Unit 9
Persuasive writing
The purpose of persuasive writing is to persuade someone to do something or to change his or her mind about something. A persuasive composition has the following elements: • Introduction: The writer states his or her opinion clearly. • Development: The writer makes a number of points to justify his or her opinion. • Conclusion: The writer sums up what has been said and states his or her opinion again. L uke’s and Amy’s speeches are examples of persuasive composition. Look at Luke’s speech. 1 Identify the following elements: • Introduction • Development • Conclusion 2 Which main points does Luke make in his speech? What reasons does he give to justify these points? 3 Which words does he use to introduce the points he makes? Speaking and listening: for and against 1 Discuss Luke’s and Amy’s speeches. Find the points they make for and against wearing school uniform. Write them in a table. Add your own points to the table, then share your ideas with the rest of your class.
WB 5 p136
Children should not have to wear uniform to school.
Against: We should be proud to wear our uniform.
For: Uniforms are expensive.
Watching television is not good for children.
2 Discuss the points made for and against the
motion below. Are they for or against the motion? 1 Television is good for watching sports or nature programmes. 2 Watching television makes you lazy. 3 You can learn a lot from watching television. 4 Watching television is relaxing when you feel tired. 5 You don’t make friends if you stay inside watching television. 6 Watching too much television is bad for your eyesight.
• Persuasive composition: Point out transition phrases in the speeches, e.g. firstly, to sum up. Encourage your students to keep a list of these in their student journals . • For and against: In Exercise 2, let students contribute their own views. Take a vote at the end to find out how many students agree with the motion and how many disagree.
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