Block 5: Essay Homework

Following the same process we have carried out over the last few lessons, write a discursive essay on the topic "Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones". This means mobile phones in general, not just in school.
Things to remember:

• Taking several lines of argument both for and against
• Expanding and developing the lines of argument
• Presenting lines of argument in an ordered fashion
• Giving evidence to support the lines of argument
• Linking coherently each line of argument

1.Remember to keep the balance between the two sides of the argument, positive and negative, maybe three different points on each side.
2. Express each of these in a topic sentence.
3. Put them in a reasonable order.
4. Expand on each one.
5. Link them together, both within and between paragraphs, with various linking words either to add another point (Furthermore, moreover, also) or to contrast a previous point (However, in contrast etc)
6. Insert an introduction, saying what you are going to be talking about, then a conclusion which is a summary of what you have said, followed by a personal viewpoint. Basically "Say what you're going to say, then say it, then say what you said!"

As a rough guideline, you should write about 600 words, with 10% intro (approx 60 words), 80% main body (approx 480-500 words i.e. about 80 words per line of argument) 10% conclusion (another 60 words).