Study Guide
How to Write a Persuasive Text
A step-by-step guide to planning and writing a persuasive text: taking a clear position, structuring an introduction, body paragraphs and…
- Difficulty
- Level 2 · Standard
- Time
- 20 min
WorksheetYear 5Level 2 · Standard
Free Year 5 Writing a Rebuttal: Answering the Other Side Worksheet
Students learn how a rebuttal makes a persuasive text stronger by stating what the other side believes and then showing why it is weak. They take apart a model rebuttal paragraph, use signal phrases such as some people argue and however, choose the strongest answer to an opposing argument, then write their own rebuttal paragraph with a reason and evidence.
Instant download · No sign-up · Free for personal, classroom and homeschool use
- Year
- Year 5
- Subject
- English
- Topic
- Persuasive Writing
- Difficulty
- Level 2 · Standard
- Estimated time
- 30 minutes
- Curriculum
- Australian Curriculum
- Questions
- 15
- Answers
- Included, with working
- Format
- PDF (A4), print or complete online
Students will practise
- identifying an opposing argument
- using signal phrases to introduce and answer the other side
- choosing a strong, reasoned rebuttal
- supporting a rebuttal with evidence
- writing a rebuttal paragraph
Curriculum: Australian Curriculum. We show specific outcome codes only where they have been verified against the official curriculum document.
What's next?
Completed: Writing a Rebuttal: Answering the Other Side
Ready for more? Move on to Year 6 English.
How to use this worksheet
- Print the PDF or complete it on screen. Write the student's name and date at the top.
- Read the instructions for each part together before starting. Encourage working to be shown.
- Mark with the answer sheet. Use the model answers and success criteria as a guide rather than a single right answer.
- Record the score, celebrate what went well, then follow the "What's next" suggestion.
Common questions
Who is this worksheet for?
Year 5 students (typically ages 10–11) working on persuasive writing. It is pitched at level 2 · standard.
Are the answers included?
Yes. The PDF includes a full answer sheet with model answers and success criteria where there is more than one good answer. You can also view the answers online.
How long does it take?
About 30 minutes for 15 questions. Short, regular sessions work best: two or three a week beats one long one.
Do I need to sign up to download?
No. Click Download Free PDF and it opens immediately. It is free for personal, classroom and homeschool use.
What should we do next?
Explore more Year 5 english resources.
Preview
Success TutoringWorksheetsYear 5 · English · Persuasive WritingWriting a Rebuttal: Answering the Other Side
Name
Date
Score /
Name the other side's best argument, then show the reader why your side is stronger.
Part A: Take apart a rebuttal
A rebuttal states an argument the other side might make, then explains why it is wrong or weak. Read the model paragraph and answer the questions.
Position: Students should have a longer lunch break.
(1) Some people argue that a longer lunch break would waste valuable learning time. (2) However, this view overlooks how the brain works. (3) After a proper rest, students return to class calmer and more focused, so they learn more in the time that is left. (4) In fact, many teachers notice that the lesson straight after a short, rushed lunch is the hardest one to teach. (5) A longer break would not take away from learning; it would make learning better.
(Model paragraph written for this worksheet.)
1.What is the opposing argument in sentence (1)? (answer space)
2.Which word in sentence (2) signals that the writer is about to disagree? (answer space)
3.What does the writer do in sentences (3) and (4)?
- Arepeats the opposing argument
- Bgives a reason and an example to show the opposing argument is weak
- Cchanges their mind
- Dtells a story about lunch
4.How does sentence (5) link back to the writer's position? (answer space)
5.Why is it smart to include a rebuttal in a persuasive text?
- AIt makes the text longer.
- BIt shows the writer has thought about the other side and can answer it.
- CIt helps the other side win.
- DIt means you do not need any other arguments.
Part B: Signal phrases
Complete each sentence with a signal phrase. Choose from: Some people argue, However, overlooks, In fact.
6. (answer space) that school uniforms are too expensive. (introduces the other side)
7. (answer space), most uniform items last for more than one year. (signals disagreement)
8.This argument (answer space) the fact that second-hand uniforms are often available for free. (shows the other side has missed something)
9. (answer space), uniforms save families money because children need fewer everyday clothes. (adds a strong point)
Part C: Choose the strongest rebuttal
A strong rebuttal answers the opposing argument directly with a reason or evidence. It never just says the other side is wrong.
10.Position: Every student should learn a musical instrument. Opposing argument: Instruments are too expensive. Which is the strongest rebuttal?
- AThat is just wrong.
- BMany schools lend instruments to students, and some instruments, such as recorders, cost very little.
- CI love music.
- DSome instruments are very loud.
11.Position: More students should walk or ride a bike to school. Opposing argument: It is not safe. Which is the strongest rebuttal?
- AWalking in groups, using crossings and wearing helmets make the trip much safer.
- BCars are bad.
- CEveryone should just be braver.
- DSome people live too far away.
12.Position: Our town needs a new library. Opposing argument: Everyone reads online now. Which is the strongest rebuttal?
- ALibraries are old-fashioned.
- BNobody cares about reading.
- CLibraries offer free internet, quiet study spaces and help for people who cannot afford books or devices.
- DOnline reading is fun.
Preview — the PDF contains the full resource and answer sheet.
More Year 5 persuasive writing resources
- Writing Prompt
Should Homework Be Banned in Primary School? — Persuasive Writing
A NAPLAN-style persuasive prompt on homework. Students identify persuasive techniques, plan a contention with three supported arguments…
- Difficulty
- Level 2 · Standard
- Time
- 40 min
- Questions
- 8 questions
- Answers
- Answers included
Persuasive Writing in other year levels
- Persuasive Language: Strong Words, Questions and Must
Worksheet · Year 3 · Persuasive Writing · Level 2 · Standard
- Opinion, Reason, Example: Building a Persuasive Paragraph
Worksheet · Year 3 · Persuasive Writing · Level 2 · Standard
- Persuasive Devices: Emotive Language, Rhetorical Questions and the Rule of Three
Worksheet · Year 7 · Persuasive Writing · Level 2 · Standard
- Writing a Rebuttal and a Strong Call to Action
Worksheet · Year 7 · Persuasive Writing · Level 2 · Standard
Was this resource helpful?
About this resource
- Created by
- Success Tutoring
- Last reviewed
- 1 October 2026
- How it was made
- Written by our team
Free to print and share for personal, classroom and homeschool use. Please don't resell. Spotted an error? Let us know.