Y06W16WR Should Advertising to Children Be More Strictly Regulated?

Part 1

How to Write

Persuasive – Opinion piece

An opinion piece argues a clear position on an issue with confidence and evidence. It is written for a broad audience who may not share the writer’s view, so the argument must be compelling. The tone should be direct and assertive — a strong, considered voice, not an aggressive one.

  • Ideas & content: Take a definite position and build a logical argument. Use specific reasons, evidence or examples to support each point. An opinion piece is not just a list of feelings.
  • Structure & cohesion: Open with your position, develop your argument in a clear order and close with a strong final point or call to action. Use linking language to connect your reasoning.
  • Voice & audience: Write with conviction. You can use first person, but keep the tone credible rather than purely emotional. Acknowledge the other side briefly to show you understand the full issue.
  • Language choices: Use precise vocabulary and active verbs. Vary sentence structure for emphasis and impact. Use rhetorical questions or short emphatic statements sparingly for effect.
  • Conventions: Write in present tense for your position and arguments. Spell accurately and use punctuation purposefully.

Common pitfalls: Relying on emotion or repetition rather than reasoning — a reader who disagrees needs a logical argument, not stronger feeling. Failing to acknowledge the other side, which can make the piece feel one-dimensional.

Part 2

Your Task Plan for Today

The brief

Question: Write your contribution to the advocacy group. Argue clearly either for or against more strictly regulating advertising directed at children. Give reasons that would be persuasive to a government decision-maker considering whether new rules are needed.

Stimulus: A consumer advocacy group is preparing a submission to the government arguing that advertising directed at children under 13 should be much more strictly regulated - including restrictions on advertising during children’s television, on apps and in online games. Some people strongly support stricter rules. Others argue that existing regulations are adequate and that parents, not governments, should manage what children are exposed to. The group has invited young people to contribute a written view.

Task Analysis: This task asks you to write a opinion piece based on the prompt. Your response should demonstrate clear thinking, good organisation and writing appropriate for a Year 6 reader. Focus on showing your understanding through specific examples and thoughtful details.

Quick Plan

Before you write, plan:

  • Your position — what exactly are you arguing for?
  • Two or three reasons why this makes sense or matters
  • One objection someone might raise and how you’d answer it
  • Your call to action — what do you want readers to do?

Thesis or position

State clearly what you’re arguing for, early in your writing. The reader should know exactly where you stand. Be specific, not vague about what you believe.

Evidence chain

Build your case with reasons and examples that connect logically. Each reason should flow into the next, creating a chain of thinking that makes sense.

Counterargument

Acknowledge what someone who disagrees might say. Then show why your position is stronger. This makes your argument more convincing.

Call to action

End with a clear statement of what you want the reader to do or believe. Make it specific and direct. Leave them with something to act on.