Persuasive Letter model

1. Persuasive texts come in many
different forms. Some include
advertisements, letters, debates,
articles and reports.
Their main purpose is to persuade
the reader to see an argument from
their point of view and change their
mind, buy or support something.
Each paragraph states a
reason or opinion and then is
followed by 2 or 3 pieces of
evidence to support it.
Ask the reader questions that
encourages them to think
•A strong concluding paragraph
•that sums up the main argument
1

2. 12,The Mews,
Gotham City.
3.3.2011
Dear Robin,
I am writing to persuade you to give up your
life with Batman and go back to school.
For the last few years, you have been trailing
behind Batman, mopping up after his
handiwork. He treats you like a second class
citizen and we think that you deserve better.
Have you not noticed how he takes all the
credit? Isn’t it always Batman who barges in
first, with you following behind? Surely you are
worth more than this?
Also, I am concerned that you have been falling
behind with your studies. Last year your results
in maths, english and science at the end of
term were poor. You might be able to fight like
a tiger but there are no certificates in that! I
know your results in PE are good but in other
subjects you are not up to scratch.
2

3. If you do not perform well in your
exams then your hopes of a well paid job
are limited. It is alright for Batman. He
is older than you and has had time to
gather a fortune. What will you do when
you are older?
Furthermore, have you thought about
what would happen if you become
seriously injured? Supposing the Joker
managed to get his revenge? What
then? I have been concerned for some
time that Batman is putting you in
danger.
Why not give up this life of hiding
behind Batman’s cape? Go back to school
full-time and gain some good
qualifications. Then you will have a good
future. You are very welcome to stay
with me.
Yours truly,
Cat Woman 3

4. Dear Robin,
I am writing to persuade you to
give up your life with Batman and
go back to school. Introduces
topic
For the last few years, you have
been trailing behind Batman,
mopping up after his handiwork.
He treats you like a second class
citizen and we think that you Use of
deserve better. Have you not questions
noticed how he takes all the
credit? Isn’t it always Batman
who barges in first, with you
following behind? Surely you are
worth more than this?
Also, I am concerned that you Use of facts
have been falling behind with your
studies. Last year your results in
maths, english and science at the
end of term were poor. You might Series of
be able to fight like a tiger but attempts
to
there are no certificates in that! persuade
I know your results in PE are good
but in other subjects you are not
up to scratch. 4

5. Risking his
If you do not perform well in your future
exams then your hopes of a well
paid job are limited. It is alright
for Batman. He is older than you
and has had time to gather a
fortune. What will you do when you
are older?
Furthermore, have you thought Possibility
about what would happen if you of danger!
become seriously injured? Supposing
the Joker managed to get his
revenge? What then? I have been
concerned for some time that
Batman is putting you in danger.
Final
attempt to
Why not give up this life of hiding persuade
behind Batman’s cape? Go back to
school full-time and gain some good
qualifications. Then you will have a
good future. You are very welcome
to stay with me.
Yours truly,
Cat Woman 5

6. 12,The Mews,
Gotham City.
3.3.2011
Dear Robin,
I am writing to persuade you to give up your
life with Batman and go back to school.
For the last few years, you have been trailing
behind Batman, mopping up after his
handiwork. He treats you like a second class
citizen and we think that you deserve better.
Have you not noticed how he takes all the
credit? Isn’t it always Batman who barges in
first, with you following behind? Surely you are
worth more than this?
Also, I am concerned that you have been falling
behind with your studies. Last year your
results in maths, english and science at the end
of term were poor. You might be able to fight
like a tiger but there are no certificates in
that! I know your results in PE are good but in
other subjects you are not up to scratch.
6

7. If you do not perform well in your
exams then your hopes of a well paid job
are limited. It is alright for Batman.
He is older than you and has had time to
gather a fortune. What will you do when
you are older?
Furthermore, have you thought about
what would happen if you become
seriously injured? Supposing the Joker
managed to get his revenge? What
then? I have been concerned for some
time that Batman is putting you in
danger.
Why not give up this life of hiding
behind Batman’s cape? Go back to school
full-time and gain some good
qualifications. Then you will have a good
future. You are very welcome to stay
with me.
Yours truly,
Cat Woman 7

8. Read through letter and
discuss.
What is the point of view
of the writer?
How does the writer try to
persuade?
List the specific words
/phrases and techniques,
e.g. use of questions
If you do not...
Identify structure e.g.
set out topic
•use of a number of
persuasive arguments
summarise at end
8

9. Oral persuasive discussion in
pairs
(role play would be a useful
precursor)
Possible persuasive subjects
Superhero theme –
persuade Superman to
spend more time at the
newspaper office.
Traditional Tale
Persuade the ugly sisters to
let Cinderella to go to the
ball.
9

10. Persuasive writing is mainly
in present tense
Use powerful verbs and
strong adjectives
Remember to write in
paragraphs.
Have you remembered to end
your letter by strongly
stating your point of view
again ?
End with a summary of your
key points.
10

11. unlimited super strength
X-ray eyesight
genius level intellect bends steel with his bare hands
confuses enemies
jumps great distances
moves entire planets at once
sees through solid objects
protects his secret identity
11

12. Daily Planet Offices,
Metropolis.
3.3.2011
Dear Superman,
I am writing to persuade you to give up your
life as a Superhero and return to the Daily
Planet.
Over the last few years, you have been saving
mankind from all sorts of disasters. That is all
very well but I feel you are neglecting your
duties back home. Isn’t it time you thought of
your job here? Flying off to other parts of
the world may be exciting but you still have to
be loyal to the newspaper. Surely you are fed
up solving the problems of the world?
Also, I am concerned that the newspaper
circulation has gone down. Last year all our
readers followed your articles about our
amazing planet. Everyone is asking when the
next instalment is. You might be able to bend
steel with your bare hands but that's no use to
us! I know you enjoy your Superhero duties but
we need you.
12

13. Besides it is getting more difficult to
explain your absence from the office. It
looks very suspicious that every time
there is a catastrophe – you are not
around! . Some people might put two and
two together and your secret identity
might be revealed. Everyone keeps
asking – Where is Clark?
Furthermore, have you thought about
what would happen if that mad scientist
Lex Luther catches up with you?
Supposing your super powers fail? What
then? Isn't it time for one of the other
Superheroes to step up? What about
Spiderman or Captain America? I am
sure they could help out once in a while.
Why not give up this double life ?
Settle down with Lois and come back to
the Daily Planet.
Yours truly,
The Editor 13