Sample Test: Persuasive Writing Persuasive discussion You are going to write a persuasive discussion on the topic, It Is OK to Keep Animals in Cages. Think about arguments for this topic where your position is for keeping animals in cages. Think also about arguments against this statement and any reasons you can think of for why animals should not be kept in cages. Before you start writing think about: • how you will write your introduction so that it clearly states the issue presenting both sides of the argument • different people or groups that have different views and opinions such as scientists or environmentalists • organising your arguments into structured paragraphs • series of arguments for the topic including what different people or groups think and why they think this way • series of arguments against the topic including what different people or groups think and why they think this way • the persuasive words and language you will use • how you will sum up and conclude your argument, with a possible recommendation for one side or the other. Be sure to: • use some scrap paper to plan your writing before you begin. You might like to revisit pages 21–25 to help you with your planning • use nouns and pronouns • write in present tense or past tense • start a new paragraph for every point or argument you present • use words to link your arguments such as: ‘firstly’, ‘secondly’ and ‘finally’ • check and edit your writing and make sure you have put forward a strong case and persuasive argument. 36 P01937_NAPLAN_Yr5_Writing_01-72_Final.indd 36 Sample Test: Persuasive Writing 18/07/12 5:29 PM Sample Test: Assessment Grid Persuasive discussion It Is OK to Keep Animals in Cages At the beginner level in Year 5 a student should attempt to include as many of the structural and grammatical elements of a persuasive text as possible. Use this assessment grid to assess your child’s writing of persuasive texts at the beginner, medium and advanced level and compare the progress your child has made. The highlighted text indicates structural or grammatical features of persuasive texts that are not applicable to this particular piece of writing but may be applicable to another piece of persuasive writing. YES NO General The writing presents the reader with two points of view—for and against—with supporting evidence. The writing uses emotive and powerful language. The text is written using past or present tense. Introduction Opening paragraph tells the topic of the discussion. The two opinions or points of view are declared. Different people or groups that have different views and opinions are introduced. The important arguments are raised concisely without elaboration. The writing attracts the reader’s attention. Body A series of arguments for the topic are presented with supporting evidence. A series of arguments against the topic are presented with supporting evidence. A new paragraph is used for each argument. Each argument has reasons, examples and evidence to support it. Arguments are developed logically and coherently. Persuasive ‘feeling’ words such as: ‘believe’, ‘should’, ‘must’, ‘feel’ and ‘opinion’ are used. Linking words are used such as: ‘firstly’, ‘secondly’ and ‘finally’. Action words such as: ‘save’, ‘fight’, ‘stand’ and ‘act’ are used to involve the reader. Conclusion The point of view of the writer is restated. The main arguments are summed up. The conclusion does not introduce any new points or information. A recommendation is presented. A call to action to the reader is included. 38 P01937_NAPLAN_Yr5_Writing_01-72_Final.indd 38 Sample Test: Assessment Grid 18/07/12 5:29 PM