Year 4 · English · 2 minutes
Persuade with purpose
Opinion. Reasons. Evidence. Call to action.
Key terms
- persuasive writing
- Writing that tries to change what a reader thinks or does.
- opinion
- What you believe, stated clearly and strongly.
- reason
- A point that answers the question why your opinion is right.
- evidence
- Facts, numbers or examples that back up a reason.
- persuasive language
- Strong verbs and questions that help convince your reader.
- call to action
- A closing sentence that asks the reader to do something.
Transcript
Want to change someone's mind? Maybe even your principal's? You can, with persuasive writing!
Every persuasive piece starts with your opinion, what you believe. Make it clear and strong, like this: Our school needs a longer lunchtime!
Next, give your reasons. They answer the question, why? Because we need time to run around. And because nobody should have to gobble their lunch.
Back up each reason with evidence, like facts, numbers or examples. In our class survey, twenty four out of twenty eight kids said they learn better after a run around.
Then add persuasive language. Pick strong verbs. A longer lunchtime doesn't just help us, it recharges us! And ask a question: wouldn't you rather have happy, focused students?
You can even paint a picture with the word imagine. Imagine a playground full of laughter, and a class that's calm and ready to learn.
Finally, a strong conclusion. Say your opinion again, then call your reader to action: Please give us a longer lunchtime, starting this term!
Now let's give a weak piece a makeover. Lunch should be longer because it is fun. Not very convincing, is it? Add a clear opinion, a reason, real evidence, and a call to action. Now that's persuasive!
So remember: state your opinion, back it up with reasons and evidence, and finish strong with a call to action. Now go and persuade someone!
Sources
Every fact in the video, and where it comes from.
- 1englishonline.tki.org.nz/English-Online/Planning-for-my-students-needs/…
- Persuasive writing aims to convince the reader of a point of view, opinion or idea.
- 2twinkl.co.in/resource/level-2-writing-persuasive-writing-pl…
- A common Year 3-4 (NZC Level 2) persuasive structure: introduction stating the position, reason paragraphs, conclusion.
- 3topteachingtasks.com
- Year 4-6 (Te Mataiaho Phase 2) persuasive teaching covers opinion, fact vs opinion, and the structure of an argument.
Teaching this next week?
Kuraplan turns this topic into a lesson plan, slides and a worksheet for your class in about a minute.
Plan a lesson on this topic
