Teaching Secondary Students to Write Effectively

Persuasive essay

Read through your paper and ask if any of the 

following apply (Compare):

• 

My claim or position is unclear.

• 

Some of the ideas supporting my position  

are not convincing.

• 

I do not address ideas that refute my claim.

• 

Part of my paper doesn’t belong with the rest.

Next, decide how you will rectify each issue 

identified (Diagnose) and implement your  

revision (Operate).

E X A M P L E   1.7.

Adapting a persuasive writing strategy when writing essays for different audiences

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Writing prompt: Take a stand on an issue that is important to you. Write two brief essays: one to 

persuade your friends of your position and one to persuade the local city council of your position. 

Use the same planning strategy (PLAN) for both essays.