Scott Foresman Reading Street

then… ask them to tell you about their dream trip.

If… students have trouble deciding on a topic,

Differentiated Instruction

Grammar and Writing

Practice Book p. 176

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Develop an understanding of a persuasive essay.
Plan an argument using a persuasive essay chart.
Use adverbs and adjectives correctly.
Establish criteria for evaluating a persuasive essay.

In a persuasive essay, a writer argues a point convincingly.

Tries to convince a reader
to think or act in a certain
way
Uses persuasive words,
such as must or best
Uses reasons, facts, and
examples to make a point
Often organizes facts in order of importance

Persuasive Essay

Book or Story Review 537g–537h

Week 3

Week 2

Week 1

Editorial 559g–559h

Letter of Acceptance 607g–607h

Interview 581g–581h

Week 4

Week 5

Write Your Opinion 629g–629h

See Differentiated Instruction
p. 635g.

See Differentiated Instruction
p. 635h.

Persuasive Essay

Writing Prompt: Adventures by Land, Air, and Water

Think of a place that you would like to visit with your class. Write an essay to persuade your teachers to help organize a field trip
to this place. Use convincing reasons, facts, and examples.

Purpose: Convince the readers

Audience: Your teachers

READ LIKE A WRITER

Look back at "Moonwalk." Remind students that before writing this science fiction
story, the author gathered facts about the moon and incorporated them into the
story. Point out that as they write their persuasive essay, they should weave facts
into it that support their argument.

EXAMINE THE MODEL AND RUBRIC

GUIDED WRITING Read the model aloud. Point out that the writer provides clear

supporting reasons to convince the reader. Discuss how the model reflects
traits of good writing.

Writing Transparency WP29

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Writing Transparency WP30

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FINDING A TOPIC

Initiate a discussion of famous or well-known places. Ask students what places
in the world they have always dreamed of visiting.
Have students share stories about places they have visited. Ask questions about
different cities as well as local destinations.
Investigate destinations with students on the Internet, or use atlases, maps, and
travel brochures to inspire ideas. Tell students to stretch their imaginations; this
field trip does not have to be completely realistic.

NARROW A TOPIC

An American city	This is too general.
The White House	This idea may be too specific.
New York City	This idea can be supported by many reasons.

PREWRITING STRATEGY

GUIDED WRITING Display Writing Transparency WP31. Model how to complete
a Persuasive Essay Chart.

MODEL This student has decided to write a persuasive essay convincing teachers that Central Park in New York City would make a good destination. The student outlines three reasons, as well as an introduction and a conclusion. The writer will need to elaborate on the reasons in the essay.

PREWRITING ACTIVITIES

Have students use Grammar and Writing Practice Book p. 176 to organize their introduction, supporting reasons, and conclusion.
Students can brainstorm a list of places they have wanted to visit.

Writing Transparency WP31

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Taking Notes
Possible Destination Places London Washington, D.C. New York City	Attractions Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace Smithsonian Museum, White House Central Park