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Year 8 - English

Writing a persuasive speech about a new word

A history of language

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils explore the history of the English Language. They first learn about the development of the English Language, before using a single word and the Lord's Prayer to explore how language changes. They then plan, write and deliver a persuasive speech about a new word.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to write a persuasive speech about your new word.

Key Notes

  • Rhetorical questions, anecdotes and direct address are a great way to 'hook' your audience at the start of a speech.
  • The content of a speech needs to be sufficiently developed for the argument to be convincing.
  • Language devices should be creative, original and matched to the purpose and audience of a speech.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Convincing: If a speech is convincing then it is able to persuade someone of the merits of something.
  • Original: If a piece of writing is original then it is not like anything written before and more interesting as a result.
  • Persuasion: Persuasion is the action or process of persuading someone.
  • Anecdote: An anecdote is a short story from personal experience for effect.
  • Rhetorical question: Rhetorical questions pose an idea or make a point without needing to be answered.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • That as long as they are using language devices in their speeches, this is enough.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Rhetorical questions, anecdotes and direct address are a great way to 'hook' your audience at the start of a speech. The content of a speech needs to be sufficiently developed for the argument to be convincing.

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

If a speech is convincing then it is able to persuade someone of the merits of something.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: That as long as they are using language devices in their speeches, this is enough. Correction: There is great variety in quality in the execution of language devices. The best devices are creative, original and well-matched to purpose.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 English guide library.