After students have completed their research and report on an item from Part 1 of this lesson series, they are "armed" with numerous details on why the product they are requesting is a good product. Now, they need to put their research into a request letter format. Remind students that the purpose of this letter is to learn the process of writing a good persuasive letter. However, if they choose, they can give the letter to their parents to request the item be purchased as a gift for Christmas or for another occasion.
Brainstorm Ideas for Persuasive Letter
When writing a persuasive letter, it is important to understand the audience. The students should know their parents well, so this should not be a problem. Second, they need to think about how to best use their research to present the request and think about how this item may benefit their parents. Last, they need to think about objections that their parents may have about the item and any special circumstances that may or may not be in their favor when asking for the item.
Outlining Ideas
- Craft a sentence or two that tells the parents about the specific product and why the student wants them to buy the gift. This needs to be written in a way that is polite and not too aggressive.
- List why this product is a good item and why it was better than the second product researched.
- List objections that parents may have for purchasing the item and give reasons or a plan of how to overcome them. This may be a point where the student might promise to do extra chores or to help more around the house.
- Write a summary for letter requesting the item again.
Writing Drafts of the Letter
Review parts of a friendly letter before beginning the first draft. The letter should include the date, salutation, three body paragraphs, the closing and a signature. Remind students of the placement of the date and signature. Students usually put those in the wrong place.
Have students peer-edit the letters. Make sure that students check for sincerity, writing conventions and content that is persuasive. Then, students should be ready to write the final copy to turn the letter in for a grade. They can decide if the letter will go home to their parents.
This lesson is always fun for the students. In the process, they learn how to write a persuasive letter that has a real application in their lives.
