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Let's
get argumentative! Part
4
Natasha Thomas-Francis, Contributor
Hello
all! Today we end our discussion on
persuasive writing. Over the last
few weeks we have looked at techniques/devices
which you should employ in your writing,
as well as the steps involved in producing
a persuasive piece. I have also given
guidelines to assist you. In this
lesson, I want you to focus on the
kind of instructions which CXC will
give you in the exam.
Question
instructions
You
will need to thoroughly discuss your
position on a specific topic/issue.
Your examiners may ask you to do one
of a number of things:
Write
an argument either supporting or opposing
an issue.
- Eg
A good command of English is no
longer a guarantee of financial
or social success in the Caribbean.
Write an argument EITHER supporting
OR opposing this statement.
- Eg
Speaker A: I am going to start eating
more local food because that is
what makes our Caribbean Olympic
athletes stars.
Speaker
B: Nobody is going to get me to
eat yams and sweet potatoes. That
is backwardness.
Write
an essay supporting the views of
EITHER Speaker A OR Speaker B, justifying
the kind of food that you prefer
to eat. (Jan 2010)
Please
note that in the examples above, you
are required to choose ONE side. You
must decide on the side for which
you can present the stronger arguments.
- Write
an argument in which you present
your views. With this kind of question,
you are required to present both
sides of the issue.
- Eg
Write a letter to the editor of
your local newspaper, expressing
your views on the following point
of view. Dreamers are no help to
a country - what we need are practical
people who can do things or get
things done.
- Eg
Sexual and violent songs should
be banned from the radio and television.
Write an essay giving your views
on this statement. (Jan 2010)
Essay
plan
It
is important that you plan your argument/points
before you begin to write the essay/speech/letter.
Jot down the main ideas that come
to you as you read the statement in
the question. Then, decide which side
has the stronger arguments. When this
is done, organise your points in order
of importance - start with the strongest
point and end with the weakest, or
you may want to start with weakest
and end with the strongest.
Ensure
that you do not repeat any point.
Remember, though, that you should
reinforce your position/stance.
I
trust you are now clear on what is
expected of you in section four of
Paper 02. Continue to practise those
argumentative skills. Engage your
classmates in a discussion on the
exam questions above.
I
will leave you with the following
persuasive advertisement to muse over:
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To
dispense with the drudgery of
work, the sameness and staleness
of metropolitan living, here
is the best escape.
A
Treasury of Nature's Charms!
You
can enjoy the rolling plains
and terraces of Jamaica - a
picture of rural tranquility
and contentment. You can travel
to historic settings, view the
verdant lush scenery, experience
the cultural riches and midern
fashionable style of life in
this isle of paradise.
Absorb
the serenity of the scene, the
balmy zephyrs, the refreshing
rustic air and the variety and
glitter of night life, peerless
among holiday resorts.
Make
the experience unforgettable,
the time of your life, exciting
and colourful as well as peaceful
and serene.
Here
is Jamaica - vintage among holiday
isles.
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This
advertisement appeals to those who
wish to be relieved from the burdens
of city life. The use of the word
paradise tells of the beauty, charm
and tranquillity of the island. The
descriptive language is the main persuasive
technique used by the writer. What
are the other techniques employed
in this ad?
Does
it appeal to you? What aspects do
you think stand out?
Until
next week, be good, and remember that
the CXC season is just a stone's throw
away.
Natasha
Thomas-Francis teaches at Glenmuir
High School. Send questions and comments
to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
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