Literacy: writing a balanced argument

We began our lesson with a class discussion about homework. We took turns to speak to the rest of the class, and we gave reasons for what we thought about whether homework is a good idea or not. Some of the points we thought of are written on the board above. Our next task, which we began in today's lesson, is to write a balanced argument about homework. Our balanced argument should have three paragraphs.

The first paragraph is the INTRODUCTION where we say what the discussion is about, and ask some interesting questions.

The second paragraph contains the points FOR homework. Each point should have at least two sentences. The first sentence says what the point is. The second sentence backs up the point, to make people see that it is a good point. Example: Homework helps us to learn better. If we revise what we have done in a lesson, in the peace and quiet of our home, the learning stays in our minds and we do not forget it so easily.

The third paragraph contains the points AGAINST homework. Again, each point should have at least two sentences. Example: Homework can sometimes confuse us. If we are practising a new way of doing something, the teacher is not there to help us at home, and when other people show us different ways of doing things it can make us feel unsure.

The last paragraph contains the CONCLUSION. Example: After thinking carefully about the points for and against homework, I conclude that I ..... (say which side you are on, and why).

We will finish our writing in class.