What is an argument? our ‘The word ‘argument’ suggests a disagreement, but a Write objectives argument is something different. It is the name for a piece of writing in which a writer puts forward a series of Teasons to support their point of view. Following an argument means In this section you will learn: ae ® to look at the way an understanding, explaining and interpreting a writer’s ideas argument is structured © to express yourself Responding to an argument clearly and logically : ed that when presenting an argument j: © to use argument and So far you have learn P i counter-argument important to: © to produce your own > organise your ideas clearly written arguments. > make your argument clear in the opening statement. » finish your paragraphs in a way that makes your points clear Activity 25 Read the following letter which has been submitted to a webpage called ‘Get it off your chest’. This is a section of the school’s website where teachers, students and parents can put forward their points of view on school-related matters. When you have read the letter, answer the questions in the boxes. Opening statement Presents the topic of the argument. Inno more than six Words sum up the writers argument, Homework: time for a total ban? Yes Let's bring an end to this torture which has been blighting children’s lives for far too long. Ina recent survey carried out by Grade 9 students, 80 per cent of students said that they spent an average of three hours per night on their homework. They also said that they were too tired to do anything else after their homework other than watch TV and 0 to bed. In addition, some parents interviewed by our Grade 9 reporters made ik very clear that they too did not approve of their children getting so much homework. ‘My son is never available to help me with jobs around the house,’ said one parent. ‘I really need his help because T've got four younger children and my husband is away working in Florida,’ Every year we read that young people are suffering from stress related to schoolwork. If only they had more free time to relax in the evening to meet their friends or play sport, they would be more relaxed and a lot less stressed. Recent research has shown that some young people need to exercise more if they are to grow up to be fit and healthy adults. Surely the time has now come for schools to review their homework Policies which in many cases are far too stringent. The future health of our young people depends on it. Evidence used to ‘Support argument. How many other pieces of evidence can you find in the letter? Argument is repeated in final Paragraph. Sum up the writer's it in no more words,