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 impressionsare 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.


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 Better Essays and Persuasive Techniques: pp. 21-24.

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?


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

Education