A complete guide for writing a balanced argument for year 6 with clear lesson objective, AFL, differentiated tasks and success criteria.

1. Writing a balanced argument
L.O . To write a balanced argument text with
appropriate text features and sentence
structure.
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2. Success
criteria
All :
I can write a balanced
argument with
appropriate text
structure.
Most:
I can write a balanced
argument with appropriate
language features like
sentence openers and
time connectives.
Some :
I can write a balanced
argument with supporting
evidences and appropriate
language features like
sentence openers, impersonal
voice and time connectives.
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3. Think - Pair - Share
• Read the following text .
• Discuss with your partner
• What kind of text is this ?
• What is the main idea of
the text ?
• What kind of argument is
this?
• Does it support
television?
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4. While television is a good source of education, it is a worry
that children watch so much and the quality of what they
watch is sometimes questionable? Leisure activities can be
expensive but the old fashioned family pursuit of simply
spending time together has been killed off, to a great extent,
by a reliance on the box for all entertainment.
However, life today is very hectic, and being able to wind
down in front of the television is a good form of relaxation.
This does however mean that children are generally more
unfit these days because they spend too much time in front of
the television.
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5. Purpose
To present arguments and
information from differing
viewpoints
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6. The features
of a balanced
argument
Introduction- statement of the issue to be
discussed
Clearly presented arguments
Third person
Present tense
Impersonal voice
Range of connectives
Balanced argument
Conclusion
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7. The structure
of a balanced
argument
Introduction – what is the
argument text going to be
about?
Arguments for the issue (with
supporting evidence).
Arguments against the issue
(with supporting evidence).
Conclusion and summary.
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8. Example connectives
Also further more however but
although on the other hand in spite of
this because in comparison
alternatively other than except
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9. The
introduction
The introduction must gain the
readers attention.
It must explain the topic and use
examples to highlight why there is
a discussion.
It should be impersonal. I don’t like
television, would not work!
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10. The introduction – An example
Organic food has become more popular over
the past few years and because the demand
for it has risen, a wider range of organic
foods have become available in the shops.
But what is organic food and is it better for
us than non-organic produce? Or is it just a
waste of money?
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11. The
conclusion
The
conclusion
must
summarise
either side.
Sometimes
it will
reach a
decision.
Sometimes it
will ask the
reader to
decide for
them self.
You
decide!
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12. The
conclusion-
an example
So is organic food better for us? Is it
better for the environment? On the one hand,
organic farmers claim their produce is healthier,
while on the other, the Food Standards Agency
says there is no scientific proof that organic food
is any more safe or nutritious than non-organic!
Whoever is right, the reality is that most
people still choose to buy non-organic food. Is
this because they believe such food is safe and
nutritious? Or is it because organic food is usually
more expensive and they do not want to pay the
extra? But in the end it’s up to you. Organic or
non-organic? What do you think?
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13. AFL
Write two points for and two points against each of these
arguments, using evidence to support your argument. Make sure your
work is balanced and fair.
Write two points for and two points against each of these
arguments.
• Having neat handwriting is important.
• Watching television is a waste of time.
• There is nothing wrong with zoos.
• McDonalds should be banned.
• Films are just as good as books.
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14. Extension Task :
Write an introduction and a
conclusion paragraph for the
following:
Is it okay to eat meat?
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15. A balanced argument – Model
Argument for age restrictions on fast food
Walk down any high street in any town and you will be confronted by lots of fast food temptations
from McDonald’s to KFC. At a time when children are becoming increasingly more obese (fat) I
will consider arguments for and against setting age restrictions in order to stop children from
eating too much junk food.
Eating healthily can help you keep your weight down but it isn’t just this that we should consider.
Eating fast food once in a while would be fine if people also exercised regularly.
On the other hand, children don’t have a lot of opportunity to get out in busy cities like London.
Also, they often pass fast food outlets on the way home from school and there is sometimes peer
pressure to grab a bag of chips or fried food before going home.
Alternatively, people have the right to eat what they want and not be told they can and they can’t.
If we accept age restrictions on fast food what might come next? Age restrictions on fizzy
drinks? Sweets?
We should also remember though that fast food places target children with their advertising and
free toys, e.g. McDonald’s Happy Meals. This puts pressure on parents to give their children
what they want.
Having considered both sides of the arguments I believe an age restriction on fast food isn’t the
solution because people should have the right to make up their own minds. I do however think
that their should be a restriction on how close fast food places open up near schools.
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16. Homework
Writing task
Choose any one topic and write a balanced
argument with all its features.
• Should children have compulsory
homework?
• Should school uniform be
compulsory?
• Should children have P.E every day ?
• Is it okay to eat meat?
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