Informational Writing

 

What is Informational Writing?

Informational writing, also known as expository writing, is a type of non-fiction writing that explains, describes, or informs the reader about a specific topic. Unlike narrative writing, which tells a story, informational writing focuses on facts and evidence to present information clearly and objectively. 🧐

Key characteristics include:

• Facts, not fiction: The content is based on real-world information and evidence.

• Clarity and organization: Ideas are structured logically, often using headings, subheadings, and paragraphs to make the information easy to follow.

• Objective tone: The writer's personal opinions are not included. The goal is to present information impartially.

• Formal language: Uses specific vocabulary related to the topic.

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Why is Informational Writing Important for Primary Students?

Teaching informational writing helps students develop essential skills that they'll use throughout their academic and professional lives. 🎓

• Reading comprehension: By writing informational texts, students gain a deeper understanding of how these texts are structured, which in turn improves their ability to comprehend similar texts they read.

• Research skills: It encourages students to seek out and evaluate information from various sources like books, websites, and interviews.

• Critical thinking: Students learn to analyze information, identify key facts, and synthesize them into a coherent piece of writing.

• Communication: It gives students a structured way to share what they've learned with others.

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Practical Classroom Strategies for Teachers

Here are some effective strategies to help your students master informational writing. ✍️

1. Model the Process

Show students what a finished informational text looks like and how it's constructed.

• Mentor Texts: Use high-quality non-fiction books as examples. Point out features like the table of contents, glossary, headings, and images with captions.

• Think-Alouds: As you write a sample text on the whiteboard, vocalize your thought process. For example, "I'm writing about penguins. I'll start with a heading, 'What is a Penguin?' and then add some facts I know."

2. Provide Structured Scaffolding

Break down the writing process into manageable steps.

• Graphic Organizers: Use simple templates like KWL charts (What I Know, What I Want to know, What I Learned) to help students organize their thoughts before writing.

• Sentence Starters: Offer sentence stems to help students begin their sentences. For example, "Did you know that...", "The main reason is...", or "For example...".

3. Encourage Research and Exploration

Make the research phase fun and interactive.

• Topic Selection: Let students choose a topic they are genuinely interested in. This increases their engagement and motivation.

• Mini-Projects: Turn research into a small project. Students can watch a short documentary, read a book, or even conduct a simple "interview" with a family member who knows about the topic.

4. Focus on Specific Features

Teach students about the conventions of informational writing.

• Text Features: Create an anchor chart listing common features like headings, bold words, diagrams, and captions. Have students identify these features in mentor texts.

• Glossary Creation: Encourage students to create a simple glossary for their writing, defining key vocabulary words.

5. Emphasize Revision and Editing

Help students refine their work.

• Peer Review: Pair students up to read each other's work and offer constructive feedback. Use a simple checklist to guide their review.

• Checklists: Provide a checklist that focuses on both content (e.g., "Did I include three facts?") and mechanics (e.g., "Did I use capital letters and full stops?").

Assessment for Learning ( AFL)

Teacher Reflection: Assessment for Learning

Engaging with the concept of Assessment for Learning (AfL) has significantly shifted how I view assessment in the classroom. Rather than seeing it as a final judgment of student ability, I now understand AfL as an ongoing process that supports learning and growth. It involves using evidence of student understanding to inform teaching and help students take ownership of their progress. This includes practices like learning intentions, success criteria, peer and self-assessment, and timely feedback. When implemented well, AfL builds clarity and confidence in learners and helps them see the purpose behind their work.

One of the most effective strategies I’ve adopted is sharing clear learning intentions and co-constructing success criteria with students. This helps them understand what they are working towards and how they will know when they’ve succeeded. It has been especially powerful in supporting diverse learners, as it allows me to tailor my teaching to meet students’ needs in real-time. I've also seen students become more reflective and independent when they are encouraged to assess their own work or give feedback to peers. These routines foster a classroom culture where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities.

Assessment for Learning has also strengthened the relationship between teaching and assessment. Rather than relying solely on tests or final products, I now gather a wider range of evidence, such as class discussions, learning conversations, and ongoing observations, to understand student thinking. This holistic approach has improved the quality of my planning and allowed me to be more responsive and flexible. As I continue to develop in this area, I aim to deepen students’ involvement in the assessment process so they can set goals, monitor progress, and take greater responsibility for their learning journey.

CURSIVE HANDWRITING

 Teaching Students Cursive Handwriting

Teaching students cursive handwriting has been a valuable and rewarding experience, both for their literacy development and fine motor skills. While digital tools are increasingly common in the classroom, I’ve found that cursive writing offers unique benefits that support students' learning differently. Cursive helps students with letter formation, writing fluency, and even spelling, as the connected letters encourage muscle memory and rhythm in writing.

Initially, some students found cursive challenging, especially those who struggle with motor coordination or who are more accustomed to typing. To address this, I introduced cursive gradually, focusing on one or two letters at a time and using consistent modelling and practice. I also incorporated multisensory strategies, such as tracing in sand or using whiteboards, to make the learning more engaging. With encouragement and repetition, I noticed a steady improvement in both confidence and legibility.

What stands out most in this journey is how proud students feel when they master cursive writing. It fosters a sense of achievement and ownership over their work. Beyond the practical skill, cursive also promotes patience, concentration, and a connection to traditional forms of written communication. Going forward, I aim to continue integrating cursive into writing tasks to reinforce its use, while ensuring it remains a supportive and enjoyable part of students' literacy development.

LEADERSHIPS

 Exploring Different Types of Leadership

Leadership is a multifaceted concept that manifests in various forms, each with strengths and challenges. Through recent professional development, I have gained deeper insights into different leadership styles, including transformational, transactional, servant, instructional, and distributed leadership. Understanding these styles has helped me reflect on my own approach and identify strategies to grow as a more effective leader within the school community.

Transformational leadership emphasizes inspiration, vision, and long-term change. Leaders who adopt this style work to motivate others by creating a shared purpose and encouraging innovation. I admire how transformational leaders build trust and foster a sense of belonging among their teams. It has encouraged me to consider how I can inspire others in my school by setting high expectations, modelling professional values, and promoting collaborative learning environments.

In contrast, transactional leadership focuses more on structure, performance, and short-term goals. While this approach can sometimes seem rigid, I’ve learned that it plays a crucial role in maintaining accountability and clear expectations. Understanding when to apply transactional strategies, such as performance monitoring and feedback, can effectively ensure consistent progress and standards within teaching teams or student learning.

Servant leadership particularly resonated with me because of its emphasis on empathy, listening, and putting others’ needs first. This approach aligns well with my personal values as an educator. I see great potential in adopting more servant leadership practices, especially when working with students, parents, and colleagues. Being approachable, supportive, and community-focused fosters trust and leads to more meaningful and productive relationships.

Finally, exploring instructional and distributed leadership highlighted the importance of sharing leadership responsibilities and focusing on student achievement. Instructional leaders prioritize curriculum and pedagogy, while distributed leadership encourages collaboration across all staff levels. Both styles remind me that leadership is not about a title or position but about influence and shared responsibility. Moving forward, I aim to empower others by recognizing their strengths and involving them in decision-making processes that ultimately benefit our learners.

PD DATED 19/05/2025 AT KORU PRIMARY SCHOOL.

Narrative Writing

 Importance of teaching Narrative writing.

Developing Communication and Storytelling Skills

Narrative writing equips primary school students with the tools to effectively share stories, ideas, and experiences. Through this form of writing, they learn how to structure their thoughts cohesively, use descriptive language, and engage their audience. Storytelling is a fundamental human activity, and narrative writing teaches students how to construct meaningful narratives that convey messages and emotions. These skills are essential for both academic success and everyday communication, helping students articulate their perspectives clearly and compellingly.

Fostering Creativity and Imagination

Narrative writing nurtures creativity and imagination by encouraging students to invent characters, settings, and plots. It provides a platform for them to explore their ideas freely and think beyond the boundaries of reality. Whether they are creating fictional worlds or recounting personal experiences, narrative writing allows students to express themselves uniquely. This creative process builds their confidence in experimenting with ideas and inspires them to think innovatively, skills that are invaluable in all areas of learning and problem-solving.

Building Empathy and Emotional Awareness

When students engage in narrative writing, they often step into the shoes of their characters, imagining different perspectives and experiences. This practice fosters empathy and emotional awareness, helping students understand and relate to others’ feelings and situations. Writing personal narratives also gives students an outlet to process and express their emotions, contributing to their social and emotional development. This ability to empathize and connect with others is a vital life skill that enriches their relationships and sense of community.

Strengthening Literacy and Critical Thinking Skills

Narrative writing integrates key literacy skills such as reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and grammar usage. By crafting stories, students learn how to organize their ideas logically and revise their work for clarity and coherence. Additionally, narrative writing enhances critical thinking by requiring students to make decisions about plot progression, character development, and resolution of conflicts. These analytical skills are transferable to other areas of study, fostering a well-rounded and thoughtful approach to learning.

Descriptive Writing

 Why should descriptive writing be taught in primary schools?

Enhancing Communication Skills

Descriptive writing is an essential tool for developing effective communication skills in primary school students. It teaches them how to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas vividly and clearly, enabling others to visualize and connect with their narratives. By learning to use descriptive details such as sensory imagery, metaphors, and similes, students enhance their ability to convey complex ideas in an engaging and accessible manner. These skills are invaluable not only in writing but also in verbal communication, fostering stronger interpersonal relationships and self-expression.

Encouraging Creativity and Imagination

Teaching descriptive writing nurtures creativity and imagination in young learners. It encourages students to think beyond basic narratives and explore their ideas with depth and originality. By describing characters, settings, or events in detail, students learn to create compelling stories that captivate their audience. This process helps them develop an appreciation for storytelling, art, and literature, inspiring them to become imaginative thinkers and creators. Creative thinking fostered through descriptive writing can also support problem-solving and innovation in other academic areas.

Developing Analytical Thinking and Observation

Descriptive writing sharpens students’ observational and analytical skills. By focusing on the small details of objects, people, or scenes, students learn to notice and interpret nuances in the world around them. This enhances their critical thinking abilities, as they must decide which details are most relevant and impactful for their writing. These observation skills are transferable to other subjects, such as science and social studies, where attention to detail and analysis are crucial for success.

Building Confidence and Motivation in Writing

When students see their descriptive writing skills improve, they gain confidence in their overall writing abilities. The opportunity to explore their thoughts and emotions through vivid language makes writing more enjoyable and less intimidating. Success in descriptive writing can motivate students to tackle more challenging forms of writing, such as essays, reports, or creative compositions. This positive experience encourages a lifelong love for writing and storytelling, empowering students to use their words effectively in all areas of life.

NZ Refreshed Curriculum

 Maths Learning Area

Number

Teaching numbers in primary school is fundamental as it forms the basis for all mathematical understanding. Numbers are integral to everyday life, from counting and budgeting to understanding time and distance. Learning about numbers helps students develop problem-solving and logical thinking skills that are essential for future academic success and real-world applications. It lays the groundwork for more advanced mathematical concepts, including operations, fractions, and decimals.

Algebra

Algebra introduces students to patterns, relationships, and abstract thinking, which are critical for developing logical reasoning skills. By teaching algebra in primary schools, students learn to recognize and solve problems systematically, preparing them for complex mathematical tasks in later years. It helps them understand how to express general ideas mathematically, fostering creativity and a deeper appreciation for the structure of math.

Measurement

Measurement is a practical aspect of math that connects directly to the physical world. Teaching measurement in primary school equips students to quantify and compare objects in terms of size, weight, volume, and time. It is essential for real-life skills like cooking, building, and understanding distances. Moreover, it enhances students’ ability to estimate and evaluate, encouraging accuracy and precision.

Space

Spatial reasoning taught through topics like geometry, is essential for understanding shapes, positions, and dimensions. Teaching space concepts in primary schools helps students visualize and manipulate objects mentally, a crucial skill in fields like engineering, art, and architecture. It also supports navigation and map-reading skills while improving problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.

Statistics

Statistics helps students make sense of data by teaching them to collect, analyze, and interpret information. Introducing statistics in primary schools teaches students how to approach data-driven questions and draw informed conclusions. This skill is increasingly important in a world driven by data, helping students become critical thinkers who can evaluate information effectively.

Probability

Probability introduces students to the concept of chance and uncertainty, which is a part of everyday decision-making. Teaching probability in primary school helps students understand risk, likelihood, and the factors influencing outcomes. This builds their analytical thinking and prepares them to make informed choices in real-life situations, from games and sports to financial decisions.

Te Reo Maori

Teaching Te Reo Māori: Nurturing Language and Culture

Teaching Te Reo Māori in schools is an essential step toward preserving and revitalizing the language, as well as fostering cultural awareness and understanding among students. As one of New Zealand’s official languages, Te Reo Māori connects students to the rich history and traditions of Aotearoa. Integrating it into the classroom curriculum helps students appreciate the unique cultural identity of the Māori people while encouraging respect for diversity. By embedding the language into everyday learning, students develop a deeper connection to the land and its indigenous heritage.

A key aspect of teaching Te Reo Māori is creating an engaging and inclusive environment where students feel confident to explore and use the language. This involves starting with foundational elements such as basic greetings, numbers, and commonly used phrases, before progressing to more complex sentence structures and vocabulary. Using songs, games, and storytelling as teaching tools makes learning Te Reo fun and interactive. Incorporating tikanga (customs) and kaupapa Māori (Māori principles) into lessons further enriches the learning experience by connecting the language to cultural practices.

Effective teaching of Te Reo Māori also emphasizes cross-curricular integration, ensuring the language is not confined to isolated lessons. For example, students can practice counting in Te Reo during maths, label native plants in science, or use the language in creative writing and art projects. Such integration reinforces learning by making it part of their daily interactions, rather than treating it as a standalone subject. Schools that adopt a whānau-centered (family-oriented) approach also strengthen learning by involving families and communities, encouraging students to use Te Reo Māori outside the classroom.

Lastly, teaching Te Reo Māori fosters broader life skills such as empathy, open-mindedness, and a sense of identity. It provides students with tools to become culturally responsive citizens, equipped to navigate and contribute to a multicultural society. By normalizing the use of Te Reo in schools, educators play a pivotal role in the language's revitalization and ensure that future generations uphold the mana (prestige) of this taonga (treasure).

Comprehension Skills

 Why teaching comprehension skills is important?

Teaching comprehension skills is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, comprehension is the foundation of all learning. Students need the ability to understand what they read to grasp new concepts, follow instructions, or apply knowledge effectively. Comprehension skills enable students to decode and interpret information, which is essential for success in all academic subjects, from mathematics and science to history and literature.

Secondly, strong comprehension skills enhance critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Students who understand what they read can analyze texts, make inferences, and draw conclusions. This deeper level of engagement with the material encourages them to question assumptions, evaluate arguments, and think logically. These critical thinking skills are not only vital for academic success but also for navigating complex real-world situations.

Furthermore, teaching comprehension skills promotes lifelong learning and adaptability. In today's fast-paced, information-rich world, individuals must be able to continuously learn and adapt. Comprehension skills allow students to independently seek out information, understand new concepts, and stay informed about current events. This ability to learn autonomously is crucial for personal and professional growth in an ever-changing society.

Additionally, good comprehension skills are essential for effective communication. Understanding and interpreting written and spoken language accurately is fundamental to expressing ideas clearly and understanding others. This is particularly important in collaborative environments, where communication is key to successful teamwork and problem-solving. By developing strong comprehension skills, students can become better listeners, readers, and communicators.

Finally, teaching comprehension skills foster a love of reading and learning. When students can understand and engage with texts, they are more likely to enjoy reading and see it as a pleasurable activity rather than a chore. This positive attitude towards reading can inspire a lifelong passion for learning, opening up endless opportunities for intellectual and personal enrichment. Encouraging a love of reading not only supports academic achievement but also enriches students' lives by exposing them to diverse perspectives, cultures, and ideas.

In conclusion, teaching comprehension skills is essential for academic success, critical thinking, lifelong learning, effective communication, and fostering a love of reading. By prioritizing these skills, educators can equip students with the tools they need to thrive in school and beyond, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Spelling

 

Why teaching Spelling is important?

Teaching spelling is fundamental for several reasons, starting with its role in enhancing literacy skills. Proper spelling is a cornerstone of effective written communication. It ensures that the writer’s message is clear and comprehensible. When individuals spell words correctly, they avoid misunderstandings and can convey their ideas more precisely. This is particularly important in professional and academic settings, where clear communication is crucial.

Moreover, teaching spelling aids in developing reading skills. Spelling instruction often involves phonics, which helps students understand the relationship between letters and sounds. This understanding is essential for decoding words while reading. When students learn to spell, they simultaneously improve their ability to recognize words quickly and accurately, which enhances reading fluency and comprehension. In essence, spelling and reading are interconnected skills that reinforce each other.

Additionally, spelling instruction contributes to vocabulary development. Learning to spell words often involves understanding their meanings, origins, and usage. This process enriches students’ vocabulary and deepens their grasp of the language. A robust vocabulary is crucial for effective communication, critical thinking, and academic success. By expanding their word knowledge through spelling, students can express themselves more precisely and creatively.

Lastly, teaching spelling promotes cognitive development. The process of learning to spell involves memory, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills. Students learn to recognize patterns in words, remember spelling rules, and apply these rules to new words. This cognitive exercise enhances their overall intellectual abilities and prepares them for more complex learning tasks. Furthermore, mastering spelling boosts students' confidence and encourages a positive attitude toward learning, fostering lifelong literacy and educational engagement.

Persuasive Writing

 Teaching the Purpose of Persuasive Writing

The purpose of persuasive writing is to convince readers to share the same opinion or take a particular action.

To make readers agree with your opinion, it's important to build an argument based on the logical appeals of reason and evidence. You may also add emotional appeals to persuade your readers and support your claims. An emotional appeal tries to use a reader’s fears, hopes, wishes, or sense of fairness to sway their opinion.

For students to become effective persuasive writers, they must investigate how the purpose will influence the persuasive strategies they use in their writing. Start by reviewing the different purposes of persuasive writing as a class. Then, analyze persuasive texts, or other forms of media, and identify the purpose.

Teaching the Elements of a Persuasive Essay

A well-written persuasive essay should include the following elements:

• Has an introduction that clearly states the thesis or claim

• Logical reasons and relevant evidence as support

• Words and phrases that clarify the relationships among your claims, reasons, and evidence

• Uses emotional appeals appropriately and sparingly

• Discussion of counterarguments

• Formal style and reasonable tone

• Strong conclusion

Percentages

 

Teaching Percentages

Percentages are part of a greater ‘connected’ set of topics, extending the knowledge of proportions pupils gain from working with fractions and decimals.

What are percentages?

A percentage is a proportion of a whole number, expressed as a value out of a hundred.

What does the percentage mean?

Percentage means ‘out of one hundred’.

When teaching a new concept, particularly one with unfamiliar vocabulary, I have always found it easier to start the unit by breaking down the word into something far more familiar to them.

The models and mathematical imagery we use when teaching percentages should mirror those we use for fractions.

Because students should have looked at the relationship between fractions and decimals before percentages, they should already have some mental models to apply to this unit of work.

Coding

 What is Coding?

Coding, also known as programming, is the process of designing and building an executable computer program to accomplish a specific task or to solve a particular problem. It involves writing sets of instructions that a computer can interpret and execute. The goal of coding is to create software that performs a desired function or set of functions.

Key aspects of coding include:

1. Programming Languages: Code is typically written in programming languages, such as Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, and many others. Each language has its own syntax and rules that dictate how instructions are written.

2. Algorithms and Logic: Coding involves designing algorithms, which are step-by-step procedures or formulas for solving problems. Logical thinking is crucial for constructing algorithms that efficiently solve a given problem.

3. Problem Solving: Coding often revolves around identifying problems and devising solutions. Programmers need to think analytically and logically to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable components.

4. Debugging: Debugging is the process of identifying and fixing errors or bugs in the code. It requires a systematic approach to finding and resolving issues that may arise during the development process.

5. Testing: After writing code, it's essential to test the software to ensure that it functions as intended. Testing involves running the program with various inputs to verify that the output is correct and that the program behaves as expected.

6. Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC): Coding is just one phase of the software development life cycle, which includes planning, analysis, design, coding, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Each phase contributes to the creation and improvement of software.

Coding is used in a wide range of applications, from developing websites and mobile apps to creating complex software systems for industries such as finance, healthcare, and entertainment. It is a fundamental skill in the field of computer science and is utilized by software developers, engineers, data scientists, and various other professionals in the tech industry. Learning to code can empower individuals to create their own software solutions and contribute to the rapidly evolving world of technology.

Stop Motion

 What is Stop Motion?

Stop motion is an animation technique in which objects or puppets are physically manipulated frame by frame to create the illusion of movement when the frames are played in sequence. It involves taking a series of still photographs or frames, with small, incremental changes made between each shot. When these frames are played in rapid succession, the slight movements give the appearance of continuous motion.

There are various forms of stop motion, including:

1. Claymation or Clay Animation: Characters and scenes are created using clay or plasticine. The animator molds the characters and changes their positions slightly for each frame.

2. Puppet Animation: Puppet characters are moved incrementally and photographed frame by frame. Puppet animation can involve various types of puppets, including those made of wood, foam, or other materials.

3. Cutout Animation: Flat characters or objects are cut out of paper or other materials and animated by moving and photographing them frame by frame.

4. Object Animation: Everyday objects are used to create characters or scenes. The objects are moved and photographed to create animation.

5. Pixilation: This involves using real people as stop-motion characters. The people are posed and photographed in a way that simulates animation.

Stop motion can be time-consuming, as it requires careful planning and meticulous attention to detail. However, it has a unique and charming aesthetic that has been used in various films, television shows, and short videos. Famous examples include "Wallace and Gromit," "The Nightmare Before Christmas," and "Chicken Run." Advances in technology have also led to the integration of stop motion with other animation techniques and visual effects in modern filmmaking.

Still Life

 What is a Still Life?

A still life is a genre of art that focuses on depicting inanimate objects, typically arranged in a composed and deliberate manner. The objects chosen for a still life can vary widely and may include everyday items, food, flowers, household items, or other objects. The term "still life" is derived from the Dutch word "still even," which means "still life" or "motionless scene."

Key characteristics of still life art include:

1. Inanimate Objects: Still life paintings or drawings feature objects that are not alive, in contrast to portraits or landscapes which may include living subjects.

2. Composition: Artists carefully arrange the objects in a still-life composition, paying attention to the placement of each item to create a visually interesting and balanced scene.

3. Attention to Detail: Still life art often involves a high level of attention to detail, with artists focusing on accurately rendering the textures, colors, and shapes of the objects.

4. Symbolism: Objects in a still life may carry symbolic meanings or cultural significance. For example, certain flowers or fruits might symbolize life, death, or abundance.

5. Lighting: The play of light and shadow is important in still-life compositions. Artists may use light to highlight certain elements or create a specific mood.

Still -life has been a popular subject in art for centuries and has been explored by artists from various cultures and time periods. It allows artists to showcase their technical skills, experiment with composition, and convey messages or emotions through the arrangement of objects. Still-life art can be found in various mediums, including painting, drawing, photography, and sculpture.

Oratory

 What is Oratory? 

Oratory refers to the art and skill of public speaking, especially in a formal and eloquent manner. An orator is someone who is skilled in the practice of oratory. Oratory involves the effective and persuasive presentation of spoken words to convey a message, influence an audience, or deliver a compelling speech.

Key elements of oratory include:

1. Rhetoric: The use of persuasive and effective language to communicate ideas and arguments. This involves employing figures of speech, rhetorical devices, and a well-structured speech to captivate and persuade the audience.

2. Delivery: The manner in which a speech is presented, including aspects such as tone, pace, gestures, and overall presence. A skilled orator pays attention to both verbal and non-verbal communication.

3. Persuasion: The primary goal of oratory is often to persuade or influence the audience. This can involve appealing to emotions, providing logical arguments, and creating a connection with the listeners.

4. Engagement: Successful oratory engages the audience, holding their attention and making the message memorable. This can be achieved through compelling storytelling, relevant examples, and a dynamic speaking style.

Historically, oratory has played a significant role in politics, law, and public discourse. Famous orators, such as Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King Jr., and Cicero, are celebrated for their ability to use language effectively to inspire, inform, and motivate people. Oratory is not only about conveying information but also about connecting with the audience on an emotional and intellectual level to achieve a desired impact.