Writing to Argue

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Criteria for a Grade C or above:
 Spelling is accurate
 Correct use of punctuation
 Full stops used to separate sentences
 Correct grammatical expression
 Work organised into well-structured paragraphs
 Writing grabs your attention and sustains your interest
– points of view are made clearly
 Key language techniques used including: rhetorical
questions, range of connectives
 Using a topic sentence to being the argument

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Writing Framework:
 Structure – work out the structure of your
argument, using mind-mapping or flow charts
 Evidence – what evidence are you going to
use to back up your argument?
 Examples – use examples to argue your case,
be precise.
 Convincing language – use phrases that will
impress your reader, use a range of
connectives.
 Audience – to whom are you writing your
argument?

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How to structure your argument:
 Introduction – begin with your topic sentence
(refer to the statement you are arguing for or
against). Develop your paragraph by giving
two clear reasons to support your point of
view.
 Main – write three more paragraphs in support
of your argument. Start each new paragraph
with a fresh point (try and use facts, figures
and quotations).
 Conclusion – write a summary paragraph in
which you summarise your point of view,
making it clear to the reader.

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Go through A FOREST!
A Anecdote A personal experience and story as proof
F Facts Know any? Invent, if you have to!
O Opinion Strong words: “It is outrageous . . .”
R Rhetorical Express powerfully – not too many – remember to
Questions use the question mark.
E Examples Give examples as support to your point of view.
and Experts Invent an expert: Professor Jane Morris from
Oxford University says, “it …”
S Statistics Invent! E.g. “In recent survey conducted by York
University, 73% …”
T Triplets Lists of three – maybe with alliteration? E.g. “It is
cruel, callous and criminal to…”

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