Why or why not? - Goldfieldsliteracy

1
Persuasive
Guarding the Garden
JACOB TAPOSCHANER/FPG
Persuasive
1
Dear Editor,
Please help stop the city from destroying our garden.
My neighbors and I have planted a beautiful garden in
an empty lot. The lot has been “empty” for ten years.
Thanks to us, flowers now bloom there. Trees are starting
to take root. Birds and butterflies are going there.
Now the city wants to bulldoze our garden. It plans to
put up an apartment building. Without our garden, we
will have no green in our lives. There are no parks near
us. There are no other trees.
Please help us try to get the city to leave our garden
alone.
Sincerely yours,
Philip Hong
Level 2
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
Why did Philip and his
neighbors make a garden
in the empty lot?
2
Who do you think owns
this piece of land?
3
What might the city do
that would make Philip
and his neighbors happy?
Writer’s Response
1
2
In the second paragraph,
why does Philip place
quotation marks (“ ”)
around the word empty?
When Philip says, “We
will have no green in our
lives,” what does he
mean? Why did he use the
word green?
Do you think
before you
write, ‘What word is
EXACT
just right here?’
WORDS
Philip Hong did. By
using exact words,
he made clear
pictures in readers’
minds. He also used fewer words.
The words flowers bloom tell what was
planted. They also help us imagine the pretty
place the garden must be. The words take root
tell us that trees were planted too. The words
also remind us that the trees are living,
growing things. These words are more exact
than saying, ‘We planted flowers and trees
there.’ Find the word bulldoze. Why is
it more exact than saying tear up?
What special place
✏
would you like to see saved
”
or fixed up? Write a letter to
a newspaper. Give reasons
why this place is needed.
Think of a park or
✏
other place you go to enjoy
nature. Write a paragraph about it. Use
exact words to help readers see, smell, and
feel this place.
What kind of garden would you plant?
✏
Make a drawing of your garden plan. Label
the plants. Write a description of your
garden.
Level 2
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Persuasive
2
KEN BOHN/ SEA WORLD
As a baby, J.J. got milk. Now she eats fish.
Persuasive
2
People Should Not Capture Whales
Have you ever seen a whale at a
sea park? It is fun to see these huge
animals. But people should not keep
whales in parks. They belong in the
ocean.
A baby gray whale washed up on a
beach in 1997. She was sick and
hungry. Workers at Sea World in San
Diego helped her. They fed her a
drink that was like the milk from a
mother whale. The whale, named
J.J., soon gained weight. She gained
Level 2
about two pounds every hour!
Finally, she weighed more than
17,000 pounds. She was 29 feet long.
She was healthy.
The Sea World workers did not
keep J.J. They put her back into the
ocean. They knew that other whales
would teach her to get food. They
know that whales should swim all
over the ocean. They should not be
kept in water parks.
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
Why do you think people
like to look at whales at
sea parks?
2
How do you think the Sea
World workers felt about
putting J.J. back into the
ocean? Why do you think
so?
3
Do you think J.J. will have
a hard time out in the
ocean? Explain your
answer.
I love whales!
They are
amazing. I have
written articles that
A REASON
TO WRITE
tell people about
these interesting
animals. When I
wrote this article, I
had a different purpose. I wanted to make
people agree that whales should be set free.
The story about J.J. helped me make my
point. The story shows how people can help
whales that are in trouble. Yet, the people who
helped J.J. let her go. They knew that was best
for her. J.J.’s story tells me that animal lovers
think whales should be free. I hope the story
about J.J. convinces readers that whales
should be free.
Do you think the Sea
✏
World workers did the right
Writer’s Response
1
What does the writer
want readers to decide
after reading her article?
2
The writer tells some
interesting details about
J.J. Why does the writer
do that?
”
thing? Write a letter to Sea
World. Explain your
opinion.
Make a story board
✏
timeline that starts when J.J.
was found on the beach and ends when she
was put back in the ocean.
You are a scientist at Sea World who
✏
helped care for J.J. Write an entry in your log
telling about a day in J.J.’s life at Sea World.
Level 2
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Persuasive
3
JESSICA WECKER
Persuasive
3
Play with Your Food
Does the stuff that goes into your
school lunch make you laugh? Well,
these fruits and vegetables surely
will.
The book, How Are You Peeling?
by S. Freymann and J. Elffeers, has
lots of cool photos. They show funny,
strange, and silly faces made from
food.
The authors of this book use stems
for noses and seeds for eyes. They
Level 2
turn an orange into a laughing head.
They change an onion into a worried
face.
The book does something else
besides make you smile. It shows
you it’s okay to be upset sometimes.
Look for How Are You Peeling? in
the library. Use the photos to make
your own faces out of food. For once,
Mom may be happy you are playing
with your food.
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
This is a review of the
book How Are You
Peeling?. Why is the word
peeling used in the book
title?
2
What are two things this
book could teach you?
3
What face would you
make out of food? Draw or
tell about it.
Writer’s Response
1
2
What is surprising about
the title of this review (not
the title of the book)? Why
did the author use this
title?
How does the last
sentence tie in to the title
of the review?
Synonyms are
words that
have about the same
meaning. They help
SYNONYMS
keep you from using
one word over and
over. Funny is a
good word to
describe How Are You Peeling? But using
that word five times in this review would be
boring.
I used several synonyms for funny. Their
meanings are all a little bit different. Happy
describes the feeling you get from something
funny. Silly means funny in a foolish way.
Laugh and smile name the actions that funny
things cause. Synonyms can keep
writing interesting.
What is the funniest
✏
book you know? Write a
”
review of the book. Tell why
it is funny and why kids
should read it.
Think of a way to use
✏
food to make art. Tell how to
make the art. List everything you need. Write
the steps in order.
Find out more about your favorite fruit
✏
or vegetable. Write a paragraph telling how it
grows. Add a picture if you wish.
Level 2
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
4
Persuasive
Keep Lockers Locked
RON CHAPPLE/FPG
Persuasive
4
Dear Editor,
I am in third grade. Last month, my principal searched
my locker. He was looking for stolen books.
I don’t think it is fair that someone in school can look in
my locker without my okay. I believe this for two reasons.
First, my parents told me the law says you must have a
good reason to search someone’s things. My principal did
not have a good reason. He just guessed the books were in
my locker.
Second, we need to feel safe and in control. This helps us
do well in school. When people search our lockers, they
take away our control.
Sincerely,
Jessica Hamlin
Level 2
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
Why does Jessica Hamlin
think it was wrong for the
principal to search her
locker?
2
What do you think would
be a good reason to
search someone’s locker?
3
Why might some kids feel
unsafe if their lockers are
searched without their
okay?
Writer’s Response
1
Why did the writer begin
by telling readers she is in
third grade?
2
What words begin the last
two paragraphs? Why
does the writer use these
words?
Level 2
The feeling
that comes
through the words
you write is called
TONE
the tone. It’s like
your tone of voice
when you talk.
When the
principal searched my locker, I was scared
and angry. I didn’t want my letter to have
that tone. You can’t convince people you
are right by yelling and screaming. Then
they hear only your anger or fear. You need
to have good reasons and be fair. I waited
and thought about why this act made me so
mad. Then I just told the facts and gave my
reasons. This made my tone calm and
reasonable.
”
Do you think lockers
✏
should be searched without
asking kids? Give your
opinion and two reasons
that support it.
When should adults
✏
be able to go through kids’ things? Write a list
of times when you think it would be okay.
Pretend you are the editor Jessica
✏
Hamlin wrote to. Write a letter back to her.
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Persuasive
5
THOR SWIFT/IMPACT VISUALS
A teacher in San Francisco, California, gives an American history lesson in Chinese.
Persuasive
5
Schools Should Help
All Kids Learn English
What if your teacher used a
language you didn’t know? Many
kids in California may soon have this
problem! They do not speak English.
Their families are from other
countries. California schools teach
classes in 55 languages. When kids
learn English, they move to regular
classes. But a new law could take
away most classes in other
Level 2
languages. Kids would have just one
year to learn English.
Some people want the new law.
They think classes in many
languages cost too much. But
President Clinton is against the law.
He thinks it will make many kids fall
behind in school. He is right! People
should vote against this unfair law.
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
Why would learning to
read be easier in your own
language?
2
What change would the
new California law bring
to California schools?
3
Suppose the new law is
passed. How do you think
kids from other countries
will do in California
schools?
Writer’s Response
1
2
Find a sentence that ends
with an exclamation
point. Why did the writer
choose to use an
exclamation point with
this sentence?
Why do you think the
writer tells what President
Clinton thinks about the
California law?
Level 2
I want to keep
my readers
interested. One way I
KINDS OF
do this is by using
SENTENCES
different kinds of
sentences—
statements, questions,
exclamations. Look at
my first three
sentences. I began with a question. Then I used
an exclamation. Next I wrote a statement.
Using different kinds of sentences keeps
readers on their toes. I have to be on my toes
too. I have to use the right punctuation for each
kind of sentence. A question needs a question
mark. An exclamation needs an exclamation
point. A statement needs a period. Using the
right punctuation helps readers
understand each sentence’s meaning.
Do you think the
✏
California law is a good one?
”
Write a letter to the governor of
your state. Tell why you think
a law like this would or would
not be good for the kids in
your state.
Think of a way to help
✏
all students do well in school. Write a
newspaper article that explains your idea.
Interview someone who speaks another
✏
language. What was easy about learning the
language? What was hard? What is good
about knowing the language? Write about what
you learn.
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Persuasive
6
DISNEY/COURTESY NPC
Persuasive
6
Mulan Is Movie Magic
Are you looking for a good movie
to watch?
Then you should rent Mulan!
The movie is about a girl named
Mulan. She lives in China. The
movie takes place hundreds of years
ago. Mulan doesn’t want her sick
father to fight in a war. So she
dresses up like a soldier. She goes to
war in her father’s place.
Level 2
Mulan has enough action to fill
three movies. The animation is
amazing. A tiny dragon named
Mushu makes tons of crazy jokes. He
will keep you laughing.
Most Disney movies have great
songs. Too bad the songs in Mulan
are boring and lame. Just fastforward through these songs and
you’ll love the movie!
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
What is the problem to be
solved in Mulan? Why is it
interesting?
2
What would you like best
about Mulan—the action,
animation, or jokes?
Explain.
I like to give
readers a
good idea of what
TITLES THAT
to expect in my
TELL
review. The title
can help sum up
the main idea. It
should also get
readers’ attention and interest them.
I liked Mulan very much and wanted
kids to see it. I decided on the title ‘Mulan
Is Movie Magic’ for these reasons:
1. It states that the movie is great.
2. It has three words that begin with m.
That sounds catchy.
3. The word magic gets attention. It
suggests that this movie will have
a powerful effect on you.
Writer’s Response
1
2
3
Why does the author tell
so much about the girl
Mulan in the third
paragraph?
What does the author tell
about in the fourth
paragraph? Why are these
details included?
The author does not like
the songs in Mulan. Why
is this opinion included?
What is your favorite
✏
kids’ TV show? Write a
”
review. Tell why the show is
good and why kids will like
it. Give your review a title.
Make a poster ad for
✏
Mulan. Draw pictures and
add sentences that will make kids want to
watch the movie.
Think of a movie you have seen
✏
recently. Write a description of the movie’s
characters and a summary of the movie’s
plot.
Level 2
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Persuasive
7
Too Much TV?
JOSE L. PELAEZ/THE STOCK MARKET
Persuasive
7
Dear Editor,
I read your article “Too Much TV for Kids.” You wrote
that kids shouldn’t watch more than 30 minutes of TV
each day. This is bad advice for three reasons.
(1) Most movies are longer than 30 minutes. For
example, I just watched Charlotte’s Web. It was a great
story and a good movie for kids.
(2) Most nature shows are one hour long. These
shows have lots of important information.
(3) The news can last for an hour. My parents like me
to watch the news with them.
Sincerely,
Roberto Ramirez
Level 2
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
Why should kids watch
the news? Do you think
many kids do? Why or
why not?
2
What are some TV shows
you think Roberto
Ramirez might like to
watch?
3
Which of Ramirez’s
reasons is most
convincing to you? Why is
it convincing?
Writer’s Response
1
2
What does Ramirez tell in
the first two sentences?
Why?
Why do you think
Ramirez mentions
movies, nature shows,
and news? Why doesn’t
he mention cartoons and
comedies?
Pronouns are words
that take the place
of nouns. They help
PRONOUNS
writers keep from
I, ME, AND MY
using the same
nouns again and
again.
Roberto Ramirez
used the pronouns I, me, and my instead of
his name. Look at the last sentence of his
letter. If he hadn’t used my and me, here’s
how that sentence would look: “Roberto’s
parents like for Roberto to watch the news
with them.” That sounds like Roberto is
writing about someone else, not himself!
When he uses I, me, and my, he tells
readers he is writing about himself and
what he sees, feels, and thinks.
What movie would you
✏
like to see? Write a speech to
convince your parents it
would be good for you to see
the movie.
How much TV do you
✏
watch? Keep track. Write
down the name and length of each show
you watch for a week. Then write a
description of your TV habits.
Write a list of things you could do
✏
instead of watching TV. Pick your top three.
Tell why they are tops.
Level 2
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Persuasive
8
RAGHU RAI/MAGNUM
ROBERT NICKELSBERG
People have shared India’s rain
forests with tigers for many years.
CHINA
New Delhi
A Korku woman cooks her family’s meal.
Persuasive
8
Tigers and People
Can Get Along
The rain forest in India is the
home of the Bengal tiger. Once
hundreds of tigers roamed the forest.
Now there are only 70. Indian
leaders want to save the tigers. They
have made laws to protect the tigers.
Other laws protect the forest.
The Korku people also live in the
rain forest. They gather food and
firewood there. Their cattle graze
there. Indian leaders want to move
Level 2
INDIA
Melghat
Tiger
Reserve
Bay of
Bengal
Indian
Ocean
the Korku to protect the tigers. They
will not let the Korku get wood or
food from the forest. This will make
their lives very hard.
This is wrong. People must help
animals. But animals should not be
treated better than people. The
Korku should be able to stay in their
forest. They say they will not hurt
the tigers. One Korku man said, “We
respect one another.”
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
Why does the Indian
government want the
Korku to leave the rain
forest?
2
Why do the Korku people
want to stay in the rain
forest?
3
Do you think the people
and the tigers can both
live in the rain forest?
Why or why not?
Writer’s Response
1
2
The Indian leaders want
to move the Korku out of
the rain forest. What does
the writer think about
this?
Name one fact the writer
uses to support her
opinion.
Verbs
describe
actions. Almost
USING VIVID
everything you
VERBS
write describes
some kind of
action. That is why
I always try to use
interesting verbs. Some of the verbs I
chose for this article were roamed, graze,
and gather. I could have just said that the
tigers lived in the forest. But the verb
roamed gives readers a lively picture of the
tigers.
You need to use verbs for all kinds of
writing. So don’t just use any old verb.
Vivid verbs are a great way to add
zip to your writing!
Many animals are in
✏
danger of dying out. What
”
animal would you like to
save? Write an article about
the animal. Tell people why
they should work to save it.
Find out more about
✏
Bengal tigers. Make a poster with pictures,
facts, and other information.
Pretend you took a trip to the rain forest
✏
in India. Write a postcard to a friend. Tell
what you saw in the forest.
Level 2
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Persuasive
9
All Clouds Allowed
Persuasive
9
JESSICA WECKER
What if clouds were sick of being
mostly round? Sector 7, by David
Wiesner, is a clever book about this
idea.
In the book, a boy meets a cloud.
They become friends. The cloud
carries the boy to Sector 7. This is
where the clouds are made. The boy
creates new shapes for the clouds.
Level 2
Now they look like fish!
The boy learns that an open mind
is the key to happiness.
Sector 7 does not have many
words. You have to imagine what the
characters are saying. Each time you
open the book, you can make up a
new story.
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
Would you say this book is
fantasy or real? Why?
2
The word open has many
meanings. What does it
mean to have an “open
mind”?
3
Why do you think Sector 7
doesn’t have many
words?
Writer’s Response
1
How does the writer get
across the main idea of
Sector 7? Is this a good
way to begin? Tell why.
2
Make a chart of the
person, place, thing, and
idea words the writer
uses.
You know that
nouns name
persons, places, and
KINDS OF
things. Some nouns
NOUNS
name things you can
see and touch. In
this review, I used
the nouns friends,
cloud, boy, and book. But some things, such
as feelings, cannot be seen or touched. These
names are nouns, too.
Read this sentence: ‘The boy learns that an
open mind is the key to happiness.’ Boy and
key are nouns, that’s easy to see. Mind and
happiness name things you cannot see or
touch. These nouns name ideas. They helped
me tell about an important point in
the book.
Think of a book with
✏
wonderful pictures. Write a
”
letter to a friend. Tell about
the book so he or she will
want to read it.
If you could shape
✏
clouds, what shapes would you choose?
Why? Write your ideas and explain them.
What story could you tell mostly with
✏
pictures? Draw it. Write any words you need
under the pictures.
Level 2
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Persuasive
10
Meet a Vegetarian
CHARLES GUPTON/THE STOCK MARKET
Persuasive
10
Dear Principal Jacobs,
The school cafeteria menu should change. I am a
vegetarian, which means that I do not eat meat. All the
main dishes in the cafeteria have meat in them. Even the
soup is made with chicken stock. This is not fair.
I believe it is wrong to kill animals and eat them. And
my mom says she pays taxes. These taxes help pay for the
food that I eat at school.
Please ask the cafeteria to serve more salad, spaghetti,
and vegetables. This way there will be choices for people
who eat meat and for those who don’t.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Shaniece Johnson
Second Grade
Level 2
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
Why is Shaniece Johnson
unable to eat school
lunches?
2
Why does her mom think
the school should offer
vegetarian foods?
3
Do you think that school
cafeterias should offer a
choice? Why or why not?
Writer’s Response
1
2
Why does Johnson write
this letter to Principal
Jacobs? Why doesn’t she
write it to the local paper?
Why does Johnson
include words like not fair
and wrong in her letter?
A fact tells
something that is
true or that really
happened. It can be
FACT VS.
proved to be true. An
OPINION
opinion tells
something that a
person thinks. It may
or may not be true.
Look at Shaniece’s letter. The first sentence
is an opinion. It tells about something
Shaniece thinks should happen. The second
sentence is a fact. It tells about something that
is true.
Clue words can help you tell what are
opinions. For example, the word should in the
first sentence tells you that is an opinion.
Look at the rest of Shaniece’s letter. Which
sentences are facts? Which are opinions? How
can you tell?
Do you agree with
✏
Shaniece Johnson? Why or
why not? Write a letter to
her. Give your opinion and
reasons for it.
What new foods
✏
would you like your school
to serve for lunch? Why? Write what you
would say to convince the principal.
People love to eat. Make a poster
✏
showing your favorite foods. Write a
description for each food. Tell why you
like it.
Level 2
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Persuasive
11
Persuasive
11
Brand Names in
Textbooks Are
Sneaky!
Have you ever read about
M&M®s or Nike® shoes in your
math book? Some kids have. Some
companies that make math
textbooks used brand names in their
math problems. In California leaders
have decided not to use these books.
They are right. Schoolbooks are not
the place for brand names.
The textbook companies say
brand names can make math
more interesting. They say they did
not get money from the makers of
the products for using the names.
But many parents think the math
problems with brand names look too
much like ads. They don’t want
companies to use textbooks to sell
their products to kids.
Kids see ads for candy and gym
shoes everywhere. They should
not see brand names when they
open a math book!
Level 2
Textbook makers say
brand names make
learning fun. But are they
too much like ads?
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
Why do some parents
think brand names should
not be used in textbooks?
2
Do you think brand names
would make math
problems more
interesting? Why or why
not?
3
If you did a math problem
about a certain brand of
candy, do you think it
would make you want to
buy the candy? Why or
why not?
After I have
written down
my ideas, I carefully
proofread my
CAPITAL
LETTERS
writing. One thing I
check is capital
letters. I always
remember to use a
capital letter to begin each sentence. Other
rules for using capital letters can be tricky.
Names of people and places, like President
Clinton or California, begin with capital
letters. Words that name a product brand
also begin with capital letters.
In my article I used two brand names,
M&M® and Nike®. When I proofread my
writing, I made sure that I used capital
letters correctly for these brand names.
Should textbooks use
✏
brand names? Write a letter
Writer’s Response
1
2
What word does the
writer use in the title to
show how she feels about
her topic?
Why does the writer use a
capital letter at the
beginning of the word
California?
Level 2
”
to a textbook company. Tell
why it should or should not
use brand names in its
books.
What is your favorite
✏
fruit? Make up an ad for it.
Use words and pictures that will make
people want to eat the fruit.
Write a math story problem. Use
✏
interesting details to make the problem fun
to solve. Include a friend’s name or a favorite
place or activity. Give your problem to a
friend to do.
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Persuasive
12
SEGA ENTERPRISES LTD.
Persuasive
12
Super Sonic
The Supersonics play basketball in
Seattle, Washington, but you don’t
have to go there to meet a super
Sonic. Just rent Sonic Adventure.
You’ll get to play with a real
superstar.
Sonic Adventure is a video game
for Sega Dreamcast. It has the fastest
3-D action of any Sonic game.
Level 2
You must battle the evil Dr.
Robotnik. He wants to use water to
take over the world. Use Sonic’s
special spin to stop him.
If you spent the next month
playing this game, you would still
find new things to do. So move at
supersonic speed and rent this game!
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
What is 3-D action in a
video game? Why is it
good to have?
2
Is Sonic Adventure a
simple game that is easy
to finish? How do you
know?
3
What does supersonic
mean?
Writer’s Response
1
2
What do you think the
writer means by “move at
supersonic speed and rent
this game”? How fast
would this be?
Why do you think the
writer tells about Dr.
Robotnik in the third
paragraph?
Some nouns
take more
than one word to
name a person,
COMPOUND
NOUNS
place, or thing.
These are
compound nouns.
They may be joined
as one word. Or they may be two separate
words. But they name only one person,
place, or thing.
I used compound nouns in this review to
tell you the who and what of this video
game. Sonic Adventure and Sega
Dreamcast tell you the name and maker of
the video game. Dr. Robotnik names the
villain you must beat in the game. Video
game and superstar are also
compound nouns.
You and a friend are
✏
going to rent a video game.
”
Which game is best? Write
what you would say to
convince your friend to rent
that game.
Who or what do you
✏
think is super, or the best of the best?
List your reasons. Then write a paragraph
using those reasons.
Put yourself into the scene pictured on
✏
the front of this card. Describe your battle
with the evil Dr. Robotnik.
Level 2
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Persuasive
13
May I Have a Raise?
ROBERT KOPACKY
Persuasive
13
Dear Mom and Dad,
Please raise my allowance by 50 cents a week. I think
I should get more money for two reasons.
1. I now have more chores to do each week. I promise
to finish each of them. And I will sweep the porch
every weekend, even if you don’t ask me to.
2. The price of stuff, like after-school snacks and
school supplies, has gone up. I need more money
to pay for them.
Please think about these two reasons. And whatever
you decide to do, remember that I think you are the
best parents in the world!
Your daughter,
Emily
Level 2
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
Do you think it was a good
idea for Emily to ask her
parents for a raise in a
letter? Tell why or why
not.
2
What is the best reason
Emily gives for getting a
raise? Explain your
answer.
3
Do you think kids should
have to work for their
allowance or not? Explain
your answer.
Does your
teacher or
parent ever say,
‘Give me an
USING
EXAMPLES
example’?
Examples really
help explain your
ideas. In my letter,
I wrote that the price of stuff had gone up.
I could just hear my parents say, ‘What
kind of stuff?’ So I gave some examples—
after-school snacks and school supplies.
I gave an example of chores, too. I knew
that promising to do a certain job,
sweeping the porch, would help persuade
my parents. Examples help readers picture
exactly what you mean. They are
helpful in every kind of writing.
What would you like to
✏
ask your parents for? A later
Writer’s Response
1
2
Emily wrote her reasons
as a list with numbers.
Was this a good plan?
Why or why not?
Read the last sentence of
the letter. Do you think it
will help Emily get what
she wants? Tell why or
why not.
Level 2
”
bedtime? More time playing
video games? Write a letter
to them. Give reasons that
will persuade them.
Do you think kids
✏
should get an allowance? Why or why
not? Write an essay giving your opinion and
reasons that support it.
Write a journal entry about your
✏
allowance. Answer these questions: How
much do you get? Do you have to do chores
to get it? What do you have to buy with it?
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Persuasive
14
Puerto Rico: The 51st State
GARY CAMERON/REUTERS
Puerto Rico is an island 900 miles
from Miami. It is also part of the U.S.
But it is not a state. The people of
Puerto Rico are American citizens.
But they cannot vote for President.
Puerto Rico sends a person to the
U.S. Congress. But he or she cannot
Governor Pedro Rossello with President Clinton
vote.
Many young Puerto Ricans want
their country to become a state. The governor of Puerto Rico agrees. But
others fear that if it becomes a state, Puerto Rico would lose its language and
its customs. But that hasn’t happened before. It won’t happen now.
Puerto Ricans deserve to have all the rights of American citizens. Puerto
Rico should become the 51st state!
These people in Puerto Rico want their island to be the 51st state.
Persuasive
14
LYNNE SLADKY/AP
Level 2
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
What if Puerto Rico
became a state? How do
you think this would
change life for the Puerto
Rican people?
2
If you were a Puerto
Rican, would you want
your country to become a
state? Why or why not?
3
What would you say to a
Puerto Rican who feared
losing his or her language
and culture?
Writer’s Response
1
2
The author gives
information. She also
states her opinion. Which
is the author’s main
purpose? Explain your
answer.
Does the author think that
Puerto Rico should
become a state? Name
one reason the author
gives for her opinion.
Level 2
I wanted to
write about the
unusual government
USING
of Puerto Rico. I
DETAILS TO
INFORM
wasn’t sure how
much my readers
knew about Puerto
Rico. So I decided to
give some important facts about the island. I
told where and what it is. I explained some of
its people’s rights.
I put the facts about Puerto Rico in the first
paragraph. That way readers could better
understand the decision Puerto Ricans must
make. Readers could also understand my
reasons for my opinion. They could make up
their own minds about whether Puerto
Rico should be a state.
You live in Puerto Rico.
✏
Write a speech telling what
”
you think about Puerto Rico
becoming a state. Give
reasons for your opinion.
What would be the
✏
fairest way for Puerto
Ricans to decide about their country
becoming a state? Write a proposal
explaining your plan.
Find out one interesting custom of the
✏
Puerto Rican people. Write a paragraph that
tells about it. Draw a picture to go with your
paragraph.
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Persuasive
15
JESSICA WECKER
Persuasive
15
Leaf Men to the Rescue
When things get bad, just say
these words: “Leaf Men . . . Leaf
Men . . . we are in need!” This is
what the doodlebugs say in the book
The Leaf Men. The book is by
William Joyce.
The bugs’ garden is in danger. The
roses are drying up. The doodlebugs
call the Leaf Men for help. The Leaf
Level 2
Men can save dying plants. The evil
Spider Queen tries to stop the Leaf
Men with her army of goblins.
There is lots of exciting action in
the book! Did you see the movie Toy
Story? If you liked it, you’ll love The
Leaf Men. Go to the library and
check it out. You will “leave” happy!
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
Why do the doodlebugs
need the Leaf Men?
2
Look at the picture of the
book’s cover. Do the Leaf
Men look like you thought
they would? How did you
think they would look?
Writer’s Response
1
2
Why does the writer put
quotation marks (“ ”)
around words in the first
paragraph? Why are these
words included?
Why does the writer ask
readers if they saw Toy
Story?
A writer builds a
paragraph carefully.
All the details add to
one main idea. They
BUILDING
PARAGRAPHS
must be in a good
order. One detail
should lead to the
next one in a way
that makes sense.
Reread the second paragraph. The first
sentence gives the main idea. (danger in the
garden) Then readers need to know why the
garden is in danger. (roses drying up) Next
they learn what the bugs do. (call Leaf Men)
This leads readers to ask: “What can Leaf Men
do?” (save dying plants) The last sentence
shows how the danger grows. (An evil queen
and her army attack the Leaf Men.)
Think of your favorite
✏
adventure book. Write a
paragraph to put on the back
cover. Tell why the book is
great to read.
Look at the picture of
✏
the Leaf Men. Write a
paragraph describing them. Give details
so that someone who could not see the
picture would know what they look like.
Have you ever looked closely at a
✏
garden and its insects? Write about a real
insect battle. Tell who fought and what
happened.
Level 2
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
16
Persuasive
Wrestling Is a Bad Joke
TOM BUCHANAN/PHOTOFEST
Persuasive
16
Dear Editor,
TV stations should stop showing wrestling.
It’s too violent. The wrestlers hit each other with chairs.
They scream a lot. They jump on each other’s heads.
I know that wrestling is fake. No one is really getting
hurt. But that makes watching it even more stupid.
People think they are seeing something real. It is just a
trick.
Some kids try to act like TV wrestlers. These kids hit
and kick each other. They could hurt themselves—or
others.
Wrestling should not be on TV.
Sincerely,
Nick Prokos
Level 2
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
Why do you think TV
stations show wrestling?
2
Why do you think some
kids try to act like TV
wrestlers?
3
Do you think TV stations
should show wrestling or
not? Explain your answer.
Writer’s Response
1
2
In the title, the writer calls
wrestling a joke. What
details in the letter
support that description?
The writer uses the word
stupid to describe
watching wrestling. Do
you think using this word
is a good way to get
readers on his side? Tell
why or why not.
I wanted to
make a strong
USING
point about
STRONG
wrestling. So I
WORDS
chose some words
that would give
readers certain
feelings. I used the
word violent. Nobody thinks that being
violent is good. So it will help people agree
with me that wrestling is bad.
I also called wrestling fake and a trick.
People don’t want to get tricked. They don’t
want fake things—they want real things. All
these words give people a bad feeling about
wrestling. That’s just the feeling I
want them to have!
Is there a show you
✏
think should be taken off
”
TV? Write a letter to a
newspaper. Explain why you
feel the way you do about
the show.
You have a friend
✏
who watches wrestling on TV a lot.
Write a speech. Explain why your friend
might want to watch other TV shows.
TV wrestling is very different from the
✏
real sport of wrestling. Find someone who
knows about real wrestling. Write a list
comparing TV wrestling to real wrestling.
Level 2
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Persuasive
17
Girls Need Their Own Computer Games
PURPLE MOON
PURPLE MOON
Persuasive
17
Rockett chats in Mr. Shuliss’s science class with her pal Ruben.
Help Rockett Movado make a hard
choice. How? Play Rockett’s Tricky
Decision. It is a computer game
made for girls. The star of the game
is Rockett, an eighth-grade girl.
Players help Rockett with school, her
friends, and her feelings. The
Rockett games are a great idea. Girls
need their own computer games.
Most computer games have
shooting and piling up points, which
many boys like. The Purple Moon
company decided to make games
Level 2
that were
different. They
found that many
people, especially
girls, like games
with lifelike people
and stories. That’s
what the Rockett
games have.
The Rockett games also have many
fans. They show that girls want to
play computer games as much as
boys do—if they like the games!
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
How are the computer
games that many boys
like different from the
computer games that
many girls like?
2
Why is it important to
encourage girls to play
computer games?
3
Do you think you would
like to play the Rockett
games? Why or why not?
Writer’s Response
1
2
To make sure
readers move
smoothly from one
SMOOTH
paragraph to the
MOVES
next in my review, I
BETWEEN
make links between
PARAGRAPHS
paragraphs.
At the end of my
first paragraph, I talk
about girls needing their own computer
games. This makes readers ask why. So I begin
the next paragraph by saying most computer
games appeal only to boys.
At the end of my second paragraph, I
mention one thing Rockett games have—
lifelike stories. I begin the next paragraph by
mentioning another thing Rockett games
have—fans.
These links help readers follow my
ideas. After all, I don’t want to lose
them!
Do you think girls need
✏
their own computer games?
”
The writer says that girls
should have their own
computer games. What is
one reason she gives for
her opinion?
Write a letter to the Purple
Moon game company. Give
your opinion.
There are other computer
games for girls. Why does
the writer focus on the
Rockett games?
be for boys or girls or both? Write a proposal
explaining your idea.
Think of an idea for a
✏
computer game. Would it
What game do you like to play? It could
✏
be an outdoor game, a board game, or a
computer game. Write a description of the
game and explain why you like it.
Level 2
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Persuasive
18
NICKELODEON
Persuasive
18
Ready to Play Dirty?
Are you tired of game shows that
ask, “Who wants to be a
millionaire?” How about one that
asks, “Who wants to get slime in her
hair?”
Nickelodeon has brought back
Double Dare. The game show is now
called Double Dare 2000. It is even
messier than the first show.
Level 2
The new host is Jason Harris. He
loves to cover people in slime.
The players on the show go
through a “Slopstacle Course.” They
have to swim in goop to win. They
also have to jump over piles of slop.
You will love watching the players
do crazy things.
Tune in to Double Dare 2000 on
Nick. Watch out for flying slime!
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
Why do you think game
shows are popular?
2
Do you think kids will like
the show Double Dare
2000? Why or why not?
3
Would you swim in slime
to win a game show? Why
or why not?
Writer’s Response
1
2
Name two words the
writer uses that mean
“slime.” What mood do
the words give the
review?
How does the writer
support her opinion that
the new show is “even
messier than the first
show”?
I wanted to
compare the
new show to the old
USING
show. So I said the
WORDS THAT
new show is messier
COMPARE
than the old one. By
adding the ending
-er to the word
messy, I showed that the new show was
more messy than the first show. (I changed
the spelling of messy when I added -er. I
changed the y to an i.)
You use words that compare when you
speak. You say your shoes are bigger than
your friend’s shoes. You say today is warmer
than yesterday. Use words that compare
when you write, also. Be sure to
change the spelling when needed.
What TV show do you
✏
like? Write a review of the
”
show. Tell why you like it.
Persuade readers to watch
the show.
Do you like game
✏
shows? Should people watch them?
Write an article that gives your opinion and
reasons for it.
Compare two TV shows you like. Tell
✏
how they are the same and different. Use
some -er words such as funnier and louder.
Level 2
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Persuasive
19
Save the Gorillas
ZIG LESZCZYNSKI/ANIMALS ANIMALS
Persuasive
19
Dear Editor,
We must save the gorillas from dying out.
Gorillas are not mean or dangerous. They eat vegetables.
They live in family groups. They are very gentle animals.
They are also very smart.
Gorillas need a lot of room to live. Humans are taking
away their land in central Africa. Humans also kill gorillas for
fun. The gorillas are now in danger of disappearing.
We can protect their land. We can keep humans from
destroying the gorillas’ home. We can stop humans from
killing them. This would save the gorillas.
Please write a story about them so people will know the
gorillas are in danger. Then maybe the gorillas will be saved.
Sincerely,
Hannah Lee
Level 2
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
Why do you think gorillas
need a lot of room for
living?
2
Why do you think people
are taking away the land
in Africa where gorillas
live?
3
What is one thing
Americans could do to
help save gorillas in
Africa?
Writer’s Response
1
2
Reread the first sentence.
Is it a good way to begin
the letter? Why or why
not?
The main purpose of the
second paragraph is to tell
about gorillas. What is the
main purpose of the
fourth paragraph?
I want people
to help save
gorillas. I know they
ANSWERING
won’t do this just
WHY
because I ask them
AND HOW
to. They will want to
know why and how.
When I wrote my
letter to the editor, I tried to answer the
question why? First, I gave reasons about the
animals themselves. They are nice, gentle
animals. Then I explained why gorillas are in
danger.
The main purpose of my letter was to get
the editor to help save gorillas. So I also told
how people can help them. I told things they
can do.
Telling why and how can help
persuade readers!
What can kids do to
✏
help save gorillas? Write a
”
letter to your class. Explain
how they can help.
Persuade them that they
should.
Make a poster that
✏
asks people to help save gorillas.
Use words and pictures that will get people’s
attention and make them want to help.
Find out about another animal that is
✏
endangered. What is it like? Why is it
endangered? Write an article that tells about
the animal.
Level 2
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
Persuasive
20
MICHAEL LEWIS FOR TIME
On your mark, get set, advertise! The track at this high school in Colorado has Coke ads.
MICHAEL LEWIS FOR TIME
Persuasive
20
Keep Ads Out
of Schools
What if your school uniforms were
made by Nike®? What if you had
Pepsi® ads in your school? These
things could happen. Some public
schools need more money. So they
let companies sell things and put ads
in the schools. The companies pay
the schools a lot of money. This is
good for the schools and the
companies. But is it good for kids?
Kids see ads on TV and in
magazines and movies. They should
Level 2
This school has Little Caesars ads in the halls.
not see them in school. It makes kids
think too much about spending
money. They should be thinking
about doing schoolwork. They need
to learn math and English. They do
not need to learn about shoes and
soft drinks from big companies. Let’s
keep ads out of schools!
©TIME Inc.
Reader’s Response
1
Name three places where
you see ads. Tell about an
ad that made you want to
buy something.
2
Why do some companies
want to put ads for their
products in schools?
3
What if a candy company
wanted to put ads in your
school? Would this be a
good idea? Why or why
not?
What do I do
after I’ve
written the first
draft of my article?
REVISING
I revise it. This
means I look
carefully at what I
wrote, and I try to
make it better. I might change the order of
my sentences. I might add or take out a
sentence. I might add more words to a
description. I ask myself, ‘Is this working?
Will my readers understand what I mean?’
These ideas can help you when you are
revising your writing:
1. Let a friend read it.
2. Wait a day before you read it.
3. Read it aloud.
A toy store wants to put
✏
ads in your school. Do you
Writer’s Response
1
2
The writer begins by
asking “what if”
questions. Why does the
writer do that?
The writer uses brand
names, like Nike® and
Pepsi®. Is that a good
idea? Why or why not?
”
think the school should put
up the ads? Write a letter to
your principal. Tell what
you think.
A pizza seller wants
✏
to sell pizza and put ads in your school.
Write a skit. Tell what you, your friends, and
your teacher might say to the pizza seller.
What is your favorite after-school treat?
✏
Write an ad for the treat. Use words and
pictures to make others want to try the treat.
Level 2
©2000 Teacher Created Materials, Inc.