To argue the case for a point of view. To attempt to convince the reader.

•Thesis - an opening statement, eg. Vegetables are good for you.•Arguments – often in the form of a point, plus elaboration, eg. They contain vitamins. Vitamin C is vital for……•Reiteration – summary and restatement of the opening position, eg. We have seen that………. so……….

•Simple present tense•Focus on mainly generic participants,• eg. vegetables not a particular vegetable•Mainly logical connectives, rather that • time connectives, eg. this shows, however,• because, etc.•Movement from the generic then to the more specific

A 7 Day WeekA 7 Day WeekChildren really do not spend enough time in school and therefore should Children really do not spend enough time in school and therefore should go to school seven days a week. The time children are in school certainly go to school seven days a week. The time children are in school certainly needs to be increased as children need to learn more. If children were to needs to be increased as children need to learn more. If children were to attend school for longer, the work given could be in greater detail, the attend school for longer, the work given could be in greater detail, the work can be made harder and a greater variety of lessons could be work can be made harder and a greater variety of lessons could be taught. Children are our future and there will surely be plenty of leisure taught. Children are our future and there will surely be plenty of leisure time when they are adults. time when they are adults.

Children talk about free time – but they usually waste this time on Children talk about free time – but they usually waste this time on frivolous play activities. Children will still be able to enjoy clubs – but frivolous play activities. Children will still be able to enjoy clubs – but there is plenty of time for these in the evenings, after homework has there is plenty of time for these in the evenings, after homework has been completed. These children may complain about a lack of freedom, been completed. These children may complain about a lack of freedom, but freedom interferes with learning.but freedom interferes with learning.

Finally one must really consider the parents of these children- it is Finally one must really consider the parents of these children- it is extremely difficult to occupy children every weekend and every holiday. extremely difficult to occupy children every weekend and every holiday. The schools and the teachers are providing a service and looking after The schools and the teachers are providing a service and looking after the children. They undoubtedly prevent them from getting up to mischief the children. They undoubtedly prevent them from getting up to mischief with their friends. It is clear that children may not initially like this with their friends. It is clear that children may not initially like this arrangement – however, it will be good for them in the long run.arrangement – however, it will be good for them in the long run.

Let’s think about the following Let’s think about the following points…points…

FreedomFreedomWeekendsWeekendsHolidaysHolidaysTime for playTime for playFatigueFatigueEducationEducationFreedomFreedomFriendsFriendsTimetableTimetableParentsParentsFun Fun And anything else you think And anything else you think important…important…

Discuss in your groups…

Is there anything bad about a 7 Is there anything bad about a 7 day school week ?day school week ?

Structure remindersStructure reminders

Appropriate letter format Appropriate letter format Dear Mr/Mrs…Dear Mr/Mrs…

Why I am writing Why I am writing I am writing to complain…I am writing to complain…

Reasons for my complaint Reasons for my complaint What is your reason?What is your reason?

Evidence Evidence List and explain your argumentsList and explain your arguments

Persuasive techniques Persuasive techniques I am disgusted, Can you imagine how I am disgusted, Can you imagine how upsetting it was to hear this upsetting it was to hear this

proposal proposal for me and my familyfor me and my family

What I want to happen now What I want to happen now I demand an you change I demand an you change your your plansplans

Sum up my feelings Sum up my feelings I hope you appreciate how horrified I amI hope you appreciate how horrified I am

Appropriate ending Appropriate ending Yours Sincerely,Yours Sincerely,

The French International School,The French International School,

34 Price Road,34 Price Road,

Jardine’s Lookout,Jardine’s Lookout,

Hong Kong.Hong Kong.

22ndnd June, 2009 June, 2009

Dear Mr. Dubois,Dear Mr. Dubois,

Why I am writing Why I am writing I am writing to complain…I am writing to complain…Reasons for my complaint Reasons for my complaint What is your reason?What is your reason?Evidence Evidence List and explain your argumentsList and explain your argumentsPersuasive techniques Persuasive techniques I am disgusted, Can you imagine how upsetting it was I am disgusted, Can you imagine how upsetting it was

to hear this proposal for me and my family to hear this proposal for me and my familyWhat I want to happen now What I want to happen now I demand an you change your plansI demand an you change your plansSum up my feelings Sum up my feelings I hope you appreciate how horrified I amI hope you appreciate how horrified I am

Yours Sincerely,Yours Sincerely,

Your NameYour Name