1. ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING We face a barrage of arguments in everyday life – it is part of being human. We have our own beliefs and points about a given topic and it very natural to persuade others to see our point of view. What is an argument? An argument consists of a number of connected statements used to establish a point of view or opinion about a particular topic.

2. Hunting animals is morally wrong. Fact or opinion? What is more effective in an argument? Fact or opinion? Whose opinion might add weight to an argument? (Consider the topic above as an example) Read the handout Fact or opinion? (BLM 21). Complete the exercise. Be prepared to discuss and support your reasoning.

3. STRUCTURE OF ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING 1. Topic/Point: This is the subject area of the argument (e.g. capital punishment, hunting, school uniform …) 2. Contention: This is the main argument. It can be summed up in a few words (e.g. video games are physically, mentally and emotionally harmful to young people.) 3. Elaboration/Supporting arguments: These are points that back up the contention (e.g. If the contention is ‘Video games are harmful to young people’, the supporting arguments might be: They waste time that could be spent doing more important things. They are a waste of money They provide bad models of behaviour by often showing violent ways of solving conflict 4. Supporting details: These could include statistics, examples, facts …

4. STRUCTURE OF ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING Like an essay an argumentative piece needs an introduction, body and conclusion. It also needs PLANNING AND DRAFTING. Once a position either for/against has been taken the argument MUST BE CONSISTENT. Counter arguments can be included BUT must be rebutted.

5. ‘We should do something about that!’ Read the article ‘We should do something about that!’ 1.Circle the conjunctions (joining words) 2.In pairs, identify the FACTS of the argument, then the OPINIONS. Put some of these in the boxes on the back of the sheet. 3.What is the point/topic of the argument? 4.What is the contention? 5.What is/are the elaboration/supporting arguments? 6.How effective is this article as an argument?

6. PLANNING YOUR OWN ARGUMENT Read the sheet on ‘Planning’. Note how both sides of an argument are constructed into an argumentative essay. Now it’s your turn … Come up with a topic. Turn it into a contention. Preferably your topic should be something you feel passionate or interested in. Work out the arguments for/against. (Think of your argument that some of you were having last week regarding the superiority of cricket over basketball!). All students must have a different topic (I don’t want 10 essays about cricket!) Plan your essay.