Year 3 — Writing

Writing for a purpose

Write narratives, descriptions, recounts, instructions, persuasive writing, information texts and poems — starting to notice how persuasive writing tries to convince the reader.

Back to Year 3

💡Understand

PERSUASIVE writing is new this year — it tries to convince the reader to think or do something, often using strong, confident language and good reasons. This is different from an information text, which just gives neutral facts with no attempt to persuade.

“Information text: 'Recycling reduces waste sent to landfill.' Persuasive: 'You should recycle today — it's one of the easiest ways to protect our planet!'”

The information text calmly states a fact. The persuasive version directly addresses the reader ('you should'), uses a confident claim ('one of the easiest ways'), and aims to convince them to take action.

🔍Spot it

What kind of writing is this?

Question 1

"You should definitely try our new park — it's the best place in town to have fun!"

💡 This directly tries to convince the reader, using confident, enthusiastic language.

Question 2

"The park has three football pitches and a children's playground."

💡 This calmly states facts without trying to convince anyone of anything.

Question 3

"Last Tuesday, we visited the new park and played football for two hours."

💡 This tells us what actually happened, in the past — a recount.

🧠Think about it

Why might a persuasive text use words like 'amazing' or 'you should', while an information text avoids them?

✍️Try it

What kind of writing is this?

Come to our school fair this Saturday — you won't want to miss the amazing games and prizes!

Question 1

What kind of writing is this?

💡 Notice the confident, exciting language trying to convince readers to attend.

📝Practise

Choose the correct type of writing for each example.

Question 1

"You really should read this book — it's the most exciting story I've ever read!"

Question 2

"The book has 300 pages and was published in 2020."

Question 3

"Yesterday, our class read the first chapter and everyone loved it."

Question 4

In one word, what do we call writing that tries to convince the reader to think or do something?

💡 It's a new type of writing introduced in this lesson.

Question 5

"Join our football club — you'll make new friends and have loads of fun!"

Question 6

"1. Wash the vegetables. 2. Chop them into pieces. 3. Add them to the pot."

🎯Apply

Read the passage, then answer the questions below.

Our school library has thousands of amazing books waiting to be discovered — you should visit today! Whether you love adventure, mystery or magic, there's something perfect just for you.

Question 1

What kind of writing is this passage?

💡 Notice the direct call to action and confident, enthusiastic tone.

Question 2

What phrase directly addresses and persuades the reader?

Question 3

Name one genre of book mentioned in the passage.

💡 It's listed near the end of the passage.

🏆Challenge

Can you write two persuasive sentences convincing someone to visit your favourite place?

🔄Review

A quick mastery check — 3 questions.

Question 1

"This is the best pizza place in town — you have to try it!"

Question 2

"The restaurant opened in 2015 and seats 50 people."

Question 3

Why does persuasive writing often speak directly to 'you'?