Y06W24PA - Is After-School Tutoring an Unfair Advantage?

This week you wrote an opinion piece on whether after-school tutoring gives some students an unfair advantage. Now you'll read another student's piece and decide how strong it is. Each module sharpens how you spot strong argument — and helps your own.

Part 1

The Assessor Scorecard for

Persuasive – Opinion piece

Markers look for opinion pieces with a clear position, supported by specific reasons and examples that build a real case.

Ideas & Content

Reasons that back up the position, not just opinions stated. Specific examples or evidence for each reason. Clear explanation of why each reason matters.

  • specific examples that: support your reasons are more convincing than general statements.

Structure & Cohesion

Reasons placed in a logical order that builds the case. Linking words that show how ideas connect. A clear path readers can follow from start to finish.

  • logical progression of: reasons makes your argument stronger.

Audience & Purpose

Writing as if speaking to someone who might disagree. A respectful tone — never aggressive or dismissive. Fair handling of other viewpoints, even when arguing strongly.

  • respectful tone even: when presenting a strong position builds credibility.

Language Choices

Words that stress your point without sounding overblown. Precise language that states the case clearly. No exaggeration or unfair wording.

  • confident, measured language: is more persuasive than hyperbole.

Conventions

Accurate spelling and punctuation that keep the argument clear. Sentences varied in length and shape to hold interest. Full stops and commas placed for meaning, not just rhythm.

  • clear sentence construction: makes your argument easy to follow.

Part 2

Today’s Marking Targets

Task in one sentence

Write an opinion piece arguing for or against the idea that after-school tutoring gives students an unfair advantage.

Let’s Focus

Two strands matter most this week: Ideas & Content and Language Choices. The quality of your reasons and examples decides how strong the case feels. Your words decide whether you sound fair and convincing or one-sided.

Ideas & Content

Strong writing backs opinions with real reasons and examples. Saying "tutoring is fair" is not enough. Strong writers explain why, then show examples from real situations. Each reason needs proof. Vague statements collapse; specific examples convince.

What markers scan for

  • Does each reason explain the writer's position?
  • Are the reasons specific, not vague?
  • Does the writer give real examples or just general claims?
  • Can you see why the writer holds this view?

Score Bands

  • Basic

    A position is stated but reasons stay limited; few examples support it.

  • Strong

    Specific reasons and relevant examples support the position; readers understand why.

  • Excellent

    Multiple reasons with detailed, compelling examples; the argument feels well built.

Language Choices

Strong writing uses language with care. Confident words stress the point without overstating. Other viewpoints are handled fairly, not dismissed. A reasonable tone makes a stronger case than an angry one. Even readers who disagree should respect the argument.

What markers scan for

  • Does the language sound fair, not exaggerated?
  • Does the writer acknowledge other viewpoints?
  • Are the words confident but measured?
  • Would a reader who disagrees still respect the argument?

Score Bands

  • Basic

    Language sometimes exaggerates; some words feel too strong or dismissive.

  • Strong

    Language is confident and measured; the writer sounds reasonable and fair.

  • Excellent

    Words are chosen with care; the writer sounds credible; even opponents may respect the argument.

Now read · Student sample

Tutoring Creates Unfair Advantages

Year 6 sample · \~300 words

Student sample for assessment

Written by a Year 6 student in Yarraville, Victoria, Australia.

Many families can afford after-school tutoring, but many cannot. Tutoring helps students improve in subjects they find difficult, which means some students get extra help while others do not. I believe that tutoring creates an unfair advantage in schools because it gives wealthy families an edge that struggling families cannot match. First, tutoring costs money that not all families have. A maths tutor might cost thirty dollars per hour. Some families can pay for two or three sessions a week. Other families cannot afford even one session. Over a year, that difference adds up to many hours of extra learning. If one student has had fifty extra hours of help and another student has had none, they are not starting from the same place when they take tests. This is unfair. Second, tutoring gives students confidence and strategy. A good tutor teaches not just content but how to approach problems. They identify weak areas and focus on them. A student without a tutor has to figure out these strategies alone. When tests come, the tutored student knows techniques the non-tutored student may never have seen. The non-tutored student has to learn everything from their teacher, which is just one source of information. Some people argue that tutoring is just extra practice and that all students could study at home. This is true, but it ignores something important. A tutor is trained to teach. A parent trying to help their child with homework is not trained and might teach the wrong method. A tutor gives professional help that home study cannot provide. I believe schools should focus on making sure all students get quality teaching from their teachers, not on allowing a few students to get extra advantage. If tutoring is becoming necessary to pass classes, then something is wrong with the teaching in schools. Every student deserves a fair start.