persuasive essay writing worksheets

persuasive essay writing worksheets

The Importance of Persuasive Essay Writing Worksheets

1. Introduction

Persuasion is clearly a sort of psychological warfare, and the effectiveness of persuasion depends on the persuader’s strategic deployment of informed methods of inducement. A persuasive essay can only be as effective as the sum of its parts; the essay is only as strong as its weakest link. If the writer fails to write clear, logically sound arguments because the essay is cluttered with errors in reasoning or is an ineffectual use of Toulmin strategies, the essay will not be persuasive. For these reasons, the habits of mind deployed in creating a persuasive essay can only be beneficially molded by the use of informed worksheet exercises. Using a series of exercises has the power to engage a wide range of students, teachers, and learning styles; it is an often adjustable, guided way to practice the art of written persuasion. It is an essential tool in the acquisition and mastering of the art of effective persuasion. This multifaceted tool is also completely vital in developing key critical readers of written persuasion. The reader who is able to effectively deconstruct a text, judge the quality of the evidence and mastery of language, and recognize the various types of reason and rhetoric is the sophisticated reader. This reader is difficult to cultivate, and only those teachers with a strong understanding of the nature of written persuasion are willing and able to cultivate this sort of reader. Finally, a series of worksheet exercises involving practice in close reading and analysis of persuasive essay rough drafts can be an often saved tool for peer review. This sort of exercise is essentially the process of double-checking and revising a persuasive essay, and often a student is unwilling to improve his or her own essay without a feasible model to follow. High-quality peer review practices are an effective way to truly sharpen a skill; these exercises are an often overlooked tool in developing the mind of a persuasive writer.

2. Benefits of Using Persuasive Essay Writing Worksheets

The path from brainstorming to final draft also becomes clear and simple with persuasive writing. Step by step, the student learns to shape their thoughts into an organized and complete piece of work. These writing worksheets can also prompt new ideas or even help bring out opinions the student already held but had not considered until that point. An added benefit is the final product is usually easy and enjoyable for the busy teacher to grade.

A second benefit to using persuasive writing worksheets is the confidence it gives students. Often students are unsure of their ability to express their thoughts and influence others. Persuasive writing helps build that confidence by requiring students to formulate and present a clear opinion supported by facts. A student may not always agree with what they are asked to persuade about, but having an opinion is the first victory. Once that opinion is formed, students must brainstorm examples to support it and then organize it into a logical format. With each of these small accomplishments, confidence in the ability to influence others is furthered.

First and foremost, persuasive writing worksheets help ensure that students have thoroughly understood what they are learning. Often, in our attempt to cover material and get through the curriculum, we fail to test for understanding. With persuasive writing worksheets, the students are tested on their knowledge of the subject matter and given an opportunity to enhance their understanding of it.

3. Effective Strategies for Teaching Persuasive Writing

Let students do the work of learning. Pose a problem to which students already know the answer. Build argumentative skills by examining different sides of the issue. Have students take out a sheet of paper and explain which side of the issue is right. Then have students explain the wrong side of the issue in an effort to better understand the problem. Have students swap papers and compare explanations. This step can also be done as a whole class on a blackboard with the teacher leading the two different arguments. This activity serves as a transition into the writing stage.

Use a brief story or scenario to set the stage for a piece of persuasive writing. If you can, make the scenario relevant to the students’ lives. In “The Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday,” Judith Viorst tells the story of a boy who wants to buy a walkie-talkie. His money burns a hole in his pocket. Unfortunately, it does so in the course of a week and by means of impulsively buying things he sees on the way home from school. This is truly a story from which all children can take a lesson!

4. Incorporating Worksheets in the Classroom

Handouts are just a simple means to provide students with practice work as they continue to work on their persuasive writing skills. A point to consider is that the student handout is meant for three different learning groups: the students, the teacher, and the teaching assistant. By using these handouts, teachers can give assignments knowing that they are truly on track with the unit’s objectives and the students’ learning. Students can break down the assignment to truly understand what is being asked of them and what their goals should be. And teaching assistants can use the key or sample handout to give students instant feedback and grades. With the aid of the worksheet, TAs can better have an understanding of persuasive assignments and how teachers want them to be graded. TAs are usually students themselves, so they will offer students who need help a new perspective or better understanding by example. Since persuasive writing is as much a skill as it is a knowledge area, a rubric can be difficult for teachers to use accurately without a student example that fits each point on the scale. With the student worksheets and handouts, people grading the assignments can learn right alongside the students and improve their ability to assess the criteria of each assignment task.

5. Conclusion

Students usually do not understand the role of worksheets in their studies. They think that worksheets are only for practice or to keep the kids busy. However, this is not true. If you want to excel in your studies and achieve good grades, it is essential to practice regularly. The same applies to persuasive essay writing. Persuasive writing is a form of nonfiction writing that emphasizes careful word choice, the development of logical arguments, and a cohesive summary. Worksheets, exercises, and activities can help students improve their essay writing skills and produce better papers. This is the best and easiest way to learn and improve grades. Even if grades are not the main concern, these skills can be beneficial in daily life. They can help individuals present arguments effectively, persuade others with their words, and make informed decisions. If someone is skilled at convincing others, they can use this skill in their job to get things done. In short, persuasive writing is the art of effective arguing and reasoning, and there is nothing more important than putting that skill to good use.