Writing Lesson

Week 10
Persuasive Writing

Inventing Solutions I

Every day each of us has to solve problems. From the time we get up in the morning
until the time we go to bed at night, we decide things such as what to wear, what to eat, what to
buy and what to do in unexpected situations. Are you good at solving problems? Write two
solutions to each of the following problems. Remember to write in complete sentences.

1. Problem: A heavy rainstorm begins on your way home from school. You rush home and
discover that no one is home and you have lost your key.

Solution A:___________________________________________________________________

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Solution B: __________________________________________________________________

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2. Problem : When you were younger, you were chased by a big dog. Since then you have
been terrified of all dogs. As you walk home from school, you see your
neighbor’s Doberman coming toward you. You look around for help, but no
one is there.

Solution A: _________________________________________________________________

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Solution B: __________________________________________________________________

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Inventing Solutions II

Here are two more problems for you to solve. Present your solutions clearly and logically and in
complete sentences.

1. Problem: Your mother, on her way to an important business meeting, drops you off at a
party. Just as you get out of the car, you notice that everyone is wearing a
costume except you.

Solution A:___________________________________________________________________

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Solution B: ___________________________________________________________________

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2. Problem : You are sightseeing alone in a foreign city. The bicycle you rented breaks down.
You have no money with you and you cannot speak the native language.

Solution A: __________________________________________________________________

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Solution B : __________________________________________________________________

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Writing a Guided Practice/Solution Paragraph

Some paragraphs are written to inform people of a problem and to suggest possible solutions to
the problem. For example, an editorial in a newspaper often defines a problem and proposes one
or two solutions to that problem.

When writing Problem/Solution paragraphs, be sure to include each of the following steps:

1. State the problem.

2. Explain the cause of the problem.
3. Tell the result of the problem.
4. Give two or three solutions to the problem.

Directions: Complete this problem/solution paragraph by following each of the above steps.

Emerson’s Problem

Emerson Robertson has a problem. He is afraid of snakes. He has been afraid of snakes
since he was five years old. When he was five, _______________________________________

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(cause)

Since the incident, Emerson ______________________________________________________

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(result)

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There are two ways in which Emerson can overcome his fear. ___________________________

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(first solution)

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_____________________________________________________________________________
(second solution)

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Writing Examples
Below are four reasons students should not smoke. Think of details to support each reason.
These details could include an example or an anecdote. Write your details in the space below
each reason. Be sure to write in complete sentences.

1. Smoking is bad for their teeth.

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2. Smoking sets a bad example for younger children.

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3. Smoking costs a great deal of money.

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4. Smoking is habit forming.

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Persuading Students Not to Smoke

The Parent-Teachers’ Organization in your school is sponsoring a “No Smoking” campaign. All
the students in grades 4, 5, and 6 will be asked to sign a pledge that they will not start smoking.
Before the signing of pledges, there will be an essay contest. The topic is “Why Students
Should Not Start Smoking.” The winner will receive ten free passes to the local movie theater.

Join the contest. Include in your paragraph at least three good reasons not to smoke. be sure to
support each reason with good examples or fact. You may use the reasons and details from the
previous page, if you wish.

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