Grade 6: Persuasive Essay

Convince readers that your goal is important by supplying strong reasons.

Revise vague reasons to make them specific.

Goal: to get students to clean up the local park

Vague reason: The park is a mess.

Strong reason: Because of weeds, overgrown bushes, and fallen branches, the park can't be used for picnics or ball games.

Use reasons closely related to your goal.

Goal: to convince town officials to expand the library

Unrelated reason: Too many people do not return library books on time.

Related reason: Overcrowding makes it hard to do research for school projects.

Use reasons tailored to your audience. What will persuade that particular person or group?

Goal: to organize a school drama club

Reason aimed at students: As we perform plays, we'll become confident communicators.

Reason aimed at the principal: Our community will be impressed with the school when we put on our first play.

Avoid exaggerated or sarcastic reasons. Your audience might not take you seriously.

Goal: to organize a community garden

Unconvincing reason: Since the local grocery store has such lousy, rotten vegetables, we really need a garden.

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