Writing a letter to

persuade someone

We should ban playtime at

school
Ms Butcher
47 Hawker Avenue
Hawker Park Primary School
Warwick WA 6024
9 June 2016
Hon. Colin Barnett MLA
Premier of Western Australia
1 Parliament Place
West Perth WA 6005
Dear Premier,

In my opinion, primary school students do not need playtime.

The most important reason for abolishing playtime is that it is an
incredible waste of time. Time spent in the playground would be
better spent learning. Children need to spend more time learning
essential skills in English and Maths. No-one can argue with the
importance of these subjects and it is clear that children need more
time to practice their reading, writing and arithmetic.
In addition, playtime is very dangerous. Small children are often
knocked over by bigger children and there are numerous injuries
every day caused by stray balls, tripping hazards and falling from
equipment. It is a well known fact that most injuries to children at
school occur during playtime.
Finally, playtime is dreadful for teachers. As you would be aware,
many teachers are too old to run around, so they get cold when they
are outside on playground duty. They also miss out on having a cup
of tea and a chat with other teachers.
I assure you that primary schools will be safer and more effective
without playtime. I therefore urge you to ban playtime as soon as
possible.
Yours faithfully,
Ms Butcher

The issue being discussed

The benefits and disadvantages of
playtime.

The point of view

I think playtime is a bad idea and should
be banned.

The audience
The Premier (in his role as law-maker)

My reasons
1. It is a waste of time that could be better
spent learning.
2. It is too dangerous.
3. Teachers get cold and lonely!

Strong adjectives

Important
Incredible
Essential
Numerous
Most
Dreadful

Strong assertions

No-one can argue

It is clear
It is a well known fact
As you would be aware
I assure you

Conclusion
Promise I assure you...
Request I urge you

Your task
Write a letter to Dr Roberts about a
change that you would like at school.
The top 5 letters will be published in the
Hawker Headlines, based on how well
they meet the criteria.
You have this lesson to plan, a lesson
next Thursday to write and a lesson next
Friday to publish your letter.

Ideas?
2 minutes to discuss your ideas with
each other.

Planning your letter

What is the issue/problem/idea being
discussed? Try to think of a way of
grabbing your readers attention in the
introduction.
Who is your audience? Dr Roberts. What
matters to Dr Roberts? How can you
convince her?
What is your point of view? Are you for
or against?

Planning your letter

What are your reasons?
Include at least three reasons.
Make sure the reasons are relevant to Dr
Roberts.
Give examples.
Provide some facts or evidence to back up
your reasons.
Is there an obvious counter-argument that
you can ward off? For example: Some say
that animals in the classroom would distract
students from their learning, but the value of
teaching us about responsible pet ownership

Planning your letter

What can you offer or promise your
reader?
How can you convince Dr Roberts that
your idea will truly improve the school?

Attention to detail
Correct formal letter structure.
Capital letters at the beginning of
sentences.
Capital letters for proper nouns, e.g. Dr
Roberts.
Punctuation (full stop, question mark,
exclamation mark) at the end of

Attention to detail
Separate paragraphs for introduction,
first reason, second reason, third reason
and conclusion.
Transition words, for example: firstly, in
the first instance, finally, in addition,
therefore, next, last but not least, on the
other hand, etc.
Strong and emotive language.

Resources
Marking guide.
Planning template.
Letter template.
Your plan must be reviewed by Mr
Etheridge or myself before you start
writing your letter.

Get started!
Plan.
Draft.
Check your draft against the marking
guide.
Publish!