Writing part two of the main body of a persuasive letter, inspired by a text | Starter Quiz | Oak National Academy

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

• name.

• address.

• mind or behaviour.

Answer explanation

In our letter, we are trying to persuade local council members to fund a community playground.

True or false? Persuasive letters are most often 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 the correct definition of a '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.

Match these linguistic features to their definitions.

• fronted adverbial

• a question posed to the reader which they answer in their head

• introductory sentence

• a sentence that states the paragraph’s main aim

• rhetorical question

• a subordinate clause that starts with a relative pronoun like 'who'

• relative clause

• a subordinate clause that states a hypothetical consequence

• conditional clause

• a sentence starter followed by a comma

Answer explanation

Each of these features help achieve the text's purpose.

Match these persuasive techniques to their definitions.

• evidence and proof

• the use of facts or statistics to support an argument

• presumption

• assuming the reader’s opinion based on their character or position

• veiled threats

• when the writer flatters the reader

• flattery

• when the writer threatens the reader in a subtle way

Answer explanation

Using a combination of these techniques helps persuade the reader.

Which of these is an example of flattery?

• an intelligent leader such as you ...

• surely you will agree that ...

• it would be disastrous if this advice were not followed ...

Answer explanation

Using a combination of persuasive techniques helps persuade the reader.