Understanding and planning open letters
I can explore the various purposes of an open letter and use examples to inspire my own.
Understanding and planning open letters
I can explore the various purposes of an open letter and use examples to inspire my own.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Open letters are letters with intended recipients but made publicly available for anyone to read.
- Open letters may be written to raise awareness on topics or galvanise the public.
- Open letters can be written by anyone to any person, group or indeed thing.
- Open letters have various purposes such as: entertain, complain, encourage, provide hope.
- Open letters are usually inspired by a topic that the writer feels strong positive or negative emotions towards.
Keywords
Hobbyist - a person who pursues a particular hobby
Galvanise - shock or excite someone into taking action
Conquest - the act of taking control or possession of land
Ocmplacence - a feeling of calm satisfaction that prevents you from trying harder
Common misconception
Students may believe that open letters have to be written to those in powerful positions.
There are open letters on a wide range of topics and niches. All that an open letter requires is a strong feeling about something.
Equipment
You will need Siegfried Sassoon's 'Soldier's Declaration'. It is in the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
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
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
text type
why the text is being written
who the text is addressed to