Persuasive Text Sorting Activity

Name:

Date:

Students working together on persuasive writing

📚 WALT: Differentiate persuasive texts from non-persuasive texts

Instructions: Read each text snippet below. Decide whether it is PERSUASIVE or NOT PERSUASIVE. Circle your choice and explain your reasoning.

Text A: "The Wellington Zoo is home to over 500 animals from around the world. It opened in 1906 and covers 13 hectares. The zoo houses native New Zealand species including kiwi, tuatara, and little blue penguins."

PERSUASIVE

NOT PERSUASIVE

Explain your choice: ________________________________

Text B: "Don't let another precious kiwi disappear forever! By donating just $20 to our conservation programme, you could save New Zealand's most beloved bird. Every dollar counts - our future generations deserve to see these amazing creatures in the wild!"

PERSUASIVE

NOT PERSUASIVE

Explain your choice: ________________________________

Text C: "The school canteen serves lunch between 12:30pm and 1:15pm each weekday. Students can purchase hot food, sandwiches, and drinks. Prices range from $2 to $8."

PERSUASIVE

NOT PERSUASIVE

Explain your choice: ________________________________

Text D: "Why should students suffer through another boring lunch? Our new healthy wraps are absolutely delicious and will fuel your brain for afternoon classes. Join the smart students who choose fresh, tasty food!"

PERSUASIVE

NOT PERSUASIVE

Explain your choice: ________________________________

🔍 WALT: Identify persuasive techniques in texts

Instructions: Read the persuasive text below and identify the techniques used. Tick all that apply for each technique.

Text: "Isn't it time Auckland had a world-class skate park? The current facility is embarrassingly small and outdated. Expert skater Tony Hawk said, 'Every young person deserves access to quality skating facilities.' Over 2,000 students have already signed our petition. Don't let our youth down - support the new skate park today!"

Which persuasive techniques can you find? (Tick all that apply)

Rhetorical question

Emotive language

Expert opinion

Statistics/facts

Call to action

Repetition

Give one example from the text for each technique you identified:

✏️ Extension Activity: Create Your Own

Challenge: Write two short text snippets about school uniforms - one persuasive and one non-persuasive (informational). Each should be 2-3 sentences long.

Non-persuasive text about school uniforms:

Persuasive text about school uniforms:

List the persuasive techniques you used: ________________________________