Writing to persuade

Ages 9 to 12 Read alone or together · about 30 minutes

Read together

To persuade is to help someone agree with you. A good argument gives an opinion and reasons.

More than two thousand years ago, the Greek thinker Aristotle said persuasion has three parts: character (can I trust you?), feeling (does it matter to me?) and logic (does it make sense?).

Good persuasion is honest. It does not trick or bully.

Do it

1. Choose a question you care about, such as “Should every child have time to play outside each day?”.
2. Write your opinion in one sentence. Then list three reasons, each with an example or fact.
3. Write a short letter or speech that opens with your opinion, gives your three reasons, and ends with a request.
4. Read it to a family member. Ask whether it persuaded them, and what would make it stronger.

Talk about it

• Which reason is strongest?
• How do you know your facts are true?

For the grown-up

Persuasive writing teaches children to give reasons and to respect other opinions. Check facts together, and talk about the difference between a good argument and pressure.

Mark as done

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Where this comes from

• Aristotle, Rhetoric, book 1 (ethos, pathos and logos)
• Common Core State Standards Initiative, English Language Arts Standards, Writing, grades 4 to 5 (opinion pieces supported by reasons)

Written with AI assistance and checked against the sources listed. Please read it before sharing it with a child.