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Prepare for Natural Disasters?

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Prepare for Natural Disasters?

Use the information on this page to plan a clear opinion about preparing for natural disasters. Give reasons and supporting details. For open writing tasks, answers will vary; sample answers are provided in the answer key.

Plan your argument

Choose a position, then select reasons that would help persuade an audience.

1.Which position will you argue: that people should prepare for natural disasters, or that they should not? State your position and give one reason you could use to support it.

2.Select two reasons that would support the claim that households should prepare for natural disasters.

A household plan can help people know where to meet if they become separated.
Stored water and food may be useful if deliveries or services are interrupted.
Disasters are guaranteed to happen every week.
Preparing means no one will ever feel worried.

3.Write one example or piece of evidence that could strengthen an argument for being prepared. Explain how it supports the argument.

Write to persuade

Use a strong claim, linked reasons, details and a closing sentence.

4.Complete the sentence with a clear position and a reason: “People should prepare for natural disasters because…”

5.Write a persuasive paragraph about whether people should prepare for natural disasters. Include your position, at least two reasons, a supporting example or explanation, and a concluding sentence. Use linking words such as “also” or “therefore”.

6.In your paragraph, underline or circle one word or phrase that is intended to persuade the reader. Write the word or phrase here.

Improve and extend

Add detail to strengthen a claim, then consider another point of view.

7.Improve this claim by adding a reason or specific detail: “Households should keep emergency supplies.”

8.Write a short response to someone who says, “Preparing for a disaster is unnecessary.” Acknowledge their view, then explain why you disagree or partly disagree.