Persuasion

This lesson begins with a discussion on peer pressure. In pairs, students prepare a role play on a confrontational situation. In groups of three, they prepare a role play on how peers can persuade a person to do something. Students present thoughts aloud for each character. At the end of the lesson, students show their improvisations and evaluate each other’s work.

Objectives

• To develop a variety of role plays.
• To understand how to use different language in different situations.
• To work in a range of groupings.

Starter

Lead the class in a whole group discussion on what a peer group is and how this group can influence someone.

What is a peer group? Can you give an example? What is peer group pressure?

Response

Ask the students to work in pairs and to set up a role play. Explain the situation they have to present: One student (A) wants to buy a particular top to wear at a party this coming weekend. A’s friend (B) rings A up and A tells B about the top. B has seen the top in the shop and does not like it. B tries to persuade A to consider buying something else.

The role play begins with the student answering the telephone. The students sit back-to-back during this duologue. This is to ensure that the students focus on the language, rather than the visual elements.

Is the decision changed? Why is this?

Discuss the persuasive language used in the role play and question whether this was affected because the pairs could not see each other.

What language was used to change the decision or manipulate A?

Development

Assemble the students in groups of three (A, B and C). Ask them to set up a role play about which CD to buy. Student A states the name of the disc they are interested in and the others (B and C) try to persuade their friend to buy another one.

Is the decision changed? How? Why? It is easy to be persuaded?

Ask students to add in thoughts aloud for each character in their group. By using a variety of techniques, students can develop knowledge of the characters and the situation.

How can this add to your knowledge of the characters in the scene?

Extension task

Plenary

Show and evaluate a selection of the role plays, and discuss the various ways in which people can persuade others. Emphasise the use of correct dramatic language when discussing the pieces.

How does the role play change when you include facial expression and body language?

Homework

Ask students to complete the following sheet. The aim is to consider the positive and negative effects of peer group pressure:

Peer pressure: Persuasion

Alternatively, ask students to complete the following sheets and consider a character they played in this lesson when they complete page 3:

Peer pressure: Thought tunnel