For and against- discursive writing For and against- discursive writing Fast Food

The advantages and drawbacks of Fast Food. Introduction: Use a “hook” to catch the reader’s attention e.g. a question which you answer later OR a shocking statistic which you return to in the end.

Define what fast food is. Give examples of restaurants and types of food. Give your opinion on fast food. Do you like to eat fast food? Why? Is it good for you? Do you eat it often? Do you eat different types of food at home normally?

Advantages: Use linking words like – firstly, secondly, in addition, moreover, furthermore. Use topic sentences for the start of each paragraph.

Advantages Looking at the booklet for information on the left side – the FOR side of the argument - write several different paragraphs about the advantages of fast food.

Advantages: Eg. Convenient, cheap, tasty food in pleasant surroundings McDonalds does not use beef from South America, which involved the destruction of rainforests

Advantages: Fast food outlets include health food shops with healthy food like pizzas, filled rolls, baked potatoes, salad bars, food without artificial additives. Healthy diets – fast food like ice cream provides calcium and vitamin C is found in crisps or breakfast cereals and sugar is an important source of energy.

Drawbacks: Use linking words like – however, on the other hand, nevertheless, yet, but. Use topic sentences to introduce each paragraph.

Drawbacks: Looking at the AGAINST side of the booklet (ie all the right hand side pages) write several paragraphs about the drawbacks of fast food.

Drawbacks: Eg. Pollution, litter and noise, late at night from take-aways Some beef used by some fast food outlets comes from cattle raised on the rain forests of South America. Some fast food health foods have harmful ingredients eg muesli bars have a high content of sugar. Some of these outlets do not sell fruit and vegetables.

Drawbacks: Too much fat, salt and sugars are found in burgers and chips Some restaurants unlike fast food places are unhurried and pleasant places to sit in rather than eating in a hurry.

Conclusions: Return to the “hook” to answer your question OR Comment on the statistics with a striking final sentence.

Conclusions: Sum up your own opinion. Do you like fast food? Has your view changed since reading and watching information about fast foods? Do you eat too many fast food meals, do you think? Should you eat more fruit and vegetables?

Peer assessment Checklist 1: Have you used a “hook”? Have you used topic sentences to introduce each paragraph? Have you used linking words? Have you returned to the “hook” at the end?

Peer assessment Checklist 2: Have you written in sentences? Have you written in paragraphs? Have you followed a plan – structure? Have you used appropriate vocabulary?