Through a classroom "argument" activity and letter writing models, students are introduced to the concepts of lobbying for something that's important to them or they want and making persuasive statements. In this unit, students become aware of the techniques used in persuasive oral arguments and apply them to independent persuasive letter writing activities.

Students will:

1. Work in small groups to brainstorm ideas and organize them into a cohesive argument to be presented to the class
2. Understand the concept of persuasion and how it becomes a strategy to produce a desired outcome
3. Learn "powerful words" or terms used for persuading an audience
4. Be able to identify the parts of a business letter
5. Write a persuasive business letter

Lesson 1: The Game of Persuasion

Lesson 2: The Persuasive Letter

Lesson 3: What's in a Name?

Culminating Activity

Provide an opportunity for students to write persuasive letters or speeches for real arguments that have meaning to them, like a field trip, in-class movies, school issues, or community concerns. Reward them by planning one of the class events they present in their essays or speeches, or invite guest speakers to your class to hear the presentations and provide feedback.

Supporting Books

Books for Teaching Persuasive Letters Writing