Y07W19WR Should There Be a Curfew for Under-16s?

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 or against the proposed curfew for under-16s on school nights. Take a clear position and support it with reasons and evidence from your own experience or observation. Your letter will be read by elected councillors.

Stimulus: Your local council is considering whether to introduce a curfew for people under 16, requiring them to be home or accompanied by an adult after 9 pm on school nights. Supporters argue this will improve safety and help young people get adequate sleep. Critics argue it is unnecessarily restrictive and does not address the underlying reasons some young people are out late. The council has invited written responses from community members.

Task Analysis: This task asks you to argue a clear position to a formal civic audience. The council has power over this decision, so your letter needs to be credible, well-reasoned and respectful. A strong response will make a logical case, not just an emotional one, and will acknowledge the other side while arguing against it.

Quick Plan

Before you write, plan:

  • Your position — for or against the proposed curfew
  • Two or three specific reasons with supporting evidence or examples
  • The main counterargument — what would the other side say, and how do you respond?
  • Your closing request to the council

Thesis / position

State your position clearly in the opening of the letter. The council is reading many responses — make your position unmistakable from the first paragraph.

Evidence chain

For each reason, develop it: state the reason, explain the logic and give a specific example from experience or observation. Do not list reasons without explaining them.

Counterargument

Acknowledge the other side briefly and explain why it does not outweigh your position. This shows the council that you have considered the issue fairly.

Call to action / Recommendation

Close with a direct, respectful request: what exactly do you want the council to decide? Name it clearly and explain why it is the right choice for the community.