Writing to Persuade
An opinion is not an argument until it has reasons. Say what you think, then give the reasons that would move a reader who started out unsure.
The Writer's Workshop, where the Mayor reads finished writing himself, returns soon.
The Mayor says an argument is a bridge: your reader starts on the other side, your reasons are the pillars that carry them across, and the far bank is what you want them to do.
The full Writing Company lesson cycle is coming.
Recess should be longer because it just should.
Recess should be longer because students focus better after a break, and a short rest helps everyone learn.
It just should is not a reason, it is the opinion said twice. The reasoned version gives two reasons a reader who disagreed might actually accept.
- State your claim: what you think.
- Give your reasons, and explain each one.
- Answer the other side, then end on your claim again.
Play it in the Arcade.
Take the craft move onto the floor with the live game. Free, and it plays daily.
A paragraph came apart. Put the sentences back in order, and let the transition words show you the thread that holds them together.
Play Follow the Thread →Dogs are the best pets. They just are. Everyone knows it.
Dogs make the best pets because they keep you active with daily walks, and they are loyal company when you are lonely.
They just are and everyone knows it add no reasons. The strong version names two reasons a doubter could weigh. Reasons persuade; repetition does not.
A real writing skill, Grades 1 through 8.
Writing to Persuade is one of the nine Writing Company chapters, where Grammaropolis teaches writing and composition. It maps to a Common Core writing strand; the per-grade, per-framework alignment fills in as the workbook line and the lesson cycle come online.
The Writer's Workshop, where the Mayor reads finished writing himself, returns soon.
Writing to Persuade serves CCSS W.x.1 (opinion and argument writing) and its sub-standards.
Other Writing Company chapters.
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The Writer's Workshop, where the Mayor reads finished writing himself, returns soon.
Ready to write?
Play the live game to practice the move. The Writer's Workshop, where the Mayor reads a finished piece himself and certifies it Gold, Silver, or Bronze, returns soon. The full Writing Company lesson cycle is coming.