« White Papers Among Top Two Lead Generation Tactics
Four Reasons to NOT Create a White Paper »

Even Seventh-Grade Students Are Writing White Papers!

By Michael Stelzner

Can 12-year olds writing white papers?

You bet!

Amyra Smerecky, a teacher for gifted students at Tefft Middle School in Streamwood, Illinois decided her students should learn the art of persuasive writing.

I sent the class a bunch of copies of the book Writing White Papers: How to Capture Readers and Keep Them Engaged.

I was surprised by what these 12-year old kids came back with.

First, I want to congratulate Sal, Peter, Danny, Matt, Nick, Jose, Lloyd, Zach, Dan, Ravin, Cody and Irving for putting an excellent effort into producing their first white paper (interesting that these are all boys).

The two white papers are entitled:

  • How to Survive Valentines Day
  • Play Your Cards Right: A Guide to the Best in Cards

To read the papers these guys produced, click here (note: PDF file).

Here is the opening paragraph to one of the papers:

Have you ever felt lonely on Valentine’s Day? Or not knowing what it is you wanted to get your someone special? Perhaps you just want to get your mom something. Well if that’s the case we can help you. Here are some tips to help you survive Valentine’s Day.

You will need to read the paper to see what the students are selling…

What would you tell the next generation of white paper writers? Do you think more kids should learn to write white papers?

SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend Receive email updates when new articles are posted.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 23rd, 2007 at 6:50 pm and is filed under Writing White Papers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

  • Ravin
    Amazing, almost a year and a half has gone by and I still think 7th grade was yesterday... I am now a freshmen in high school and my assignment was something I sure did enjoy: Writing a white paper. My teacher also brought in some copies of "Writing White Papers." Let me just thank you again for writing such a great book, it has helped me all throughout the paper.
  • Amrya - Those kids sure have a great teacher! - Mike
  • Amyra Smerecky
    Apparently, the papers written by my twelve- and thirteen-year-old students do not fit the ideal situations for a white paper; however, these writers took a risk and thoughtfully adapted a text structure to suit their purposes. In the context of a Mini-Society simulation, they generated word-of-mouth advertising that ultimately led to increased sales and interest in their products. Since their background knowledge doesn’t yet include a sophisticated awareness of mortgage or financial services, I’m very impressed by their adaptations that appealed to their target audience.
  • Ravin - Fixed the grade. Glad you enjoyed the site! - Mike
  • Ravin
    No, there are no other authors, just the fact we're 7th graders. Thank You for the website though, I especially enjoyed the article "7 deadly freelance writer mistakes" and also the plane game!

    Ravin
  • Hi Ravin;

    Please let me know if I overlooked any authors. I want them to get the proper recognition.

    I have not written any other books, but for some great tips be sure to visit http://www.whitepapersource.com/writing/

    All my best!

    Mike
  • Ravin
    Thank You Mr. Stelzner for putting our peice on you blog, I feel very honored. A comment I have to make is firstly, we are all 7th graders, and secondly, I think it would be nice to recognize the authors of each peice. I would like to add that I really like your book "Writing White Papers" I cherish all your tips and enjoy your examples, do you have any tips for 'writers-in-training'? Also, if any, what are the other books you have written?
  • I am always amazed at what kids can accomplish!
  • As the saying goes, "Out of the mouth of babes.." -- Psalms 8:3
blog comments powered by Disqus