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      Preparing to write a persuasive speech

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can create a plan that helps me to structure and prepare to write the first draft of a persuasive speech.

      Key learning points

      1. Considering the purpose, audience and form of writing can help you begin to make choices about language and structure.
      2. Thinking about your own opinions and knowledge of a topic can help generate initial ideas.
      3. You should consider the overall structure of your writing before breaking it down into more detailed plans.
      4. Single paragraph outlines provide an effective and efficient way to plan writing.

      Keywords

      • Impressive - to cause admiration or awe. It means something is really good and makes you go ‘wow!’

      • Elaborate - to add more detail or information to something

      • Appropriate - suitable for a particular purpose or situation

      • Sophisticated - to be complex, advanced or refined

      Common misconception

      Mind mapping is the only way to plan a piece of writing.

      Mind mapping is a good place to start, but isn't always useful for considering structure. Using single paragraph outlines is an effective way to ensure a cohesive stricture and a clearly developed line of argument.

      Teacher tip

      Pupils will need time to write their speeches. You may wish to give them time after this lesson to draft their writing.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      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.
      In her 'HeForShe' speech Emma Watson states that: "15.5 million girls will be married in the next 16 years as children." This is an example of ...

      Correct answer: a statistic
      a rhetorical question
      an anecdote
      direct address

      Q2.
      Which of these statements are true with reference to non-fiction texts? Non-fiction texts ...

      are based on fictional events and characters.
      Correct answer: use literary devices such as metaphors and similes.
      Correct answer: include speeches, articles and letters.
      Correct answer: are about real life people and events.
      include novels, fairytales and short stories.

      Q3.
      Which word can be defined as "the attitude or emotion conveyed by a piece of writing or speech."?

      Correct Answer: tone

      Q4.
      In her 'HeForShe' speech Emma Watson shares a personal story: "when at eight I was confused at being called 'bossy'". This is an example of which device?

      Correct Answer: anecdote

      Q5.
      Which structural device can be described as: 'repetition of an idea from the start of your writing at the end'?

      anaphora
      epistrophe
      repetition
      Correct answer: mirroring

      Q6.
      Which word beginning with 's' can be described as: 'a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing'?

      Correct Answer: stereotype

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Starting with the first, put the sections of the single paragraph outline in order.

      1 - topic sentence
      2 - details
      3 - concluding sentence

      Q2.
      Which word can be described as: 'to cause admiration or awe. It means something is really good and makes you go 'wow!''?

      Correct answer: impressive
      elaborate
      appropriate
      sophisticated

      Q3.
      Which word beginning with 's' can be described as: 'to be complex, advanced or refined'?

      Correct Answer: sophisticated

      Q4.
      What is the primary purpose of Emma Watson's 'HeForShe' speech?

      to inform
      Correct answer: to persuade
      to entertain
      to explain

      Q5.
      If you were including a scientific/factual section in your speech, which device would be the most appropriate?

      direct address
      anecdote
      Correct answer: statistic
      rhetorical question

      Q6.
      Which of these is not part of an efficient and effective plan?

      underlined key words
      rhetorical device
      Correct answer: full sentences throughout
      note form
      key ideas

      To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Preparing to write a persuasive speech, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...