Year 10 - English
Using modality in persuasive letter writing
Non-fiction: letter writing
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils complete a deep dive into letter writing. They first explore what the letter form is used for, before thinking about the use of modality, personification, active voice and passive voice. They then evaluate some persuasive letters before writing their own.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain the purpose of modality and use it for effect in your own persuasive writing.
Key Notes
- Modal verbs are verbs that indicate likelihood, ability, permission or obligation.
- We might sort modal verbs into categories of low, medium and high modality.
- Words with low modality may convey a sense of uncertainty to your writing.
- Words with high modality are considered the most persuasive since they convey confidence and obligation.
Vocabulary To Learn
- modal verb: verbs that indicate likelihood, ability, permission or obligation
- persuade: convince (someone) to do something through reasoning or argument
- compelled: having to do something, because you are forced to or feel it is necessary
- obligation: an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- It is the content of your argument that makes it persuasive rather than the construction.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Modal verbs are verbs that indicate likelihood, ability, permission or obligation. We might sort modal verbs into categories of low, medium and high modality.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'modal verb'
verbs that indicate likelihood, ability, permission or obligation.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: It is the content of your argument that makes it persuasive rather than the construction. Correction: The way you construct your argument directly impacts how persuasive it is to the reader.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Conceptualising letter-writing and understanding the letter form Study Guide
- Considering and evaluating persuasive letters Study Guide
- Considering and using active and passive voice in persuasive letter writing Study Guide
- Considering and using personification in persuasive letter writing Study Guide
- Using modality, personification and active voice to write a persuasive letter Study Guide
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