Becoming Prime Minister

Overview

This 45-minute lesson focuses on persuasive and imaginative writing. Pupils will imagine themselves as newly elected Prime Ministers and write a short speech outlining three key policies to improve the lives of young people. The session develops persuasive language, speech organisation, and the use of facts and emotion to influence an audience. Pupils will then perform their speeches in a “mini-parliament” setting for peer feedback.

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National Curriculum Links

English - Writing (Year 7 / Primary 7 equivalent)

• Pupils should be taught to:
  • Plan, draft, write, edit and proofread by selecting appropriate grammar and vocabulary, understanding how such choices can change meaning (Writing, Year 7 programme of study).
  • Use organisational and presentational devices to structure text and guide the reader/audience.
  • Write for a range of purposes and audiences, including persuasive texts.
  • Develop understanding of how to use figurative language, emotive vocabulary, and rhetorical devices to influence the audience.
  • Use formal speech structures appropriate for public speaking.

Spoken Language

• Participate in discussions, presentations, and debates, adapting spoken language to the audience and purpose with increasing confidence.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

1. Write a well-structured, persuasive speech as if they are the Prime Minister.
2. Use persuasive language devices such as emotive language, rhetorical questions, and repetition.
3. Present their speech confidently to their peers, using voice and body language to engage listeners.

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Resources Needed

• Speech writing worksheet with guiding questions and persuasive devices checklist.
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Mini-parliament seating arrangement (optional: tables in semicircle).
• Timer or stopwatch for speech length (2-3 minutes max).
• Example persuasive speech extract (prepared by teacher).
• Peer feedback forms (simple thumbs up/down or short comment prompts).

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Details
5 min	Hook / Starter	- Show a brief example extract of a persuasive speech (e.g., from a youth activist or politician).

• Ask pupils to identify persuasive techniques used (e.g., emotive words, repetition). Record ideas on board. |
  | 5 min | Context & Objective Introduction | - Explain pupils will write a speech as if they just became Prime Minister.
• Share success criteria: Outline 3 clear policies, use persuasive language, and structure speech with a clear opening, middle, and closing.
• Quickly brainstorm possible policy ideas as a class focused on young people’s needs. |
  | 20 min | Main Writing Task | - Pupils use worksheet to plan speech:
  • Opening greeting and statement of their election.
  • Three key policies (with a reason why each policy helps young people).
  • Persuasive language checklist prompt.
• Pupils write their speeches independently but may ask teacher for guidance. |
  | 10 min | Mini-Parliament Performance | - Pupils volunteer or are selected to perform their speeches aloud (2-3 mins).
• Encourage use of expression and eye contact.
• Peers provide quick verbal feedback or thumbs up/down. |
  | 5 min | Plenary & Reflection | - Discuss what made a speech persuasive and which language devices were effective.
• Pupils write or share one thing they would improve next time. |

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide sentence starters for speech openings or key phrases. Buddy pupils for planning.
• Challenge: Encourage use of rhetorical questions, metaphors or statistics. Challenge confident pupils to include emotive language that appeals to readers’ feelings.
• EAL: Visual aids of persuasive words and simple examples. Pair with peer speaker if needed in mini-parliament.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation during speech writing and performance.
• Use peer feedback to gauge clarity and persuasiveness.
• Collect speeches at end to assess use of persuasive language, structure, and relevance of policies.

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Extension Activities

• Pupils can write a counter-argument speech proposing alternative policies to debate in the next lesson.
• Create campaign posters for their three policies using persuasive slogans and emotive imagery.
• Record speeches and analyse body language and tone to improve public speaking skills.

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Teacher’s Notes

• Encourage enthusiasm by emphasising the ‘real-world’ nature of the activity—being a leader and influencing change.
• Model a brief example speech yourself to set expectations for tone and length.
• Manage time strictly during performances to ensure all interested pupils can participate.
• Promote respect in "mini-parliament" by having clear guidelines for listening and feedback.