Year 6 - English
Generating persuasive techniques for a letter to Sherlock Holmes
'Sherlock Holmes': descriptive and 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 learn about conventions of detective fiction via one of the English canon's most famous series 'Sherlock Holmes'. They use knowledge of the central character to write a setting description and a persuasive letter from a member of the public in need of his services.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to generate persuasive techniques to persuade Sherlock Holmes in a letter.
Key Notes
- 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.
Vocabulary To Learn
- 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 Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may struggle to adopt the formal tone required for this letter.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
Writing is most successful when it is planned. We can plan to use a range of persuasive techniques in a persuasive letter.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'persuasive technique'
a structure or device used in writing to try to change someone's mind or behaviour.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils may struggle to adopt the formal tone required for this letter. Correction: 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.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Analysing the main character in 'Sherlock Holmes' Study Guide
- Building knowledge of the historical context of 'Sherlock Holmes' Study Guide
- Exploring a fictional mystery in the Victorian era Study Guide
- Exploring conventions of detective fiction Study Guide
- Exploring vocabulary for a setting description in 'Sherlock Holmes' Study Guide
- Identifying features of a persuasive letter written to Sherlock Holmes Study Guide
- Peer editing a persuasive letter to Sherlock Holmes Study Guide
- Planning a setting description in 'Sherlock Holmes' Study Guide
- Understanding 'The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle' Study Guide
- Writing the conclusion of a persuasive letter to Sherlock Holmes Study Guide
- Writing the first half of a setting description in 'Sherlock Holmes' Study Guide
- Writing the first paragraph of a persuasive letter to Sherlock Holmes Study Guide
- Writing the introduction to a persuasive letter to Sherlock Holmes Study Guide
- Writing the second half of a setting description in 'Sherlock Holmes' Study Guide
- Writing the second paragraph of a persuasive letter to Sherlock Holmes Study Guide
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