Year 2 Bulletin
English
Literacy: Creating Texts
Writing Traits: Word Choice, Ideas
Writing a Persuasive Text
Persuasive writing is a form of non-fiction writing that encourages careful word choice, the development of logical arguments, and a summary of opinion. It is writing that tries to convince the reader of the writer’s opinion.
When starting a persuasive text, planning is need -the topic is selected; opinion statement written, and supportive reasons gathered,
Learning Intention:To use the structure and features of a persuasive text as a model for writing.
Learning Experience Overview
To begin with, we came together as a year level, to clarify the difference between fact and opinion, and how this could be expressed. We defined persuasive texts as writing that tries to convince the reader of the writer’s opinion.
We considered several statements, where students had to either agree or disagree and give reasons.
e.g. Animals should not be kept in zoos/Students should not have homework
We broke down the meaning of our Learning Intention, with particular attention to the structure, and specific parts of a persuasive text.
Our topic was given - ‘Cats are better than Dogs’, and we brainstormed reasons, For and Against the argument.
Each student pasted a copy of the Opinion sentence starters, below, in their Writing books.
They constructed an opening argument, clearly stating their view on the topic. Then reasons had to be given, to support that argument. The focus was to think about word choice and descriptive language, and convincing the reader to think differently.
Prompts were given for:
- use of sentence starters
- giving more details or personal experiences, relating to the topic
- explanations of reasons
They produced the rough copy, which was then individually conferenced to edit according to the Learning Intention. Again, the focus was on the structure and features of a persuasive text.
From the corrected version, they then copied out the final version, which you will see.
Prompts/questions/responses
Helpful ideas to use during planning a persuasive text:
- What is the difference between a fact and an opinion?
- Does your opinion need to be based on fact?
- What reasons do you have for thinking that way?
- How much do you know about xxxx?
- Can you think of any special things that might convince your reader?
- How can you make the reader believe what you do?
- What reasons might convince a reader to change their mind?
To continue the learning at home, from this experience
- Continue to encourage your child/ren to discuss issues with you, where they clearly have to state their opinion, and give good reasons for it. For example: Homework should be banned in schools/ All schools should have a canteen/ School uniform should not be compulsory
- Practise using the sentence starters from the chart , above:
I believe
I think
I agree
I know
I feel - You might like to write a persuasive piece together, alternating each line or collaborating on ideas.
- Or you could take the opposite sides of the argument, and try to convince each other.
- Notice ways with words and explicit vocabulary which is used to convince someone to change their opinion, for example in advertising
- Be available to help them with spelling and editing their writing.
- Type it up on the computer.
- Encourage ideas for discussion of opinions, focussing on backing up their ideas with reasons
PLEASE NOTE:
The Investigations Helper Roster is on the door of 2E.
Mrs Evans and Rosanna
Year 2 Team