Writing skills for applications: Concept 4: Persuasive: Grade KG to Grade 12

Writing skills particular to the applications listed here may be taught across the curriculum, although some applications may lend themselves more readily to specific content areas. It is imperative that students write in all content areas in order to increase their communication skills, and ultimately to improve their understanding of content area concepts.  When appropriate, other content standards are referenced to show interdisciplinary connections.

Concept 4: Persuasive

Persuasive writing is used for the purpose of influencing the reader. The author presents an issue and expresses an opinion in order to convince an audience to agree with the opinion or to take a particular action.

Kindergarten Grade 1 Grade 2
NA

NA NA
Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5
PO 1.  Write persuasive text (e.g., advertisement, paragraph) that attempts to influence the reader.

PO 1.  Write persuasive text (e.g., advertisement, paragraph) that attempts to influence the reader. PO 1.  Write persuasive text (e.g., advertisement, paragraphs) that attempts to influence the reader.
Grade 6
Grade 7 Grade 8
PO 1.  Write persuasive text  (e.g., essay, paragraph, written communications) that:

a.     establishes and develops a controlling idea

b.     supports arguments with detailed evidence

c.     includes persuasive techniques

d.     excludes irrelevant information

PO 1.  Write persuasive text  (e.g., essay, paragraph, written communications) that:

a.     establishes and develops a controlling idea

b.     supports arguments with detailed evidence

c.     includes persuasive techniques

d.     excludes irrelevant information

e.     attributes sources of information when appropriate

PO 1.  Write persuasive text  (e.g., essay, paragraph, written communications) that:

a.     establishes and develops a controlling idea

b.     supports arguments with detailed evidence

c.     includes persuasive techniques

d.     excludes irrelevant information

e.     attributes sources of information when appropriate

High School: Grade 9
PO 1.  Write a persuasive composition (e.g., business letter, essay) that:

a.     states a position or claim

b.     presents detailed evidence, examples, and reasoning to support effective arguments and emotional appeals

c.     attributes sources of information when appropriate

d.     structures ideas

e.     addresses the reader’s concerns

Example:  Write a letter to the principal to persuade him/her to support your views on some educational policy (e.g., open campus, cheating, year-round school, scheduling)

High School: Grade 10
PO 1.  Write a persuasive composition (e.g., business letter, essay, letter to the editor) that:

a.     states a position or claim

b.     presents detailed evidence, examples, and reasoning to support effective arguments and emotional appeals

c.     attributes sources of information when appropriate

d.     structures ideas

e.     addresses the reader’s concerns

Example:  Write a letter to a television network to persuade the network to keep a program on the air despite low ratings.

High School: Grade 11
PO 1.  Write a persuasive composition (e.g., speech, editorial, letter to the editor, public service announcement) that:

a.     states a position or claim

b.     presents detailed evidence, examples, and reasoning to support effective arguments and emotional appeals

c.     attributes sources of information when appropriate

d.     structures ideas

e.     acknowledges and refutes opposing arguments

Example:  Write a letter to the editor about a community issue (e.g., teen curfew laws, racial profiling, affirmative action).

High School: Grade 12
PO 1.  Write a persuasive composition (e.g., speech, editorial, letter to the editor, public service announcement) that:

a.     states a position or claim

b.     presents detailed evidence, examples, and reasoning to support effective arguments and emotional appeals

c.     attributes sources of information when appropriate

d.     structures ideas

e.     acknowledges and refutes opposing arguments

Example:  Write a public service announcement persuading citizens to vote.