Earlier in the school year, we spent some time working on persuasive writing. Students learned how to choose a point of view, organize their arguments and supporting evidence, examine opposing arguments and come up with a rebuttal.
One of the assignments that students were tasked with was to write a persuasive text in the form of a letter to their parents asking for an increase in allowance. Here are a few examples of that assignment:
Dear Parents,
I would like to get more pocket money. I would like $20 a month. Right now I am getting $100 a year, and I think I should get $20 a month because I’m helping my sister with her studies and I help around the house sometimes.
If you can give me $20 a month I could be more mature by paying for my own things instead of asking you for money. If you give me $20 a month, I could have my own independent-lifestyle; if you give me pocket money I could use it for my education instead of asking you for the money, for example: Scholastics books and field trips.
I know you think I am too young to have pocket money, but I am now ten years old and I am turning eleven so I should be more self-sufficient. If you give me more pocket money I will have an early start for my future like paying for my bills.
So what I am trying to say is instead of giving me $100 a year I should get $20 a month.
From your loving daughter,
T.B.
Dear Parents,
I need more pocket money! Right now I am getting one dollar everyday for chores. The money will be going to my bicycle project. One dollar isn’t enough.
If I get more allowance, I will be more independent and I will learn life skills like learning how to cook all by myself. I can also save up money for when I’m older and I can get a better job knowing how to do things like washing clothes, doing the dishes, making my bed and more. I can do all of these and more chores on my own. I will be more mature.
I am donating money to buy bicycles in Sri Lanka, which shows that I am being responsible with my money. If I get more pocket money, then I will be helping others less fortunate than myself.
From A.B.
