Writing L3

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 2

Lesson 3

For today

In the next two lessons, you are going to write an argument about a topic on which you want to increase your influence or about an issue that you think should change. 

Today:

• What is an argument?
• What topic will you choose? 

What is an argument? (theory 1) 

• Argument: persuasive text.
• Goal: persuade the reader. 
• Audience: reader who does not (yet) agree with you. 
• How: giving arguments for your point of view. 
• Position: statement/opinion you want to convince someone of.
• Argument: supports the point of view; reason why the point of view is correct. 

For example

• Position: school uniform should become compulsory. 

1. Argument 1: it reduces social inequality. 
2. Argument 2: children can no longer be bullied for their clothing. 
3. Argument 3: students feel connected to the school through their clothing. 

Arguments

• Supporting your arguments: explaining why you hold a particular opinion.
• AEE
• Argument (Joel's videos are very entertaining)
• Explanation (In his videos, he always does bizarre things)
• Example/Evidence (He went driving his gold formula 1 car at an abandoned airport)
• Can you think of your own example using the ATV method?

For example

Joel Beukers is a fun YouTuber (point of view)

School uniforms

• Argument: School uniforms reduce bullying. 
• Explanation: 

1. Often someone is bullied because they look different. With a school uniform, everyone looks the same and the reason for bullying falls away. 
2. This is good, because bullying has big and nasty consequences. 

• Example: 'Imagine a person feels unhappy because he is being bullied. He will feel better if he is no longer bullied because of his school uniform.'

Essay - Theory 

• Read theory 1 on page 11 of the writing reader.
• Mark the most important pieces of text for yourself.
• Read independently and silently.
• Do you have a question? Save it for later.
• Ready? Read assignment 2 of L3.

The Final assignment

• Write an argument in which you convince the reader of your point of view.
• 400 words
• Audience: peers and adults
• Topic: social current issue.
• You explain in your argument:

1. The existing situation
2. The situation as it should become
3. Support your arguments according to the AEE model.

1. All schools should switch to digital textbooks instead of paper ones.
   
2. School uniforms improve student focus and equality in schools.
   
3. Video games have a positive impact on children's cognitive development.
   
4. Social media does more harm than good for teenagers.
   
5. Homework should be abolished in secondary schools.
   
6. Zoos are essential for animal conservation and education.

1. Zoos should be banned. 
   
2. Meat from factory farming must be banned.  
3. Physical education classes should be optional, not mandatory.
4. Teenagers should be allowed to vote in national elections.
5. Single-use plastics should be banned to protect the environment.
6. Influencers must no longer promote fast fashion.

Your plan of attack (1)

• Writing in three stages 

1. Prewrite: before writing. Research phase: 

• determine purpose of text: persuasion (argument); determine audience: for whom are you writing; search topic; ask questions about the subject; pick the most important questions; look for answers (sources); determine position; make a writing plan 

Your plan of attack (2)

1. Write: the writing itself. Emphasis is on: building paragraphs & writing the text 
2. Rewrite: rewriting. Emphasis is on:

• checking for: correct language: spelling, wording & paragraphs / attractiveness of text: varied, clear / purpose of text: convincing / design

Planning 

• Today: choosing thesis statement, gathering information.
• --> Pre-write
• Next lesson: write practice argument, give feedback to each other.
• --> Write & rewrite 
• Next week: write thesis statement. 
• --> write & rewrite

Step 1: prewrite

1. Prewrite: before writing. Research phase: 

• Determine purpose of text: persuasion (argument); determine audience: who are you writing for? 
• Research topic: ask questions about the subjec; pick the most important questions; look for answers (sources) 
• Determine position 
• Make a writing plan (theory 3)
• Find atleast 3 sources and save these somewhere!

Instructions

Work with your neighbor (softly)

Raise your finger if you have a question.