Writing a persuasive essay: opinion, reasons and call to action
A persuasive essay wants the reader to agree and to act. It has five features. First, a clear opinion. Second, reasons with evidence from school life that you can explain. Third, an appeal to the feelings, and in our lessons we use hope and pride, not fear or guilt. Fourth, strong language, such as must, should, need to and clearly, and a rhetorical question to make the reader think. Fifth, a call to action at the end. Use strong modal verbs correctly: We must start today is correct, but They must require change is not natural in English. Your book has a persuasive article on page 46 with five numbered features and a task with the title Small Actions, Big Impact. The page has no model, so our model on another topic can help you to plan your task. Write 70 to 90 words in this lesson, and up to 120 if you can.
| Feature | What it does | Example from our model |
|---|---|---|
| Clear opinion | tells the reader what you think | I believe it can. |
| Reasons and evidence | support the opinion | Every class keeps its lights on during break. |
| Appeal to hope or pride | moves the reader in a positive way | we would feel proud of a clever plan |
| Persuasive language and a question | makes the reader think | Can a small switch change a big bill? Clearly, … We must … |
| Call to action | tells the reader what to do | Put a small sign by the door. |
Can a small switch change a big bill? I believe it can. Every classroom in our school keeps its lights on during break, although the sun shines through the windows. If each class switched off its lights, the school would use less electricity, and we would feel proud of a clever plan that costs nothing. Clearly, small habits matter. We must start today. So tomorrow, put a small sign by the door that says “Last one out, lights out”, and ask your class to join you.
Your essay. Write 70 to 90 words to persuade your class to put a recycling box in every classroom. Use a rhetorical question, an opinion, two reasons, one appeal to hope or pride, one strong modal verb and a call to action. Underline each feature.