For and Against - English Foundation

Subject: English Language
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 14 - 16
Order Number: 5117

This resource is a series of ten issues with an introduction to the key points, 'for' and 'against' short essays offered on each topic with follow-up comprehension questions and for some issues a range of extension questions, discussion points, quotations to think about and ICT activities.

The issues are:

European Union Capital punishment Smoking Marriage Atheism/Religion

Fashion Shakespeare tests School uniform Religion in government schools Football

Writing frames for essays on both sides of all the issues are provided. These frames use a consistent, simple structure. Teachers need to explore this frame with their students. It is NOT suitable for more capable students.

There are many ways to use the material. One is to use the essays as discussion examples, another is to photocopy a range of issues and allow small group work and yet another is to use the material to introduce an issue. A further way is to analyse the essays looking at the devices used to construct an argument. Emotive language, appeals to authority, rhetorical flourishes, personal examples etc. are all there and more. There are as many ways to use this material as there are English teachers!