Y07W42WR What Should Happen to the Land?

Part 1

How to Write

Persuasive – Persuasive letter

A persuasive letter argues a clear position to a specific decision-maker in a format that is formal, direct and respectful. It is written for an audience with the power to act on the writer’s request. The tone should be confident and credible — the writer is making a case, not expressing frustration.

  • Ideas & content: Develop two or three well-supported reasons rather than listing many weak ones. Use evidence, examples or reasoned argument to back each point.
  • Structure & cohesion: Open with your purpose, develop your reasons clearly, address any obvious counterargument briefly and close with a specific request or call to action. Use formal paragraphing throughout.
  • Voice & audience: Match the formality of the audience. Write respectfully but with conviction. Avoid being aggressive or sarcastic — persuasion works best when the reader feels respected.
  • Language choices: Use formal vocabulary and control modality such as should, believe and urge. Avoid contractions. Vary sentence structure to maintain authority.
  • Conventions: Use correct letter conventions. Spell formal vocabulary accurately. Use punctuation to control the pace and authority of your argument.

Common pitfalls: Writing a list of complaints rather than a reasoned argument — every point should support your position with logic or evidence. Using an aggressive or demanding tone, which often reduces persuasive impact.

Part 2

Your Task Plan for Today

The brief

Question: Write a letter to your local council arguing for what you believe the land should be used for. Make a clear case for your position and address the needs of the community in your argument. Your letter will be read by elected councillors.

Stimulus: A local council is deciding whether to convert an unused block of land in your suburb into a skate park and youth recreational space, or to sell it to a developer who wants to build apartments. Community members have been invited to write to the council before the decision is finalised. The council has said it will consider the views of young people in its deliberations.

Task Analysis: This task asks you to argue a clear position on a community land use decision to elected councillors. The council will weigh many views, so your argument needs to go beyond personal preference and address what is best for the community. A strong response will frame your position in terms of community benefit, not just your own interests.

Quick Plan

Before you write, plan:

  • Your position — the skate park or the apartments, and why?
  • Two or three reasons that address community benefit, not just personal preference
  • The main argument for the other option and your response
  • Your specific request to the council

Thesis / position

State your position clearly from the opening. Frame it in terms of what is best for the community, not just what you would prefer. The council is looking for community-minded reasoning.

Evidence chain

For each reason, explain specifically how the option you support benefits the community. Who benefits, how and why? Developed, specific reasoning is more persuasive than general claims.

Counterargument

Acknowledge the case for the other option and explain why the community’s needs are better served by your preferred choice.

Call to action / Recommendation

Close with a direct and respectful request to the council. Name exactly what you want them to decide and why it is the right choice for the community.