WRITING TO ARGUE

What is the difference between persuading and arguing?

PERSUADE VS. ARGUE Persuade Argue Claims are based on opinion Claims are based on opinions, hypotheses, and theories These claims are not always factual Claims are based on relevant and sufficient evidence Use of pathos to appeal to the audience’s emotions Use of logos – appealing to the audience through logical reasoning and evidence Use of ethos to appeal to the audience through tone, stance and personality Use of ethos – appealing to the audience through the writer’s reliability & credibility Does not necessarily follow a formal structure Follows a more formal structure May not take opposing views into account Includes counter arguments and rebuttals

OPENING ARGUMENTS For each of the openings, annotate: The opening of an argument is important, as it sets the tone and gives the audience an idea of the quality and direction of the argument. For each of the openings, annotate: What is the tone in each of the openings? How does the writer set their stall (point of view)? What techniques are used? How is punctuation and grammar used for effect? What makes each of them successful?

In groups, discuss your given statement, and decide on… OPENING ARGUMENTS In groups, discuss your given statement, and decide on… What would your argument include (for/against)? What facts and evidence (logos) could support your ideas? What causes and effects are there? What counter-arguments could be included? How could ethos be used to establish your ‘voice’? Using your notes from the discussion, write an opening paragraph for the argument independently. Group 1: Cigarettes and tobacco should be made illegal Group 2: Euthanasia should be made legal Group 3: The death penalty should be reintroduced in England Group 4: Parents must pass a test before they are allowed to have children

EVIDENCE IN ARGUMENTS Identify the cause and effects in each passage. Highlight the language used which helps to organise ideas into a logical order (logos) Highlight the language which shows credibility and appeals to the audience (ethos) What is the importance of including cause and effect when making an argument?

LONGER SCHOOL DAYS Who are the three main groups discussed in the article? What are the three main arguments made? Highlight where the writer has used evidence to support their points. What are the effects discussed? Which techniques has the writer used to add flair to their arguments? Highlight and annotate them in a different colour.

X FACTOR ‘Talent shows like The X Factor provide cheap television, gossip and nothing of any value. There are better programmes than these.’ Argue for or against the views expressed in this quotation. Your piece will appear on the entertainment pages of a website.

HOMEWORK Watch the GCSEPod videos on Writing to Argue, and write down notes in bullet-point form Audience Form & Content Language Register Structure