Writing an argument

1. Writing an argument Aims: to plan a piece of argumentative writing to revise how to use connectives effectively …

2. Difference Between Persuade & Argue? • Writing to persuade – just one viewpoint • Writing to Argue – includes ‘counter-arguments’ • An argument can still use persuasive devices etc • By showing an awareness of the ‘counter-arguments’, the writer comes across as more considerate and balanced.

3. What are the ingredients of a good argument? • A number of views and opinions, both for and against a subject. • Well structured points progressing in a logical order. • A convincing and logical approach. • Language appropriate to the audience (i.e. are you writing to a politician or to a group of teenagers?). • Use of ‘counter argument’ (‘You could state that …. However, this is clearly not the case because ….’). • Tone appropriate for your audience. • Evidence (this can be made up to support your views). …

4. School uniform – a good idea? • Firstly, construct a plan. This can take the form of a bullet pointed list or spiderdiagram – whatever suits you best. • A good way to begin is by jotting down a list of points for and against school uniform. • Regardless of your own views, remember to take the opposing viewpoint into consideration and mention it. This will demonstrate that you have a broad perspective. …

5. In favour of school uniform … • Everybody looks the same – smart, tidy. • You are easy to identify. • Now try to think of four more points of your own … …

6. Against school uniform … • School uniform is dull and the idea is outdated. • It doesn’t allow for any expression of individuality. • Now try to think of four more points to add to this list. …

7. The counter argument • If your ‘for’ argument is ‘Everyone looks the same and smart’, then what might your counter argument be? It doesn’t allow for any individuality or self-expression …

8. Below are some ‘for’ uniform points. Your job is to create the counter argument for each one • School uniform allows pupils to represent their school and community. • It is useful when on a school outing or trip as it allows students to be easily identified. • School uniform keeps students looking smart. • There is no peer pressure to have the latest fashions. • Uniform saves your other clothes. …

9. Connectives Triples One of the main arguments for having school uniform is that everybody looks the same; smart, confident and easily identifiable. However, this allows no room for individuality or self-expression. Schools are supposed to be places where we can grow and develop our self-confidence, in preparation for the big, wide world, not become robots or sheep! Furthermore, is it not possible to wear your own clothes and still look smart? There are plenty of students who wear a uniform and yet still look scruffy, dirty and a disgrace. Emotive Language Rhetorical Question

10. So, how can I structure my argument effectively? • Connective words can help you with this. • Look at the following list and select at least five of them to use in your own piece of argumentative writing. In the first place… Therefore In conclusion Firstly To conclude To begin with… Secondly To sum up In addition Furthermore What is more… …

11. Some more useful connectives • However • In contrast • On the other hand • Equally • Alternatively • Contrary to • Furthermore

12. So … over to you • Now that you have thought of a number of arguments for and against, and have an idea of how to create a counter argument, you are ready to write your response. • Remember to use those connectives. Good luck! …