EnglishFreePrintable

Sustainability Persuasive Writing Rubric

A free english worksheet ready for your classroom. Open in Kuraplan to grab the print-ready PDF, customize it for your students, or generate a fresh version in seconds.

Download now

Name:Date:

Sustainability Persuasive Writing Rubric

Write a persuasive letter to the Lighthouse Coast Council. Convince its members to choose one practical action that will make the lighthouse and its surrounding coast more sustainable. Use the rubric to plan and review your writing. Sustainability means meeting people’s needs while caring for the environment and resources people will need in the future.

Choose and plan your argument

The council is considering three ideas: install solar panels to reduce reliance on electricity from the grid; add a rainwater tank for cleaning and watering native plants; or provide clearly marked bins to reduce litter and improve recycling. You may support one idea or argue for a combination. Explain why your choice is workable and worthwhile.

1.Which action, or combination of actions, will you recommend to the Lighthouse Coast Council? State your position clearly.

2.Write one reason that supports your proposal. Make the connection between the action and its environmental benefit clear.

3.Add another reason, a relevant example, or an explanation of who or what will benefit from your proposal.

4.What concern might a council member have about your proposal? Acknowledge the concern and explain why your idea is still worth considering.

5.Draft an opening sentence or two that introduces the issue and makes your position clear to the council.

Write and review

Write a letter with an opening that states your position, organised paragraphs that develop your reasons, a response to another viewpoint, and a closing that asks the council to act. Use persuasive language, clear sentences and accurate punctuation.

6.Write your letter to the Lighthouse Coast Council. Include a clear position, at least two developed reasons, an explanation of sustainability, a response to a possible concern, and a call to action.

7.Choose how many of these four features you included in your draft: a clear position; reasons supported by explanations or examples; a response to another viewpoint; and a closing call to action.

I included all four features.
I included three of the four features.
I included two or fewer features.

8.Copy one word or phrase from your letter that is intended to persuade the council, then explain how it supports your argument.

9.Revise this sentence so it is more precise and persuasive: “The bins are good and people should use them because rubbish is bad.”

10.Choose the level that best describes your letter in each area. Emerging: the feature is missing or unclear. Developing: it is present but needs more detail. Proficient: it is clear and well supported. Mastery: it is convincing, well developed and considers complexity. Rate your argument and evidence, understanding of sustainability, organisation and persuasive language, and grammar and editing.

11.Name one strength in your letter and one specific change you would make to improve it before sending it to the council.