Persuasive Writing Teaching Resources

Explore persuasive writing topics, activities and more — aligned to the Common Core curriculum and created by teachers for your elementary or middle school classroom!

Whether you're introducing this text type for the first time to your kindergarten or 1st grade, or you're teaching upper elementary students to build their powers of persuasion, this collection of teaching resources will help you save time on your lesson plans so you have more time to spend doing what you really love — engaging with your students!

Best of all, each printable worksheet and interactive game has undergone careful review by a member of the Teach Starter team to ensure it's ready for your classroom and your students!

Are you new to teaching persuasive writing, or are you just looking for fresh ideas and tips on the topic? Read on for a primer from our teacher team!

What Is Persuasive Writing? A Kid-Friendly Definition

If you're introducing this type of writing to your students, a definition may come in handy. Try this one from our teacher team!

Persuasive writing is a type of writing that we use to convince a reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or do a certain thing.

This writing type uses persuasive techniques to present the reader with logical arguments, supporting evidence and emotional appeals to help convince them.

Persuasive Writing Examples for Kids

Examples of persuasive writing from some of their favorite children's books can also be helpful when you're launching your writing unit.

Some of our teacher team's favourites for doing just that include

Popular children's books often provide excellent examples of persuasive writing perfect for young kids. Here are a few examples:

1. Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin — The cows on a farm use persuasive writing techniques to demand electric blankets from the farmer by leaving notes in this silly book from author Doreen Cronin. The cows argue that they deserve the blankets for their comfort and better milk production.
2. The Three Little Pigs — This classic fairy tale is a great example of persuasive writing that many students will already know, even if they don't realize it contains persuasive devices.
3. Click, Clack, Peep! by Doreen Cronin — Yes, it's another book from Cronin that works well for teaching persuasive writing! Instead of cows writing, however, the persuasive arguments in this tale come from ducklings who convince the farm animals to join them in disrupting Farmer Brown's sleep. The story showcases the ducks' ability to influence and rally others.
4. My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza — In this silly story, a clever pig uses persuasive tactics to convince a hungry wolf that it would be a better meal if it were fattened up first.
5. I Can't Believe You Said That! by Julia Cook — This book focuses on the importance of using persuasive language in a respectful manner and makes a great example for teaching your class how to express their thoughts and opinions without hurting others' feelings.

Persuasive Writing Structure

Students will need to learn the basic persuasive writing structure to give shape to their arguments. While there can be some variation,  persuasive writing typically follows a clear and organized framework in order to effectively present arguments and convince the reader.

The most popular structure is typically as follows:

1. Introduction — The writer should grab the reader's attention and provide an overview of the topic or issue at the beginning of their essay, speech or other piece of persuasive writing. A good introduction will include:a. Hook or Attention-Grabbing Opening — This is a compelling statement, question or fact that captivates the reader's interest.

   b. Background Information — Brief context or background information about the topic will help the reader understand the subject matter.c. Thesis statement — This is a clear and concise statement that presents the writer's main argument or position.

2. Body Paragraphs — The body paragraphs form the core of a persuasive essay, and this is where students can present supporting evidence, reasons and counterarguments. Each body paragraph typically focuses on a single point or supporting argument and follows a consistent structure:a. Topic Sentence — This is a clear statement that introduces the main idea or argument of the paragraph.

   b. Supporting Evidence — Strong persuasive writing uses examples, statistics, expert opinions or anecdotes to strengthen the argument.c. Explanation and Analysis — Each body paragraph should have a sentence or two connecting the evidence to the main argument and explaining how it supports the thesis statement.

3. Conclusion — In the final section of a persuasive essay, students should wrap things up by restating the thesis statement, summarizing the main points and leaving a lasting impression on the reader. A strong conclusion includes:a. Restatement of the Thesis — This reaffirms the main argument or position from the introduction.

   b. Summary of Main Points — Students should briefly summarize the key supporting arguments or evidence presented in the body paragraphs.c. Closing Statement — The end should leave the reader with a thought-provoking or impactful final statement, a call to action or a suggestion for further consideration.

Persuasive Writing Techniques

Are you looking for some strategies to share with your students to make their writing more convincing and compel the reader? Let's take a look at some of the persuasive writing techniques they can use!

• Appealing to the Reader's Emotions — Using language and storytelling techniques to evoke strong emotions in the audience — such as fear or empathy — can be a strong way to  persuade a reader to act.
• Using Repetition — Repeating key phrases or ideas throughout an essay or letter will help reinforce their importance and make them memorable.
• Asking Rhetorical Questions — Asking questions that lead the audience to a desired conclusion can make them think about the topic and engage with the argument.
• Relying on Authority — Citing credible experts or sources is a technique that lends credibility and support to the writer's claims, making it more appealing for a reader.

Fun Persuasive Writing Activities for the Primary Classroom

This collection of ELA resources is full of fun activities to engage your students with persuasive writing, but we didn't stop there.

Take a look at some more fun activities to do with your class!

1. Create persuasive posters with your 2nd grade class that include simple slogans and visuals to convince others to join a school extracurricular activity or club.
2. Set up a debate for your 3rd grade students, brainstorming an either/or concept that students feel strongly about (such as a type of fruit). Split the class in two, and have the two groups of students debate the topic, attempting to convince the others. This could also be done in small groups or even in pairs.
3. Challenge your 4th grade students to write a letter convincing you to wear a silly costume to school. If you have a school or classroom mascot, they might try to convince you to dress like the mascot!
4. Ask students to take a stand on which season is better: summer or winter.
5. Pretend you have $1 million to give away, and challenge your 6th graders to a quick write, explaining why they deserve the money.