Y05W02WR Should Plastic Bags Be Banned?

Part 1

How to Write

Persuasive – Letter (formal)

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 the council arguing either for or against banning single-use plastic bags in your local area. Support your argument with clear reasoning that a council decision-maker would find persuasive.

Stimulus: Your local council is considering whether to ban the use of single-use plastic bags at all shops and markets in your area. Supporters say it is necessary to protect the environment. Some small business owners say it will inconvenience their customers and increase their costs. The council has invited community members of all ages to write in with their views.

Task Analysis: You are writing to make the council listen to your view. Choose a clear position — for or against. Give two or three reasons that are simple and strong. Show the council you have thought about the problem and care about the answer.

Quick Plan

Before you write, plan:

  • Your position — are you for banning or against it?
  • Two or three reasons that support your view
  • One reason the other side might give — and why yours is better
  • What you want the council to do

Thesis/position

In your first paragraph, be clear: I think plastic bags should be banned (or not banned). Do not hide what you think. The council needs to know your view right away.

Evidence chain

For each reason, explain what you mean. For example: ‘Plastic bags harm sea creatures’ is a reason. But explain: ‘Many sea creatures swallow plastic bags and get sick.’ Make your reasons clear and simple.

Call to action

End by asking the council to do something: ‘Please ban plastic bags’ or ‘Please keep plastic bags allowed.’ Be direct and strong.