Studies 110 sixth grade students to determine whether the writing of persuasive discourse can be improved by instruction and the effect of reading on writing and of writing on reading within the mode of persuasion. Finds that ability to write persuasion can be improved by instruction and that students transferred knowledge from reading to writing.…

Students in two Canadian sixth grade classes (n=104) were assigned to four groups: persuasion instruction with writing practice; persuasion instruction with reading practice; practice in reading; and group discussions (controls). The performance of those given instruction in persuasive writing with reading or writing practice improved…