Exercise: Argumentative text

In the example film about Persuasive text, part one, we read Michael's persuasive post on the internet. He was upset because his jogging trail in the wood was threatened, but we never found out by what. Now there is another facebook post by Michael. Start with: predict Think about... Why is Michael so upset?

Read the headline: The Threat of The Road. Aha! The trails are threatened by road construction. But why? Now it's time to read the post. "A lot of people want to live in the area next to Best Wood.

New housing as well as better roads are needed. So the proposition to build a new road and a new residential area is understandable. But isn't there a better solution to the problem than ruining the incredible nature in this place?" Aha! There is a proposal to build a road and a residential area in Best Wood. But that might not be so bad?

New roads and housing are needed... What do you think? Since this is a persuasive text, you need to consider both what the writer considers to be the best solution the writer's argument - and what is opposing it - the counter argument. To be able to grasp this in the best way, use the strategy: Text connections. Begin with connecting the text to world: Do you know anyone who is in need of somewhere to live?

If you live in a big city, you might. And then you might think that it is important to build new apartments or houses. Then make the text connection: text to text. Have you read in the papers about the housing shortage? Consider what you know about this issue.

You may feel this is an important issue. But is it more important than the access to jogging trails? Well... this is something you need to think about. Read on to see if the writer comes up with any more arguments. "A lot of schools, preschools and youth clubs use Best Wood.

Outdoor gym, cross-training and mountaineering are just a few examples of activities that engage the school-age youngsters. Added to that, Best Wood is a very important place for our education. Lessons in several subjects happen here, such as biology, physics, geography, and history." Now use text connection: Text to self. Have you had activities or classes in a forest with your school? Do you remember how they felt?

Did you think that they improved the learning experience? Mm, there is a lot of things to consider... "What is now being proposed will in a blameworthy manner... Oh, this was a difficult word, blameworthy manner... ? Split the word into smaller parts to see if you understand the parts better. Blame and worthy You know what blame means.

Blame means a sort of criticism. And worthy means that something deserves something. So blameworthy means that something deserves to be criticised. Read the whole sentence once more. "What is now being proposed will in a blameworthy manner devastate this incredible piece of nature. A big road through Best Wood will not only destroy important natural areas, it will also constrain the activities of its population." Here it's a good idea to Visualise create inner pictures What will the road look like?

What does the new residential area look like? What do the people living in the area look like? The ones travelling in the cars. "Population growth around Best Wood is huge. That puts high demands on residencies and transport. But - as in the proposal - to destroy what once was built by Best Wood's inhabitants is, to me, no less than a catastrophe!" When you've finished reading a persuasive text, it's especially important to use the strategy: Summarise.

It's not until you have done this, that you can decide what to really think. Answer questions like: What is going to happen in Best Wood? Why is there a building proposal? What is Michael's opinion about the proposal? Why is that so?

How do you feel about the building proposal? Why is that so? When you think about these questions, remember to formulate the answers in your own words, and don't just answer with what's there in the text. No matter what conclusion you reach, you've now read the text actively and with a critical eye. You can be proud to hold an opinion that is truly yours.