1. Writing Discussions at Key Stage 2
Using Sue Palmer's Writing Skeletons
Ideas that help pupils plan their writing:
based on the 'Igniting Writing' series
by Sue Palmer, Pie Corbett and Ann Webley
(© Nelson Thornes, 2006)

2. About discussions
All non-fiction text types cover have the same five key issues to look at. These are:
Audience
Purpose
Examples
Typical structure
Typical language features
Discussions put forward both parts of an argument. They are balanced. They are written for anyone who is interested in a subject but wants to know all the facts and opinions.

3. Discussion Writing The discussion writing skeleton looks like this.
Does the Lock Ness monster exist?
For
Against
Sightings and Photos
Sightings and Photos
Expedition
No scientific proof
Conditions in Loch
Don’t have to see to believe
This structure helps to give a balanced argument.

4. There are lots of different types of discussion writing.
A leaflet explaining both sides of an issue
A newspaper article
Information in non fiction books
A write up of a debate

5. Let’s look at the five key areas of discussion writing:
Audience
Someone who is interested in an issue
Purpose
To help someone understand the issue
Examples
News feature, essay on causes of something e.g. global warming
Typical Structure
Paragraphs, often a series of contrasting points, logical order
Typical language features
Present tense, formal and impersonal, logical connectives
There are two ‘tool kits’ we need to write explanations
The ‘Organisation Toolkit’.
The ‘Discussion Language Toolkit’.

6. Organisation Toolkit Remember to…
Write a title that says what you are writing about (e.g. Jet travel: stop it or keep it?)
Write an introduction that states what the discussion is about (There are many stories of sightings of a monster in Loch Ness. However, people disagree whether it exists or not)
Organise the text in one of two ways:
1. Write all the arguments for the case. Write one paragraph for each point, starting with topic sentences. Then do the same thing for the points against.
2. Present each argument and counter argument in a separate paragraph, which starts with a topic sentence
Write a conclusion that sums up the argument and gives a reasoned opinion.

7. Discussion Language Toolkit
Remember to…
Write in the present tense
Write in the third person
Use technical vocabulary (pollution, greenhouse gases, climate change)
Use words to show reasons (because, so)
Use descriptions to make the facts clearer
Use words and phrases to signal both sides of the argument (on the one hand, some people believe, others believe, supporters may say)
Use connecting phrases to signal your points (first of all, in addition)
Use ‘weasel words’ to help back up a point (probably, perhaps
Give examples to back up what you say.

8. Let’s look at the discussion writing skeleton again
Discussion Topic
For
Against
Point 1
Counter point 1
Point 2
Counter point 2
Point 3
Counter Point 3
Now try to use this in your writing.

9. Ideas based on the 'Igniting Writing' series
by Sue Palmer, Pie Corbett and Ann Webley
(© Nelson Thornes, 2006)
Presentation by Bev Evans, 2008,
Clip art ©Philip Martin, available from