Are You Convincing?
Writing Persuasive Reports (Virtual Tour)
Stage of Literacy Development:
Stage 3: Literacy for GrowthAges:
10-12
Grade Range:
5th 6thFood Groups:
Primary: Writing Processes & Strategies, Text Structures & Genres
Activity Description
Preparation:
- Outline the unit of study
-
Include the various tasks including researching, discussions, writing and presenting
Implementation:
Session 1:
-
Students select a topic based on a current social studies or history unit
- Students may choose their own topic or select a topic from a list
-
Students make a critical statement about their topic and investigate this statement through various forms of research
- Emphasize the importance of finding appropriate evidence to support the critical statement
Session 2:
- As a whole class discuss the format of a thesis
-
Use a chart paper to list the three main sections that students should include in their writing
- Introduction, evidence, conclusion
-
Show examples of each paragraph
- Post these examples in the classroom as a reference point
Session 3:
- Have students choose the way in which they would like to present their information
- Presentations may include dioramas, power point, song writing, and websites
Adaptations For
English Language Learners/ESL:
- Prior to the activity pre-teach or review new terms including the terms critical analysis and thesis
LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:
-Repeat instructions to each students -Provide extra time for students who need it -Have students use speech-to-text software to facilitate their writing
Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:
- Allow students to make personal connections during discussions
Differentiated Instruction:
- Encourage varied responses during the discussion
Related References
O.Neill, S. (2012). Teaching and assessment of persuasive writing: Juggling the language features and grasping the metalanguage. International Journal of Pedagogies & Learning, 7(1), 84-98.
Activity Objective
The goal of Are You Convincing?: Writing Persuasive Reports (Virtual Tour) is to introduce the format of a thesis and provide students with an opportunity to write a persuasive essay.
What You Need
Prep Time:
10 minutes
- Outline the unit of study to include the steps for each session
Task Time:
3 sessions
Session 1:
- Students research a selected social studies or history topic
Session 2:
- Teacher discusses the format of a thesis outline
- Students write their thesis
Session 3:
- Students present their topic to the class
Materials Required:
Students:
- Selected writing materials
- Selected presentation materials
What You Do
Teacher Role:
Direct instruction:
- while teacher discusses the format of a thesis
Consultant:
- while students research and present their topic
Student Grouping:
Whole class:
- during class discussions
Small group:
- during presentations
Individual:
- during research
Assessment Ideas:
- Track student progress using a checklist.
- Create a list of criteria with the students and make reference to this list during the unit.
Quick Tips
Activity Extensions:
- Have students present their topics to other classes in the school.
Additional Comments:
- Provide students with multiple opportunities to explore persuasive writing.
- Students take ownership for their learning when they are given a choice.
Other Adaptations/Modifications:
- Strategically seat students who might require cues to refocus
- Provide a quiet working space for students disturbed by sound
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