The best thing about argumentative/discussion writing is that there's a particular order to it.

Let's have a look at what the recommended order is for the two types of writing.

Persuasive Writing

Introduction (Paragraph 1)

DO - This is a good start – your introduction should be short and introduce the issue which gives rise to the exam topic and then signpost the two main arguments you will use.

DON'T - Does your 'introduction' start with detailed information about the arguments? Fix this up – you need to set up a structure and also give an issues background. This is crucial.

Argument 1 (Paragraph 2)

DO - As per your plan, does Paragraph 2 contain the first leading sentence which states what your argument is? It should. Then the rest of the paragraph should focus on explaining and supporting the argument whilst leading to the end of the paragraph by linking the argument to the question.

DON'T - If your leading sentence doesn't match with your support and explanation of the argument – you have jumbled something up here. Also, don't introduce new arguments or add new material. Each argument paragraph should focus solely on that argument without diversion. These are common errors and usually penalised heavily in the exam.

Argument 2 (Paragraph 3)

DO - As per details shown above in Argument 1 but applied to your plan for Argument 2.

DON'T - As per details shown above in Argument 1 but applied to your plan for Argument 2.

Counter – Argument (Paragraph 4)

DO - Your paragraph should now introduce the opposing view through words like 'Those opposed would say…' The transition must be clear to the reader. Again, support and explanation must link directly to the counter-argument.

DON'T - As per details shown above in Argument 1 but applied to your plan for the Counter-Argument.

Re-Orientation (Paragraph 4)

DO - In the same paragraph, transition back to your position through words like 'Even though those opposed say…' through an argument that directly addresses the counterargument, again with support and explanation clearly linked to your reorientation argument.

DON'T - If your re-orientation doesn't address the counter-argument directly, it breaks up the order of your writing piece. Again, a common error to be avoided.

Conclusion (Paragraph 5)

DO - Should simply recap briefly the exam question and the main arguments.

DON'T - No new information should be included here. This is only a recap of what's in the writing piece.

If your piece is lacking in structure or doesn't have a good sense of order, you need to locate the problem. Is it in your planning i.e. did you have a structure to begin with? If it's not in your planning, have you drifted in your writing e.g. changed arguments midway? _ Changing arguments midway is a common error and should be avoided _. To avoid it, focus on the argument at hand and develop it rather than trying to find any piece of information to boost up your word count.

Discussion Writing

Introduction (Paragraph 1)

DO - This is a good start – your introduction should be short and introduce the issue which gives rise to the exam topic and talk about the benefits AND disadvantages that arise.

Benefit 1 (Paragraph 2)

DO – Talk about the benefits. Give details as to why they are good things and how it relates to the issue.

Disadvantage 1 (Paragraph 3)

DO – Talk about the negative aspects. Give details as to negative implications that occur and how they can affect the status quo.

Your Position – if required (Paragraph 4)

DO – Talk about your position if require and support why you personally sway one particular direction.

Conclusion (Paragraph 5)

DO – Recap the benefits and disadvantages and restate your position (if any).

Now, let's structure a whole piece to the following questions:

Whales are an important and often endangered part of the global marine environment. Many countries have outlawed whaling. Some countries, however, continue to catch and kill whales for a range of purposes (including for food, traditional reasons, scientific research etc). Write a persuasive piece of writing arguing for or against global laws banning whaling.

Corporate sponsorship in schools can allow mutual benefits such as new equipment for schools and greater recognition for brands. Discuss the benefits and disadvantages of corporate sponsorship in schools.

Key Rules to remember:

• Argumentative and discussion writing generally has a set structure – like a formula which makes it easier to write (if you like formulas).
  • For argumentative: Introduction, argument 1, argument 2, counter argument and reorientation and then conclusion.
  • For discussion: Introduction, benefit 1, disadvantage 2, position (if any), conclusion.

Now it's time to do your assignment.

1. Download the assignment question here.
2. Print it out or if you want to do it electronically, save it.
3. Complete the questions to it.
4. Then check the solutions on the video below.
5. To get the worded solutions/sample essays, download them here.