This Year 6 writing unit from our Real Writing collection is built around an original model text by published children's author Anita Loughrey – an advertisement for trainers.
In this two-week unit, pupils will explore how the advert persuades readers and create their own persuasive advert for a new pair of trainers that they have designed. You can use this unit within a topic based on healthy lifestyles or materials.
Curriculum links
This unit supports key Year 6 English objectives, including:
Using a dictionary to check the meaning of words
Using hyphens to avoid ambiguity
Revisiting noun phrases, modal verbs, adverbs of possibility and relative clauses
Using layout devices
Exploring using different registers when writing
Vocabulary
Year 5/6 statutory spelling words: marvellous, recommend, definitely, excellent
Tier 2 words: feature, material, traction, durability, durable, manoeuvre, manoeuvrability, stable, product
Tier 3 words: marvellous, recommend, definitely, excellent
Resources
Model text PDFs and PowerPoints (annotated and non-annotated)
Teacher notes
Paragraph matching activity
Trainer design planning sheet and image cards
Persuasive advert margin planner
Persuasive writing poster
Vocab cards
Writer's checklist and instruction sheet
Activities
Begin by exploring a variety of trainers and shoes. Work in groups to consider who might wear each type of shoe, what the purpose of the shoe is, and what materials it is made from.
Learners will then read the model text, which is a persuasive advert, and discuss where such adverts might be seen. They will identify the features of an advert, such as headings, diagrams, and emotive vocabulary. Make a list of emotive words and use these to create a short radio jingle to advertise trainers.
Use the included word cards to explore Tier 2 vocabulary and statutory spelling words, find examples in the model text, infer meanings from context and complete a vocabulary matching activity.
Next, reread the advert, examine its headings and complete a paragraph-matching task by linking headings to the correct sections. Pupils will then write in role by imagining who might use the trainers. They will compose persuasive letters to athletes or sporting organisations, describing the trainers and explaining why they are beneficial. More able writers will be encouraged to write more formal letters.
The unit also revisits grammar, including relative clauses, modal verbs, adverbs of possibility and the use of hyphens. Learners will identify examples in the model text and practise using these devices in persuasive sentences.
Children will then design their own trainers, annotating their designs with materials, features and emotive vocabulary. They will plan and rehearse radio adverts for their designs, practising persuasive techniques before performing or recording them.
Finally, pupils will plan and write their own persuasive adverts in writing. They will use the margin planner to structure their work.
Outcomes
- Understand the features of a persuasive advert, including headings, diagrams and emotive vocabulary
- Identify and use emotive vocabulary
- Write persuasive letters in role, using appropriate tone and language
- Apply grammar skills, including relative clauses, modal verbs, adverbs of possibility and hyphenation
- Plan, rehearse and perform or record a persuasive radio advert using emotive vocabulary and persuasive techniques
- Write a persuasive advert