Skip to content
Oak National Academy
Oak National Academy
Teachers
Pupils
New
New
Year 9

Varying sentences and using anecdotes to express a viewpoint

I can effectively express a viewpoint in an engaging and persuasive way.

Download all resources
arrow-right
Share activities with pupils
arrow-right
New
New
Year 9

Varying sentences and using anecdotes to express a viewpoint

I can effectively express a viewpoint in an engaging and persuasive way.

Download all resources
arrow-right
Share activities with pupils
arrow-right
warning

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
View new resources
arrow-right

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. When expressing a viewpoint in a persuasive piece of writing, it’s important to create a rapport with the audience.
  2. Considering your tone can help to engage and persuade your audience.
  3. Using a range of sentence types can help you create subtle changes of tone throughout your writing.
  4. Anecdotes are a useful way to engage your audience.
  5. An effective anecdote will not be too long and link to your viewpoint.

Keywords

  • Persuasive - ability to convince someone to do or think something

  • Rapport - a connection or bond with someone

  • Alienating - causing individuals or groups of people to feel left out or isolated

  • Confrontational - acting or behaving in a way that directly challenges someone, often leading to conflict

  • Inclusive - to involve and welcome everyone

Common misconception

When writing about serious issues, the main tone of your writing should be angry and confrontational.

Think about what engages you. An audience is far more likely to be engaged if they feel like they have a rapport with the speaker.

It might be useful to share an example of an overly long and rambling anecdote to demonstrate the effectiveness of being succinct and relevant.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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

Skip lesson video

Loading...

Starter quiz

Download starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the rhetorical device to its correct definition.
Correct Answer:rhetorical question,The use of an interrogative sentence to provoke thought.

The use of an interrogative sentence to provoke thought.

Correct Answer:statistic,The use of numbers to present evidence or express a fact.

The use of numbers to present evidence or express a fact.

Correct Answer:rule of three,The use of three words or phrases to emphasise a point or idea.

The use of three words or phrases to emphasise a point or idea.

Correct Answer:direct address,A speaker or writer talks directly to the audience, often using "you".

A speaker or writer talks directly to the audience, often using "you".

Q2.
In her "HeForShe" speech Emma Watson states that: "15.5 million girls will be married in the next 16 years as children." This is an example of ...
Correct Answer: statistics, a statistic, statistic
Q3.
Which of these definitions best describes an anecdote?
Correct answer: A short story about something interesting.
A clear and structured argument used to back up a point.
A deep dive into the themes and symbols of a book.
A factual report about scientific discoveries.
Q4.
Which of the following is an example of Emma Watson using an anecdote in her 'HeForShe' speech?
"It will take 75 years [...]before women can expect to be paid the same as men."
"If not now, when?"
"Gender equality is your issue too."
Correct answer: "when at eight I was confused at being called “bossy”
Q5.
Which sentence best describes the impact of Emma Watson's use of direct address in her 'HeForShe' speech?
To make the audience feel like they are being told off.
To confuse the audience.
Correct answer: To get everyone's attention and make them feel involved.
Q6.
Which definition best describes the term 'tone'?
The volume or pitch of a sound.
Correct answer: The attitude or emotion conveyed by a piece of writing or speech.
The rhythmic pattern in music or poetry.
The clarity and precision of language used in communication.

Exit quiz

Download exit quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these would not be considered a purpose of persuasive writing?
create awareness on a topic
convince an audience
to put forward a viewpoint
inspire an audience to take action
Correct answer: to describe a beautiful landscape in full
Q2.
Which word beginning with 'R' completes this sentence: 'When creating a persuasive speech you want to create a with your audience.'?
Correct Answer: rapport
Q3.
Which word can be described as: 'causing individuals or groups of people to feel left out or isolated'?
confrontational
Correct answer: alienating
inclusive
rapport
Q4.
Which of these two tonal words could be considered as not the best way to engage or persuade an audience?
inclusive
light-hearted
convincing
Correct answer: angry
Correct answer: confrontational
Q5.
Match the sentence type to correct example.
Correct Answer:imperative,Unite for a world where equality is not just a goal, but a reality.

Unite for a world where equality is not just a goal, but a reality.

Correct Answer:interrogative,Shouldn't we all strive for a world where equality is the norm?

Shouldn't we all strive for a world where equality is the norm?

Correct Answer:declarative,Equality should not just be a goal, but a reality for all.

Equality should not just be a goal, but a reality for all.

Q6.
Which of these statements would not help create an effective anecdote?
It should be used to illustrate the issue or make a point.
Correct answer: It should be long and have lots of detail.
It should link to the subject or theme of the writing
It should be short and succinct.