Four corners
Read an opinion aloud. Children walk to a corner: agree strongly, agree, disagree, disagree strongly. Give one reason.
Writing · Level 3 · Years 5 and 6 · Unit 2 of 6 · Persuasive letter
A persuasive letter
Children pick a real issue they care about and write a formal letter that tries to change someone's mind.
8sessions
60minutes each
Years 5 and 6ages 10 to 12
A2 to B1CEFR
By the end
Children write a formal letter with a clear opinion, three reasons with evidence, a rhetorical question, modal verbs and a call to action.
How the unit runs
8 sessions, 8 parts
Every writing unit follows the same eight parts: read, talk, learn the sentence skill, plan, write together, write alone, check, publish. This unit fits them into 8 sessions of about 60 minutes.
| Session | Parts | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Part 1: Read and enjoy | Read and enjoy "A letter to the head teacher". Find 3 features to notice. |
| Session 2 | Part 2: Talk it | Oral rehearsal games: Four corners, Counter it, Sound persuasive. |
| Session 3 | Part 3: Sentence skill | Teach the sentence skill: Persuasive devices. |
| Session 4 | Part 4: Plan | Plan on the frame: my persuasive letter plan. |
| Session 5 | Part 5: Shared write | The teacher models the writing, thinking aloud. |
| Session 6 | Part 6: Independent write | Children write independently, with support and stretch. |
| Session 7 | Part 7: Check | Check against the success criteria and the editing checklist. |
| Session 8 | Part 8: Publish | Publish for a real reader on the printable template. |
Curriculum link. Years 5 and 6 composition: identifying the audience for and purpose of the writing, selecting the appropriate form and using other similar writing as models; distinguishing between the language of speech and writing and choosing the appropriate register. Appendix 2: modal verbs and adverbs of possibility (Year 5). Sources: see the end of this page.
Part 1 of 8
Read and enjoy a model text
Read it aloud first, or press the button. Talk about what the writer has done before anyone writes. This text was written for Litlings and is free to copy for your class.
The Oaks Primary School, 3 March. Dear Mrs Rivers,
I am writing to ask you to let every class have a longer playtime on Fridays. I believe this change would make our school happier and calmer.
Firstly, children concentrate better after a break. Research suggests that active breaks help people learn, and we all find it easier to listen after fresh air. Secondly, a longer playtime would help friendships grow, so no one would feel left out. Finally, many children walk to school and sit all day. Surely we should give them a chance to run?
You might worry about lost lessons, but only ten minutes would be needed. We must act now to make Fridays something to look forward to.
Yours sincerely, Kofi Mensah
What to notice
- I am writing to ask you to... / I believeA formal opening states the purpose and the opinion clearly.
- Firstly, Secondly, Finally / Surely we should...Number words organise reasons. A rhetorical question draws the reader in.
- might / mustModal verbs show how certain the writer is. Must is strong.
Part 2 of 8
Talk it: oral rehearsal
Talk comes before writing. Children say the sentences, then the paragraph, before the pencil moves.
Counter it
A partner gives an objection (it would cost too much). The writer answers it politely: Although it may cost something, ...
Sound persuasive
Say the same appeal with weak words (maybe, could) and strong words (must, definitely). Discuss the difference.
Part 3 of 8
Sentence skill: Persuasive devices
Persuasive writing uses strong modal verbs, rhetorical questions, direct address and groups of three to move the reader.
Teach it in four steps
- State your opinion clearly in the opening paragraph.
- Give three reasons, each with evidence or an example, using Firstly, Secondly and Finally.
- Use a rhetorical question and one strong modal verb such as must.
- Answer one objection and finish with a call to action.
Examples
| Start | Becomes or shows |
|---|---|
| Playtime is good. | I strongly believe that a longer playtime would benefit every child. |
| We should do it. | We must act now. |
| Some people like parks. | Surely we all agree that parks matter? |
Part 4 of 8
Plan: My persuasive letter plan
Plan your argument before you write. Children say each part aloud to a partner first, then jot notes. Type here, or print the frame to use on paper. It prints on one A4 page.
My persuasive letter plan
NameDate
Plan your argument before you write.
Who am I writing to and what do I want?The head teacher, the mayor, a shop owner.
My opinion in one sentenceI believe that ___.
Three reasons with evidenceFirstly, Secondly, Finally.
A possible objection and my answerYou might worry that ___, but ___.
Call to actionPlease ___. We must ___.
Part 6 of 8
Independent write
The task
Write a formal persuasive letter about an issue in your school or community. Give three reasons, use at least one rhetorical question and one strong modal verb, and end with a call to action.
Sentence starters
- I am writing to ask you to ___.
- I strongly believe that ___.
- Firstly, ___.
- Surely we should ___?
- You might think ___, but ___.
- We must ___.
Word bank
- urge
- believe
- essential
- benefit
- surely
- must
- should
- definitely
- evidence
- research
Support
Give a letter frame with the opening and closing phrases supplied, and a persuasive phrase bank.
Stretch
Write two versions for two different audiences (a head teacher and a friend) and compare the tone.
English as an additional or foreign language. Give a persuasive phrase bank with simple versions. Rehearse the opinion and reasons orally in pairs.
Part 7 of 8
Check: success criteria and editing
Children read their writing aloud, tick what they have done and fix what they have not. Ticks are saved on this device only.
Success criteria
Editing checklist
Part 8 of 8
Publish for a real reader
Send the letters to the real recipient where possible. Class votes on which letter is most persuasive and why.
Printable template: Letter
One A4 page, blank for handwriting. Print from the browser or download the PDF.
My letter
NameDate
Write your address, the date, your greeting, your message and your sign-off.
Your address and the date
GreetingDear ...,
My letter
Sign-off and nameYours sincerely, With love from
Keep going
In this course
Elsewhere on the site
Sources
- National curriculum in England: English programmes of study (DfE)
- English Appendix 2: vocabulary, grammar and punctuation (DfE)
- Improving Literacy in Key Stage 2 (EEF)
Curriculum statements are paraphrased from the documents above. Model texts and activities are original to Litlings.