Writing To Argue, Persuade And Discuss
Overview
Argue, persuade and discuss are the three jobs your writing does whenever you take a position on an issue. To argue is to build a clear line of reasoning. To persuade is to move a reader to act or agree through the way you write. To discuss is to weigh both sides fairly before reaching a view. These are not separate exam questions; they are the engine behind the directed writing on Paper 2 and the first coursework assignment, and the difference between a flat answer and a convincing one.
This lesson shows you how to set a line of argument from the very first paragraph, how to answer the strongest objection rather than dodge it, and how to use rhetoric so it persuades instead of just decorating. You will see assertion rewritten as argument, a fully annotated persuasive paragraph, and a complete worked task with a model response and mark-scheme commentary.
Objectives
- Organise and convey facts, ideas and opinions effectively in argumentative and discursive writing.
- Build a clear line of reasoning and address counter-arguments.
- Use rhetorical and persuasive techniques appropriate to audience and purpose.
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Writing To Argue, Persuade And Discuss. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which sentence is an argument rather than an assertion? A. Homework is pointless and should be banned. B. Everyone knows homework is a waste of time. C. Homework can deepen learning, because revisiting a topic at home fixes it in memory better than a single lesson can. D. Homework is bad, bad, bad. Answer: C
- What is the main benefit of answering the strongest counter-argument in a persuasive piece? A. It makes the essay longer B. It shows you have considered both sides and builds the reader's trust C. It lets you avoid giving your own opinion D. It replaces the need for evidence Answer: B
- Which use of rhetoric does real persuasive work rather than just decorating? A. Trees are good. Trees are great. Trees are amazing!!! B. So ask yourself: what would it cost you to plant just one tree? C. Trees, trees, trees, trees, trees. D. I really, really, really think trees are nice. Answer: B
- In a discursive (discuss) response, what should the conclusion do? A. Introduce a brand new argument not mentioned before B. Repeat the introduction word for word C. Reach a judgement that follows from the weighing of both sides D. List every point again in note form Answer: C
- What does it mean to set a clear line of argument? A. To follow the exact order of ideas in the source text B. To run a single thread through the piece, stated early, that decides the sequence of ideas C. To use as many rhetorical questions as possible D. To present only one side and ignore the other entirely Answer: B
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
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