Success TutoringWorksheets
Writing Prompt6th GradeLevel 2 · Standard

Free 6th Grade Should Middle School Students Have Recess? — Argumentative Writing

An argumentative writing prompt for 6th graders: many elementary schools have recess, but many middle schools do not. Students take a position on whether middle school students should have a daily recess, and write a letter to their principal with a clear claim, reasons supported by evidence and examples, a counterclaim they answer fairly, and a conclusion with a call to action.

Instant download · No sign-up · Free for personal, classroom and homeschool use

Grade
6th Grade
Subject
English
Topic
Persuasive Writing
Difficulty
Level 2 · Standard
Estimated time
45 minutes
Curriculum
Texas grade levels (TEKS)
Questions
8
Answers
Included, with working
Format
PDF (A4), print or complete online

Students will practice

  • stating a clear claim
  • supporting reasons with evidence and examples
  • addressing a counterclaim
  • using transition words to connect ideas
  • writing a conclusion with a call to action

Curriculum: Texas grade levels (TEKS). We show specific outcome codes only where they have been verified against the official curriculum document.

What's next?

Completed: Should Middle School Students Have Recess? — Argumentative Writing

  1. 1Claims, Reasons, and Relevant Evidence in Argument Writing
  2. 2Persuasive Techniques and Transitions for Argument Writing
  3. 3Explain How It Works — Explanation Writing
  4. 4Developing a Topic: Facts, Definitions, and Examples in a Formal Style

How to use this writing prompt

  1. Print the PDF or complete it on screen. Write the student's name and date at the top.
  2. Read the instructions for each part together before starting. Encourage working to be shown.
  3. Mark with the answer sheet. Use the model answers and success criteria as a guide rather than a single right answer.
  4. Record the score, celebrate what went well, then follow the "What's next" suggestion.

Common questions

Who is this writing prompt for?

6th Grade students (typically ages 11–12) 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 45 minutes for 8 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?

Try Claims, Reasons, and Relevant Evidence in Argument Writing.

Preview

Success TutoringWorksheets6th Grade · English · Persuasive Writing

Should Middle School Students Have Recess? — Argumentative Writing

Name

Date

Plan for ten minutes, write for thirty minutes, then spend five minutes editing.

Plan

Plan your claim, reasons, and counterclaim before you write.

1.Which sentence is the clearest claim?
  1. ARecess is something some schools have.
  2. BOur middle school should add a 20-minute recess every day.
  3. CI am going to write about recess.
  4. DDo you like recess?
2.Which is the best rebuttal to "Recess takes time away from learning"?
  1. AThat is a silly thing to say.
  2. BRecess is fun, so it does not matter.
  3. CIt is true that recess uses class time; however, a short break can help students come back to class calmer and ready to focus, so the time that is left is used better.
  4. DSome people think that, but I disagree.
3.Your claim: (answer space)
4.Reason 1 + evidence or example: (answer space)
5.Reason 2 + evidence or example: (answer space)
6.Counterclaim and rebuttal: (answer space)
7.Call to action: (answer space)

Write

8.Write your letter to the principal. Include a greeting, an introduction with your claim, a paragraph for each reason, a paragraph that answers the counterclaim, and a conclusion with a call to action.
Free worksheets at worksheets.successtutoring.com · © Success Tutoring · Free for personal and classroom use

Preview — the PDF contains the full resource and answer sheet.

More 6th Grade persuasive writing resources

  • Worksheet

    Claims, Reasons, and Relevant Evidence in Argument Writing

    A 6th grade persuasive writing worksheet on the building blocks of an argument. Students read a short argument for a school garden and…

    Difficulty
    Level 2 · Standard
    Time
    30 min
    Questions
    12 questions
    Answers
    Answers included
  • Worksheet

    Persuasive Techniques and Transitions for Argument Writing

    A 6th grade persuasive writing worksheet on making an argument convincing and easy to follow. Students learn three kinds of appeals (to…

    Difficulty
    Level 2 · Standard
    Time
    30 min
    Questions
    14 questions
    Answers
    Answers included

Persuasive Writing in other year levels

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.