Getting Your Child Ready For Persuasive Text or Exposition Writing In Year 2:
The first main step is having discussions about current topics, so that your child can form their own opinions. 2011 was the first year that year 3's had to write a persuasive text as part of the NAPLAN testing, in the past they have been required to write a narrative. In the future they may be asked to write a Persuasive text or a Narrative. There are some important elements that the children must include in their writing to achieve a positive result in the marking of this assessment task. As a year 2 parent it is also a very good idea to practice the skills of writing or just talking about a convincing persuasive text with your child in preparation for the year 3 testing. The purpose of their writing is to persuade their audience by arguing one side of an issue. The previous year's topics were "We spend too much money on toys and games." and "Convince someone about who you think is a true hero." The children must include;
1.Statement of position, a brief introductory statement of their point of view. 2.Include a rhetorical question eg. "How would you feel if.... Would you like it if......?" 3.A series of three arguments (each in a separate paragraph). 4.Begin paragraphs with "Firstly, secondly, finally..." 5.Use high modality words in their argument like; definitely, absolutely, certainly. 6.Include a rebuttle ie. "Although some people may think that...... I disagree with them because ......." 7.Include a strong conclusion to sum up their three arguments one by one. 8.They must have at least 5 paragraphs in their writing.
Remember in year 2 it is really important to have discussions with your child about current issues so that they have some background information to base their arguments and opinions on.