the process of revising and refining a piece of writing, focusing on improving its punctuation, sentence structures and language

a set of standardised symbols and marks used in written language to structure sentences

refers to how a text flows to maintain the interest of the reader and achieve text purpose

Peer editing a persuasive letter to Sherlock Holmes

English

In this unit, pupils learn to use persuasive devices for letter writing with increasing nuance.

In 'Persuasive Letter Writing: School Uniform', pupils learnt to use persuasive devices in letter writing to persuade the reader of the writer's position. In this unit, pupils will learn to use persuasive devices for letter writing with increasing nuance.

'Sherlock Holmes': descriptive and letter writing

What punctuation is missing from this sentence? 'Although they claim to have investigated they have made almost no progress.'

What piece of punctuation could be added to this sentence? 'I am at my wits' end the police have been no help at all.'

Which cohesive device would best combine these pieces of information to improve text cohesion? 'Only Sherlock Holmes can solve this puzzle. The remarkable Sherlock Holmes.'

I know you are a busy man. I need your help.

I know you are a busy man, but I need your help.

I know you are a busy man; however, I need your help.

I know you are a busy man. However, I need your help.

Which of the examples use cohesive devices appropriately? 

Which of these examples show emotive vocabulary appropriate for a formal persuasive letter?

the writer is presuming the reader will co-operate

What are the problems with this sentence from a formal persuasive letter? 'I'm sure you'll jump at the chance to give us a hand!'

Thank you for reading all the way to the end of this letter.

I am so grateful to you for taking the time to read this far.

Those are my arguments. What do you reckon?

Which of the following are expressions of gratitude?

Which of the following are we **not** likely to find in the conclusion to a persuasive letter?

I am certain that you will already have a solution in mind.

I know you will not allow the community to suffer any longer.

You're going to solve this - I can feel it in my bones!

Which of these persuasive techniques have the appropriate formal tone for a persuasive letter to Sherlock Holmes?

I cannot wait to hear from you I am certain you alone can solve this puzzle.

I cannot wait to hear; from you I am certain you alone can solve this puzzle.

I cannot wait to hear from you; I am certain you alone can solve this puzzle.

I cannot wait; to hear from you I am certain you alone can solve this puzzle.

Which example here uses a semi-colon correctly?

No doubt you are eager to help us immediately.

Surely you can see that you must help us?

I cannot wait to hear your solution to this puzzle.

Which of these is **not** a piece of presumption? 

Why is 'Yours sincerely,' an appropriate sign-off to a letter to Sherlock Holmes?

Starter Quiz