Essential parts

The best thing about argumentative/discussion writing is that there's a particular order to it and key items to include.

This makes the process of writing a little bit easier when you know exactly what to include (and in a particular order).

Let’s look at the essential parts (in order) for:

Persuasive Writing

1. Introduction—your introduction should be in this order: topic sentence, stance and signpost the two arguments that you’ll use.
2. Argument 1—4 sentences following TEEL (topic, explanation, example/evidence, link back)
3. Argument 2—4 sentences following TEEL (topic, explanation, example/evidence, link back)
4. Counter-argument and reorientation (optional)—opposing view + directly address this opposing view.
5. Conclusion—Summary of two arguments if possible, with an interesting expression of insight. One sentence is sufficient.

Discussion Writing

1. Introduction—your introduction should be in this order: topic sentence, why it has created interest and talk about the presence of both sides.
2. Point 1—4 sentences considering one side of the issue following TEEL (topic, explanation, example/evidence, link back)
3. Point 2—4 sentences considering the other side of the issue following TEEL (topic, explanation, example/evidence, link back)
4. Your position (if required)— Talk about your position if required and support why you believe your stated stance.
5. Conclusion—Recap both points and if possible, with an interesting expression of insight and if required, restate your position. One sentence is sufficient.

What not to do

Below are some ‘do not do’ suggestions for both persuasive and discussion writing based on what we have witnessed students do that we believe to reduce their score:

Don’t:

• start your introduction with detailed information about the arguments.
• rearrange TEEL or start with evidence.
• mix up arguments or comingle arguments.
• introduce irrelevant information.
• put in a counter-argument and reorientation that is ‘weak’.
• add new information in the conclusion. It should only be a recap of what's already in the writing piece.

Examples

Watch video to see worked example/s relating to see how to structure a whole piece to the following questions:

Whales are an important and often endangered part of the global marine environment. Many countries have outlawed whaling. Some countries, however, continue to catch and kill whales for a range of purposes (including for food, traditional reasons, scientific research etc). Write a persuasive piece of writing arguing for or against global laws banning whaling.

Corporate sponsorship in schools can allow mutual benefits such as new equipment for schools and greater recognition for brands. Discuss the benefits and disadvantages of corporate sponsorship in schools.

Key Rules to remember

• Argumentative and discussion writing generally has a set structure – like a formula which makes it easier to write (if you like formulas).
• For argumentative: Introduction, argument 1, argument 2, counter argument and reorientation (optional) and then conclusion.
• For discussion: Introduction, point 1, point 2, position (if any), conclusion.

Practice time!

Now, it's your turn to practice.

The questions in this checkpoint are provided to help you develop your writing skills.

To do your practice questions, click on the below to download your question paper. You can print it out or work from the electronic version. We do recommend that you write your answers by hand in a notebook or on paper.

PDW-CP4-Questions.pdf

Once you have completed your questions, review the suggested solutions. You can download (and print if you wish) the PDF suggested solutions and/or watch the suggested solutions video (all below).

Once you're done with reviewing the practice question suggested solutions, move on to the next checkpoint.

PDW-CP4-Answers.pdf

---