Sample Test: Persuasive Writing

Sample Test: Persuasive Writing
Persuasive discussion
You are going to write a persuasive discussion on the topic, It Is OK to Keep Animals
in Cages. Think about arguments for this topic where your position is for keeping
animals in cages. Think also about arguments against this statement and any
reasons you can think of for why animals should not be kept in cages.
Before you start writing think about:
• how you will write your introduction so that it clearly states the issue presenting
both sides of the argument
• different people or groups that have different views and opinions such as
scientists or environmentalists
• organising your arguments into structured paragraphs
• series of arguments for the topic including what different people or groups think
and why they think this way
• series of arguments against the topic including
what different people or groups think and why
they think this way
• the persuasive words and language you will use
• how you will sum up and conclude your
argument, with a possible recommendation
for one side or the other.
Be sure to:
• use some scrap paper to plan your writing
before you begin. You might like to revisit pages
21–25 to help you with your planning
• use nouns and pronouns
• write in present tense or past tense
• start a new paragraph for every point or
argument you present
• use words to link your arguments such as:
‘firstly’, ‘secondly’ and ‘finally’
• check and edit your writing and make sure you
have put forward a strong case and persuasive
argument.
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Sample Test: Persuasive Writing
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Sample Test: Assessment Grid
Persuasive discussion
It Is OK to Keep Animals in Cages
At the beginner level in Year 5 a student should attempt to include as many of the structural and
grammatical elements of a persuasive text as possible. Use this assessment grid to assess your child’s
writing of persuasive texts at the beginner, medium and advanced level and compare the progress
your child has made. The highlighted text indicates structural or grammatical features of persuasive
texts that are not applicable to this particular piece of writing but may be applicable to another
piece of persuasive writing.
YES
NO
General
The writing presents the reader with two points of view—for and against—with supporting
evidence.
The writing uses emotive and powerful language.
The text is written using past or present tense.
Introduction
Opening paragraph tells the topic of the discussion.
The two opinions or points of view are declared.
Different people or groups that have different views and opinions are introduced.
The important arguments are raised concisely without elaboration.
The writing attracts the reader’s attention.
Body
A series of arguments for the topic are presented with supporting evidence.
A series of arguments against the topic are presented with supporting evidence.
A new paragraph is used for each argument.
Each argument has reasons, examples and evidence to support it.
Arguments are developed logically and coherently.
Persuasive ‘feeling’ words such as: ‘believe’, ‘should’, ‘must’, ‘feel’ and ‘opinion’ are used.
Linking words are used such as: ‘firstly’, ‘secondly’ and ‘finally’.
Action words such as: ‘save’, ‘fight’, ‘stand’ and ‘act’ are used to involve the reader.
Conclusion
The point of view of the writer is restated.
The main arguments are summed up.
The conclusion does not introduce any new points or information.
A recommendation is presented.
A call to action to the reader is included.
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Sample Test: Assessment Grid
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