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Writing to argue

Lesson Plan

1. Starter: Writing to argue - Duration 5-10 mins

 

Episode

Learning Objectives

Resources
  • Teacher explains the purpose of writing to argue and that the arguer needs three things: a central argument, reasons for that argument and proof.
  • Teacher identifies one of the first central arguments we all make as children: "I need a new X". Class discusses the reasons and implications of this argument.
  • Understand the purpose of writing to argue.
  • Brainstorm ideas on a given topic.
  • Practice the ability to identify language techniques designed to support a particular purpose.
  • Slides

Teacher Notes: 1. Starter: Writing to argueTeacher Notes: 1. Starter: Writing to argue

2. Tools of arguing - Duration 15-25 mins

 

Episode

Learning Objectives

Resources
  • Review mark scheme for writing to argue.
  • Complete a range of exercises that practice techniques for students to make 'convincing' arguments.
  • Exercises include brainstorming 'rhetorical questions' for a given scenario, producing introductions for 'experts' in a newspaper reporting style, writing an anecdote to support an argument against a topical issue and debating an issue using cohesive devices.
  • Understand marking criteria for writing to argue.
  • Review definitions of four major argument techniques.
  • Practice applying those techniques.
  • Slides
  • Student Worksheet 1

Teacher Notes: 2. Tools of arguingTeacher Notes: 2. Tools of arguing

3. Memorials - Duration 15-20 mins

 

Episode

Learning Objectives

Resources
  • Use Slides 11-29 to introduce memorials and the Armed Forces Memorial.
  • Distribute Student Worksheets 2a which tasks the students with writing to the 'Your letters' section of a local newspaper arguing that a memorial should be erected in their local area.
  • Distribute Student Worksheet 3 and play Videos help students to extract facts, figures and quotes to construct their argument.
  • Student Worksheet 2b provides a framework for planning their written piece.
  • Practice close reading and scanning to obtain relevant pieces of information for various sources.
  • Practice identifying facts from a text.
  • Practice applying text planning skills.
  • Practice reviewing a plan in order to ensure that all assessment objectives are being met.
  • Slides 11-30
  • Student Worksheet 2-3
  • Video: HRH Prince Charles and remembrance
  • Video: Personal accounts of loss

Teacher Notes: 3. MemorialsTeacher Notes: 3. Memorials

4. Argument letter - Duration 15-30 mins

 

Episode

Learning Objectives

Resources
  • Students write an argument letter.
  • They must ensure that there is clear structure to achieve a desired effect and they should employ a wide range of argument techniques and details.
  • Reiterate marking focus.
  • Students swap their work and grade their partners' piece. They should offer three tips to help their partner to improve their writing.
  • Practice writing under timed conditions using information from prior planning and research.
  • Practice evaluating another's work against a mark scheme.
  • Practice giving and receiving feedback in an appropriate, supportive and useful manner.
  • Student Worksheet 2b
  • Writing paper
  • Slide

Teacher Notes: 4. Argument letterTeacher Notes: 4. Argument letter

5. Peer assessment - Duration 5-10 mins

 

Episode

Learning Objectives

Resources
  • Reiterate marking focus.
  • Students swap their work and grade their partner's piece. They should offer three tips to help their partner to improve their writing.
  • Practice evaluating another's work against a mark scheme.
  • Practice giving and receiving feedback in an appropriate, supportive and useful manner.
  • Mark schemes

Teacher Notes: 5. Peer assessmentTeacher Notes: 5. Peer assessment

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