Identifying linguistic features and persuasive techniques
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify linguistic features and persuasive techniques in a formal persuasive letter.
Key learning points
- The purpose of a persuasive letter is to persuade or convince the reader to change their mind or behaviour.
- Persuasive letters are formal in tone.
- Linguistic features are language features that help the text achieve its purpose.
- Persuasive techniques are structures or devices used in writing to try to change someone’s mind or behaviour.
Keywords
Purpose - the aim of the text
Persuasive letter - a formal letter written to try and convince or persuade the reader
Linguistic feature - language features that help the text achieve its purpose
Persuasive technique - a structure or device used in writing to try to change someone’s mind or behaviour
Common misconception
Pupils may mix up linguistic features with persuasive techniques.
Linguistic features and persuasive techniques are addressed in isolation through the two distinct learning cycles. Build in more time for checking pupils' understanding if their knowledge is still not secure at the end of each.
Teacher tip
Allow pupils to read the model letter in pairs so that they can discuss any unfamiliar vocabulary before completing the tasks.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the key terms to their definitions.
the aim of the text
the action or process of trying to change someone’s mind or behaviour
the person who receives a letter
language features that help the text achieve its purpose
a structure or device used in writing to try to change someone’s mind
Q2.Where might you have encountered persuasion before?
Q3.What is the purpose of a persuasive letter?
Q4.Select the layout features of a persuasive letter.
Q5.Select the examples of linguistic features found in a persuasive letter.
Q6.Select the examples of fronted adverbials.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions.
the aim of the text
a formal letter written to try and convince or persuade the reader
language features that help the text achieve its purpose
a structure or device used in writing to try to change someone’s mind
Q2.Persuasive letters use a range of linguistic features and __________ to help achieve a purpose.
Q3.Persuasive letters are written in a __________ tone.
Q4.Match these linguistic features to their definitions.
a sentence which states the paragraph’s main aim
a sentence starter followed by a comma
a question posed to the reader which they answer in their head
a subordinate clause that starts with a relative pronoun like 'who'
a subordinate clause that states hypothetical situations
Q5.Match these persuasive techniques to their definitions.
assuming the reader’s opinion based on their character or position
when the writer flatters the reader
the use of facts or statistics to support an argument
when the writer threatens the reader in a subtle way
Q6.Which of these is an example of flattery?
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Identifying linguistic features and persuasive techniques, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Identifying linguistic features and persuasive techniques, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the 'Front Desk': persuasive letter writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.