Y07W41WR Should Single-Use Plastic Bags Be Banned?

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 a permanent ban on single-use plastic bags. Take a clear position and support it with reasons. Your letter will be read by elected councillors before the vote.

Stimulus: Your local council is considering whether to introduce a permanent ban on single-use plastic bags at all shops and supermarkets in your area. Supporters argue this is a straightforward environmental measure with clear benefits. Critics argue it places an inconvenient burden on shoppers, particularly older residents and those who rely on those bags for other household purposes, and that the actual environmental benefit is smaller than claimed.

Task Analysis: This task asks you to argue a clear position on an environmental policy question to elected councillors who will vote on it. A strong response will make a logical argument backed by specific reasoning, and will show you have considered the impact of the policy on different members of the community, not just your own view.

Quick Plan

Before you write, plan:

  • Your position — for or against the ban
  • Two or three specific reasons with developed reasoning
  • The strongest argument on the other side and your response
  • Your direct request to the councillors

Thesis / position

State your position clearly from the opening. The councillors are reading many responses — make yours unmistakable immediately.

Evidence chain

Develop each reason fully with specific detail. If you argue the ban benefits the environment, give specific consequences. If you argue against it, explain the specific burden it places on particular groups. Vague claims are less persuasive.

Counterargument

Acknowledge the strongest argument on the other side and explain why it does not outweigh your position. Show the councillors that you have considered both perspectives.

Call to action / Recommendation

Close with a clear, direct statement of how you want the council to vote and why. End with confidence and respect for the councillors’ decision-making role.