(8/4) How to write a blog-tastic blog

How to write a blog-tastic blog

Section 2, Part A of the year 10 exam expects you to write one 200-250 word persuasive blog on either ‘Euthanasia,’ ‘Freedom of Speech’ or ‘Gender Equality.’ You will be provided with a paragraph of background information that well help place the issue in context. You will need to develop a point of view on the issue and construct a blog that explores that point of view.

This is the year 10 English exam section 2, part A as it will appear in your exam…

***START of Sample***

SECTION 2

ÖUsing Language to Persuade

 

ENGLISH STUDENTS

 

Instructions:

Read the Background information paragraph titled; 'Speech/Gender/My choice' then complete the following 3 writing tasks:

Ø  Your piece must be engaging in nature. The opening must encourage your audience to continue reading. A title or hook can be an effective method of achieving engagement, but must relate to the topic.

Ø  Your contention. e.g. Your point of view/opinion.

Ø  A minimum of two (2) supporting arguments. e.g. The reasons for that opinion supported with evidence.

Ø  A minimum of two (2) persuasive techniques. e.g. Emotive language; inclusive language; an appeal; alliteration and/or use a statistic or quote an expert.

 

 

Word limit: 200-250 words / 1 page.

Your blog name: thinkzilla

Target Audience: the Australian public, politicians, teenagers. e.g. The people you are attempting to persuade/convince.

 

*** END of Sample***

 

 

If you are unsure about any part of this task please speak to your teacher.

In response to the instructions above it would seem logical to organise your response into three paragraphs, one introduction and 2 supporting arguments. It would also seem logical that a call-to-action or appeal of one sentence would make for a satisfactory conclusion.

Ultimately we need to outline our argument in a concise (we only have 200-250 words) yet clear manner.

A suggested structure-

Introduction

A hook: This is always an effective way to open your piece. Can take the form of a quote, an interesting fact or an anecdote but must grab the audience’s attention and make them want to read on.

Your contention: Like with any piece of writing your contention must be clear, easy to understand and must guide the body of your piece.

 

Supporting Paragraphs One and Two

A Topic Sentence: Each of your supporting arguments must be clearly identified. You do not want your reader to have to search for your ideas. Make them clear. You can use a traditional topic sentence or use an anecdote, an appeal or a quote to convey your idea. However, regardless of how you introduce your idea it must be clear and easy to identify.

Evidence: introducing evidence can be a very effective way of illustrating your argument. Use statistics, expert opinion, facts, quotes or anecdotes to show that your argument is relevant and valid. You also need to make sure you explain your evidence and place it in context. Your evidence must make sense within the perspective of your paragraph.

 

A Conclusion of Sorts

Call to action: it can be effective to encourage the reader to take action on the issue and that the required action is urgent. A sentence such as ‘if we don’t act now the innocent will quickly become engulfed by the corrupt bureaucrats,’ Can be very effective in concluding your piece.

Or

A link to you introduction: including a link to an idea you placed in your introduction can create the idea that your piece has gone full circle and can nicely conclude your piece.

Note: if you follow the structure above you will naturally include 2 PLT’s throughout your piece.

 

A word of advice

Now with a 200-250 word limit it may seem difficult to include all of the above in one piece. However the idea is to use short snappy ideas and sentences and to not be overly expressive or over-cook your ideas.