Overview:

This resource uses the history of the Scottish witch trials as a context for teaching persuasive writing in preparation for the National 5 English portfolio. Over the course of two lessons, students will learn about the witch hunting period in Scotland (1563-1736), explore real case data through the University of Edinburgh’s Survey of Scottish Witchcraft and interactive map, and finally write a persuasive letter to the Scottish Government arguing that the accused witches should be officially pardoned. This resource bundle comprises a teacher’s guide which covers both lessons (including the writing exercise), as well as a structured PowerPoint presentation.
This activity is intended for Fourth Curriculum Level students and takes two lessons to deliver, with the option to set the writing task as homework.

Literacy and English learning outcomes:

LIT 4-06a: I can independently select ideas and relevant information for different purposes, organise essential information or ideas and any supporting detail in a logical order, and use suitable vocabulary to communicate effectively with my audience.
LIT 4-14a: Using what I know about the features of different types of texts, I can find, select, sort, summarise, link and use information from different sources.
LIT 4-15a: I can make notes and organise them to develop my thinking, help retain and recall information, explore issues and create new texts, using my own words as appropriate.
LIT 4-20a: I enjoy creating texts of my choice and I am developing my own style. I can regularly select subject, purpose, format and resources to suit the needs of my audience.
LIT 4-21a: I can use a range of strategies and resources independently and ensure that my spelling, including specialist vocabulary, is accurate.
LIT 4-22a: As appropriate to my purpose and type of text, I can punctuate and structure different types of sentences with sufficient accuracy, and arrange these to make meaning clear, showing straightforward relationships between paragraphs.
LIT 4-23a: Throughout the writing process, I can review and edit my writing independently to ensure that it meets its purpose and communicates meaning clearly at first reading.
LIT 4-24a: I can justify my choice and use of layout and presentation in terms of the intended impact on my reader.
LIT 4-25a: I can use notes and other types of writing to generate and develop ideas, retain and recall information, explore problems, make decisions, or create original text. I can make appropriate and responsible use of sources and acknowledge these appropriately.

This resource was created by Greta Lyon, and adapted by Charlotte Ness.
Unless otherwise stated, all content in this package is available under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.