New
New
Year 6

Writing the introduction to a persuasive letter to Sherlock Holmes

I can write the introduction to a persuasive letter, including a clear summary of the problem.

New
New
Year 6

Writing the introduction to a persuasive letter to Sherlock Holmes

I can write the introduction to a persuasive letter, including a clear summary of the problem.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The introduction to a persuasive letter will primarily focus on summarising the purpose of the letter.
  2. The introductory sentence will explain the purpose for the letter.
  3. A short summary of the matter will follow, using a range of cohesive devices.
  4. Flattery is used as a persuasive technique in the final sentence to suggest to the reader that we need their help.

Keywords

  • 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 misconception

Pupils may struggle to connect ideas with cohesive devices.

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.

A slide is left intentionally lined and blank for you to complete shared writing of the introduction at this point; an example of how this can be done is included in the video for this lesson. Ensure that pupils refer to the summary of the case and the persuasive techniques gathered previously.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), 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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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to the examples.
Correct Answer:presumption,I can already see your mind racing!

I can already see your mind racing!

Correct Answer:rhetorical question,Who else but you could solve this?

Who else but you could solve this?

Correct Answer:flattery,Your brilliant mind will solve this in moments!

Your brilliant mind will solve this in moments!

Correct Answer:veiled threat,It would be a pity if our suffering had to continue.

It would be a pity if our suffering had to continue.

Q2.
Which adjectives could complete the following expanded noun phrase? 'With your __________ brain-power, I'm sure you will solve this puzzle in minutes.'
Correct answer: remarkable
ground-breaking
Correct answer: superior
Correct answer: extraordinary
Q3.
Which of the below is an example of a veiled threat?
I am so glad that you are considering the matter.
Who else could possibly resolve this question?
I am sure your meticulous methods would succeed where the police have failed.
Correct answer: I am afraid that if you do not help, the situation will deteriorate further.
Q4.
Which of the below is an example of a rhetorical question?
I am so glad that you are considering the matter.
Correct answer: Who else could possibly resolve this question?
I am afraid that if you do not help the situation will deteriorate further.
Will you commit to helping us with this case?
Q5.
When we use flattery, how are we aiming for the reader to feel?
excited
fearful
Correct answer: valued
guilty
Q6.
Which of the following is not an example of presumption?
I can't wait to hear from you.
I am certain you will be able to provide us with the solution.
Correct answer: I would very much like to hear from you.
I can already sense your excitement about this puzzle.

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following features are included in an introduction to a persuasive letter?
Correct answer: introductory sentence saying why you are writing
Correct answer: summary of what has happened
Correct answer: persuasive techniques
detailed reasons and evidence for why the reader should help
Q2.
What makes the following a good introductory sentence? 'I am aware that your time is precious; however, I require your urgent assistance with a serious matter.'
Correct answer: It says why you are writing.
Correct answer: It includes a piece of flattery.
It includes a summary of the events that have occurred.
Correct answer: It includes a semi-colon to improve text cohesion.
Q3.
Which of the following features are cohesive devices that improve text cohesion?
Correct answer: semi-colon
Correct answer: complex sentence
Correct answer: compound sentence
full stop
Q4.
Which cohesive device is shown in the following sentence? 'There were no signs of injury on the body, but large dog prints were found all around it.'
complex sentence
Correct answer: compound sentence
fronted adverbial
semi-colon
Q5.
Which cohesive devices are seen in the following sentence? 'Many people are blaming the Hound of the Baskervilles; however, I am not convinced.'
relative complex sentence
adverbial complex sentence
Correct answer: formal fronted adverbial
Correct answer: semi-colon
Q6.
Why is flattery an effective persuasive technique?
Correct answer: It makes the reader feel valued and respected.
It makes the reader feel guilty for not helping.
It makes the reader feel scared of the writer.

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