1. Draw this web in your writing section, but do not write in the circles Thesis Statement/ Controlling idea Reason 1Reason 2 Example

2. Prompt Write a letter persuading someone to change a rule. You can write to Mr. Valamides about changing a school rule, to your parents about changing a rule at home, to a teacher about a classroom rule, the state legislature about a law, or the mayor of your city, etc. 1. Be sure to use at least one of the persuasive techniques to convince them of your idea. 2. Make sure you can state at least two GOOD REASONS for wanting the rule changed. 3. Use evidence (support) to back up your claim.

3. Ideas for Topics School Rules 1. Longer passing period 2. Using the courtyards as a reward 3. Eating food in class Home Rules 1. Stay up later 2. Being able to have a pet 3. “Family Day” every week City Rules 1. No smoking in public places 2. No plastic or paper bags in stores State Laws 1. Raising the driving age 2. No standardized tests

4. Ms. Cox’s Example Sixth graders should be allowed to chew gum. Difficult to manage Gum helps performance Too many battles, takes too much time Detentions should be for more serious things Test-takers do better when chewing gum Keeps students focused

5. Jose U.’s Example Doing away with paper and plastic bags Hard on environment Not safe Bags end up in landfills, which are getting really full already Animals eat them and it could kill them (suffocate or die if in their stomachs Kids can suffocate in them Can be used to hurt others Resources to make bags Our pets can eat them and get sick

6. What you’re doing today: 1. Decide who you will persuade and what rule you want them to change. Write the “topic” at the top of your page. 2. Prewriting: Fill in your web with your claim and your evidence (reasons and examples) to back it up. 3. Drafting: On the next page in your journal, begin forming the sentences that will be in your letter.