Writing to argue (rhetorical)

Promoting peace and security in Iraq

Synopsis

This lesson supports the development of students' analysis of writing to argue techniques. Students use the techniques which they have learnt to analyse two pieces of writing, one advocating the ongoing presence of British Armed Forces in Iraq and one arguing for the immediate withdrawal of British troops. Students consider arguments for and against occupation as presented in contrasting political speeches and consider the rhetorical tools employed and the purpose of writing to argue.

MOD Topic

Promoting peace and security in Iraq

Curriculum Checklist

En2: 4a-d; En3: 1i, 7d.

Curriculum Links

• Citizenship

Prior Knowledge

Reading and analysing media texts.
Reading and analysing non-fiction and non-literary texts.
Writing to argue using logical arguments and citing evidence.

Learning Outcomes

Lower ability students will:

• Read text and be able to extract some meaning beyond the literal.
• Understand the difficulties for governments dealing with complex international, political and diplomatic issues.
• Read text and be able to identify a number of argument techniques.
• Be aware that British Armed Forces are still present in Iraq.

Average ability students will:

• Read text analytically, deconstructing the writer's craft to an extent and understanding some of the techniques that have been employed.
• Understand the difficulties for governments dealing with complex international, political and diplomatic issues.
• Compare contrasting texts and identify the strongest argumentative techniques.
• Be aware of the ongoing and diverse roles which British Armed Forces are playing in Iraq.

Higher ability students will:

• Read text analytically, extracting full meaning beyond the literal and deconstructing the writer's choice of language and style.
• Understand the difficulties for governments dealing with complex international, political and diplomatic issues.
• Carry out an in-depth comparison of juxtaposing opinions within or between texts and consider which is most effective and why.
• Be aware of the ongoing and diverse roles which British Armed Forces are playing in Iraq.

Lesson code

EN5