2. Use Logic to back up your claim, not emotions
Which statement sounds more convincing?
1. Killing COT’s is important because they cause enormous damage to the reef. It
is really upsetting to see such large amounts of coral being destroyed, and
tourists won’t want to come to Cairns if the reef is not healthy, which bad for the
economy.
2. Killing COT’s is important because they contribute to 42% of all coral loss. The
tourism industry earns approximately $100,000 per year. Therefore, if less
tourists come to Cairns to visit the reef, Cairns is likely to suffer a huge loss of
income.
3.
4. Introduction
• Introduce the topic/issue
• Why is the topic/issue important?
• What is the purpose of this essay?
5. Language used
• Formal - says that you are well educated
and should be listened to
• 3rd person perspective - gives the
impression that you are stating facts, rather
than your own opinion
6. Body
Paragraph 2:
• Claim (of the other side)
• Evidence (examples)
• Opposing View (your view)
• Refutation (why the claim is wrong).
7. Claim
• What do some other people think?
• Sentence starters
“It has been argued that…..”
“Some people think that….”
“It is the belief of some people that….”
These phrases make it seem like these statements are up for
debate, and could be untrue!
8. Evidence
• Examples of why some people might think this claim is true
This can be presented as expert views, results of studies, or
possible reasons as to why some people might support this
claim.
9. Opposing View
• Your point of view – the one that you are arguing in favour of
• Sentence starters:
“However……...”
“In fact, …………”
“In reality……….”
These phrases hint that the claim was wrong, but what you are
about to say is correct!
10. Refutation
• Why are you right and the other point of view is wrong?
• Sentence starters:
“Therefore………”
“Finally………….”
“Furthermore……..”
This part finalises your argument and makes it really strong
11. Paragraph 3
• Claim (of the other side)
• Evidence (of the other sides claim)
• Opposing View (your view)
• Refutation (why the claim is wrong).
14. Students should wear school uniform
Possible reasons “For”
• Sense of belonging
• Don’t have to chose what to
wear
• Can identify students outside
of school (wagging!)
Possible reasons “Against”
• Students cant express their
own style/individuality
• If uniform is dirty, not always
a replacement
15. Snorkel trips to the GBR for WSHS Marine
students should be banned
Possible reasons “For”
• Costs the school too much
money
• Potentially dangerous
(stingers, stone fish etc)
• Students don’t learn much
from visiting the GBR
Possible reasons “Against”
• Students get to see Marine life
in its natural environment
• Students learn lots more than
when they are in the
classroom
16. Mobile phones should be banned from the
school grounds
Possible reasons “For”
• Distract students from the
learning
• Teachers waste time
confiscating phones
• Cyberbullying
Possible reasons “Against”
• Students possession
• May need to contact parents
in an emergency
• May need to organise a lift
home etc
