1. Having something to say

You will be able to say more if you do the brainstorm activity – group or individual level

FIRST STEP

Eg. Is it better to be a vegetarian or not

FOR	AGAINST
- healthier food - does not contain fats - you don't have to kill animals - cholesterol - inhuman conditions on farms, sick animals - doctors agree with this kind of diet	- people need meet to survive - children should eat meat - meet is delicious - you feel better - your stomach is full - vegetarians look pale

On a piece of paper write two columns (for and against) and write as more ideas as you can.

During the process of brainstorming activity, accept absolutely everything – easier to remove stuff than to add it! Every idea that comes to your mind is OK on this level. Later you can cross it or it can lead you to something interesting.

SECOND STEP

Now think and organize ideas in a rational order

Is there overlapping? (healthier / vegetarians do not have some diseases / doctors agree - all these ideas mean the same, belong to the same group; or: meet is delicious, you feel better)

Get 3 key ideas for both sides. Pick three best arguments that could be supported by some proof.

THIRD STEP

Organize these key ideas.

First of all, you need to say something general about your topic in the beginning.

Eg.

In the last few decades vegetarians, or avoiding eating meat, has become more and more popular. Why do people tend to change thousands of years old habits?

First of all, more and more people think that it is not healthy to eat fats….

… …

Secondly….

……

However, it seems that the main reason why people become vegans or vegetarians is that they don't want to harm or kill animals. They feel that we don't have to kill some living being to survive.

On the other hand, people need meet to survive…

In my opinon, ….

Your text must be visually organized as well. Introduction, 3 points for, and 3 against and your opinion must be clearly visible without reading. Your paragraphs must be separated.

2. Danger of becoming illogical

Your ideas must flow naturally from one to another. You must use linking words to link next paragraph with the previous one. Your last argument must be the strongest so you must save the most important argument for the end, because you will paraphrase the same idea in your opinion.

3. Having enough to write about

Supporting argument – give examples.

Case without evidence is nothing.

Eg. It is medically proved that high cholesterol influences heart diseases.

Be specific! Back up your arguments with ideas.

Next question: Where are the main arguments?

Paragraphs – is it difficult to read, to follow main ideas (5-6 main ideas).

Linking devices

Firstly, secondly, finally, in the end

Transition signals: On the other hand, However (opposite)

They are crucial because you can determine what is important and what isn’t.