Last Lesson Homework- find an argument and ‘mark it up’ (bracket the reason) and underline the conclusion

Recap- the difference between an argument, rant and explanation Cats are easier to look after than dog, cheaper than dogs, don’t need taking for long walks and are good company. Therefore I should get a cat and not a dog. Cats are part of the feline family. They are descended from large wild cats such as the sabre tooth tiger, and many domestic cats still retain the sharp hunting skills of their larger cousins. They are a very popular household pet in the UK. Cats are the worst pet to get. They are intolerable. They are manipulative, sneaky and evil. At least dogs are loyal.

Argument Indicators There are sometimes words in arguments which help us to more easily identify parts of the argument. These are called argument indicators. There are two main types – reason indicators and conclusion indicators. Copy the argument. Find and highlight the different indicators Keswick School has very high exam results. Its students are well behaved and work hard. There are also lots of hard-working and skilled teachers. Therefore, it is one of the best schools in Cumbria. Keswick School has very high exam results. Its students are well behaved and work hard. There are also lots of hard-working and skilled teachers. Therefore, it is one of the best schools in Cumbria. Keswick School has very high exam results. Its students are well behaved and work hard. There are also lots of hard-working and skilled teachers. Therefore, it is one of the best schools in Cumbria.

Help with Indicators- The Because Test The Therefore Test A test that can help you to identify the reasons in a passage is the ‘because test’. Simply insert the word “because” into the passage directly before the phrase that you think is a reason. If the passage makes sense, then you’ve probably got the right section. If it doesn’t, then you haven’t. A test that can help you to identify the conclusion of a passage is the ‘therefore test’. Simply insert the word “therefore” into the passage directly before the phrase that you think is the conclusion. If the passage makes sense, then you’ve probably got the right section. If it doesn’t, then you haven’t.

Another Example... Keswick School is clearly one of the best schools in Cumbria. This is because it has very high exam results. Secondly, the students are highly motivated and well behaved. Keswick School is clearly one of the best schools in Cumbria. This is because it has very high exam results. Secondly, the students are highly motivated and well behaved. The Game of Thrones series is undoubtedly a best seller due to the fact that it is full of shocking violence, plot twists and exciting characters. The Game of Thrones series is undoubtedly a best seller due to the fact that it is full of shocking violence, plot twists and exciting characters.

Make a list of other Indicator words you can think of Reason Indicators Conclusion Indicators -

Conclusion Indicators its just common sense! Did you get these? Add any you missed… Reason Indicators Conclusion Indicators Because As Since In order to Also Given that Due to the fact that Secondly Therefore Thus Hence So In conclusion Showing that Demonstrating that Consequently Proving that Meaning that Implies that As a result Undoubtedly Clearly

But note- Sometimes a conclusion may recommend an action or instruction. In these cases, indicator words include: Must Should Need Ought to For example: Revising helps students do better in exams, therefore you really ought to revise in good time for your GCSEs

Write you own argument using different indicator words Then swap with a neighbour And highlight the other student’s indicator words in their argument

Peer Challenge- On a piece of scrap paper write down… 2 reason indicator words 1 conclusion indicator word (make it a challenge! Don’t use the easiest words) Then swap your scrap paper with a neighbour Everyone now has to use those words in a new argument!