Generating persuasive techniques for a letter to Sherlock Holmes
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can generate persuasive techniques to persuade Sherlock Holmes in a letter.
Key learning points
- Writing is most successful when it is planned.
- We can plan to use a range of persuasive techniques in a persuasive letter.
- When we generate ideas for persuasive techniques, we are thinking about the effect they will have on the reader.
- We can use precise expanded noun phrases to describe the reader when creating flattery.
Keywords
Persuasive technique - a structure or device used in writing to try to change someone’s mind or behaviour
Flattery - a persuasive technique where the writer says positive things about the reader
Veiled threat - a persuasive technique where the writer suggests negative outcomes for the reader
Presumption - a persuasive technique where the writer acts as if the reader already agrees with them
Rhetorical question - a question asked to the reader that does not expect an answer
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle to adopt the formal tone required for this letter.
Ensure all pupils re-read Jean's letter in order to 'tune them in' to the formal tone. You may wish to generate more examples of similar letters for them to read.
Teacher tip
This lesson is a key step towards beginning to write the letter in the next lesson. Ensure that when children write in future lessons, they have access to the bank of persuasive techniques they have generated here.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Put these events from the journalistic report about 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' in order.
Q2.Match the words to their definitions.
the person who inherits your money or title when you die
a belief in something supernatural
the family who came before you
very evil or unpleasant
Q3.Which statements about the story of 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' are true?
Q4.Which part of a persuasive letter is most likely to contain a summary of the events that have happened?
Q5.Why might Holmes want to investigate the death of Sir Charles Baskerville?
Q6.What signs were there that Sir Charles' death might not be natural?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions.
acting as if the reader already agrees
a question that does not expect an answer
saying positive things about the reader
suggesting negative outcomes for the reader
Q2.Which noun could complete the following expanded noun phrase? 'I have always admired your ground-breaking __________.'
Q3.Which of these are examples of flattery?
Q4.Which of the below is an example of presumption?
Q5.When we use a veiled threat, how are we aiming for the reader to feel?
Q6.Which of the following is not a rhetorical question?
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Generating persuasive techniques for a letter to Sherlock Holmes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Generating persuasive techniques for a letter to Sherlock Holmes, 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 'Sherlock Holmes': descriptive and letter writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.