Teacher Notes

Symbols I do: my turn to talk. This is the explanation section of our lesson where you are required to listen. We do: this is where we discuss or work on the concepts together. You do: your turn to be involved. You may be working in a group or on an activity individually.

Writing Persuasive Texts

Persuasive Texts - Overview The purpose of a persuasive text is to convince the reader or listener to agree with a particular viewpoint on a topic or issue. There are many types of persuasive texts, such as: advertisements debates newspaper editorials election speeches. Persuasive texts are usually written about topical issues that people might have varied opinions about e.g. whether or not homework is necessary for students. Persuasive texts usually follow a clear and distinct structure.

Persuasive Texts - Structure Title – the topic of the text, which may be presented as a ‘for’ or ‘against’ statement e.g. Homework is Unnecessary. Opening Statement – the author introduces the topic of the text and outlines his or her viewpoint about the topic. Series of Arguments – the author presents a number of arguments, intended to convince the reader to support his or her viewpoint. Concluding Statement – the author summarises the arguments presented and reinforces his or her viewpoint about the topic.

Persuasive Structure - Example Title Stop Polluting the Ocean How would you feel if there were plastic bottles, chemicals, ripped fishing nets and other containers strewn all around your house? This is the state of many oceans around the world. It is vital that humans stop destroying our precious oceans with these careless acts of pollution. Opening Statement

Persuasive Structure - Example Series of Arguments There are many things we can do in our everyday lives to help reduce this environmental disaster. Drink water from the tap; instead of from plastic bottles. Also, take reusable shopping bags to the supermarket; instead of using plastic ones. Think about the amount of garbage you produce; don’t waste unnecessarily. If you see rubbish while you are outdoors; you should pick it up and dispose of it responsibly.

Persuasive Structure - Example Concluding Statement Ocean pollution is everyone’s problem. We must work together to protect our oceans and save these precious environments for future generations.

Persuasive Structure – Example Can you label the persuasive structure correctly? Title Childhood Obesity must be Prevented It is estimated that around 10% of children around the world, aged 5-17 years, are overweight. This is a terrifying statistic. For the sake of their children, parents must force them to eat healthily and exercise regularly. This is our only choice if we are to reverse this frightening situation. Opening Statement

Persuasive Structure – Example Series of Arguments Firstly, children must consume foods that are low in fat, sugar and salt. When children eat a healthy diet, gaining excess weight is unlikely. Experts believe that water is the best choice of beverage for children; sugary drinks such as sodas are a dangerous health hazard and should be avoided at all times. Secondly, children must be physically active on a regular basis. This could mean playing a team sport, swimming, dancing or just running around with friends. Whilst screen time such as watching television or using an iPad can be enjoyable relaxation time, these activities must be limited to an hour or two a day.

Persuasive Structure – Example Concluding Statement In conclusion, parents must take action to improve childhood obesity statistics around the world. A balanced diet and regular exercise are extremely important to maintaining a healthy weight. These health messages must be followed if we are to keep our children safe, fit and healthy.

Review Use your knowledge of persuasive text structure to unjumble and correctly sequence the texts provided in the Sequencing Persuasive Texts Worksheets.

Persuasive Texts – Language Persuasive texts use formal, clear and persuasive language. This helps the author to convince the reader or listener to agree with their view. Here are some examples of language you might find in a persuasive text: use of the verb ‘to be’ in the present tense use of thinking verbs to describe mental processes use of connecting words and phrases to link arguments together use of cause and effect connectives to show consequences use of strong, emotive words to emphasise a point use of modality to express different levels of certainty. Let’s find some examples of this language in the two texts we have examined so far.

Persuasive Language - Example present tense There are many things we can do in our everyday lives to help reduce this environmental disaster. Drink water from the tap; instead of from plastic bottles. Also, take reusable shopping bags to the supermarket; instead of using plastic ones. Think about the amount of garbage you produce; don’t waste unnecessarily. If you see rubbish while you are outdoors; you should pick it up and dispose of it responsibly. emotive words connecting word thinking verbs cause and effect modality

Persuasive Language - Example Can you label the persuasive language correctly? connecting word Firstly, children must consume foods that are low in fat, sugar and salt. When children eat a healthy diet, gaining excess weight is unlikely. Experts believe that water is the best choice of beverage for children; sugary drinks such as sodas are a dangerous health hazard and should be avoided at all times. cause and effect thinking verbs present tense emotive words modality

Review Use your knowledge of persuasive language to colour code the texts provided in the Identifying Persuasive Language Worksheets.