Persuasive Essay Writing Unit

4th grade: Poetz

Standards:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1a Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the writers purpose. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1b Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1c Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases (e.g., for instance, in order to, in addition). CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1d Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.

Essential Questions:
How is a persuasive essay organized? Why do authors try to persuade their readers? How do authors persuade readers?

Assessment
Final Project: Students will write a letter to the principal about ways to improve the school

- Quadrant D: Students will revise their persuasive letter to create a proposal based upon unpredictable real world situations (life cards)
All
All students will be able to form an opinion and provide 3 reasons of support

Most
Most students will be able to include collected data and/or sources to support their opinion (surveys, interviews, research)

Some
Some students will be able to form an opinion, support it with data and formulate a detailed plan to implement the changes.

Rubric

Rubric Continued

Reading Skills:
Distinguish and evaluate fact and opinion Point of view

Focused Writing Traits

Ideas: Identify topic and position (explain what you want or what you believe) Ideas: List many good reasons (provide solid support for why you are right) Organization: Organize key points (order your reasons to end with your best)

Organization: End with what you want (tell readers what you expect them to do)

Focused Writing Traits

Voice: Express your attitude (reveal your feelings & point of view)

Word Choice: Employ exact words (select precise words to convince the reader)-during revising Conventions: how to cite sources
Conventions: sentence fragments and rambling sentences.

Revising Student Letters using Real-World Situations

Students share and vote on letters to send to the principal