This week you wrote a persuasive opinion piece on whether zoos are still a legitimate form of conservation. Now you'll read another student's piece and judge how strong it is. Working through how assessors evaluate opinion writing sharpens your ability to apply the same lens to your own work.
Part 1
The Assessor Scorecard for
Persuasive – Opinion piece
Opinion pieces take a clear position on a topic and back it with reasoning and evidence. Check each strand below to see what strong work looks like.
Ideas & Content
Position is stated plainly, and each reason directly supports it.
Evidence or examples show the writer has thought deeply about the topic.
At least one counterargument is acknowledged, signalling awareness of the whole picture.
Ideas feel well-chosen and purposeful, not random or recycled.
-
Clear stance: is backed by reasons, evidence and genuine awareness of the issue.
Structure & Cohesion
Structure moves logically from issue and stance, through supporting points, to a conclusion that reinforces the view.
Topic sentences and transitions show how each paragraph connects to the main argument.
Cohesion lets the reader follow the thinking without getting lost.
-
Connected case: moves from stance through evidence to a reinforcing conclusion.
Audience & Purpose
Tone and word choice suit the consultation audience: informal but respectful.
The writer anticipates what the audience cares about and why the argument matters to them.
The reader feels directly addressed, not lectured.
-
Consultation tone: stays respectful, direct and suited to public decision-making.
Language Choices
Word choices are precise and sometimes emotive, carrying weight and meaning.
Appeals to logic ('evidence shows') and to values ('we have a responsibility') strengthen the argument.
Repetition of key ideas, powerful verbs and varied sentence lengths create real impact.
-
Persuasive force: uses precise, values-based language without losing control.
Conventions
Spelling, punctuation and grammar are accurate; mistakes distract from the argument.
Sentence construction is standard and varied.
Paragraphing is clear and punctuation is used correctly throughout.
-
Mechanical accuracy: protects the argument from avoidable distractions.
Part 2
Today’s Marking Targets
Task in one sentence
Write a persuasive opinion piece for a consultation on zoos, taking a clear position, supporting it with reasoning, and addressing at least one opposing view.
Let’s Focus
Three strands matter most this week: Audience & Purpose, Language Choices and Ideas & Content. Audience and purpose decide whether the position lands as clear and convincing. Language decides whether the persuasion bites. Ideas decide whether the reasoning, evidence and counterargument hold together.
Audience & Purpose
Persuasive writing works when the reader feels directly addressed. In a consultation submission, the audience wants to know where the writer stands and why it matters. Successful writers state their position plainly, use a sincere and respectful tone, and show they understand what the audience cares about.
What markers scan for
- Position is stated clearly and early, so the reader knows exactly where the writer stands.
- Tone suits the audience and purpose; language is neither too casual nor too formal.
- The writer shows awareness that the audience is weighing both sides of the debate.
Score Bands
-
Basic
Position is stated but may be unclear or buried. Tone is inconsistent; the reader isn't always sure who is being addressed.
-
Strong
Position is clear and stated early. Tone mostly suits the audience. The writer sounds in genuine dialogue with the reader.
-
Excellent
Position is crystal clear and carries weight from the opening. Tone is confident, respectful and perfectly suited. The reader feels directly addressed.
Language Choices
Words are the tools of persuasion. Strong language choices include powerful verbs ('exploit' vs 'keep'), specific examples that create a vivid picture, and phrases that appeal to logic or emotion. Varied sentence lengths — some short and punchy, some longer and complex — create rhythm and keep the reader engaged.
What markers scan for
- Word choices are precise and often carry weight; language feels deliberate, not accidental.
- Persuasive techniques are used: appeal to logic, appeal to values, or vivid imagery.
- Sentence variety mixes short, punchy sentences with longer, complex ones that build the argument.
Score Bands
-
Basic
Word choices are simple and safe. Few persuasive techniques. Sentence length is repetitive; rhythm feels flat.
-
Strong
Word choices are mostly precise and sometimes persuasive. Some deliberate techniques appear. Sentence variety adds some impact.
-
Excellent
Word choices are precise, deliberate and persuasive throughout. Multiple techniques blend seamlessly. Sentence variety creates strong rhythm and emphasis.
Ideas & Content
The strongest opinion pieces rest on solid reasoning. The position must be defensible, and each point should do real work toward proving it. The best responses explain why the position matters, acknowledge the strength of the opposing view, and engage with the whole picture. A genuine counterargument shows intellectual honesty.
What markers scan for
- Position is supported by multiple reasons or examples; ideas feel well-chosen, not random.
- At least one counterargument is identified and addressed, showing grasp of the complexity.
- Ideas connect clearly to the topic and the stated position; no tangents or weak links.
Score Bands
-
Basic
Ideas are present but may be vague or weakly connected. Little or no acknowledgement of the other side. Reasoning feels thin.
-
Strong
Position is supported by 2-3 clear reasons. A counterargument is mentioned and briefly addressed. Ideas feel relevant and purposeful.
-
Excellent
Position is supported by strong, well-explained reasons. A counterargument is genuinely engaged with and refuted. Ideas show real understanding of the debate.
Now read · Student sample
Are Zoos Still a Legitimate Form of Conservation?
Year 9 sample · \~200 words
Student sample for assessment
Written by a Year 9 student in Moonee Ponds, Victoria, Australia.
Zoos are important for saving endangered species. Around the world, zoos have helped bring animals back from the edge of extinction. The Arabian oryx was extinct in the wild but zoos bred them and now there are populations living freely again. This shows that zoos do real conservation work. Zoos also teach millions of visitors about animals and nature. When people see animals up close they care more about protecting habitats. This means zoo visitors might donate money or change their behaviour to help the environment. Some people say that zoos are cruel because animals are trapped in small spaces when they should be free. This is a fair point. Wild animals do have different needs than zoo animals and being locked up can cause stress. However, without zoos many species would simply die out completely. If we had to choose between a stressed animal in a zoo and no animal at all, the zoo is the better choice. Also, modern zoos have much larger enclosures than they used to. In conclusion, zoos are still important for conservation. They breed endangered animals, they teach people about nature, and they protect species that would otherwise vanish. Yes, we need to keep improving how we care for zoo animals, but getting rid of zoos would be a mistake for conservation.
