1. What is the issue? That…. OpinionReasonsSupporting evidence What would different people say?

2. Introduction State the issue Clear contention Recommendation for action Background information For example: I write to you to request that you consider banning homework in all Victorian schools. Homework should be banned for a range of reasons: students already spend enough time at school, there are other aspects such as sport, social time and spending time with family that are important to us. In addition, teachers are already under enough pressure to work hard and setting and correcting homework is simply another burden on their time.

3. Body (at least 3 paragraphs) EACH of your paragraphs should have: Topic sentence (what is your main point?) Explain (explain your point in detail) Evidence (provide reasons and evidence to support your argument) Linking (link the last sentence in the paragraph to your contention) For example: Students already spend over six hours a day at school learning new information. Students work hard in these six hours, they are required to take notes, participate in group activities, write responses and revise their work. For example, in one day at school it is not unusual for a student to sit a maths test, prepare an oral presentation, play a sport and make a movie. Clearly, there are many demands on students at school. Consequently, homework is not needed for students.

4. Conclusion Sum up the main argument, restate your point of view DO NOT introduce new points DO NOT copy your contention from the introduction For example I hope that you will respond to our plea and ban homework in Victoria. Homework is unnecessary because students already do enough work at school, there are other aspects in our lives such as sporting commitments and a social life that required our time after school. However, some students believe that homework is important to learning and gives them a chance to revise their knowledge outside of school. As such, homework should be banned for all secondary students in Victoria.

5. Checklist AUDIENCE Have I tried to engage and persuade my audience? Do I know who I am writing this to? TEXT STRUCTURE Does my writing have an introduction? At least 3 main paragraphs and a conclusion? Do each of my points flow? IDEAS Do I have evidence and reasons to support my main points? Are my ideas fit in with the topic? PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES Do I use persuasive techniques in each of my paragraphs? (emotive language, rhetorical questions, authoritative statements, anecdote) Does my letter have a tone that is obvious to the reader? VOCABULARY Do I use words like ultimately, consequently, however, on the other hand, similarly, in addition, as a result… to link my paragraphs? Do I use words like definitely, certain, somewhat, likely to convince the reader of my point of view? Have I read over my work (out loud!). Does it sound right? Do my words look right? Could I make my writing any clearer? PARAGRAPHING Is there a line between each of my paragraphs? Did I put my strongest point in the first body paragraph?

6. Topics That the death penalty should be banned… That reading a book is better than watching the film… That Australia should give more foreign aid to developing countries… That Australia should become a republic… heyy