Y05W17WR Should Students Have Regular Homework?

Part 1

How to Write

Persuasive – Argument

An opinion piece argues a clear position on an issue with confidence and evidence. It is written for a broad audience who may not share the writer’s view, so the argument must be compelling. The tone should be direct and assertive — a strong, considered voice, not an aggressive one.

  • Ideas & content: Take a definite position and build a logical argument. Use specific reasons, evidence or examples to support each point. An opinion piece is not just a list of feelings.
  • Structure & cohesion: Open with your position, develop your argument in a clear order and close with a strong final point or call to action. Use linking language to connect your reasoning.
  • Voice & audience: Write with conviction. You can use first person, but keep the tone credible rather than purely emotional. Acknowledge the other side briefly to show you understand the full issue.
  • Language choices: Use precise vocabulary and active verbs. Vary sentence structure for emphasis and impact. Use rhetorical questions or short emphatic statements sparingly for effect.
  • Conventions: Write in present tense for your position and arguments. Spell accurately and use punctuation purposefully.

Common pitfalls: Relying on emotion or repetition rather than reasoning — a reader who disagrees needs a logical argument, not stronger feeling. Failing to acknowledge the other side, which can make the piece feel one-dimensional.

Part 2

Your Task Plan for Today

The brief

Question: Write a piece for the school board arguing either for or against regular homework. Use reasons and examples to support your position clearly.

Stimulus: Your school is reviewing its homework policy. One group of parents and teachers believes homework is essential for learning and discipline. Another group believes it adds unnecessary stress and takes time away from other important activities. The school board has asked students to share their view.

Task Analysis: Choose your position: for or against homework. Give two or three clear reasons from your own experience. The board needs to hear what students actually think, so be honest.

Quick Plan

Before you write, plan:

  • Your position — do you want homework or not?
  • Two or three reasons why
  • One reason the other side might give — but why yours is stronger
  • What you want the board to decide

Thesis/position

Say your position clearly at the start: ‘I think we should have regular homework’ (or not). Do not be shy. The board needs to know what you think.

Evidence chain

Give a reason and explain it with a real example. ‘Homework helps me learn’ is a reason. Better: ‘When I do homework on subtraction, I get better at it and feel more confident in class.’

Call to action

End with a clear ask: ‘Please give us homework’ or ‘Please stop giving us so much homework.’ Be direct and strong.