Part 1: Analyse the model letter

Read the letter. Then identify how the writer builds a respectful argument.

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Our school should support te reo Māori by making it visible and easy to use every day. Te reo Māori is an official language of Aotearoa New Zealand, and our class source bank explains that using a language regularly helps keep it strong for future speakers.

First, hearing and using te reo Māori at school shows respect for tangata whenua and the history of our country. Second, learning useful words and phrases gives all students a chance to take part in Aotearoa’s culture.

Some people may worry that adding te reo Māori will take time away from other learning. However, short greetings, labels and instructions can be included in everyday routines without replacing important lessons.

Please support more te reo Māori in our school. Together, we can help the language thrive.

Ngā mihi,
A supportive student

Part 2: Plan your persuasive letter

Choose one focus: the past, present or future of te reo Māori. Use relevant evidence from the class source bank.

Reason 1:

Reason 2:

This evidence supports my reason because:

Some people may think ____________. However, ____________.

Greeting: ________________________________

Introduction: ________________________________

Body paragraphs: ________________________________

Conclusion: ________________________________

Sign-off: ________________________________