Argumentation Writing

Argumentation Writing

What do you think argumentation

writing is?

Argumentation Writing

What does Wales have to offer to

visitors who choose to holiday here?Create a mind

map, including colour and

pictures, showing what Wales has

to offer.

What does the national flag suggest about Wales/Welsh people?

When writing to argue you have to present points

in support of or against a topic, with reasons to

support what you say.

It also requires you to recognise counter-

arguments (the opposite view) and to be able to

reason why they are not valid arguments.

Argumentation Writing

Purpose - argue a point of view and stick to itAudience - show that you understand who you are writing for Format – set your writing out correctly Tone – polite and respectfulBe organised – strictly one topic per paragraphUse the four-part argumentation structureGive relevant examples/facts to back up your argumentsProvide counter arguments, then say why they are wrongUse appropriate rhetorical (DAFOREST) techniquesUse first person pronouns: ‘I’, ‘my’Use the best connectivesUse a wide range of ambitious vocabularyControl your writing – accurate punctuation, sentence control and

spelling

Success Criteria PAFT = purpose, audience, format, tone.

1.Topic sentence – introduce your point.2.Explain the effect this would have through an

example (+ or -).3.Contrast this point with what others might

say (the counter-argument).4.Express your view and give reasons for

believing this counter-argument is wrong (the rebuttal).

Paragraph Structure for Argumentation Tasks

Look at this argumentation paragraph.Highlight each of the parts (1-4) of this piece.

Topic Sentence

A

ExplanationB

Counter-argument

C

RebuttalD

1

2

3

4

Wales is a popular tourist destination. In 2018, 1.1 million people chose to visit Wales whilst holidaying in the UK and a huge number of these came to experience the historic castles and sites that litter the coastline. Of course, one of the most impressive castles on the North Wales coast is Conwy Castle, which welcomed over 216, 000 visitors in 2018 and, significantly, even small ruins such as Rhuddlan Castle, built on the banks of the River Clwyd by Edward I in 1277, had almost 25,000 visitors. Some might say that it is possible to see equally impressive historic ruins in many foreign countries, however visiting castles in Wales is not just about the ruins themselves. Wales is unbeatable when it comes to castles because of their architectural splendour and the stories they reveal about Wales, a country clearly worth fighting for.

Look at this argumentation paragraph.Highlight each of the parts (1-4) of this piece.

Topic SentenceA

ExplanationB

Counter-argumentC

Rebuttal D

1

2

3

4Wales is a popular tourist destination. In 2018, 1.1

million people chose to visit Wales whilst holidaying in the UK and a huge number of these came to experience the historic castles and sites that litter the coastline. Of course, one of the most impressive castles on the North Wales coast is Conwy Castle, which welcomed over 216, 000 visitors in 2018 and, significantly, even small ruins such as Rhuddlan Castle, built on the banks of the River Clwyd by Edward I in 1277, had almost 25,000 visitors. Some might say that it is possible to see equally impressive historic ruins in many foreign countries, however visiting castles in Wales is not just about the ruins themselves. Wales is unbeatable when it comes to castles because of their architectural splendour and the stories they reveal about Wales, a country clearly worth fighting for.

Challenge: How does the student make transitions from one point to another?

Circle words/ phrases which do this job.

Emphasising connectives Qualifying connectives

above all however

in particular although

significantly yet

especially of course

indeed despite (this)

Vocabulary for Connecting Ideas

Look at this argumentation paragraph.Highlight each of the parts (1-4) of this piece.

Topic SentenceA

ExplanationB

Counter-argumentC

Rebuttal D

1

2

3

4Wales is a popular tourist destination. In 2018, 1.1

million people chose to visit Wales whilst holidaying in the UK and a huge number of these came to experience the historic castles and sites that litter the coastline. Of course, one of the most impressive castles on the North Wales coast is Conwy Castle, which welcomed over 216, 000 visitors in 2018 and, significantly, even small ruins such as Rhuddlan Castle, built on the banks of the River Clwyd by Edward I in 1277, had almost 25,000 visitors. Some might say that it is possible to see equally impressive historic ruins in many foreign countries, however visiting castles in Wales is not just about the ruins themselves. Wales is unbeatable when it comes to castles because of their architectural splendour and the stories they reveal about Wales, a country clearly worth fighting for.

Challenge: How does the student make transitions from one point to another?

Circle words/ phrases which do this job.

Holidaying in Wales vs. holidaying abroad – ideas so far.

Arguments FOR holidaying in Wales Arguments FOR holidaying abroad

Discuss ideas with the people around you and make notes in the table in your exercise book. Remember that you will need to give REASONS and sometimes EVIDENCE to justify your opinions. You may need to research evidence as part of your homework.

Where are we?

Where is Tenby?

Where is Magaluf?

Weather?

Tenby averages 6.6 hours of sunshine in August with an average

temperature of 20c.

Magaluf averages 10 hours of sunshine in August with an average

temperature of 25c.

Activities?

In Tenby? Castle. Country walks. Wildlife park. Water

sports. Golf. Walking. Shopping. Escape rooms. Laser combat. Beach. Caves and mines. Bars and

restaurants.

In Magaluf?Water sports. Walking. Golf. Theme parks. Karting. Shopping. Cinema. Beach. Caves.

Clubbing. Bars and restaurants.

Carbon Footprint?

158 miles – Prestatyn to Tenby by car = 0.3 tonnes of CO2e

_______________________________________

59.5 miles – Prestatyn to Manchester airport by car = 0.1 tonnes of CO2e

+982 miles - Manchester to Majorca by plane =

0.51 tonnes of CO2e

Holidaying in Wales vs. holidaying abroad – ideas so far.Arguments FOR holidaying in Wales Arguments FOR holidaying abroad

• beautiful natural landscapes, such as the Black Mountains and Snowdonia, to explore

• Wales is teeming with wildlife to enjoy, such a red kites, fallow deer and even porpoises

• experience the culture of literature, music and performance that goes back to the 12th century

• variety of cuisines to try• historic sites, such a castles• theme parks such as Oakwood in south Wales,

with its exhilarating water slides and rollercoasters, and Greenwood in north Wales, suitable for younger families

• world class sports stadiums, such as the Principality Stadium, where you can take a tour and meet sporting heroes

• lots of outdoor activities and water sports, plus unique experiences for adrenaline junkies

• holiday resorts and accommodation to suit everyone

• it’s costs less to holiday in Wales than to travel abroad

• staying in Wales means you’re not increasing your negative impact on the environment –flying creates huge amounts of CO2 emissions

• better chance of good/hot weather• beautiful natural landscapes to explore• exotic plants and animals• experience different cultures and learn new

languages• new/different foods• historic/famous sites, such as towers and

churches• water parks and theme parks• new/different activities that take you out of

your comfort zone• meet new/different people who live in different

countries• visit places you’ve seen on the TV to find out

more about them• world class sports stadiums, where you can take

a tour and meet sporting heroes• lots of outdoor activities and water sports• holiday resorts and accommodation to suit

everyone• doesn’t have to be expensive, depending on

when you want to travel and how you book things

• travelling abroad doesn’t have to mean flying

‘Staying in Wales for a holiday is a waste of time. Foreign holidays are more fun.’ Argue your opinion.

TASK:

‘Staying in Wales for a holiday is a waste of time. Foreign holidays are more fun.’

The above opinion appeared in the letters section of your local newspaper. Write a formal letter to the editor, arguing your opinion.

Remember that you must either support or oppose the statement and that you must develop your opinions, using the four-part structure. Aim to write 3 – 4 argumentation paragraphs. You must set out your letter correctly.

Summary of why you are writing

Appropriate sign-off

Main paragraphs

Conclusion

Date

2

3

1

4

5

4

5

1

7

8

Formal Letter Layout

Use the format template to help you revise how to set out

a formal letter.

Recipient’s address16

Who you are writing to52

Your own address23

How is an address set out?

In what order do the different pieces

of information need to be written?

How is an address set out?

Capital letters and punctuation?

County

Street nameHouse number

House name

Village

Postal town

Postcode

Dear Mr Smith,

Yours sincerely,

Dear Sir or Madam,

Yours faithfully,

How you end your letter depends upon how you start it. You need to learn the rules.

If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, use “sincerely”.

If you don’t know the name of the person you’re writing to, use “faithfully”.

Openings and Endings

Introductory Paragraph

Write the introduction to your letter arguing your views about holidaying in Wales or abroad.

The third sentenceshould state what

you want to happen as a result of your arguments.

The first sentenceshould introduce

why you are writing. Start with a strong

statement.

Rephrase wording from the

task –purpose!

The second sentence

should sum up your reason(s).

Remember to use appropriate register, and a polite and

business-like tone.

Main paragraphs

Write three four-part paragraphs arguing your views about holidaying in Wales vs holidaying

abroad.

Rebuttal – why you feel your

opponents’ argument is not

valid

Explanation –give reasons for

your opinion and support

with evidence

Topic sentence –state one

idea / opinion

Counter-argument –

what opponents might say

Follow this structure x3

Remember to use appropriate register, and a polite and

business-like tone.

Ending the letter

Write a brief conclusion to sum up your opinion, thank your reader, and repeat what actions you hope will be taken as a result of your arguments (rephrase from your opening).

Sign off your letter appropriately.

Remember to use appropriate register, and a polite and

business-like tone.

Now proofread your letter carefully. Check that each sentence makes sense. Make sure that your capital

letters and spellings are accurate.

Argumentation (letter introduction) - Peer Assessment Y/N

They have used the correct format (layout) for a formal letter.

They have used the correct structure for an argumentation introduction (threesentences – why you are writing, reasons, outcomes).

They have used varied vocabulary to instantly engage the reader.

They have used formal language effectively.

Their writing is concise and clear.

What do they need to do better when approaching argumentation tasks in future?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Of course, one of the most impressive castles on

the North Wales coast, Conwy Castle, welcomed

over 216, 000 visitors in 2018 and, significantly,

even small ruins such as Rhuddlan Castle, built

on the banks of the River Clwyd by Edward I in

1277, had almost 25,000 visitors.

What do we need to do to fix this expression error?