© 2007 4439 1 HIGHER / INTERMEDIATE 2 DISCURSIVE WRITING WS 2012

© 2007 www.teachit.co.uk 4439 1

HIGHER / INTERMEDIATE 2DISCURSIVE WRITING

WS 2012


DISCURSIVE WRITING

ARGUMENTATIVE

PROVIDES INFORMATION COVERING BOTH SIDES OF THE ISSUE.

TRIES TO BE FACTUAL AND UNBIASED.

THE CONCLUSION WEIGHS UP BOTH SIDES OF THE ARGUMENT AND SUGGESTS ON BALANCE, THE BEST OPTION.

PERSUASIVE

AIMS TO PERSUADE THE READER TO A PARTICULAR POINT OF VIEW.

ADDRESSES OPPOSING ARGUMENTS ONLY TO SHOW WHY THIS LINE OF ARGUMENT IS FLAWED/WRONG.


Writing an argument

Aims: to plan a piece of

argumentative writing

to revise how to use connectives effectively

…


What are the ingredients of a good argument?

A number of views and opinions, both for and against a subject.

Well structured points progressing in a logical order.

Language and Tone appropriate to the topic and audience

Use of “Big” vocabulary

Formal language (NO contractions – can’t etc)

Use of ‘counter argument’ (‘You could state that …. However, this is clearly not the case because ….’).

Supporting Evidence

Bibliography

…


Topic: Using Animals for Scientific Research


Using Animals for Scientific Testing

Reasons For: Reasons Against:


Introduction: Getting their Attention

The opening of your essay is important. It should capture the reader’s attention in some way or another.

It should avoid being bland or dull.

It should invite the reader to read on ….


Types of Introductions …

The following methods are suggestions. It is up to you to decide which style best suits your topic.

Provocative:

The cruel and selfish nature of man is never more evident than in a science laboratory, particularly if you are a lab animal.



Balanced:

Animal testing is a subject about which most people hold passionately contrasting ideas.


Quotation


Anecdote…

Whilst working for the periodical Animal’s Agenda, I discovered disturbing research projects on primates. I witnessed one researcher who was depriving infant rhesus monkeys of key nutrients and studying the results, such as chronic diarrhoea and neural impairment, and another researcher who was learning how to bolt the heads of three-month-old monkeys into a restraint device and injecting chemicals into their brains to induce seizures. In other experiments, baby monkeys were separated from their mothers so researchers could study conditions like depression, aggression, and mother-infant bonding.


Illustration

On any one glorious day, a number of animals may be exposed to chemicals and extreme ultra violet light so that you may safely wear sunscreen with confidence.


How can I structure and progress my arguments?

Use Connective words / Linking words

Refer to the VCOP pyramids to help you.

Firstly,

To begin with… In the first

place…

Secondly,

FurthermoreWhat is more…

In addition

In conclusion

Evidently, Conversely,

Therefore,

…

Consequently, However,

As a result,

Without question

Despite that fact


Documents

© 2007 4439 1 HIGHER / INTERMEDIATE 2 DISCURSIVE WRITING WS 2012