Writing to Argue

Try to think of both sides of an argument (see example for home schooling below)

Argument For	Argument Against
Flexible hours	You don’t make friends
Taught by someone you trust	Your parents are not qualified in all subjects
No bullying	You might get distracted by TV, computer, etc.
You can concentrate more	You don’t learn social skills.
No travel costs

Try to keep what you are saying balanced so that you sound calm and reasonable. Use words such as...

Yes, but…

On the other hand…

I see your point, but…

I understand what you are saying, but…

Although what you are saying is true…

Despite this being a good point...

This is more beneficial as...

As true as that may be...

That may seem like a good idea but...

 

Key words when looking at both sides of an argument

However

Despite this

Otherwise

Instead of

Alternatively

Nevertheless

Conversely

On the other hand

In opposition