Make Persuasive Writing Click for Your Students


Hi Teachers,

Persuasive writing can be one of the most powerful, and most challenging, forms of writing we teach. Many middle school students struggle to move beyond “I think this because…” and into structured, evidence-based writing.

Here’s a simple teacher tip I’ve found effective:
👉 Use the “O-I-Q” strategy with artifacts or issues. Have students Observe, then Infer, then Question before they even start drafting. This quick routine pushes them to notice details, make claims, and ask deeper questions - skills that translate beautifully into persuasive essays.

If you’re looking for something ready-to-go, I’ve created a Persuasive Writing resource that walks students step-by-step through building a strong 5-paragraph essay. It includes:

  • A planning page for brainstorming reasons and counter-arguments
  • Peer editing checklists for structured feedback
  • A rubric aligned with clear writing expectations

You can check it out here.

Whether you use this resource or build your own, setting up a clear structure for persuasive writing helps students feel more confident and focused. Once they see how the introduction, body, and conclusion fit together, the “big scary essay” suddenly becomes manageable.

Happy teaching,
Diane

P.S. If you have any suggestions for resources, please feel free to send me an email to let me know what you'd love to see in my store.

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