Oxford Revise English Language AQA GCSE (supplement)
How to Argue Persuasively
Please note: this resource works well for revision. It could also be used by qualified English teachers during online English tutoring sessions.
Successful Arguments
successful argument persuades the reader to agree with your opinion. Facts and opinions are both important in arguments, as are effective topic sentences and appropriate use of discourse markers.
Arguments should:
Come from one point of view
Be consistent
Give reasons
Address the opposite point of view
Arguments can:
Give your personal opinion if it is relevant.
Instructions:
Read each statement and fill in the missing word: fact(s) or opinion(s)
A ___ is something that can be checked and proven.
___ are often used to influence the reader’s feelings.
Using accurate ___ can make your argument more convincing.
___ are always true for everyone.
___ can help create a confident, authoritative tone in writing.
___ express what someone thinks or believes.
You should make sure ___ are correct before including them in your writing.
___ are more reliable than ___ (trick question: one is correct!).
___ can be strengthened by suggesting that others share the same viewpoint.
___ appeal more to logic, while ___ often appeal to emotion.
Answers
fact
opinions
facts
opinions
facts
opinions
facts
opinions, facts
opinions
facts, opinions
Fact or Opinion?
Instructions:
Read each statement and decide whether it is a fact or an opinion.
The Earth revolves around the Sun.
Chocolate ice cream is the best flavour.
Water boils at 100°C.
Dogs are better pets than cats.
London is the capital city of England.
Summer is the most enjoyable season.
Humans need oxygen to survive.
Reading books is more fun than watching TV.
The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean on Earth.
Football is the most exciting sport.
Answers
The Earth revolves around the Sun. – Fact
Chocolate ice cream is the best flavour. – Opinion
Water boils at 100°C. – Fact
Dogs are better pets than cats. – Opinion
London is the capital city of England. – Fact
Summer is the most enjoyable season. – Opinion
Humans need oxygen to survive. – Fact
Reading books is more fun than watching TV. – Opinion
The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean on Earth. – Fact
Football is the most exciting sport. – Opinion
Topic Sentences
Topic sentences are usually at the start of a paragraph and introduce what follows.
Activity: Write the Topic Sentence
Instructions:
Below are three mini-paragraphs. Each one is missing its topic sentence. Write one sentence at the start that introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
Paragraphs:
1.
Drinking plenty of water helps your body stay hydrated. It also aids digestion and keeps your skin healthy.
2.
Reading regularly can improve your vocabulary and comprehension skills. It also encourages imagination and critical thinking.
3.
Volunteering in your community can make a real difference. It helps others and also teaches new skills and builds confidence.
Discourse Markers
Discourse markers are words or phrases that link text. They can:
Point forward to what’s next
Refer back to previous content
Add things together
Offer alternatives
Label these discourse markers according to their function:
Contrast / Opposition
Addition / Similarity
Cause / Effect / Result
however
despite
nonetheless
on the other hand
consequently
in addition
although
as a result
furthermore
similarly
by contrast
alternatively
ultimately
specifically
moreover
Answers
Contrast / Opposition (e.g., however, on the other hand, by contrast, although, despite, alternatively, nonetheless)
Addition / Similarity (e.g., in addition, furthermore, moreover, similarly, specifically)
Cause / Effect / Result (e.g., consequently, as a result, ultimately)
Structural Devices in Written Arguments
In the extract, look for and explain:
Introduction
Simple statements
Personal details
Development paragraph
Topic sentences
Discourse markers
Facts
Counter arguments
Dismissal of counter arguments
Conclusion
Extract 1: Cats and Dogs – Are They Really Necessary?
This extract is from a newspaper article expressing one person’s perspective on dogs and cats.
“The world might be better off without dogs and cats.”
I can hear many pet owners gasping! But hear me out—I write this as a parent, jogger, bird enthusiast, and someone concerned about the environment.
Dogs, for example, can be a real problem. The other day, an Alsatian bit me, even though its owner assured me their loud, growling dog “wouldn’t hurt a fly.” I was just running in the park, and apparently the dog saw me as prey.
Children are particularly vulnerable to dog attacks. Often, these happen with dogs whose owners insist have always been “well-behaved.” That just shows dogs can be unpredictable. And then there’s the issue of dog waste. If all owners cleaned up after their pets, life would be much easier. I’ve stepped in it more times than I can count. Cats also cause problems, fouling gardens almost daily.
There’s also the environmental impact to consider. The meat that pets consume—beef, mutton, often from animals fed on soya grown on deforested land—contributes to climate change.
On the other hand, many people enjoy the companionship of pets, especially older adults. Some argue that dogs encourage exercise. But there are plenty of other ways to stay active, and we shouldn’t need a pet to motivate us.
In conclusion, while banning pets is unrealistic in a country that loves them, stricter rules are needed. Owners should be responsible for cleaning up waste, dangerous breeds should be more controlled, and a pet tax could fund environmental projects. Ultimately, if we can’t remove pets entirely, we should aim to reduce the harm they cause to people, wildlife, and the planet.
Writing about the Structure of An Argument
In this sample response to extract 1, look for:
Explaining the introduction
Identifying rhetorical devices (and their effects)
Argument structure
Counter argument (and dismissal)
Conclusion
Author’s perspective
Consider all of the sentence starters
Sample Writing:
The writer opens with a striking opinion:
“The world would be a better place without cats and dogs.”
This immediately captures the reader’s attention. The first paragraph goes on to justify this view while acknowledging the opposing perspective with a rhetorical question: “What kind of monster would say that?” The writer also highlights four personal roles—parent, jogger, bird-lover, environmentalist—to build credibility and encourage readers to trust their viewpoint, using phrases like “Let me explain” to draw the audience in.
The piece develops over several paragraphs, mixing factual details, such as “The other day I was bitten,” with personal opinions, like complaints about dog waste. A counter-argument is briefly introduced using a linking phrase: “On the other hand, I know that many owners get joy,” but it is quickly addressed and dismissed.
The conclusion restates the writer’s strong opinion with a clear, final statement: “In short, if we can't get rid of dogs and cats.” This mirrors the confident opening and gives the article a sense of cohesion, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the writer’s position.
Structuring an Argument in Your Own Writing
Exploring the Argument
Question Example:
“Technology makes life easier, but it also makes us more dependent.”
Write a newspaper article in which you argue your point of view on this statement.
Step 1: Break down the question
Think about the two main sub-questions:
How does technology make life easier?
In what ways can it make us dependent?
Step 2: Generate ideas using a spider diagram
How technology makes life easier:
Instant communication with friends and family
Access to information anytime, anywhere
Online shopping and services
Tools for learning and creativity
How technology can make us dependent:
Spending too much time on devices
Losing practical skills (e.g., navigation, mental calculation)
Over-reliance on social media for social interaction
Privacy and security risks
Step 3: Activity
Instructions:
Create your own spider diagram for each sub-question.
Add at least three ideas for each side.
Decide which side you want to argue most strongly for in your article.
Write a short paragraph for each side using facts, examples, and opinions.
Include a clear conclusion stating your point of view.
Building a Cohesive Argument
Plan Your Argument: Technology – Helpful or Harmful?
Instructions: Fill in the blanks with your ideas before writing your article.
Introduction: How will you start your article and introduce the idea?
Ideas: ___________________________
Positives of Technology: List 2–3 ways it helps people:
Counter-Argument: How might someone say technology is only good?
Ideas: ___________________________
Your Reasons for Caution: Why can over-reliance be a problem?
Ideas: ___________________________
Conclusion: What advice or reflection will you give readers?
Ideas: ___________________________
Possible ideas:
Introduction: Discuss how technology is everywhere in our lives, making many tasks easier, but raise the question of whether being so dependent on it has drawbacks.
Exploring positives: Look at some of the benefits you identified, with examples from everyday life or work, e.g., students using online resources to learn, doctors using telemedicine, or people staying connected with family across the world.
Counter-argument: Consider how people might argue that technology is essential or overwhelmingly beneficial, e.g., making life more efficient, saving time, or providing entertainment. You could begin with a discourse marker, such as “On the other hand…”
Your reasons for caution: Explain why you think dependence on technology can be problematic, for example, it can reduce face-to-face social skills, make people overly reliant on devices, or risk privacy and security.
Conclusion: Offer advice or reflection, for example, suggesting that people use technology responsibly, balance screen time with real-life experiences, and why this balance is important.
Review
Make sure you can define and give examples for these key terms:
Counter-argument
Discourse marker
Fact
Opinion
Statistic
Topic Sentence
Questions
A topic sentence always comes at the end of a paragraph. True or false?
Is this a fact or an opinion? “It’s always worthwhile to take a holiday abroad.”
Planning a response takes up valuable time that would be better spent on writing that response. True or false?
What is a cohesive argument? Choose from:
One that you stick to.
One that is passionately argued.
One that makes sense as a whole.
What is a counter-argument? Choose from:
An opposing viewpoint to your own.
An argument that disproves your own.
An especially persuasive argument.
What does the discourse marker “on the other hand” signal?
Discourse markers can only be used at the start of a sentence. True or false?
What discourse marker could you use to show you are adding a similar point?
What does the discourse marker “Consequently” indicate?
Answers
False. Topic sentences usually appear at the start of a paragraph.
Opinion. It cannot be proven or supported with evidence.
False. Planning is important to organise your ideas and create a clear, cohesive argument.
One that makes sense as a whole.
An opposing viewpoint to your own.
It shows the writer is about to present a contrasting perspective.
False. Discourse markers can appear elsewhere in a sentence, for example: “Cats, on the other hand, don’t need to be walked.”
Possible answers include: “In addition,” “Additionally,” or “Moreover.”
It shows that what follows is a result or consequence of what was just mentioned.
Questions on Previous Topics
What is a circular narrative?
If a story starts in media res, what does that mean?
Answers
A circular narrative is a story that ends in the same or a very similar place to where it began.
Starting a story in media res means it begins in the middle of the action, with earlier events revealed later in the narrative.
Reading Activity
Activity: Deconstructing an Argument
This activity is a checklist you can use to deconstruct and analyse the structure and techniques of any persuasive or argumentative text (e.g., a newspaper editorial, a speech, a blog post, a letter to the editor).
Instructions
Choose an argumentative or persuasive text of your choice.
Read the text.
For each feature below, find an example in your chosen text and explain its purpose and effect:
Main Thesis/Viewpoint: Identify the core argument the writer is trying to persuade you of. Note where it is introduced (usually the beginning) and where it is reinforced (usually the end).
Topic Sentence: Select one topic sentence from a body paragraph. Note its location and explain how it clearly introduces the main idea of that paragraph.
Fact/Statistic: Find one piece of verifiable information (a fact or statistic). Note the quotation and explain how it adds credibility or authority to the writer's position.
Opinion: Find one statement that expresses a belief, feeling, or judgment. Note the quotation and explain whether it appeals more to emotion, personal experience, or a strong viewpoint.
Discourse Marker (Addition): Find a linking word or phrase that adds a similar point or piles up evidence (e.g., In addition, Furthermore, Moreover). Note the word and explain its function.
Discourse Marker (Contrast): Find a linking word or phrase that signals a change in direction or introduces an opposing idea (e.g., However, On the other hand, Despite). Note the word and explain its function.
Counter-Argument: Identify the opposing viewpoint that the writer acknowledges. Note its location and explain why the writer included it.
Dismissal of Counter-Argument: Show how the writer challenges, limits, or dismisses the opposing viewpoint after introducing it. Note the specific phrase used.
Conclusion: Summarise the final paragraph. Explain how it reinforces the writer’s main point and creates a sense of closure or cohesion for the entire argument.
Follow-up Questions for Reflection
Cohesion: Do the introduction and conclusion link together to create a cohesive argument (one that makes sense as a whole)? Explain your answer.
Effectiveness: In your opinion, was the argument successful in persuading you? Why or why not? Refer to one of the writer’s facts and one of their opinions in your answer.
Writing Activity
GCSE English Language Writing Activity: Argumentative Writing
This activity requires you to write an argumentative piece in response to one of the prompts below. The goal is to produce a well-structured argument that attempts to persuade your reader.
Instructions
Choose one of the following prompts and write a newspaper article or a formal speech of approximately 300–400 words.
Your writing must:
Clearly present a single point of view (your main thesis).
Use facts and/or opinions effectively to support your argument.
Include a counter-argument and a dismissal of that counter-argument.
Use a range of discourse markers to create links and structure (e.g., However, Furthermore, Consequently).
Have a clear, compelling introduction and a cohesive conclusion that reinforces your main point.
Prompt Choices
Option 1: The Technology Debate
Question: “Technology makes life easier, but it also makes us more dependent.” Write a newspaper article in which you argue your point of view on this statement. (You can use the ideas you planned earlier in the document).
Option 2: Responding to a Reading
Question: Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper in which you agree or disagree with the writer’s point of view in Extract 2: The Homework Debate – Necessary or Not? (from the previous reading activity).
Option 3: The Importance of Free Time
Question: ‘School holidays should be shorter to ensure better exam performance.’ Write a speech for or against this statement, to be delivered to a group of parents and teachers.
Option 4: Local Community
Question: ‘Local councils should spend more money on youth facilities and less on services for the elderly.’ Write a newspaper article arguing your strong opinion on this matter.