I was visiting a grade five and six class this week where the students were learning how to write persuasive essays. They had all come up with thesis statements and three reasons why their statement was true. Now they were gathering information and examples to support each reason. As I walked around the room I was fascinated by the variety of their thesis statements.
Solar panels are an excellent energy source.
My parents should buy me a cat.
Plenty of sleep is good for you.
They should serve snacks at school.
Good government is important.
Divorce is a bad thing for kids.
Shoes are too expensive.
My old school was better than this one.
I need a new computer.
Soccer is the best sport.
Immigrants are good for Canada.
My house needs to be more organized.
All schools should have sports teams.
I thought it was great that the students were being encouraged to have strong opinions and being taught to defend them in their writing. I loved talking to them about their opinions.
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