An argumentative essay presents a balanced view of a topic but argues strongly for one side. To succeed in your National Exams, you must demonstrate the ability to present your own arguments clearly and to address opposing views with counterarguments.
Key terms:
Claim: The main point you want to prove.
Argument: Evidence and reasoning supporting your claim.
Counter-argument: An opposing viewpoint (what the 'other side' thinks).
Response: Your response to the counter-argument shows why your claim is still stronger.
The structure
Claim – what you think
Counter-argument – what the other side thinks
Response – why you still think you are right
Paragraphs are built with PEEL
Each argument (and also the response!) is written as a PEEL paragraph.
P – Point: Your reason.
E – Evidence: Example or fact.
E – Explain: Show why it matters.
L – Link: Connect back to your claim.
Task 1: Spot the Structure
Read the paragraph below arguing that "School days should start later."
Identify the function of each sentence by matching it to the correct term.
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(1) Teenagers biologically need more sleep in the mornings to function properly. (2) Studies show that starting school at 10am improves student focus and test scores significantly. (3) Some teachers argue that starting later means finishing later, which cuts into extracurricular time. (4) However, sports and clubs can easily be rescheduled, whereas lost sleep cannot be recovered.
Sentence
Function (Claim, Evidence, Counter-argument, Response)
Sentence (1)
Sentence (2)
Sentence (3)
Sentence (4)
Task 2: Developing Counter-arguments
For each claim below, write a possible counter-argument (what would someone who disagrees say?).
1. Claim:"Students should not be allowed to have mobile phones in the classroom."
Counter-argument:
2. Claim:"Public transport should be free for everyone under 18."
Counter-argument:
3. Claim:"Physical Education (PE) should be graded on effort, not skill."
Counter-argument:
Task 3: The 'Turn-Back' Technique
Once you present a counter-argument,
you must 'turn back' to your own view
using transition words.
Useful Phrases:
However...
Nevertheless... Despite this... While this may be true, it is more important to consider...
Word bank: although, however, despite, while
1.
__________ some people believe video games cause violence, studies show no direct link.
2.
Fast food is indeed convenient. __________, it contains high levels of salt and sugar.
3.
__________ the high cost of electric cars, they save money on fuel in the long run.
Model text
School Uniforms improve students’ focus
I believe school uniforms are a good idea. Uniforms help students focus on learning instead of worrying about clothes. For example, when everyone wears similar outfits, students do not spend time choosing what to wear every morning. This means they can use their energy for schoolwork instead of fashion. Therefore, uniforms create a calmer learning environment.
Uniforms can also reduce social pressure. Students do not compare brands or expensive clothes. Because of this, fewer students may feel left out. As a result, the school feels more equal.
Some people argue that school uniforms limit students’ freedom.
However, I do not think this argument is strong.
Clothes are only one way to express personality. Students can show who they are through their interests, opinions, and behaviour. Personality is shown more through actions than clothing. Therefore, uniforms do not stop self-expression.
In conclusion, school uniforms are a good idea because they improve focus and reduce pressure while still allowing students to be themselves.
Task 4: Writing Practice (it is just to practice, no
grading this time)
In Trelson, write a short argumentative text (about 10 sentences) that includes:
A clear claim
One argument written with PEEL
A counter-argument
A response written with PEEL
A short conclusion where you repeat your claim
Topics:
Should homework be banned?
Is AI good for education?
Mobile phones should be banned in schools for both students and teachers
All students should wear uniforms in school.
The school must start two hours later because students are very tired
Separating boys and girls helps them perform better in school
Parents must limit how much time their children spend on tech devices - two hours per day is enough
Mobile phones should be banned during the whole school day
Grades are not necessary - children study anyway
Homework should be forbidden
Schools should offer cash bonuses for good test scores
Task 5 Response
Show Sara what you have written
A friend will give you feedback and check if you have followed
the guide on how to write an argumentative text. Your friend will also
check your text for spelling and grammar mistakes.
Go through your text again and fix it!
Task 6 ESSAY WRITING - this text will be graded
Together we will choose a date.
I will choose one or two of the topics above and you will write about 150- 500 words in Trelson.
Sara
Here is the whole lesson plan ready to print if you want to:
“Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light” (Dylan Thomas)
"Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night" is one of Thomas's most famous poems, and in fact,might be one of the most famous poems of the 20th century.
Listen to it below, performed by the actor Michael Sheen.
What do I need to know to understand this poem?
* The first three lines of “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night” establish the poem’s themes and its form. This is a poem about death, and it makes a passionate argument about how people can face death with dignity.
* People shouldn’t just give up when they face death; the speaker doesn’t want them to be “gentle” about it. People need to fight bravely and fiercely against death. Old people should “burn and rave” when they face death—which the speaker calls “the close of day”
* Due to the fact that the speaker mentions a “father” specifically in the final lines has led many to believe that this is Thomas’ father, making Dylan Thomas the speaker of the poem.
Before we start the game you need to learn four phrases:
1. I am all in
2. Been there, done that.
3. I am on the fence!
4. That's not my cup of tea.
* You will now work in groups of three.
* You will get a worksheet and a dice. (You find the worksheet in the link above)
* You take turns to roll the dice. The first throw indicates
which row you should use, and the second throw
indicates which column.
* Now you speak about the idea that comes up in your column.
For example, if you throw a one and then a four, you talk about bungee jumping. Each player must
explain to the others whether or not you have done
the activity before and/or whether or not you want
to do it.
Do it like this:
If one player says "I am all in, the player to the right of you need to ask why and tell the player to motivate it.
• ‘I’m all in’ – you ask WHY
• ‘Been there, done that’ – describe the
experience
• ‘I’m on the fence’ – say WHY
• ‘That’s not my cup of tea’ – say WHY
(The game is created by y Karolina Wyrzykowska)
My Bucket List and My Walk Down Memory Lane
Your bucket list will be your very own guide to make your dreams come true. A common mistake is to follow someone else's dream and not your own.
1. Write a list of ten things you would like to have done/ experienced/learned or reached before you turn 40.
(During class I will show you how Bookcreator works. You will get a code so you can join my library)
- Choose 5 things from the list you wrote.
- On the first page start with the number 5 on your list. Write a headline with your number 5 dream. Explain why it is on the page and why it is number 5. Add a picture, film or perhaps music!
- On the second page - number 4.. do the same as above.
- On the third page - number 3
- On the fourth page - number 2
- On the fifth page - number 1! Make your number 1 dream something extra so your audience will understand that this is something very special to you.
3. On pages 6 and 7 write down two different memories from your three years at Ringsjöskolan.
For example:
I remember one day in the 7th grade when my friend X ..
During one lesson something really weird happened...
4.On page 8 write down two things you will miss about Ringsjöskolan.
Record yourself in Bookcreator while you talk to the class and tell them about your dearest memory. Make it short!
For example:
When I am an adult and will think back at Ringsjöskolan I will definitely remember Annica. She really cared about our class and showed it by...
I will miss reading so many exciting books during our English lessons!
5. Deadline: Tuesday the 1st of June. Presentations will begin at 8.45 am.
Presentations can be done in two different ways:
1. Talk to the class and present your book.
2. Record yourself while presenting your book. Show your film in class.
(This will take more time than the first option. You need to work at home as well.)
