Chapter Notes: Food for Thought

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Recipes to read
3. Demonstrate a dish
4. Food for sale
5. Be descriptive
6. Enter and win!
7. Create an advertisement
8. Promote a book
9. Word power
10. Make a point
11. Persuade an audience
12. Important Terms
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Introduction

In this chapter, you will read recipes, write clear instructions, and learn how to describe food in an interesting way. You will also explore how advertisements and competition notices persuade people to buy things or join events. Finally, you will learn how to write a good review and prepare a strong persuasive speech. All content are based on a fun food theme to keep learning enjoyable and easy to understand.

Recipes to read

Indian lassi recipe

Prep time: 10 minutes
Serves: 3-4 people

Ingredients

• 1½ cups plain yoghurt
• 6 ice cubes
• ½ cup ice water
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: mint, masala, turmeric or fruit

Method (Step-by-step)

1. Crush the ice cubes in a blender.
2. Add the yoghurt, ice water, sugar and salt to the crushed ice.
3. Blend the mixture for about one minute until it is smooth and frothy.
4. Pour the mixture into tall glasses.
5. Add mint, a pinch of masala, turmeric, or fruit, if you want extra flavour.
6. Serve fresh and chilled.

Demonstrate a dish

We are going to use command verbs and adverbial phrases in instructions.

Language focus - Command verbs

• Command verbs (imperative verbs) are used to give an order or instruction.
• Examples:
  • Open the window.
  • Sit down.
  • Stop talking.
• In command sentences, the subject (you, we, he, she) is usually left out but understood. "Open the window." really means "(You) open the window."

Adverbial phrases

An adverbial phrase is a group of words that acts like an adverb. It tells us when, where or how something is done. It has no subject or main verb and cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Food for sale

We are going to identify and use persuasive techniques used in adverts.

Analyse an advertisement

Read the advert and think about its purpose (to sell the drink) and its layout and style (headings, pictures, exciting words).

Example advert: Lassi-licious
Where Tradition Meets Delicious

• Lassi-licious is a refreshing dairy drink that everyone will enjoy - and it is 99% fat free. 
• It has irresistible, sweet and savoury flavours. 
• It asks the reader: "What's your favourite flavour?" to involve them.

Flavours and toppings

• Classic favourites: vanilla, mint, mango, masala, cinnamon.
• Unusual tastes: chai tea, dark chocolate, toasted almonds, salted caramel, chilli chocolate, spiced kiwi with fresh mint.
• Healthy toppings: fresh fruit, caramelised nuts, coconut shavings, blissful berries.
• Extra dessert toppings for a sweet tooth: shortbread crumbs, candyfloss surprise, cake sprinkles.

Persuasive ending: "Everyone agrees - our delicious, traditional drinks are Lassi-licious. Go on and treat yourself - have a refreshing Lassi-licious today!"

Language focus - Helping verbs

• Helping verbs (also called auxiliary or modal verbs) show certainty or probability and are used in persuasive writing.
• Examples: could, may, might, should, must, have to, can, will, shall, ought
• They help make statements sound stronger or more polite: "You must try this drink." "You should eat more fruit."

Be descriptive

We are going to identify interesting adjectives, find synonyms and use commas correctly in lists.

Language focus - Adjectives and synonyms

• An adjective describes or modifies a noun.
• It can come before a noun: a sweet apple.
• It can come after a linking verb: the apple is sweet.

Use a thesaurus to avoid overused adjectives and find stronger, more vivid words. nice → delicious → scrumptious

Use commas in a list

• Commas separate words in lists so the meaning is clear.
• Examples:
  • Separate adjectives describing a noun: the fresh, sweet, delicious apple.
  • Separate different nouns (or nouns plus adjectives): I bought a fresh apple, ripe bananas, juicy strawberries and seedless grapes.

Enter and win!

We are going to identify features of competition notices and use connectives for emphasis.

Compare example texts

• Work with a partner to compare different competition notices.
• Make notes in a table about: theme, layout, language, purpose, audience.

Super Chef Competition (example)

Opening

"Calling all keen cooks to the kitchen!" - grabs attention.

How to enter

• Complete the entry form.
• Send it with:
  • your favourite recipe
  • a personal profile telling about yourself and how you love to cook.

Rules

• You must be aged between 9 and 12.
• All entry forms must be completed and handed in by 1st May.

How it works

• Judges choose 20 top entrants.
• Top entrants are interviewed by expert chefs.
• Five finalists cook and present their favourite dish and follow one mystery recipe.

Prizes

• Top entrants: set of baking utensils.
• All finalists: fun, interactive cookbook.
• Winner: dream birthday party for 50 people.

Note how the notice uses clear headings, bullet points and exciting prizes to persuade children to take part.

Create an advertisement

We are going to plan, write, edit and present an advertisement.

Plan and design

• Draw a picture of your product and label the important parts.
• Discuss how to advertise it: What will it look like? What will you say?
• Note key words and phrases using an "attention-grabbers" checklist (for example, questions, strong adjectives, offers).
• Copy a planning table and make notes for: Theme, Layout, Language (formal or informal), Purpose, Audience.

Drafting and editing

• Write a first draft of the advertisement. It does not have to be perfect.
• Swap drafts with a partner and check each other's work.
• Use feedback to improve your language and layout (headings, spacing, pictures).

Presenting

• Produce a neat final copy on paper or on-screen.
• Display and present it to the class.
• Introduce your product and read the advertisement aloud with expression.
• Explain which attention-grabbers you used and ask for feedback.

Promote a book

We are going to analyse the features of a review.

Example review - Cook with Josh

• Cook with Josh is created by nine-year-old Josh Thirion.
• Josh is an enthusiastic cook who loves drawing.
• The book has 48 recipes to inspire kids to put on their chef's hats and start cooking.

Features of the book

• Easy step-by-step recipes that kids enjoy making.
• Fun activities such as:
  • colouring-in
  • mazes
  • word games
  • crossword puzzles
  • spot-the-difference
  • connect-the-dots
• A wide selection of:
  • delicious drinks
  • breakfasts
  • lunches
  • dinners
  • desserts
  • tasty treats

The book is illustrated with mouth-watering food photographs and Josh's own hand-drawn cartoons and step-by-step comic strips. This review shows how the book encourages a new generation of master chefs.

Word power

We are going to use adverbs of degree in sentences.

Language focus - Adverbs of degree

• Adverbs of degree tell us how much or to what extent something happens. They can describe verbs, adjectives or other adverbs.
• Examples: almost, nearly, quite, just, too, totally, entirely, enough, hardly, scarcely, completely, very, extremely

Placement

• Before an adjective or adverb: The food was very hot.
• Before the main verb: We nearly finished the cake.

Make a point

We are going to make a persuasive point using connectives and quantifiers.

Connectives that make a point

• Connectives link ideas and make arguments stronger.
• Examples in persuasive sentences:
  • You should drink water because your body needs it.
  • Eat fruits and vegetables daily because they will keep you healthy.
  • Apples are very good for you; therefore you should eat them often.
  • You will stay healthy if you eat properly.
  • Eat fresh fruit regularly since it is good for you.
  • Oranges are delicious and also very nutritious.
  • Your body needs sugar, yet too much is not good.

Use quantifiers to be persuasive

• Quantifiers make statements more specific without giving an exact number.
• Examples: plenty, lots, enough, less, more, many, few
• They usually come before a noun:
  • Eat plenty of fruit.
  • Drink enough water each day.

Persuade an audience

We are going to prepare and present a persuasive speech.

Preparing a persuasive speech

• Listen to a model persuasive speech.
• Identify its main sections and persuasive techniques.
• Choose a topic and decide whether you agree or disagree.
• Research your topic and collect facts and opinions.
• Plan your speech with: an introduction, three main points, a conclusion.
• Include persuasive language, facts and examples.

Format to write out

• Introduction: clearly state your point of view.
• Middle: give three strong reasons, each with supporting facts or examples.
• Conclusion: end with a powerful closing sentence that reminds the audience of your main point.

Important Terms

• Lassi: A traditional South Asian drink made from milk or yoghurt and ice.
• Masala: A South Asian mix of spices.
• Turmeric: A yellow South Asian spice used for flavour and colour.
• Command verbs (imperative verbs): Verbs used to give orders or instructions (e.g., open, sit, stop).
• Adverbial phrase: A group of words that tells when, where or how something is done; it acts like an adverb and cannot stand alone as a sentence.
• Advertisement: A poster, text, song or film that tries to persuade you to buy or support something.
• Helping verbs (modal verbs): Verbs like can, may, must, should that show certainty, duty or possibility.
• Adjective: A word that describes a noun (e.g., fresh, sweet, delicious).
• Synonym: A word that has a similar meaning to another word (e.g., nice, good, pleasant).
• Competition notice: A text that explains how to enter a competition, the rules and the prizes.
• Review: A piece of writing that describes and gives an opinion on a book, film or product.
• Don: To put on (e.g., don your chef's hat).
• Comprehensive: Detailed and complete; leaving nothing important out.
• Luscious: Very delicious and rich in taste.
• Promotes: Supports and advertises something to make people interested.
• Adverbs of degree: Adverbs that tell how much or to what extent (e.g., very, quite, almost).
• Connectives: Words or phrases that join ideas (e.g., because, if, therefore, yet, also, since).
• Quantifiers: Words that show amount or quantity without being exact (e.g., many, few, plenty, enough).
• Persuasive speech: A speech that tries to convince the audience to agree with your opinion or take action.