the on-line resource centre
of Ysgol Rhiwabon
 
   back |
      |   english revision index      |       email     |    YR home page
 
 
English Revision: Writing to Argue - Task

EXAMPLE QUESTION
Write a letter to your Headteacher, arguing that your school’s curriculum should be changed.


Task 1 – Planning
Draw a table, like the one below. In the first column, list 8 to 10 ways in which you think what you are taught at school could be changed for the better. In the second column, give good reasons for these changes that will convince your Headteacher.
Changes
Reasons
More vocational subjects should be taught from year 9 onwards, such as electronics, journalism, accounting, public relations, etc.
This would prepare students for the world of work and give them a taster of the different trades and professions available to them.


Task 2 – Ordering
Organise your ideas into a logical order, putting a number next to each one.



Task 3 – Starting the letter
Use the letter layout below to start your letter. Then add the next paragraph, outlining some of the problems with the current curriculum. For example:

Writer’s Address
Reader’s Address
Date
Dear [Name of Headteacher],

As a member of year 10 at [name of school], I am writing in order to suggest a number of changes to the school’s curriculum, which I feel would benefit pupils greatly.

At present, I feel the range of subjects on offer is providing only a limited educational experience for students, particularly those in their GCSE and A-Level years . . .



Task 4 – Main Arguments
Now write up your ideas form the table, writing a detailed paragraph on each one.
 
   Checklist:

  • Make sure you describe your suggested changes in full.
  • Always give good reasons for the changes (ones that will convince a Headteacher).
  • Keep your writing style formal and polite.
  • Write in paragraphs – one for each different idea


Task 5 – Closing the Letter
Write a final paragraph thanking the Headteacher for reading through your ideas, and summing up your main argument. End with the layout below:

           Yours Sincerely,

           [Your Name]



Task 6 – Proof reading
Spend a few minutes reading through your whole letter. Check for incorrect spelling, missing words and lack of paragraphing.
 
back english revision index    email