Now here’s an interesting idea… Should children be paid if they get good grades? We’re sure there are plenty of you who would love that to be the case! What does your family think? Would they agree to pay you for good grades?

In this fortnight’s writing challenge, you need to argue whether or not you think that paying children for good grades is a good idea. A major argument in support of rewarding good grades could be that it would encourage kids to work harder and in turn they would learn more. You may try to convince us that this would help teachers do their job more effectively and that there would be less misbehaviour from kids in class. You might go so far as to say that kids who try harder and learn more would ultimately benefit our country by creating a better workforce. These are all great arguments, but let’s look at how one writer tried to persuade us against paying children for good grades. In the following example, you will notice how the writer uses emotive language to try and get a passionate response from the reader.

Money, money, money! There’s a debate going on that children should be paid for good grades. Do we really want to instill in children the idea that everything has to be paid for? What next, will grandparents have to start paying their grandchildren to come and visit them?

My biggest concern about this suggestion is the impact it will have on students who don’t make the grade and are made to feel worthless. Will this payment spur them on, or encourage them to give up?

Will it add to stress and anxiety for kids?

Will some students flaunt their cash and tease those without?

Will it encourage students to cheat?

Will it cause more disruption in class as students try to stop other students from getting the money?

Will it lead to children giving up other important things like sport and music to study 24/7?

Finally, I ask you – where will all of the money come from? Parents, schools or taxpayers? 

All of these unknowns. I do not support the argument that children should be paid for good grades!

Good luck with writing your position on the issue and remember it’s fine to persuasively argue either way. The most important thing is that you have thought about how you can try to convince people of your point of view.

We look forward to reading your ideas and hearing about the discussions you have had at home as a family. A quick memo to parents: brainstorming ideas and talking things over with your child is a great way to support their learning and help them become stronger writers.