Persuasive Writing Unit (Opinion Writing)

Persuasive writing is the focus of this complete unit. It guides students through the writing of a five paragraph essay with many handouts, graphic organizers, and PowerPoint slides. In each lesson, the step of the writing process is introduced and explained thoroughly with an interactive and engaging PowerPoint mini-lesson. There are then corresponding handouts that allow students to practice and graphic organizers that guide them through the writing of their essay. Throughout the unit, there are many examples and models. A writing checklist is also included for students to check off each step of the drafting process as they go.

Lessons: (See preview file for more detailed overview of each with thumbnails!)

Lesson 1: INTRODUCTION

Students explore the meaning of an opinion and persuasive writing. They write and discuss where persuasive writing can be found in everyday life and learn about some of its many purposes.

Lesson 2: PARTS OF A PERSUASIVE ESSAY

Students learn about the three parts of a five-paragraph persuasive essay: the introduction, body and conclusion. They then practice identifying each part by analyzing two model texts on opposite sides of whether Google is making us less intelligent. Finally, students are asked to write a paragraph explaining their own stance on this topic.

Lesson 3: CHOOSING A TOPIC

Students learn what makes an effective topic for a persuasive essay, and how they can each choose a good topic. They use the brainstorming sheet to narrow down their topic ideas to a single choice.

Lesson 4: CREATING A THESIS STATEMENT

Students will learn how to compose their thesis statement. A graphic organizer is included.

Lesson 5: WRITING A HOOK

Students are taught four ways to effectively “hook” the reader into their essay. They then use the graphic organizer to draft two of these types, and choose the best one.

Lesson 6: WRITING BODY PARAGRAPHS

Students learn the format of a body paragraph and how to write their own. There is a practice handout with a model text and one graphic organizer for each body paragraph.

Lesson 7: WRITING A CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH

Students are taught how to write a conclusion paragraph. They use the provided example and graphic organizer to compose their own.

Lesson 8: EDITING AND REVISING

Students are taught the importance of editing and revising. They go through the process with a self editing checklist and then a peer editing sheet.

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