3 Steps to Persuasive Letters that Effect Real Change

I love teaching Persuasive Writing because it gets students engaged and invested in their topics! Any Persuasive Writing Unit is an opportunity for students to write about issues they are passionate about. It’s their opportunity to learn how to take action and effect real change in the world. In my classroom, I guide students in topic development, persuasive techniques, letter format and each step in the writing process. I have students actually SEND their well-developed persuasive letters to a person in a position of power to effect the change they are requesting.  The excitement from sending the letters and receiving replies continues for months!

If you are looking for a NO PREP Persuasive Writing Unit, look no further:

Teach students to write letters using a 3-COMPONENT PLAN: a core appeal, supporting detail, & action.

COMPONENT 1: CORE APPEAL

The purpose of the first paragraph introduce an appeal with an attention grabber and a position statement.  The task in the opening component is to establish a bond with the reader, to present a central appeal which serves as a foundation upon which to build. Do this with the following steps:

• Grab your reader’s attention. One way to do this is to address their circumstances, interests, and potential needs. 
• Once you have analyzed your readers, you might compliment them, ask a challenging question, or entice them with an appeal to interests you have identified. 
• State your position on the topic – “Clearly standardized tests should not be used as graduation requirements.”

COMPONENT 2: SUPPORTING DETAIL

The essay body is the place to provide ample evidence and supporting detail.  The task in the second component is to convince the reader that the proposal is worthwhile and justified. Include Persuasive Devices and Techniques and research where appropriate! If requesting a favor or asking for changes in policy or performance, provide all relevant facts and details.  Try to anticipate and refute the opposing argument and respond to all possible questions (including potential objections) the reader may have.  Demonstrate through detail, organization, and tone that the request is factual, logical, and reasonable. 

COMPONENT 3: ACTION

In the last paragraph, clearly state the action the recipient of the letter should take.  The task in the third component is to motivate the reader to act by specifying what they should do.  A clear statement of action desired should be the logical conclusion of the preceding core appeal and supporting detail.  Include a date for action if appropriate and provide aids to easy action (phone number, email, or other contact information).  In addition, tell the reader how s/he will benefit by acting (either explicit or implied).

Looking for more NO-PREP Persuasive Writing Resources? Check out the resources in my TpT store: