📚 Part 1: Identifying Persuasive Elements

1. What is a thesis statement?

A summary at the end of your writing

The main opinion or position you want to argue

A question you ask the reader

A fact about your topic

2. Supporting arguments are:

Reasons that disagree with your thesis

Questions for the reader to think about

Reasons and evidence that back up your thesis

Stories about your personal experiences

3. Which of these are examples of persuasive language features? (Check all that apply)

Emotive words (amazing, terrible, brilliant)

Linking phrases (because, however, for example)

Rhetorical questions

Random facts

4. A counterargument is:

Another way to say the same thing as your thesis

An opposing view that you acknowledge and respond to

A conclusion to your writing

A question about your topic

✏️ Part 2: Analysing Persuasive Text

Read this short persuasive text and answer the questions below:

"Our school should extend morning break from 15 minutes to 25 minutes. Students need more time to eat their morning tea properly and socialise with friends, which helps them concentrate better in class. Research shows that longer breaks improve student focus and reduce stress levels. Some teachers worry that longer breaks mean less learning time, but well-rested students actually learn more effectively in shorter, focused sessions."

5. Identify the thesis statement by writing it below:

6. List two supporting arguments from the text:

a) _________________________________________________

b) _________________________________________________

7. What counterargument does the writer acknowledge?

8. How does the writer respond to the counterargument?

🎯 Part 3: Creating Your Own Persuasive Paragraph

9. Choose one of these topics and write a persuasive paragraph that includes a thesis statement, two supporting arguments, and acknowledges one counterargument:

Topic Options:

• Why students should/shouldn't wear school uniforms

• Why our school should/shouldn't allow mobile phones

• Why homework should be increased/reduced

Your chosen topic: _________________________________

10. Self-Assessment: Tick the elements you included in your paragraph:

Clear thesis statement

At least two supporting arguments

Acknowledged a counterargument

Used persuasive language features