Understanding the purpose, layout and features of a persuasive letter | Exit Quiz | Oak National Academy

Persuasion is the action or process of trying to change someone’s ...

• name.

• address.

• mind or behaviour.

Answer explanation

You may have tried to persuade a parent, carer or family member to do something.

True or false? The purpose of a persuasive letter is to change someone’s mind or behaviour or convince them about something.

Answer explanation

It is important to think about what your purpose for writing is before you start.

Which of these might be reasons to write a persuasive letter?

• to explain something

• to ask something

• to agree with someone

• to sell something

Answer explanation

Another reason for writing a persuasive letter might be to apologise to someone and persuade them to accept your apology.

True or false? Persuasive letters are mostly written using an informal tone.

Answer explanation

Persuasive letters are mostly written in a formal way and there are several features that help us recognise that we are reading a formal letter.

Which of these is a persuasive technique in a persuasive letter?

• figurative language

• flattery

• rhyming words

Answer explanation

Paying the reader a compliment may persuade them to agree with you.

Which of these is a definition for the technique 'veiled threat'?

• a threat that isn’t directly stated but is implied

• a threat that is promised to be carried out

• a threat that is so unlikely it is clear that it will never happen

Answer explanation

A 'veiled threat' is similar to a conditional clause.