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Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Argue

English Language: AQA GCSE, topic 6.3.7

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:

Speeches

Speeches

Essays

Essays

Articles

Articles

Test yourself on Paper 2: Writing - Writing to Argue

  • What is this sentence an example of?

    Motorbikes are dangerous and a drain on the economy.

  • What should you do when you are writing to argue?

  • Why is this a strong conclusion to an argument?

    In conclusion, even though online shopping is convenient, the strain it brings on shopping outlets and individuals working in retail outweighs this pro.

  • In an English writing exam, does the evidence you use to argue your point have to be true?

  • What should you include when you are writing to argue?

Practise this topic for free