Better essays and techniques part 1

Part One: Year 7
Chapters 1 and 2

Chapters 1-2: Essay structure
and reasoning techniques.
Chapter 1 focuses on the process
of planning and structuring an
essay.
Chapter 2 focuses on different
types of evidence and reasoning
strategies.
Better Essays and Persuasive Techniques: pp. 5-34.

•Exercises 1 - 13,
pp. 23 – 35.
•Revision exercise 15
p. 41
Plus supplementary exercises
(if required) :
•mini-articles with tone word lists to
build tone vocabulary and
•essay-writing practice with plans and
source material.

• Students will identify a range of
reasoning strategies authors use
to persuade their audience.
• Students will improve their
essay-writing skills through:
• a knowledge (and use) of
different types of evidence and
reasoning strategies and
• an awareness of essay structure
and signposting techniques.

 Introduction: first
impressions
are important! (p. 11)
 Body Paragraphs:
show a logical
progression of ideas. (p. 12)
 Conclusion: leave the reader with a sense that your
views offer the only course of action. (p. 15)

1. by writing better and more
persuasive topic sentences;
2. by using a combination of
evidence and by making logical
connections; and
3. by guiding the reader clearly
through your discussion.Better Essays and Persuasive Techniques: pp. 20-34.

Your topic sentence should
be persuasive, not
descriptive.
It should not describe a
problem, but show a clear
and persuasive link to
the topic.
Better Essays and Persuasive Techniques: pp. 17.

 Ruby’s Topic Sentence (A):
Over the last 25 years, duck
numbers have decreased by 70%.
Although some ducks have died
through loss of habitat, because of
droughts and global warming, this is
no reason to keep shooting them.

 Netuli’s Topic Sentence (B):
Duck hunting should be banned
because it is aggravating the
decline in the species. If this
decline is not stopped, we will
suffer the loss of these beautiful
and rare birds.

 Netuli’s Sentence (B)
is more persuasive.
 It reveals her attitude and
main reason.
 There is a clear
persuasive connection
with the topic.

 It is imperative that [...]
the rugby league bans the
three-man tackle.
 The decision to [...] should
be commended because [...]
 The implementation of the ban will have numerous
advantages such as [...]
 Many benefits will arise from the decision/proposal to ban
the three-man tackle.
 In such a political/social/cultural context, it is imperative that
the Government conducts a campaign to encourage/restrict
[...]
 Such gadgets should be prohibited because they are
detrimental to [...]

 Facts, figures, surveys,
research.
 Statistics (often used to
compare A and B)
 People stories: eye-witness
accounts, anecdotes,
 Personal or professional
experiences or observations
 Case studies

 What do the experts/author say?
 What connections do they draw?
 Is there a clear link between Factor A
and Factor B?
 Are there sound reasons for
accepting the opinion?
 Are the author’s assumptions sound
and logical? Can they be taken for
granted?

Better essays and techniques part 1

Exercise 20: P-plate extensions overdue (Mr Jonathon
Sprinter
 The author refers to an expert, the commissioner of traffic, who asserts
that a seven year probationary period that includes zero-alcohol readings,
would reduce traffic accidents. He is credible because he has professional
experience with regards to traffic control.
 Statistics: the statistics prove that there are too many young adults
involved in tragic car accidents. The young adults are over-represented in
car accidents which suggests that there is a problem with drinking, speed
and young adults.
 Expert opinion: the reference to the surgeon proves that young people’s
brains are underdeveloped. They cannot be trusted to measure their
alcohol intake and therefore are potentially endangering their lives and that
of other road users.
 The author refers to the real-life anecdotal story of Emma Richardson to
show the devastating consequences of one fatal mistake. Emma is cited as
a typical example of teenagers who are killed because they seem to
underestimate the dangers on the road.
 The quotes from her mother also reinforce the tragic consequences and
devastating impact to the family. The author includes this story to show
both parents and young adults that mistakes can have tragic
consequences, and to encourage them to be keen about tighter
regulations.

Authors often appeal to logic
and common sense.
Authors often make
comparisons or analogies with
other situations, issues,
schemes and proposals.
Look for generalisations
and stereotypes.

 An analogy: shows similarities
between two situations or contexts. If
two things are alike in some way they
might be alike in another way.
 Historical comparisons: authors
may provide a good case for change by
comparing a present suggested scheme
or policy with a past policy.
 Statistics are often used
comparatively. They show us change
over a period of time. This helps to
reinforce the author’s point: the need to
adopt certain solutions
Better Essays and Persuasive Techniques: pp. 28-34

 Link words or signposts allow
you to make a smooth transition
from one idea to the next.
 They help connect the topic
sentences to the topic.
 They show a logical sequence
of ideas.

 Be sure to present your ideas
logically.
 Use appropriate keywords and
signposts to guide the reader
through your discussion.
 In each paragraph, start with a
“big picture” concept and then
analyse specific examples and
quotes.

 Link your evidence and examples to the topic sentence: “Mr
Boyd is typical of a public spokesperson who draws
attention to the devastating health consequences, not just as
physically but financially. For example, he states that ...”.
 Link your ideas back to the topic: “Therefore, in addition to
an increase in price, education campaigns are critical if we
are to successfully combat the unhealthy consequences of
junk food.”

The government must implement stricter rules and
regulations for jet skiers before another beach
disaster occurs. Clearly in the light of Mr Robert Brewster’s
death, jet ski owners cannot be trusted to see a swimmer’s head
bobbing above the waves. Mr Kennedy, a lifesaver at St Kilda
beach, has observed their reckless behaviour and states that he
has witnessed hundreds of jet skiers “blatantly ignoring the
rules”. Given that there has been an increase of 18.6 per cent in
the number of jet skiers over the past two years it would seem
logical to assume that many “near misses” and fatalities will only
increase. Evidently laws that allow young teenagers to surf the
seas on restricted licences with little training make the ocean
unsafe for ordinary beach-goers.

Suggested responses
E-books with exercises
(downloadable and writable)
An e-licence (and class
sets)

Better essays and techniques part 1

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