LO – To apply the conventions of writing to persuade in order to create a persuasive text. Starter – Punctuate this sentence correctly: A woman without her man is nothing.

Two very different answers… you might have written: A woman, without her man, is nothing. Or you could have written: A woman: without her, man is nothing. Punctuation is powerful!

Sample task 6. Choose an issue which is important to you. Write a speech you will deliver at your Student Council, persuading them to take action and support you. (40 marks) Copy the task into your book and decide on the GAP of the task. How will you adapt your writing to the GAP of the task?

Planning You have 5 minutes to plan your response. You could continue to use a variation on the 5 paragraph plan we have been using: Intro (1 or 2 sentences) Paragraph 1 Paragraph 2 Paragraph 3 Conclusion (1 or 2 sentences)

Introductions Engage or 'grab your reader's attention straight away - involve and interest them at the outset. State why you are writing Involve your reader by using 'you', 'we - if appropriate! State why you have the authority to write on this topic and that you are reasonable and trustworthy. Forge common ground between you and your reader - mention an outcome both of you would endorse. Use a rhetorical question. Choose your words with precision and care.

The Body (main) Paragraphs Linguistic devices Add authority - quote an acknowledged expert, a survey or any similar appropriate and sensibly made up support for your case. Use vivid description - create a vivid image that will help your reader see your point of view. Use emotion carefully. An anecdote might work well, e.g. 'People think that living on the streets is a matter of choice, but let me tell you about Alex. He was twelve when he left home...'. Add variety by using interesting vocabulary and sentences. Remember that shorter sentences are snappier and often clearer and that an occasional ultra-short sentence can be very powerful. Be fluent and coherent - link your ideas effectively.

Conclusion Aim to finish strongly, positively and interestingly. Restate your viewpoint in an interesting way - express it slightly differently from the way you did in your first paragraph. Emphasise again, very succinctly, why your view is worthy of close consideration. Make sure your reader knows precisely what you would like to happen next. This might be a discussion, a compromise... you decide. If appropriate to your audience and purpose, end with an emotional plea.

Independent writing You have one hour to complete this task in silence.

Plenary Swap books with your partner. Using the criteria on the following slides, decide which band you would place your partner’s response in for content, organisation and accuracy.