Persuasive Writing Essentials

Whakatenatena – To Persuade

Name:

Date:

📖 WALT: Identify the Parts of a Persuasive Letter

Success Criteria: I can name the key parts of a persuasive letter and explain what each part does.

💡 Key Words (Kuputaka): Whakatenatena = Persuade | Whakaaro = Opinion | Ko te take = The reason | Nō reira = Therefore

📖 Read the letter below. Each part is labelled to help you.

📌 [INTRODUCTION]
Dear Mrs Tane,

My name is Aroha and I am in Room 4. I am writing to ask you to give us longer playtime at school.

📌 [OPINION – Whakaaro]
I strongly believe that students should have at least 30 minutes of playtime each day.

📌 [REASON 1 – Ko te take]
Because running and playing outside helps our brains to focus better in class. For example, after playtime I feel much more ready to learn.

📌 [REASON 2 – Ko te take]
Also, playing together helps us be kind and make friends. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 15:1 that gentle, kind words build others up — and so does time to play and connect.

📌 [CONCLUSION]
Nō reira — therefore, I hope you will think about giving us more playtime. Thank you for reading my letter.

From Aroha 😊

🔍 Part 1: Comprehension Questions

1. What is the purpose of Aroha's letter? (What is she trying to do?)

2. What is Aroha's opinion (whakaaro)? Write it in your own words.

3. Write one reason (ko te take) Aroha gives to support her opinion.

4. Circle the linking words you can find in the letter:

because

for example

also

nō reira (therefore)

5. Aroha uses a Bible verse in her letter. How does this connect to being honest and kind when we try to persuade someone?

✏️ Part 2: Write Your Own Persuasive Letter

WALT: Write a short persuasive letter using an opinion and at least one reason.

📝 Your topic: Write a letter to your teacher persuading them to let your class have a games afternoon.

💡 Use these sentence starters to help you:

Dear ___________,
I strongly believe that...
Because...
For example...
Nō reira (Therefore)...

6. Plan your letter here. Fill in the boxes:

My opinion (Whakaaro): I believe that _______________________________

My reason (Ko te take): Because ____________________________________

My linking word: _________________ (because / for example / also / therefore)

7. Now write your short persuasive letter below. Try to include: an introduction, your opinion, one or two reasons, and a conclusion.

⭐ Extension Challenge: Can you add a second reason to your letter and use emotive language? (e.g. "I strongly believe..." or "It is so important that...")

🙏 Christian Reflection: "A gentle answer turns away wrath." — Proverbs 15:1
When we persuade others, we use our words as a gift from God. We write with honesty and kindness — not to trick people, but to share truth lovingly, just as Jesus did when he told parables.