Grammar and persuasive writing
Clear notes with worked examples, then 4 practice questions with answers. Written by Beyond Tutors tutors for the KS3 National Curriculum.
Active and passive
Active: The ball broke the window.
Passive: The window was broken by the ball.
Punctuation for effect
- Semicolon: links two related main clauses. I like tea; my brother prefers coffee.
- Colon: introduces a list or explanation.
- Dash: a dramatic pause. The door opened - and there stood the headteacher.
Persuasive techniques: aforest
Anecdote, Facts, Opinion, Rhetorical question, Emotive language, Statistics, Triples (rule of three)
Plus: direct address ("you"), imperatives ("Act now"), counter-argument then rebuttal.
Strong openings
Start with a vivid scenario, a shocking fact or a question, not "I am going to talk about...".
Spellings to learn
accommodation, receive, believe, definitely, separate, embarrass, occurrence, rhythm
Practice questions
Try each one, then tap to see the answer and why.
- Question 1 · Persuasive writing
Which is the strongest opening for a persuasive speech about school uniform?
- AUniform is a thing.
- BUniform. Yes.
- CI am going to talk about uniform.
- DImagine walking into school and being judged for your clothes before you even speak.
Show the answer
D: Imagine walking into school and being judged for your clothes before you even speak.
It hooks the audience with direct address and an emotional scenario.
- Question 2 · Language techniques
What is pathetic fallacy?
- AA sad character
- BA weak argument
- CWeather or setting reflecting a character's mood
- DA type of rhyme
Show the answer
C: Weather or setting reflecting a character's mood
e.g. rain and grey skies when a character is sad.
- Question 3 · Language techniques
Which is an oxymoron?
- AVery loud
- BDeafening silence
- CSilent night
- DLoud noise
Show the answer
B: Deafening silence
An oxymoron puts opposite ideas together: deafening + silence.
- Question 4 · Punctuation
Which uses dashes correctly for a dramatic pause?
- A- The door opened
- BThe - door opened.
- CThe door - opened - and.
- DThe door opened - and there stood the headteacher.
Show the answer
D: The door opened - and there stood the headteacher.
A dash before the reveal creates suspense.