Persuasive Writing Unit

Standards:

W.3.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.

a. Introduce the topic or text they are writing about, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure that lists
reasons.
b. Provide reasons that support the opinion.
c. Use linking words and phrases (e.g., because, therefore, since, for example) to connect opinion and reasons.
d. Provide a concluding statement or section.

W.3.4 With guidance and support from adults, produce writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to
task and purpose. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1-3 above)

W.3.10 Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single
sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

Time: 10-20 minute whole group instruction + independent work time

 Pre-writing
 Rough draft
 Writing conferences
 Final draft
Writing Process
Pre-Writing (Graphic Organizer)
Day 1 (20-30 minutes whole group):
 What is persuasive writing?
o (Episode 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD9arWXIddM
 Example of persuasive writing paper
 How do we organize our paragraphs (introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion)
 Introduce the graphic organizer
 Introduce writing checklist
 Game
 Choose a topic of your choice
o Provide a list of example topics they can chose from if needed
 Brainstorm topics
 State your opinion in the first box of the graphic organizer
Day 2 (10-15 minutes whole group):
 Brainstorm reasons
 Choose your 3 reasons from brainstorm list
o (Episode 3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=nHCYvNvV68c
Day 3 (20 minutes whole group):
 Supporting details for each reason
 Review supporting details
 How to make them better
o (Episode 4) https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=6bbWJKIvl2c
 Counter-argument thinking (don’t have to include in paper, but consider when writing
reasons and supporting details)
 Concluding statement includes opinion and 3 reasons (summary)
Rough Draft
Day 4 (10-15 minutes whole group):
 Write an introduction paragraph with a hook (question, statement, fact)
o (Episode 5) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O2FjJ4EoIg

Day 5 and 6 (10-15 minutes whole group):

 Begin writing body paragraphs
 Use linking words and phrases (e.g., because, therefore, since, for example) to connect
opinion and reasons
 Catch up and/or begin writing body paragraphs
 Writing a conclusion
 Conducting your rough draft (typing)
o (Episode 6) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY5GLGeOFs8
Day 7, and 8 (5 minutes whole group):
Writing conferences
 Conduct conferences
 Corrective feedback
 Continue writing draft
Final Draft
 Type final draft
 Check for errors
 Share final copy with Mrs. Willman and Ms. Moore