Persuasive writing project for 5th grade Language Arts.

1. 5th Persuasive Writing
The Killer Whale Debate

4. The author of The Killer Whale Debate presents arguments for and
against keeping Orcas, or “Killer Whales”, in captivity. Think about
which side of this debate you, personally, are on – should parks
keep Orcas in captivity or not? Use evidence and examples from
the text to support your ideas.
Discussion:
Think about what you will be writing about: Should parks
keep Orcas in captivity or not?
What is the argument for not keeping Orcas in captivity?
What is the argument for keeping Orcas in captivity?
Which argument do you agree with?

5. Should parks keep Orcas in captivity?
Argument for keeping Orcas in captivity Argument for not keeping Orcas in captivity
AGREE/DISAGREE
Argument: Argument:
Quote: Quote:
AGREE/DISAGREE

6. Your Turn
• Re-read The Killer Whale Debate with your
partner or group
• As you read, look for the arguments both for
and against keeping Orcas in captivity and jot
them down on your planning sheet.
• Also, jot down if you agree or disagree and
why.

7. Focus Statement
Should parks keep Orcas in captivity?
Start your focus statement by telling your reader what issue you’ll be writing
about without giving your opinion yet:
Should parks like Sea World keep Orcas in captivity? People
disagree about whether or not using Killer Whales at sea parks is a
good idea.
Then, add your personal opinion that you will be writing to persuade others of:
Should parks like Sea World keep Orcas in captivity? People
disagree about whether or not using Killer Whales at sea parks is a
good idea. I believe. . .

8. Body Paragraph #1
Should parks keep Orcas in captivity?
• Summarize the argument from the article that you
agree with in your own words and provide a quote
from the text.
• Explain why you agree with this argument.
One argument the author gives
for/against keeping Orca’s in captivity is. .
.

9. Body Paragraph #2
Should parks keep Orcas in captivity?
• Summarize the argument from the article that you
don’t agree with in your own words and provide a
quote from the text.
• Explain why you don’t agree with this argument.
The author also writes that many
people believe. . .I disagree because. . .

10. Closing Statement
• Re-state your opinion
• Summarize the argument that supports
your opinion
• Include a “call to action” which states
what you think your reader should do/think
In conclusion, keeping Orcas in
captivity is clearly. . .