Question 2: writing to argue, persuade and advise
[35 minutes]
Pretty much everything I’ve written about Section B of Unit 2431 (writing to inform, explain, describe) also applies to this writing question. However, this piece of writing requires you to create a convincing argument. So, the first thing you should do is take a side. Spend five minutes planning your answer in the following way: •
list some convincing points you could make in defence of your position
•
identify examples, especially those from history or current affairs, which back up the points you wish to make
•
anticipate a few arguments that might be raised by someone arguing against you in a debate
•
consider your riposte(s) to these counter-arguments.
You don’t have to provide a counter-argument and riposte to every point you make. But including a couple will lend weight to your argument. Remember that it’s a piece of writing, not a spoken debate, and that you don’t, therefore, have a chance to respond to points of information after you’ve written the piece. Try and blow them out of the water in the first instance. When you come to write your argument, try to use language in a persuasive way. Don’t rant, but rhetorical language and devices, cogent paragraphs (with a variety of conjunctions), and sophisticated vocabulary will make you more convincing. In short, you must be mindful of two things: •
ideas which are convincing
•
writing which persuades by virtue of its elegance and sophistication.
The question may specify a given genre and audience. You should always make sure you write in a manner appropriate to the terms of the question. You can practise both writing tasks by writing in response to articles of interest in the news.