After reading these notes, test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Writing to Argue

When you write to argue, you are trying to present both sides and come to a clear conclusion. Your job is to show the reader that you have considered both sides but have drawn one clear, strong conclusion. When writing to argue, you should:

Give both sides of the argument

Give both sides of the argument

  • Remember that you must give both sides of the argument – planning is key here.
Give a clear topic sentence

Give a clear topic sentence

  • Give a clear topic sentence which shows which side you will be agreeing with.
Weave your ideas together

Weave your ideas together

  • Do not list all ideas for one side and then all ideas for the other – instead, weave your ideas together (e.g. some people think… but others think…)
Use DAFORESTER

Use DAFORESTER

  • Use the DAFORESTER devices to help you to present a strong argument.
Use convincing evidence

Use convincing evidence

  • Use convincing evidence to back up your argument – it does not have to be true, but it must be believable.
Use logical connectives

Use logical connectives

  • Use logical connectives which help you to build your point (e.g. because, next, as a result, consequently).
Give a clear conclusion

Give a clear conclusion

  • You must give a clear conclusion which shows you have weighed up your argument and chosen one side to agree with more.

Writing to Argue in Texts

When you write to argue, you are trying to present both sides and come to a clear conclusion. Your job is to show the reader that you have considered both sides but have drawn one clear, strong conclusion. You will see examples of writing to argue in the following texts:

Jump to other topics
1

Key Terms

2

Language Devices

3

Writing Structure

4

Section B: Reading & Writing

5

Section C: Writing

Practice questions on Writing to Argue

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
Answer all questions on Writing to Argue

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium