✍️ Writing: Balanced Arguments

This term in writing, we are learning how to write a balanced argument.

A balanced argument explores different viewpoints about an issue. Instead of choosing one side straight away, you explain arguments for and against, before reaching a thoughtful conclusion.

🧠 What Is a Balanced Argument?

A balanced argument:

• introduces an issue or question

• explains both sides clearly and fairly

• gives reasons and examples for each viewpoint

• uses formal language

• ends with a clear conclusion

Even if you have a strong opinion, a balanced argument shows that you can listen to and understand other ideas.

💡 Ideas You Could Write About

Here are some ideas for balanced arguments you might explore:

🏫 School Life

• Should homework be banned?

• Should school days be longer?

• Should children wear school uniform?

📱 Modern Life

• Is technology helpful or harmful for children?

• Should children be allowed mobile phones?

• Is online learning better than learning in school?

🏰 History Links (The Tudors)

• Was Henry VIII a good king?

• Did Henry VIII change religion for the right reasons?

• Was life better for rich or poor people in Tudor times?

You may use one of these ideas or another topic your teacher gives you.

🔍 Things to Think About When Writing

As you plan your argument, ask yourself:

• What is the question I am answering?

• What reasons support one side of the argument?

• What reasons support the other side?

• What examples or evidence can I use?

• Which side do I agree with most, and why?

🧩 Helpful Writing Features

When writing a balanced argument, try to include:

• an introduction explaining the issue

• paragraphs for each viewpoint

• connectives such as:

  • however

  • on the other hand

  • in contrast

  • furthermore

• formal language (not chatty or informal)

• a conclusion that sums up both sides

🚀 Writing Challenges (Choose One)

⚖️ Two Sides Challenge
Write two reasons for and two reasons against your topic.

🧠 Evidence Challenge
Choose one point and add an example or explanation to strengthen it.

✍️ Conclusion Challenge
Can you write a conclusion that:

• reminds the reader of both sides

• clearly explains your final opinion

🌍 Big Question

Why is it important to think about both sides of an argument before making a decision?

⭐ Remember

A strong writer doesn’t just give an opinion —
they explain their thinking clearly and fairly.

🌀 Portal Story Challenge! 🌀

Can you spot the features of a portal story?

We've been diving into portal stories in class — stories where characters travel through a portal into another world. Now it's your turn to show what you've learned!

Your challenge:

1. Find a portal story (from a book, film, or even a game — think Narnia, Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, Coraline, or Minecraft).

2. List at least 5 key features that make it a portal story.
   Use what we've discussed in class — think about:

   • The ordinary world at the start
   • The portal itself (what is it? how does it work?)
   • The new world (how is it different?)
   • The main character’s reaction
   • The problem or quest they face
   • How they return (or don’t!)

3. Bonus Challenge:
   Write a short paragraph describing your own portal idea.
   Where would your portal lead? What kind of world would be on the other side?