ...

5. Extension Challenge: Advanced learners can continue on the back to write a full 3-paragraph persuasive essay with an introduction, body paragraph, and conclusion.

6. Self-Reflection: What is one thing you did well in your persuasive writing? What is one thing you want to improve?

Crafting Persuasive Arguments

Crafting Persuasive Arguments

📝 Part 1: Understanding Persuasive Arguments

🎯 Part 2: Planning Your Persuasive Argument

Persuasive Argument Planner

✍️ Part 3: Writing Your Persuasive Paragraph

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