Audience and tone take center stage here. Students fix sentences that threaten the principal ('get us a longer lunch period or else'), insult opponents ('only a fool would think...'), or shut down disagreement ('if you disagree you are wrong'), rewriting each in respectful, formal language. Fill-ins lock in audience, tone, formal, and concerns.
Short answers ask why a letter to a principal sounds different from a note to a classmate, and how to rewrite 'Kids should get allowance because we want money' for parents. Fifth graders leave knowing tone is part of the argument.
Style:
Argumentative Writing
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
Dear Principal, you need to get us a longer lunch period right now or else.
Rewrite: Dear Principal, we respectfully request a longer lunch period because research shows students who eat without rushing make healthier food choices.
2. Fix the sentence:
Only a fool would think that homework on weekends is a good idea.
Rewrite: While some educators support weekend homework, students benefit more from rest and family time, which can improve Monday performance.
3. Fix the sentence:
Phones should be allowed in class and if you disagree you are wrong.
Rewrite: Phones should be permitted during research time because they give students instant access to educational resources and digital tools.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The audience is the person or group you are trying to persuade with your argument.
2. A respectful tone helps your reader take your argument seriously.
3. When writing to a principal, you should use formal language instead of slang.
4. A writer who understands the audience's concerns can choose arguments that matter most to them.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Why would you use different words and tone when writing to your principal versus writing to a classmate?
You would use formal, respectful language with a principal because they are an authority figure, while you can use casual language with a classmate since you are peers.
2. Rewrite this sentence for a parent audience: 'Kids should get allowance because we want money.'
Children should receive an allowance because managing their own money teaches budgeting skills and responsibility that will help them in the future.
Argumentative Writing
★ Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1) Fix the sentence:
Dear Principal, you need to get us a longer lunch period right now or else.
Rewrite: Dear Principal, we respectfully request a longer lunch period because research shows students who eat without rushing make healthier food choices.
2) Fix the sentence:
Only a fool would think that homework on weekends is a good idea.
Rewrite: While some educators support weekend homework, students benefit more from rest and family time, which can improve Monday performance.
3) Fix the sentence:
Phones should be allowed in class and if you disagree you are wrong.
Rewrite: Phones should be permitted during research time because they give students instant access to educational resources and digital tools.
★ Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1) The audience is the person or group you are trying to persuade with your argument.
2) A respectful tone helps your reader take your argument seriously.
3) When writing to a principal, you should use formal language instead of slang.
4) A writer who understands the audience's concerns can choose arguments that matter most to them.
★ Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1) Why would you use different words and tone when writing to your principal versus writing to a classmate?
You would use formal, respectful language with a principal because they are an authority figure, while you can use casual language with a classmate since you are peers.
2) Rewrite this sentence for a parent audience: 'Kids should get allowance because we want money.'
Children should receive an allowance because managing their own money teaches budgeting skills and responsibility that will help them in the future.
Ready to Practice?
Complete each section carefully.
9 Questions
15-20 minutes
Auto-graded
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