5th Persuasive Writing

The Killer Whale Debate

The author of The Killer Whale Debate presents arguments for and against keeping Orcas, or “Killer Whales”, in captivity. Think about which side of this debate you, personally, are on – should parks keep Orcas in captivity or not? Use evidence and examples from the text to support your ideas.

Discussion:Think about what you will be writing about: Should parks

keep Orcas in captivity or not?What is the argument for not keeping Orcas in captivity?What is the argument for keeping Orcas in captivity?Which argument do you agree with?

Should parks keep Orcas in captivity?

Argument for keeping Orcas in captivity Argument for not keeping Orcas in captivity

AG

RE

E/D

ISA

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EE

Argument: Argument:

Quote: Quote:

AG

RE

E/D

ISA

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Your Turn

• Re-read The Killer Whale Debate with your partner or group

• As you read, look for the arguments both for and against keeping Orcas in captivity and jot them down on your planning sheet.

• Also, jot down if you agree or disagree and why.

Focus Statement

Should parks keep Orcas in captivity?

Start your focus statement by telling your reader what issue you’ll be writing about without giving your opinion yet:

Should parks like Sea World keep Orcas in captivity? People disagree about whether or not using Killer Whales at sea parks is a good idea.

Then, add your personal opinion that you will be writing to persuade others of:

Should parks like Sea World keep Orcas in captivity? People disagree about whether or not using Killer Whales at sea parks is a good idea. I believe. . .

Body Paragraph #1

Should parks keep Orcas in captivity?

• Summarize the argument from the article that you agree with in your own words and provide a quote from the text.

• Explain why you agree with this argument.

One argument the author gives for/against keeping Orca’s in captivity is. . .

Body Paragraph #2

Should parks keep Orcas in captivity?

• Summarize the argument from the article that you don’t agree with in your own words and provide a quote from the text.

• Explain why you don’t agree with this argument.

The author also writes that many people believe. . .I disagree because. . .

Closing Statement

• Re-state your opinion• Summarize the argument that supports

your opinion• Include a “call to action” which states

what you think your reader should do/think

In conclusion, keeping Orcas in captivity is clearly. . .