Let's Argue: Writing an Argumentative Text

Writing an argumentative text 

Last week we read a for and against essay about reality tv-shows and you got to think of a topic for an argumentative text. During today's and tomorrow's English lessons you are going to write your own texts. 

In this document you find instructions for the task. There is also an example of an argumentative text, ideas for topics (if you haven't decided yet), examples of linking words (here are even more)  and a rubric for assessment.  

During next week, you are going to have a peer read your text and give response to it. You will use the checklist below in order to give feedback to the text. 

Pre-handing in checklist and also Peer response

Does the text have... 

• An introduction where the argument for or against something is presented?
  (I.e "I strongly believe that school uniforms should not be required in school"
  
• At least three reasons to support the argument?
  (I.e kids should be encouraged to focus on school work and not on clothes, uniforms are not free and if parents have to spend money on kids' clothes they should get to choose, uniforms interfere with self-expression.
  
• A counter-argument, which is refuted?
  (I.e some parents and teacher say that without uniforms, students will focus on clothes instead of school work, but if students are not encouraged to focus on school work they will never learn to be responsible"
  
• A conclusion where the ideas are summed up?
  (I.e "In conclusion, school uniforms should not be required. If teachers and principals want to have a say about students' clothes, they should consider a school dress code"
  
• Linking words such as the ones below to connect ideas?
  (in the sample text, they are marked in bold) 

Addition: And, furthermore, what is more, in addition, also, as well as
Reason: For this reason, because of, the main reason why, since, therefore
Order: First, firstly, in the first place, to begin with, second, after that,
Example: For example, for instance, such as
Summary: Finally, in conclusion, to sum up, to conclude

• Spelling mistakes?

Avoid making these mistakes:

There: där, their: deras, they’re = they are: de är

Much: mycket, many: många

How: hur, Who: vem

No: nej, Know: veta

Want to: vill, will: ska

Where: var (plats), were: var

And mind the spelling of these words: with, because, of course, beautiful, couldn’t, wouldn’t

·         Any grammar mistakes?

Det finns: There is (1) There are (2->)

Det fanns: There was (1) There were ( 2->)