Year 6 - English
Writing the introduction to a persuasive 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 write the introduction to a persuasive letter, including a clear summary of the problem.
Key Notes
- The introduction to a persuasive letter will primarily focus on summarising the purpose of the letter.
- The introductory sentence will explain the purpose for the letter.
- A short summary of the matter will follow, using a range of cohesive devices.
- Flattery is used as a persuasive technique in the final sentence to suggest to the reader that we need their help.
Vocabulary To Learn
- summary: an overview of a text's main points and ideas; it tells readers the most important parts
- persuasive technique: a structure or device used in writing to try to change someone's mind or behaviour
- text cohesion: the way that a text flows to maintain the interest of the reader and achieve its text purpose
- cohesive devices: language structures that develop text cohesion
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may struggle to connect ideas with cohesive devices.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
The introduction to a persuasive letter will primarily focus on summarising the purpose of the letter. The introductory sentence will explain the purpose for the letter.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'summary'
an overview of a text's main points and ideas; it tells readers the most important parts.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils may struggle to connect ideas with cohesive devices. Correction: Model the idea that there are often many appropriate ways to link the same ideas; refer to the Cohesive Devices Bank for more ideas and give pupils access to it during writing.
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
- Generating persuasive techniques for a letter to 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 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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