Section B - Opinion Writing

Q3. ‘Fast food is a source of comfort and joy for many people. It is a
convenient
and affordable indulgence that should not be vilified.’

Write a speech for your school assembly in which you argue for or against
the statement.

TOP TIPS [AO4, AO5, AO6 24 marks]

1. DO NOT give equal space to both sides of the argument.

2. DO NOT write a ‘balanced argument’.
3. ONLY consider ‘other views’ IF you can confidently USE these to
develop YOUR argument!
4. NEVER copy the statement! NEVER EVER EVER EVER!
Q3. Self/Peer Assessment Checklist
Openi ❏ Grab the audience’s attention with an interesting hook.
ng ❏ Introduce your main point of view or argument.
Body: ❏ Have one paragraph for each point.
❏ Ensure paragraphs have a logical sequence and order.
❏ Develop your ideas with detail within each paragraph.
❏ Use discourse markers to link your ideas.
❏ Use a range of relevant language devices.
Concl ❏ Create a memorable end to your speech.
usion:
VSPaG ❏ Use well-chosen vocabulary.
❏ Use a range of accurate punctuation.
❏ Use a range of sentence types.
❏ Read over your work and ensure you have reviewed your vocabulary, spelling,
punctuation and grammar.
Recap - See Page 18

Remind yourself
of ethos, logos
and pathos.
Read through
the features of
strong opinion
writing.
This supports the
self-assessment
checklist.
You will need to
add to this
using example
speeches.
Q3. ‘Fast food is a source of comfort and joy for many people. It is a
convenient
and affordable indulgence that should not be vilified.’

Write a speech for your school assembly in which you argue for or against
the statement.

[AO4, AO5, AO6 24 marks]

Read Example A

Is the student’s viewpoint and point of view on fast food clear and
consistent?
What threshold? See your handout.
Writing Mark Scheme - Non-fiction
What threshold?
Emerging - Simple and limited communication
No argument, may start with ‘I agree with the statement’, not addressed task, simple train of thought,
irrelevant content, very simplistic, wrong focus, random ideas, mistakes audience, no structure,
unfinished, contradictory, nonsensical, wildly made-up stats/experts.
Developing - Some communication
May start with ‘I agree with the statement’ or some direct ref to the statement, no central argument,
illogical/muddled, difficult to follow, under-developed points, argues both for & against, dull, repetitive, dead
end arguments, generalised/unbelievable stats/experts.
Secure - Consistent and clear communication
Creates own opening, identifiable argument,logical, easy to follow, joined up thinking, realistic/credible,
engages interest, recognises audience, provides detail, sustained tone, focuses on purpose, develops
ideas.
Mastery - Convincing and compelling communication
Coherent argument, confident approach, varies tone confidently, individual voice, seamless flow,
impressive vocab, conceptualised ideas, deliberate crafting, highly plausible, original, complex ideas, fluid,
surprising/inventive.
Today, I stand before you to shed light on a topic that is close to the hearts and stomachs of
many: fast food. On the one hand, it is undeniable that fast food brings a sense of comfort and
joy to many.

After a long day at school, a slice of pizza is a slice of heaven. The convenience of fast food
cannot be overstated; with just a few taps on a smartphone, a delicious meal can be delivered
right to your doorstep. The affordability and accessibility of fast food is truly remarkable!

However, we cannot turn a blind eye to the negative consequences associated with excessive
fast food consumption. Studies have shown that a diet of fast food can lead to a whole host of
health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Furthermore, the fast food
industry has been criticised for its environmental impact, with large amounts of packaging
waste and carbon emissions contributingIs thetostudent’s
climate change. It’s
viewpoint clear
and that
point of the
viewconvenience
on fast foodand
affordability of fast food come at a cost, both
clear andtoconsistent?
our health and to the planet.

But let’s not forget about the joy thatNo.

fastThe
food brings
student to us. Whether
presents it’s and
both positive indulging in aspects
negative a KFC
bucket or sharing your chips, there’s without
something undeniably
taking satisfying
a clear stance, leadingabout digging into a
to a contradictory
greasy, delicious meal. It’s a social act that encourages friends and family to gather together.
viewpoint.

In conclusion, the debate over fast food is a complex and nuanced one. While it undoubtedly
Sequencing and Developing an Argument
Features of Strong Opinion
Writing
❏ An overarching argument or
Overarching
argument viewpoint must be supported
S S S S by several, more specific
u u u u
b b b b
connected sub-arguments.
a a a a AO5
r r r r ADD
g g g g
u u u u ❏ Sub-arguments should
m m m m include ethos, logos, pathos
e e e e
n n n n
t t t t Sub-argument: a subordinate argument;
an argument that forms part of an
Ethos Logos Pathos
overarching argument.
Read Example B
● Is the student’s
viewpoint and
point of view on
fast food clear
and consistent?
● What threshold?
● Add to the list of
features using
Example B.
Today, I stand before you to shed light on a pressing issue that affects millions worldwide: the negative
consequences of fast food consumption. While fast food may seem like a convenient and appetising option, its
detrimental effects on our health and well-being cannot be ignored. It is time for us to read the label and to confront
the alarming realities behind the tempting facade of fast food.

First and foremost, let’s address the health implications of indulging in fast food. Studies have shown that a diet high
of fast food is directly linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. With their high levels of
unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium, fast food wreaks havoc on our bodies, leading to a whole host of health
problems that can significantly impact our quality of life.

Furthermore, the environmental toll of fast food consumption is staggering. The fast food industry is notorious for its
excessive use of single-use packaging, leading to mountains of plastic waste that end up polluting our oceans and
harming marine life. Additionally, the production and transportation of fast food contribute significantly to
greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change and further jeopardising the health of our planet.

Beyond the physical and environmental consequences, fast food also takes a toll on our mental well-being. The
addictive nature of fast food, coupled with its convenient accessibility, can lead to unhealthy eating habits and food
dependencies. How many Yum Yums might we shovel into our mouths before we realise that we are full? Our
relationship to our own body is being compromised as we fail to listen to these vital cues. This not only impacts our
physical health but also our mental clarity and emotional stability, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and self-
esteem issues. Food should be a source of joy - the table we eat around should be filled with family and friends; the
kitchen a sanctuary for creativity and culinary exploration. Yet, the fast food industry disrupts this balance,
destroying our relationship with food and healthy nourishment.
Deconstruct Example B - Handout
What is the student’s overarching argument?

Sub-argument 1: Sub-argument 2: Sub-argument 3:

What methods, techniques, logic, reasoning etc. did the student use to support their
argument?
Discourse markers
❏ Discourse markers signal the progression
of your argument AO4 AO5

What is a discourse marker?

Use the information to answer the question

and note some examples.

Discourse markers are words or phrases which

help to structure a piece of writing and link ideas.
Learning and using discourse markers can help to
Example B
make our opinion writing structured and coherent.
Discourse markers can signal transitions between What discourse markers did the
ideas, provide emphasis, and assist the readers in student use to order and organise
navigating and understanding the writer’s their writing?
argument.
Ordering Adding Contrasting Explaining Generalising

● Firstly, ● Moreover; ● However; ● Because; ● On the whole;

● To begin with, ● In addition; ● On the other ● Since; ● Generally;
● First of all, ● Additionally; hand; ● As; ● Broadly
● Secondly, ● Furthermore; ● In contrast; ● Insofar as. speaking;
● Finally, ● Further to ● Yet. ● As a rule;
● Lastly, this; ● Whereas ● In most
● Also; ● Despite cases;
● Besides; ● Although
● What is more.

Results Conditions Strengthening Concluding Giving examples

● Therefore; ● If; ● On the ● To conclude; ● For example,

Consequently ● In the event contrary; ● In conclusion; ● Such as,
; of; ● As a matter ● To sum up; ● For instance,
● In ● As long as...; of fact; ● Ultimately, ● Namely,
consequence; ● So long as...; ● In fact;
● As a result; ● Provided ● Indeed;
● Accordingly; that...;
● Hence; Assuming
● Thus; that...;
● For this ● Given that....
reason;
Because of
this;
Today, I stand before you to shed light on a pressing issue that affects millions worldwide: the negative
consequences of fast food consumption. While fast food may seem like a convenient and appetising option, its
detrimental effects on our health and well-being cannot be ignored. It is time for us to read the label and to confront
the alarming realities behind the tempting facade of fast food.

First and foremost, let’s address the health implications of indulging in fast food. Studies have shown that a diet high
of fast food is directly linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. With their high levels of
unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium, fast food wreaks havoc on our bodies, leading to a whole host of health
problems that can significantly impact our quality of life.

Furthermore, the environmental toll of fast food consumption is staggering. The fast food industry is notorious for its
excessive use of single-use packaging, leading to mountains of plastic waste that end up polluting our oceans and
harming marine life. Additionally, the production and transportation of fast food contribute significantly to
greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change and further jeopardising the health of our planet.

Beyond the physical and environmental consequences, fast food also takes a toll on our mental well-being. The
addictive nature of fast food, coupled with its convenient accessibility, can lead to unhealthy eating habits and food
dependencies. How many Yum Yums might we shovel into our mouths before we realise that we are full? Our
relationship to our own body is being compromised as we fail to listen to these vital cues. This not only impacts our
physical health but also our mental clarity and emotional stability, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and self-
esteem issues. Food should be a source of joy - the table we eat around should be filled with family and friends; the
kitchen a sanctuary for creativity and culinary exploration. Yet, the fast food industry disrupts this balance,
destroying our relationship with food and healthy nourishment.
 Question 3: Writing

Q3. ‘Healthy eating must be the priority of young people. .’

Write a speech for your school assembly in which you argue for or against
the statement.

[AO4, AO5, AO6 24 marks]

Plan
1. What is your view?
2. Why? Reasons
3. Sub-arguments: 1, 2, 3
● What examples would you use?
● Ethos, logos pathos
● What language devices could you use?
Writing

Q3.‘Healthy eating must be the Write the opening

priority of young people.’
and the closing.
Write a speech for your school
assembly in which you argue for or Use the features of
against the statement.
strong opinion
[AO4, AO5, AO6 24 marks] writing and your
planning.
Swap and Peer-assess
Q3. Self/Peer Assessment Checklist
Openin ❏ Grab the audience’s attention with an interesting hook.
g:
❏ Introduce your main point of view or argument.
Body: ❏ Have one paragraph for each point.
❏ Ensure paragraphs have a logical sequence and order.
❏ Develop your ideas with detail within each paragraph.
❏ Use discourse markers to link your ideas.
❏ Use a range of relevant language devices.
Conclusi ❏ Create a memorable end to your speech.
on:

VSPaG ❏ Use well-chosen vocabulary.

❏ Use a range of accurate punctuation.
❏ Use a range of sentence types.
❏ Read over your work and ensure you have reviewed your vocabulary, spelling,
punctuation and grammar.
Timed Practice

‘Children of school age should not be working at all. 7 min plan

They should be focused on their school work and
enjoying life. Working for money must alway come
later.’ 18 min write - opening,
one paragraph and
Write a text for a speech to be given at a school closing
assembly arguing for or against this point of view.

5 min check and correct

Peer Assessment
Peer Assessment
Peer Assessment