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Persuasive Techniques and Transitions for Argument Writing — Answers

Answer sheet with model answers and success criteria for the 6th Grade persuasive writing worksheet.

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Success TutoringWorksheetsAnswer sheet6th Grade · English · Persuasive Writing

Persuasive Techniques and Transitions for Argument Writing — Answers

Part A: Name the technique

Persuasive writers appeal to logic (reasons, facts), emotion (feelings), and trust (experts, experience). Circle the right answer.

1.Our town's animal shelter is caring for more dogs than it has room for. Add: Picture a scared puppy shivering alone in a crowded kennel. Which appeal is the added sentence?
  1. Alogic
  2. Bemotion
  3. Ctrust

Answer: emotion

It asks the reader to imagine a sad scene so they will feel something.

2.Veterinarians recommend that pets visit the vet at least once a year. Which appeal is this?
  1. Alogic
  2. Bemotion
  3. Ctrust

Answer: trust

It uses the authority of experts the reader trusts.

3.Using a refillable water bottle costs less over time than buying bottled water every day, because one bottle can be used for years. Which appeal is this?
  1. Alogic
  2. Bemotion
  3. Ctrust

Answer: logic

It uses reasons and cause and effect to convince the reader.

4.What is the purpose of a rhetorical question such as Who wants to learn in a classroom that is too hot to think?
  1. Ato get the reader to write back an answer
  2. Bto make the reader think and agree without needing an answer
  3. Cto show the writer is unsure
  4. Dto change the topic

Answer: to make the reader think and agree without needing an answer

A rhetorical question leads the reader toward the writer's answer.

Part B: Choose strong, respectful words

Strong persuasive writing uses precise words, not vague ones like good or stuff, and treats people who disagree with respect.

5.Replace the disrespectful words: Anyone who disagrees with longer recess is just being dumb.

Answer: Some people worry that a longer recess takes time from learning, but the benefits are worth considering.

  1. Any revision that responds to the other side respectfully, without insults, is correct.
6.Replace the weak words with precise, strong ones: A new crosswalk would be good because the street is kind of dangerous.

Answer: A new crosswalk would protect students, because cars often speed down the street during drop-off.

  1. Any revision that replaces good and kind of dangerous with specific, precise words is correct.

Part C: Add transitions

Choose from: First, In addition, For example, Although, In conclusion. Use each one once.

7.Our library should stay open until 6:00 p.m. (answer space), many students have no quiet place to study at home.

Answer: First

To begin with or For one thing would also work.

8. (answer space), students whose parents work late could wait safely at the library.

Answer: In addition

Also, Furthermore, or Second would also work.

9. (answer space), the high school library across town stays open late and is often full.

Answer: For example

For instance would also work.

10. (answer space) some people worry about the cost of extra staff, parent volunteers could help.

Answer: Although

While or Even though would also work.

11. (answer space), a later closing time would help students succeed.

Answer: In conclusion

Overall or For these reasons would also work.

Part D: Transition types

12.Which transition shows contrast?
  1. AFurthermore
  2. BHowever
  3. CFor instance
  4. DAs a result

Answer: However

However signals a different or opposite idea.

13.Which transition shows a result?
  1. ASimilarly
  2. BOn the other hand
  3. CTherefore
  4. DFor example

Answer: Therefore

Therefore shows that one thing happens because of another.

Part E: Your turn

14.Write a persuasive paragraph to your city council asking for one improvement in your neighborhood (for example, a new park, more shade trees, or a safer bike path). Use at least two persuasive techniques (logic, emotion, trust, or a rhetorical question) and at least three transitions. Keep your tone respectful.

Model answer: Our neighborhood needs more shade trees along Elm Street. First, trees cool the air around them, which makes the walk to school more comfortable in the hot months. In addition, shade helps protect people's skin from the sun. Doctors warn that too much sun can cause sunburn and skin damage, so shade is a simple way to protect children. Have you ever watched a group of kids walking home on a hot afternoon with no place to rest? Although planting trees costs money, they last for many years and can make the whole street more pleasant. For these reasons, I ask the city council to plant shade trees on Elm Street.

Success criteria:

  • A clear claim addressed to the city council
  • At least two persuasive techniques used purposefully
  • At least three transitions that connect ideas
  • Precise words and a respectful tone
  • A closing sentence that restates the request
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