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Year 5 - English

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

'Front Desk': persuasive letter writing

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils take inspiration from a scene in the text 'Front Desk' to write a persuasive letter to elected councillors. They build up persuasive writing skills, including flattery, presumption, evidence and veiled threat. Pupils apply a variety of conventions of formal letter writing.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use a plan to write the introduction of a persuasive letter, using inspiration from a text.

Key Notes

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

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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 Mistakes To Avoid

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

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

An introductory sentence indicates what the paragraph will be about. Flattery and presumption are appropriate devices to use in the introduction.

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

states the purpose of the paragraph.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may try to use too many persuasive techniques all at once in the introduction. Correction: Explain that evidence and veiled threat are not appropriate to include in the introduction because they are too specific.

More Lessons In This Unit

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