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Year 6

Writing the conclusion of a persuasive letter to Sherlock Holmes

I can write the conclusion of a persuasive letter, using a range of cohesive devices.

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Year 6

Writing the conclusion of a persuasive letter to Sherlock Holmes

I can write the conclusion of a persuasive letter, using a range of cohesive devices.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Writing is most successful when structure, content and vocabulary are planned.
  2. The conclusion should use a range of persuasive techniques to drive home the point of the letter.
  3. Within the paragraph, ideas are connected using cohesive devices.
  4. A formal letter finishes with a sign-off from the writer.

Keywords

  • Persuasive technique - a structure or device used in writing to try to change someone’s mind or behaviour

  • Cohesive devices - language structures that develop text cohesion

  • Semi-colon - a punctuation mark used to connect two complete sentences

  • Gratitude - thankfulness to someone for something they have done

Common misconception

Pupils may use a semi-colon in an incorrect position.

What is either side of the semi-colon must be capable of being a complete sentence; the two parts must be closely-related to each other in meaning and content.


To help you plan your year 6 english lesson on: Writing the conclusion of a persuasive letter to Sherlock Holmes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage lots of oral rehearsal before writing and give children access to the Cohesive Devices Bank while writing. A slide is left lined for you to complete shared writing with the class; refer to the video for ideas for how to do this.
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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which cohesive device has been used here? 'The police have been hopeless: they have hardly done any investigation at all.'
relative complex sentence
semi-colon
compound sentence
Correct answer: colon to explain
Q2.
Which cohesive device has been used here? 'I know you will be more helpful because you have skills that the police do not.'
relative complex sentence
Correct answer: adverbial complex sentence
compound sentence
colon to explain
Q3.
Which cohesive devices could be used to connect these two ideas? 'I was hoping the police would be helpful. They have not been of any use.'
Correct answer: the co-ordinating conjunction 'but'
Correct answer: the fronted adverbial 'however' following a semi-colon
the subordinating conjunction 'as'
the fronted adverbial 'in addition' following a semi-colon
Q4.
Which example joins these ideas correctly? 'I am desperate for your help. I am completely desperate.'
I am desperate completely desperate for your help.
Correct answer: I am desperate - completely desperate - for your help.
I am desperate (I am completely desperate) for your help.
Q5.
Which example uses a colon to explain correctly?
Correct answer: I am furious: they have been completely useless.
I am furious they have: been completely useless.
I am furious they have been: completely useless.
Q6.
Which two persuasive techniques are used here? 'I know that you will have already thought of a solution: your incredible powers of investigation are unmatched.'
rhetorical question
Correct answer: presumption
Correct answer: flattery
veiled threat

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these examples are expressions of gratitude?
Correct answer: I am so thankful to you for taking the time to read this letter.
You have now read all my arguments.
I have set out what I believe to be true; now, you can decide whether to help.
Correct answer: Thank you so much for taking the time to consider this matter.
Q2.
Which of the following are we likely to find in the conclusion to a persuasive letter?
Correct answer: a respectful sign-off
detailed reasons and evidence
Correct answer: an expression of gratitude
Correct answer: a range of persuasive techniques
Q3.
Which of the following expressions of gratitude have the appropriate formal tone for a persuasive letter to Sherlock Holmes?
Correct answer: I truly appreciate you considering this matter.
Thanks so much for reading my letter!
Correct answer: I am truly grateful to you for having taken this matter seriously.
I'm so glad you've read this letter.
Q4.
Which example here uses a semi-colon correctly?
Thank you so much for your help it is; truly appreciated.
Thank you so much; for your help it is truly appreciated.
Correct answer: Thank you so much for your help; it is truly appreciated.
Thank you; so much for your help it is truly appreciated.
Q5.
Which of these is not a rhetorical question?
Correct answer: So are you going to help?
Surely you can see that you must help?
Do you not agree that this must be resolved immediately?
Q6.
Which is the most appropriate sign-off to a persuasive letter to Sherlock Holmes?
Can't wait to hear from you,
Correct answer: Yours faithfully,
All the very best,
Lots of love,

Additional material

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