Persuasive Writing: Opinion Paragraphs
The Spark
Concept
A strong opinion paragraph has: a topic sentence that states the main point, two or three reasons with supporting evidence or examples, and a concluding sentence that restates the opinion. Signal words like firstly, furthermore, in conclusion help structure the argument.
Activity
Ask your child: Should our school have a longer lunch break? Give me three reasons. Help them see that reasons need evidence to be convincing.
Check
After the worksheet, ask your child to read their paragraph aloud and check: Does the first sentence state the opinion? Is there at least one piece of evidence? Does the last sentence summarise?
What Makes a Good Opinion Sentence?
Circle the sentence that is the best opinion sentence (clear point of view, not a fact).
Choose the best opinion sentence:
Choose the best opinion sentence:
Sort: Opinion Sentence or Fact?
Sort each sentence into Opinion sentence (suitable as a PEEL point) or Fact.
Match the PEEL Part to Its Purpose
Draw a line to match each PEEL part with what it does.
Put the PEEL Paragraph in Order (Set A)
These sentences belong to a PEEL paragraph but are scrambled. Number them 1 to 4 in the correct order.
PEEL Planner (Set A)
Choose a topic and complete the PEEL planner before writing your paragraph.
Choose a topic: [ ] All children should have a pet. [ ] Homework should be banned. [ ] Schools should teach cooking. [ ] My own topic:
P — My Point (opinion sentence):
E — Evidence or example:
E — Explanation (why does this matter?):
L — Link back to my point:
Write Your PEEL Paragraph (Set A)
Use your PEEL planner to write your full opinion paragraph. Aim for 4–6 sentences.
Write your paragraph:
Which Signal Word Fits?
Circle the best signal word or phrase for each blank.
___, animals should be protected from factory farming.
___, studies show factory farming causes significant animal suffering.
___, the welfare of animals matters to the health of the whole food system.
Sort Signal Words by Function
Sort these persuasive signal words by what they do.
PEEL Self-Check
Use this checklist to evaluate your PEEL paragraph from Activity 6.
[ ] My first sentence clearly states my opinion. [ ] I included at least one piece of evidence or example. [ ] I explained why the evidence matters. [ ] My last sentence links back to my main point. [ ] I used at least one persuasive signal word. One thing I will improve in my next paragraph:
Match the Evidence Type to Its Example
Draw a line to match each type of evidence with its example.
Write an Evidence Sentence
For each opinion, write one evidence sentence that supports it.
Opinion: Children should eat less sugar. Evidence:
Opinion: Schools need more art lessons. Evidence:
Opinion: Australia should protect its native forests. Evidence:
Sort Evidence From Strongest to Weakest
Sort these types of evidence from strongest (most convincing) to weakest (least convincing).
Write Your Own PEEL Paragraph (Set B)
Write a PEEL paragraph on the topic: 'Children should spend more time outdoors.' Aim for 5–7 sentences. Use at least one piece of evidence and one signal word.
Your paragraph:
Write a Strong Opening Sentence
Write three different opening sentences for the topic 'Schools should have a four-day week'. Try a question, a bold statement and a statistic.
Question opener:
Bold statement opener:
Statistic opener:
Which opener is most effective and why?
Which Explanation Sentence Is Best?
Circle the best explanation sentence for each piece of evidence.
Evidence: Students who sleep 8 hours score higher on tests.
Evidence: Schools with gardens show 30% improvement in student wellbeing.
PEEL Paragraph: Full Draft
Write a complete PEEL paragraph on a topic: libraries / school canteen / recess / animals in zoos / space exploration. Label each sentence P, E, E or L.
My topic:
My PEEL paragraph:
Sort: Part of a PEEL Paragraph?
Sort each sentence into the PEEL part it belongs to.
Improve a Weak PEEL Paragraph
This PEEL paragraph is weak. Improve each part.
WEAK VERSION: P: I think sport is good. E: Sport is fun. E: It helps you. L: So sport is good. Improved P:
Improved E (with evidence/statistic):
Improved E (with explanation):
Improved L:
Sort: Persuasive Techniques
Sort each example into the persuasive technique it uses.
Use a Persuasive Technique
Practise each persuasive technique by writing one sentence on the topic 'Reducing food waste'.
Rhetorical question:
Emotional appeal:
Statistic (real or plausible):
Expert opinion:
PEEL Paragraph: Environmental Topic
Write a PEEL paragraph arguing that plastic bags should be banned in Australia. Include a statistic or research finding as your evidence.
PEEL Planner: P:
E:
E:
L:
Full paragraph:
Sort: Strong or Weak Persuasive Sentences?
Sort each sentence into strong or weak persuasive writing.
Persuasive Paragraph: School Life Topic
Choose your own school-related topic and write a full PEEL paragraph with all four parts. Use at least two persuasive signal words.
My topic:
My paragraph:
Signal words I used:
Choose the Most Persuasive Sentence
Circle the most persuasive version of each sentence.
Choose the most persuasive version:
Choose the most persuasive version:
Counter-Argument and Refutation
Write a counter-argument and refutation for the topic: 'All schools should teach cooking.'
Counter-argument (some people might say...):
Refutation (however, the evidence shows...):
Sort: Counter-Argument or Refutation?
Sort each sentence into counter-argument (opposing view) or refutation (response to it).
Two-Paragraph Persuasive Writing
Write two PEEL paragraphs on 'All Australian schools should have vegetable gardens'. Paragraph 1: health and wellbeing argument. Paragraph 2: educational argument.
Paragraph 1 (health/wellbeing):
Paragraph 2 (educational):
Write a Persuasive Introduction
Write a two-sentence persuasive introduction for 'The importance of reading'. Sentence 1: a hook. Sentence 2: your thesis/main opinion.
Hook sentence:
Thesis (main opinion):
Varied Sentence Openers in Persuasion
Rewrite each sentence using a more varied and persuasive opener.
Original: I think we should have more trees in cities. Rewritten:
Original: I believe homework should be reduced. Rewritten:
Original: I think coding is important. Rewritten:
Sort: Persuasive Openers by Effect
Sort these sentence openers by the effect they create.
Edit for Persuasive Power
Rewrite this paragraph to make it more persuasive by adding signal words, a rhetorical question and stronger evidence.
ORIGINAL: Children do not exercise enough. Exercise is good for you. Schools should have more sport. Your persuasive version:
Persuasion in Real Life
Find and practise persuasion beyond the worksheet.
- 1Read a letter to the editor in a newspaper and identify the PEEL structure.
- 2Choose something you want permission for and write a PEEL paragraph to persuade a family member.
- 3Watch a TV advertisement and identify the persuasive techniques — emotion, statistics, celebrity, repetition.
- 4Write a counter-argument paragraph — the same topic but arguing the opposite side. Then decide which side is more convincing.
Two-Sided Argument Practice
Complete this planning table for the topic 'Children should not be allowed to have smartphones'.
Three arguments FOR this rule:
Three arguments AGAINST this rule:
Which side do you find more convincing and why?
Write With a Rhetorical Question Hook
Write a full PEEL paragraph beginning with a powerful rhetorical question. Topic: 'The importance of sleep for children'.
Rhetorical question hook:
Full paragraph (P, E, E, L):
Sort: Persuasive Paragraph Features
Sort each feature into essential (must have) or optional (adds impact but not always needed).
Use the Rule of Three
The 'Rule of Three' lists three things in a row for power and rhythm. Write three rule-of-three sentences on different topics.
Topic: benefits of reading: 'Reading develops _____, builds _____ and creates _____.'
Topic: why exercise matters: 'Exercise _____, _____ and _____.'
Topic: your choice — write a rule of three:
Which Is a Better Rule of Three?
Circle the more powerful rule-of-three phrase.
Which rule of three sounds more powerful?
Which rule of three sounds more powerful?
Persuasive Writing: Animal Topic
Write a full PEEL paragraph arguing that it is wrong to keep wild animals in zoos. Use the rule of three in your evidence or explanation sentence.
Your paragraph:
Sort: Concession Language
Sort these phrases into concession phrases (admitting the other side) or refutation phrases (arguing back).
Appropriate vs Manipulative Emotional Language
Rewrite each manipulative sentence to make it an appropriate emotional appeal.
Manipulative: 'Only someone who doesn't care about children would oppose this policy.' Appropriate version:
Manipulative: 'You would have to be heartless not to donate.' Appropriate version:
Write Using Multiple Persuasive Techniques
Write a PEEL paragraph about a topic of your choice. Use at least three different persuasive techniques and label each one in the margin.
My topic:
My paragraph:
Techniques I used:
Sort: Which Persuasive Technique Is Being Used?
Match each sentence to its persuasive technique.
Write a Conclusion Paragraph
Write a conclusion paragraph for the essay topic 'Schools should ban sugary drinks'. It should restate the main argument, summarise key evidence and end with a call to action.
Conclusion paragraph:
Which Conclusion Is More Effective?
Circle the more effective conclusion sentence.
Which is the better conclusion?
Which is the better conclusion?
Full Persuasive Essay Plan
Plan a full persuasive essay (introduction + two PEEL paragraphs + conclusion) on: 'Australia should do more to protect native wildlife.'
Introduction hook:
Thesis (main opinion):
Paragraph 1 — Point:
Paragraph 1 — Evidence:
Paragraph 2 — Point:
Paragraph 2 — Evidence:
Conclusion — key idea and call to action:
Persuasive Writing in the World
Explore persuasive writing in real-world contexts this week.
- 1Find a real letter to the editor in a newspaper. Identify the PEEL structure and any persuasive techniques.
- 2Write a letter to your local council about an issue in your community using the PEEL structure.
- 3Watch a persuasive speech (TED Talk or school speech day) and identify three techniques used.
- 4Create a persuasive poster for a cause you believe in — include a slogan, statistics and an emotional appeal.
Write a Full Persuasive Essay
Write a full persuasive essay (introduction, two PEEL paragraphs, conclusion) on: 'All Australian children should learn a second language.' Use at least four different persuasive techniques.
Your essay:
Evaluate a Persuasive Text
Read a real persuasive text (editorial, letter to editor, advertisement or speech). Complete this analysis.
Text and source:
Main opinion (Point):
Two pieces of evidence used:
Two persuasive techniques identified:
Is the argument convincing? Why or why not?
Write for Different Audiences
Argue that your local park needs better facilities. Write your main point sentence in two versions — one for the local council (formal) and one for a school newsletter (informal/engaging).
For the council (formal):
For the school newsletter (informal/engaging):
What changed between the two versions?
Sort: Formal or Informal Persuasive Language?
Sort each persuasive phrase by register.
Letter of Persuasion: Formal
Write a formal persuasive letter to your school principal arguing for one change at your school. Use full PEEL structure, formal language and at least two persuasive techniques.
Your letter:
Self-Evaluation: Persuasive Writing
Look at a persuasive piece you have written. Evaluate it honestly.
Did you state your opinion clearly in the first sentence? Evidence:
What type of evidence did you use? Was it strong enough?
Did you include a counter-argument? If not, write one now:
What persuasive techniques did you use?
What would you improve if you rewrote this piece?
Analyse Your Own Persuasive Techniques
Reread the persuasive essay you wrote in Activity 71. Complete this analysis.
List every persuasive technique you used and give an example of each:
Which technique do you think was most effective?
Which would you add or change now?
Two-Sided Essay: Introduction and Two Arguments
Write an introduction and two body paragraphs for a two-sided essay on 'Technology in the classroom'. Paragraph 1: FOR. Paragraph 2: AGAINST. Then state your own opinion at the end.
Introduction:
FOR paragraph:
AGAINST paragraph:
My opinion:
Sort: Features of a Sophisticated Persuasive Essay
Sort each feature into basic (Year 3 level) or sophisticated (Year 4+ level).
Peer Feedback on Persuasive Writing
Swap your persuasive essay with a sibling, parent or friend. Give each other feedback using these questions.
What was the clearest, most convincing part of their essay?
What evidence did they use? Was it strong?
Did they include a counter-argument? If yes, was the refutation convincing?
One specific suggestion for improvement:
Final Extended Persuasive Essay
Write a complete five-paragraph persuasive essay on a topic of your choice. Include: introduction with hook and thesis, three body paragraphs (each PEEL), conclusion with call to action. Use at least five different persuasive techniques and label them.
My topic:
My essay:
Persuasive Writing Editing Checklist
Apply the editing checklist to the essay you wrote in Activity 89.
[ ] Opinion is clear in the first sentence. [ ] Every paragraph contains evidence. [ ] Evidence is explained (Explanation step). [ ] Language is precise and varied. [ ] At least one counter-argument is included. [ ] Conclusion motivates action. [ ] Register matches audience. What did you improve after editing?
Sort Persuasive Essays by Quality
Sort these essay features into strong essay or needs improvement.
Persuasive Vocabulary Builder
List ten sophisticated words or phrases you could use to strengthen persuasive writing. For each, write an example sentence.
1. Word/phrase: Example:
2. Word/phrase: Example:
3. Word/phrase: Example:
4. Word/phrase: Example:
5. Word/phrase: Example:
6–10 (continue below):
Reflection: What Makes Persuasive Writing Effective?
Reflect on everything you have learned about persuasive writing.
What is PEEL and why is it a useful structure?
Name three persuasive techniques and explain when you would use each:
What is the most important thing you have learned about persuasion?
How will you use these skills in your next persuasive piece?
Match the Persuasive Term to Its Definition
Draw a line to match each term with its definition.
Write a Persuasive Response to a Real Issue
Choose a real issue in your community or country. Write a full persuasive paragraph using PEEL. Label each part.
Issue:
PEEL paragraph (label P, E, E, L):
Advanced Persuasion Challenge
Apply everything you have learned about persuasive writing in the real world.
- 1Write a letter to your local newspaper about an issue that matters to you — use full PEEL structure.
- 2Give a two-minute persuasive speech at the dinner table and ask family members for critique.
- 3Watch a real political or environmental speech online and identify five persuasive techniques.
- 4Write a persuasive paragraph arguing BOTH sides of an issue — compare which side is easier to argue.