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Writing Prompt9th GradeLevel 3 · Challenge

Free 9th Grade Is Social Media Doing More Harm Than Good? — Persuasive Writing

A test-style persuasive prompt for 9th grade on the effects of social media on teenagers. Students analyze sophisticated persuasive techniques, plan a nuanced contention with developed arguments, a concession and rebuttal, and write a persuasive essay. Success criteria target the top bands: sustained argument, authoritative voice and controlled, varied language.

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Grade
9th Grade
Subject
English
Topic
Persuasive Writing
Difficulty
Level 3 · Challenge
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

  • constructing a nuanced contention
  • developing arguments with reasoning and evidence
  • using concession and rebuttal strategically
  • sustaining an authoritative persuasive voice

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: Is Social Media Doing More Harm Than Good? — Persuasive Writing

  1. 1Planning an Argumentative Essay: TEEL, Counter-Argument and Rebuttal
  2. 2Persuasive Language Devices: Rhetorical Questions, Rule of Three and More
  3. 3Writing a Feature Article: Headlines, Leads, Quotes and Structure

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?

9th Grade students (typically ages 14–15) working on persuasive writing. It is pitched at level 3 · challenge.

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 Planning an Argumentative Essay: TEEL, Counter-Argument and Rebuttal.

Preview

Success TutoringWorksheets9th Grade · English · Persuasive Writing

Is Social Media Doing More Harm Than Good? — Persuasive Writing

Name

Date

Plan for seven minutes, write for thirty-three minutes, then edit for five minutes.

Persuasive techniques

Identify the techniques you will use to persuade a skeptical adult reader.

1.Match each technique to its example.
  • Analogy
  • Juxtaposition
  • Concession
  • Strategic repetition
  • Appeal to authority
  • Rhetorical question
  • If a product were keeping our children awake, anxious and comparing themselves to strangers, would we call it entertainment?
  • It is true that for isolated teenagers, online communities can be a lifeline.
  • Handing a thirteen-year-old an unrestricted feed is like handing them the keys to a car and hoping for the best.
  • The app promises connection; what it delivers, at midnight, is a room full of people and no one to talk to.
  • Pediatric bodies have repeatedly warned about the link between heavy use and poor sleep.
  • Designed to be checked. Designed to be scrolled. Designed, above all, never to be put down.
2.Which contention is the most nuanced while still taking a clear side?
  1. ASocial media is bad and should be banned for everyone.
  2. BSocial media has good and bad sides, so it depends.
  3. CAlthough social media offers teenagers genuine connection, its design rewards comparison and compulsion, and on balance it is doing more harm than good.
  4. DSocial media is good because everyone uses it.

Plan

Plan for seven minutes. Order your arguments deliberately.

3.Contention (nuanced, one or two sentences): (answer space)
4.Arguments in order of impact (strongest last): (answer space)
5.Evidence or examples you will use for each argument: (answer space)
6.Concession and rebuttal: (answer space)
7.Conclusion and call to action: (answer space)
Free worksheets at worksheets.successtutoring.com · © Success Tutoring · Free for personal and classroom use

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

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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.