Writing an effective article
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use anecdotes, hyperbole and statistics to write an effective article.
Key learning points
- In order to write a convincing argument, you might include techniques such as anecdotes, hyperbole and statistics.
- Anecdotes make the issue seem relevant to the real world and elicit an emotional reaction from the reader.
- Hyperbole makes the issue seem urgent and important.
- To make a statistic credible, you might state the organisation it came from, date, and a believable figure.
- The article form includes a headline, strapline, subheadings and paragraphs.
Keywords
Argument - a reason or set of reasons given in support of an idea, action or theory
Persuade - to make someone do or believe something by giving them a good reason to do it or believe it
Elicit - evoke or draw out (a reaction, answer, or fact) from someone
Credible - able to be believed or trusted
Convincing - able to make you believe that something is true or right
Common misconception
Including any statistics is enough to make your argument more convincing.
In order to be convincing, statistics have to be credible.
Teacher tip
It may be useful to show pupils examples of articles so that they can see an example of the form.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'A reason or set of reasons given in support of an idea, action or theory' is the definition of which word beginning with 'a'?
Q2.'To make someone do or believe something by giving them a good reason to do it or believe it' is the definition of which word beginning with 'p'?
Q3.Match the article element with the definition.
title of the article
summary of the article
summary of the paragraph
focuses on one idea in support of the main argument
Q4.'A short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person' is the definition of which technique beginning with 'a'?
Q5.'The use of exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally' is the definition of which word beginning with 'h'?
Q6.'A piece of factual data gathered from a large quantity of numerical data' is the definition of which word beginning with 's'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'An article where writers present their perspective on a topic, whilst trying to get their readers to agree with them' is the definition of which word beginning with 'o'?
Q2.'Able to make you believe that something is true or right' is the definition of which word beginning with 'c'?
Q3.'A summary of the article' is the definition of which article element?
Q4.Which of the following sentences uses statistics?
Q5.Which of the following sentences uses an anecdote?
Q6.'Able to be believed or trusted' is the definition of which word beginning with 'c'?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Writing an effective article, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Writing an effective article, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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