Writing to argue

1. Starter: Writing to argue

Required Resources

• Slides 2-3

Delivery

• Use Slide 2 to outline the purpose of writing to argue and the fact that any argument strives to present our opinions or desires in such a way that our audience believes they are the factual truth. In order for this to occur, the arguer needs 3 things:
• A central argument
• Reasons for that argument
• Proof.
• Present Slide 3 which states "I need a new X" and explain that this is one of the first central arguments we all make as children. Class then brainstorms the reasons for this demand (e.g. "all my friends have got one" or "because this issue is special..."). Then discuss the implications of these arguments (e.g. "If all my friends have it and I don't, I will be socially disadvantaged and it will all be the fault of my parents").

Differentiation

Higher Ability:

Debate significance of the verb 'need'. Students can extend this activity to identify any particular argument techniques that are used e.g. use of over-generalisations such as 'all' friends.