Writing
Our Current Writing Focus: Persuasion
Now that we've built our skills in narrative writing, and informational texts, let's turn our attention to persuasive writing. Here are the texts types we will be looking at this term along with a sample text:
Sample of Discussion TextThe Pros and Cons of School Uniform
School uniforms are dress codes that are determined by the teaching institutions and students has to follow the designed code obediently every day. Many people believe that school uniforms should be applied but the others don’t. Uniforms have various advantages for both the family and the child. A united school apparel can relief a financial stress of the backs of many families. As kids tend to compete and imitate each other, the race of following new trends in fashion or, providing different attire for every school day is considered a financial burden, not every family can afford it. Additionally, a uniform creates a sense of equality between all pupils. Young kids tend to judge others according to their look and what they wear. Uniting their school attire will draw their attention to other criteria and, the only advantage of one student over another would be personality, academic achievement or being good at sports. On the other hand, as repetition can lead to boredom, children can get frustrated of wearing same thing to school every day. Also, prevent their first steps of individuality by taking away their right to choose what to wear on their own free well. In conclusion, I believe uniforms aren’t meant to suppress the creativity or freedom of children. It helps redirecting kids’ creativity towards more important things than outer look, and waive financial burden of their families. Anonymous Student Work Sample |
Writing TipsNotice that in Paragraph 1 that the writer defines the topic and outlines their intention to discuss reasons both for and against school uniforms. Paragraphs 2 & 3 give reasons for the introduction of uniforms. In your own writing use examples and supporting evidence where possible. Notice how paragraph 2 & 3 are joined by the term 'additionally'. We'll be looking at a list of useful vocabulary like this in class. Paragraph 4 begins with the term 'on the other hand' and proceeds to outline the case against uniforms, again, use examples and supporting evidence in your own writing where possible. The final paragraph begins with 'In conclusion'. It attempts to summarise the preceding arguments. You may like to offer an opinion here or state which argument appears the stronger. |
Just for Fun - Be the Teacher
Now that you've finished studying this work sample, why not test your teaching skills? Read through the passage again and see if you can spot any spelling or grammatical errors. Think about how you would correct them, and how you might teach this student about their errors if they were in your class.
Now that you've finished studying this work sample, why not test your teaching skills? Read through the passage again and see if you can spot any spelling or grammatical errors. Think about how you would correct them, and how you might teach this student about their errors if they were in your class.
More tips for persuasive writing
Writing Skills
Can you find and identify the different examples of figurative language used in this fun video?
You may like to refer to the document that we used in class (below) to remind yourself of some of the techniques used by the very best authors.
You may like to refer to the document that we used in class (below) to remind yourself of some of the techniques used by the very best authors.
Are you an interested author looking to build your writing skills? Why not try some of the activities at K-12 Reader below.
Or, explore the poetry of Shel Silverstein by clicking on the pic above. What literary devices can you find in his work?
The poem 'Sick' could be a fun place to start.
The poem 'Sick' could be a fun place to start.
More Figurative Language Fun
More Writing Skills Activities
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Learn to write in paragraphs.
This excerpt from the novel Number the Stars by Lois Lowry has had the paragraphs removed. Read the passage then mark the points where you believe a new paragraph is required. Compare your responses with others and the original work of the author. Translate your skills to your writing. |
Learn to use power words.
This excerpt from a speech by Winston Churchill uses power words to create a sense of power, strength and fear. Try creating your own list of power words for each of the human emotions and integrate them into your next piece of writing to create a mood and draw an emotional response from your reader. |
Creative Writing Stimuli
Love writing but need some inspiration to get started? Here are some of the writing prompts we've looked at in class this year.
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Writing Stimulus #7 - Trapped in a Jar
Who is she? How did she end up in this predicament? Is she a good or evil character? Is the beginning of the story, a complication, a resolution or the conclusion? From whose point of view are you going to tell the story? |
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Writing Stimulus #6 - (Halloween) The Cabin in the Woods
You are alone in the woods when you come across a cabin. What comes next will send chills down your spine for years to come. Tell your story. Writing Stimulus #5 - Inside the Mind
Draw your head then fill it with words and pictures that show what's going on in there. How much room is taken up by happy thoughts? By good memories? By your interests? Does your inner voice speak to you in kindness? Writing Stimulus #4 - The Big Leap.
What led to this situation? Who is she? How does this scenario end? Write a poem, song, skit, or short story based around this image and share your work with the class. We can't wait to hear your creations. Geronimo! P.S. I wonder why people yell this when they jump. Why not do a little research and share your discoveries with the class during Student Showcase time? Who is Geronimo? |
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Free Writing Stimulus - Ember #3
What fate is about to befall Ember? You decide. Write the next part of her story. Is it a happy-ever-after affair or a tale of woe and grief? Who is the author of the mysterious letter? Let the story unfold. P.S. There's something very unusual about the language in this story starter. Be a reading detective. Have a closer look at all the words containing the letters 'ea'. What do you notice? |
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Free Writing Stimulus #2
Is this the beginning of your story? The end? A complication? Plan your writing. Who are the characters? What challenges will they face? How will they overcome them? What will they learn? P.S. This pic reminds me of a joke - How do you get down from a horse? You don't. You get down from a duck. :) |
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Free Writing Stimulus #1
What would the world be like if people could not lie? An interesting topic for an exposition, discussion or narrative. Choose your text type, plan your writing and share your ideas. P.S. Does my bum look big in this? |