Using Language to Persuade - Unit 2
Presenting your point of view Presenting your point of view on an issue gives you the chance to express your own opinions and judgements. Everything you have learnt about analysing persuasive language is extremely relevant: as with all the examples of persuasive writing you have looked at, you will need to construct a sound and coherent argument, provide strong examples and evidence, and use a range of persuasive techniques to help persuade your audience to agree with you. You will also need to thoroughly research the issue so that you are well informed and understand all of the different arguments and viewpoints. A strong rebuttal of the viewpoints you disagree with is a crucial part of presenting your own position on an issue. Your point of view can be written as an essay or in any of the newspaper forms you have studied, such as a letter to the editor or opinion piece; it can also be given as an oral presentation, usually in the form of a speech to your class.
What is an issue? To present your point of view you will need to study an issue that is being debated (or has recently been debated) in the Australian media. An issue is a controversial subject that has caused a stir or a debate, with at least two clearly defined opposing 'sides' or viewpoints. An issue can be in the media for a short period of time, or it can recur over several years. An issue comes about when public interest is aroused and divided. This can happen when: •
a high-profile person promotes a cause and generates interest in an issue
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a change in government policy affects people's security or general welfare
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a catastrophic event occurs
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a major report is released
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a controversial opinion appears in the media.
Your issue: ________________________________________________________________________________ Once you have chosen your issue, gather information on it from a range of sources, including newspapers, magazines, the internet, and television and radio programs. Draw up a table with the following headings to collect all of your information in one place:
VCE ENGLISH UNIT 1&2
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