Grade 5: Persuasive Essay

How can you make your essay convincing?

Give at least three strong reasons to support your goal. Be sure each reason tells why your goal is important. Don't just restate the goal.

Just restates goal: First of all, our class should go to the Native American Museum because it would really be worthwhile.

Much better: First of all, our class should go to the Native American Museum because it would give us ideas for our American history projects.

Be sure each reason is accurate. Don't exaggerate.

Not an accurate reason: If we had a salad bar in the cafeteria, we would all be in perfect health.

Much better: If we had a salad bar in the cafeteria, we would eat more vegetables because we could choose the ones we like.

Be sure each reason is right for your audience. Remember that different people will be persuaded by different reasons.

Good reason for someone your age: Kids who join the Wilderness Club get to go camping in the woods.

Good reason for a parent: Kids who join the Wilderness Club learn how to behave safely and responsibly outdoors.

Order your reasons from most important to least important or from least important to most important. Use transitional words and phrases to make the order clear.

To begin with, letting me take piano lessons would be a good idea because…

Another reason why I should take piano lessons is that…

My most important reason for wanting to take piano lessons is…

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