1. Ban the Burqa in Britain? No Thanks.
Discursive Writing
Ban the Burqa in Britain? No Thanks.

2. Introduction Read the introduction
Identify three features that make this an effective introduction.

3. Stance
Having read the whole article, sum up the writer’s stance in a single sentence.
Sum up your own stance in a single sentence.

4. Structure
Your essay must have a clear, logical structure, which reflects the development of your argument.
You must deal with one point per paragraph.
You must deal with arguments both supporting and counter to your argument.

5. Topic Sentences
Clearly indicate the topic of the paragraph it is introducing.
From paragraph three onwards, they should also link back to the topic of the previous paragraph.

6. Topic Sentences
Topic of paragraph two- banning the burqa could encourage extremism
Topic of paragraph three- the burqa makes Europeans feel uncomfortable, but this is not a good reason to ban it.
Extremism aside, the veil is a garment that makes many Europeans feel uncomfortable, for the simple reason that it is not Europeans.

7. Structure Highlight the topic sentence in each paragraph
Write down the topic of each paragraph
This should give you a basic plan for this essay.
For November 7th, you must have completed your own basic plan.
This should include five points supporting your arguments and two opposing arguments.

8. Paragraph Structure
Clear point made in your topic sentence (from paragraph three onwards this should include linkage)
Expand this point using evidence, explanations, statistics.
Use features of style- rhetorical questions, varied sentence structure, imagery, appropriate tone, effective word choice.

9. Activity Read your allocated paragraph
Make a note of all the ways in which the writer illustrates their point.
Paragraph two- explanation of how the belief that the burqa breeds extremism is mistaken; clear explanation of how in fact banning the burqa could lead to extremism.

10. Persuasive Techniques
Rhetorical questions- Surely it is time that this sorry saga is brought to an overdue end?
Tri-colon- It is immature, thoughtless and unacceptable.
Use of personal pronouns- this is something that we cannot allow to continue in our society.
State opinion as fact- This is clearly unacceptable.
Imperatives – Surely this is unacceptable.

11. Activity Was the ‘Big Man’ right to take matters into his own hands?
Write a persuasive paragraph arguing one side of this debate.
Use style to convey your ideas.

12. Activity Decide on one point from your essay.
Expand it into a paragraph.
Use at least two features of style.