Persuasive WWII Writing

Overview

This engaging 30-minute lesson focuses on developing Year 6 pupils' ability to write persuasive texts using the historical context of evacuating children from London to Norfolk during World War II. The lesson aligns precisely with the English programmes of study from the National Curriculum for England: writing emphasis on purpose, audience, and composition, along with grammar and vocabulary development within context.

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National Curriculum Links

English - Writing (Year 6):

• Pupils should be able to:
  • Write effectively for a range of purposes and audiences, selecting language that shows good awareness of the reader (NC PoS: Writing - Purpose, Audience & Structure).
  • In narratives, describe settings, characters, and atmosphere (NC PoS: Writing - Composition).
  • Use a wide range of devices to build cohesion within and across paragraphs (NC PoS: Writing - Cohesion).
  • Use expanded noun phrases, modal verbs and adverbs to convey degrees of possibility (NC PoS: Vocabulary, Grammar & Punctuation).
  • Use passive voice for effect and to avoid personalisation (NC PoS: Grammar).

English - Reading (Year 6):

• Develop positive attitudes to reading by identifying themes and conventions in text (NC PoS: Reading).
• Understand the purpose, audience and context of a text to support writing (NC PoS: Reading).

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, pupils will:

• Understand how language and persuasive techniques can influence the reader (NC Writing: Purpose & Audience).
• Identify and use key persuasive devices in writing (e.g. emotive language, rhetorical questions) (NC Writing: Vocabulary & Grammar).
• Compose a short persuasive letter encouraging children to be evacuated from London to Norfolk during WWII (NC Writing: Composition).
• Use grammar features such as modal verbs, expanded noun phrases, and passive voice accurately (NC Writing: Grammar).

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Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers (or interactive whiteboard)
• Pre-prepared extract from a WWII evacuation letter (Persuasive example)
• Worksheet: Persuasive writing planning grid
• Example vocabulary and persuasive phrases list
• Paper and pencils for writing

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter (5 minutes) – Hook and Contextualisation

• Show a brief image or short video clip of WWII evacuation (e.g., children boarding trains).
• Ask: "Why do you think children were sent from London to places like Norfolk during the war?"
• Briefly outline the purpose of evacuation for safety.
• Introduce the writing task: "Today, you will write a persuasive letter encouraging parents to allow their children to be evacuated."

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2. Modelling & Discussion (7 minutes) – Analysing Persuasive Example

• Read aloud a short example letter persuading parents to evacuate children.
• As a class, highlight persuasive features: emotive language ("keep your child safe"), rhetorical questions, modal verbs ("might be safer"), expanded noun phrases ("peaceful countryside").
• On the board, create a quick list of persuasive techniques and vocabulary.
• Discuss why passive voice may be used: e.g., "strong measures are being taken" focuses on safety, not individuals.

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3. Guided Planning (8 minutes) – Structuring Their Writing

• Hand out writing planning grids with these sections:

  1. Introduction: Greeting and purpose.
  2. Reason 1: Safety - use emotive and modal verbs.
  3. Reason 2: The benefits of Norfolk - vivid description using expanded noun phrases.
  4. Conclusion: Call to action (persuasive ending).

• Pupils brainstorm ideas in pairs, referring to the persuasive vocabulary list.

• Teacher circulates, prompts modal verb use (might, could, should), expanded noun phrases, and asks pupils to suggest passive voice sentences.

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4. Independent Writing (8 minutes) – Composing Persuasive Letters

• Pupils write their own persuasive letters using their plans.
• Encourage inclusion of at least: two modal verbs, three expanded noun phrases, and one rhetorical question.
• Teacher supports individuals as needed.

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5. Plenary (2 minutes) – Sharing and Reflecting

• Invite 2-3 pupils to read a key persuasive sentence aloud.
• Class discusses which techniques they recognise and why they are effective.
• Refer back to the learning objectives and ask: "How did you try to persuade your reader?"

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observe pupils’ use of modal verbs, expanded noun phrases, and rhetorical questions in their letters.
• Assess planning grids for organisation and inclusion of persuasive techniques.
• Use plenary sharing to evaluate understanding of audience and purpose.

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide sentence starters and word banks for pupils needing scaffolding.
• Challenge: Encourage stronger writers to use passive voice accurately and include more sophisticated vocabulary (e.g., “imperative” verbs).
• EAL: Visual prompts and paired work to support vocabulary acquisition.

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Extension Ideas (Post-Lesson)

• Pupils could write a reply letter from a concerned parent’s perspective, weighing up the evacuation decision.
• Create evacuation posters using persuasive slogans and emotive imagery.

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This lesson provides a cross-curricular link between English and history, making learning relevant and engaging, while fully meeting the statutory national curriculum standards for Year 6 writing.