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      Writing the introduction of a persuasive letter, using inspiration from a text

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use a plan to write the introduction of a persuasive letter, using inspiration from a text.

      Key learning points

      1. An introductory sentence indicates what the paragraph will be about.
      2. Flattery and presumption are appropriate devices to use in the introduction.
      3. The introduction must clearly communicate why the author is writing to the recipient.
      4. This persuasive letter is formal in tone.

      Keywords

      • Introductory sentence - states the purpose of the paragraph

      • Flattery - when the writer flatters the recipient

      • Presumption - when the writer guesses or assumes the reader’s opinion based on their character or position

      Common misconception

      Pupils may try to use too many persuasive techniques all at once in the introduction.

      Explain that evidence and veiled threat are not appropriate to include in the introduction because they are too specific.

      Teacher tip

      Ensure that pupils say each sentence aloud before they write it to check their writing makes sense and is cohesive.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The purpose of the introduction is to ...

      give detailed, specific information.
      Correct answer: engage the reader.
      Correct answer: give general, necessary information.

      Q2.
      Select the key layout features of a persuasive letter.

      Correct answer: sender's address
      Correct answer: date
      Correct answer: recipient's address
      headline
      Correct answer: greeting

      Q3.
      The sender's address should be at the __________ of the page.

      top-left
      Correct answer: top-right
      top-centre
      middle

      Q4.
      The __________ should be written directly below the sender's address.

      greeting
      recipient's address
      Correct answer: date
      sign-off

      Q5.
      The recipient's address should be written below the date on the __________ of the page.

      Correct answer: left
      right
      bottom
      top

      Q6.
      The __________ should be written directly below the recipient's address.

      date
      Correct answer: greeting
      sender's address
      sign-off

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these linguistic features states the purpose of the letter?

      rhetorical question
      Correct answer: introductory sentence
      relative clause

      Q2.
      Which persuasive technique aims to pay the reader compliments in order to persuade them?

      Correct answer: flattery
      veiled threats
      presumption
      evidence

      Q3.
      Which persuasive technique assumes the reader's opinion based on their character or position?

      flattery
      veiled threats
      Correct answer: presumption
      evidence

      Q4.
      Match the key parts of an introductory paragraph to their functions.

      Correct Answer:introductory sentence,states the main purpose of the letter

      states the main purpose of the letter

      Correct Answer:general information,briefly outlines the key points or arguments of the letter

      briefly outlines the key points or arguments of the letter

      Correct Answer:linking sentence,links onto the next paragraph

      links onto the next paragraph

      Q5.
      Which persuasive techniques are not appropriate to use in the introduction?

      flattery
      Correct answer: veiled threats
      presumption
      Correct answer: evidence

      Q6.
      Put the steps of the writing process in the correct order.

      1 - plan
      2 - draft
      3 - edit
      4 - rewrite

      To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Writing the introduction of a persuasive letter, using inspiration from a text, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...