Writing · Talking
Persuasive paragraph: skill or gold?
Agree or disagree that a handful of skill is better than a bagful of gold, and argue your side in one strong paragraph.
- 35 minutes
- On your own, In pairs
- Ages 12+
- Classroom
- Printable: writing page
What to do
- Read the saying and its meaning: a handful of skill is better than a bagful of gold.
- In pairs, spend five minutes listing reasons for and against. Use examples from your own life or invented ones, and do not state facts you cannot check.
- Each person picks a side. You do not have to pick the side you started on.
- Write one paragraph on the sheet: your point, two reasons with an example each, an answer to the other side, and a closing line.
- Swap with your partner. Each says which reason was strongest and why.
Questions to talk about
- Which reason on the other side was hardest to answer?
- Does the answer change depending on your age or situation?
You will need
- The printed writing page
- A pen
Make it fit
Simpler: Write three sentences: I think, because, so.
More of a stretch: Write a second paragraph arguing the opposite side as well as you can.
Printables
The instructions card is for the adult running the activity; the worksheet is for the children. Prints on A4 or US Letter at 100% / actual size; colour is optional.
The writing page
Persuasive paragraph: skill or gold?
Name
Agree or disagree? Argue your side in one paragraph.
- I believe that ...
- The first reason is ...
- For example, ...
- Some people say ..., but ...
- That is why ...
The instructions card
How to run it · Writing · Talking
Persuasive paragraph: skill or gold?
Agree or disagree that a handful of skill is better than a bagful of gold, and argue your side in one strong paragraph.
35 minutesOn your own, In pairsAges 12+
What to do
- Read the saying and its meaning: a handful of skill is better than a bagful of gold.
- In pairs, spend five minutes listing reasons for and against. Use examples from your own life or invented ones, and do not state facts you cannot check.
- Each person picks a side. You do not have to pick the side you started on.
- Write one paragraph on the sheet: your point, two reasons with an example each, an answer to the other side, and a closing line.
- Swap with your partner. Each says which reason was strongest and why.
You will need
- The printed writing page
- A pen
Talk about
- Which reason on the other side was hardest to answer?
- Does the answer change depending on your age or situation?
Make it fit
Simpler: Write three sentences: I think, because, so.
Stretch: Write a second paragraph arguing the opposite side as well as you can.
Goes with the printable writing page.