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Year 10 - English

Using modality, personification and active voice to write a persuasive letter

Non-fiction: letter writing

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 use modality, personification and active voice to write a persuasive letter.

Key Notes

  • Offering ideas for further steps to the recipient of your letter can make your argument more persuasive.
  • Using words with medium and high modality can convey confidence and a sense of obligation.
  • Using personification can evoke an emotional reaction in the reader.
  • Using active voice can focus the reader's attention onto the subject.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • persuade: convince (someone) to do something through reasoning or argument
  • modal verbs: verbs that indicate likelihood, ability, permission or obligation
  • direct: moving towards a place or object, without changing direction and without stopping
  • active voice: where the subject of the sentence performs the action onto the object
  • obligation: an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • That you should be very direct, almost aggressive in your persuasive writing.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Offering ideas for further steps to the recipient of your letter can make your argument more persuasive. Using words with medium and high modality can convey confidence and a sense of obligation.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'persuade'

convince (someone) to do something through reasoning or argument.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: That you should be very direct, almost aggressive in your persuasive writing. Correction: While directness can convey confidence, an overly direct tone can be off-putting for the recipient and cause them to become defensive.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 English guide library.