Higher Writing Folio

Discursive Writing

Learning Intentions

• Understand the importance of the Higher writing folio

• Identify the key pieces of information you must take into account

• Begin to think about topics/subjects/issues you could use for your discursive essay

Higher Writing Folio

Your Higher writing folio is worth 20% of your overall grade and must contain two pieces of writing. These come under:

• Creative/personal

• Discursive

Discursive Essay

This type of essay has three sub-categories:

• Report

• Argumentative

• Persuasive

Discursive Essay

We will begin to look at some persuasive writing and you should spend this time thinking about the topic you wish to write about.

You must choose your topic wisely as you need to be able to take a clear stance and persuade your audience to agree with you.

Higher Writing Folio – General Information

Word Count• The word count is very important as you will be

penalised if you do not follow it. The minimum word count is 650 words at Higher. If you are under this then you automatically fail and the highest you can get (regardless of content) is 11.

• The most you can write is 1300 words. If you are over then your essay is sent to the Principal Assessor and a penalty is applied.

Higher Writing Folio – General Information

Technical Accuracy

• Your essays must be deemed consistently accurate in terms of punctuation, spelling and grammar. If there are too many errors then you automatically fail.

• I am not allowed to correct any technical accuracy errors but I can bring them to your attention.

Higher Writing Folio – General Information

Evidence

• You need to show clear evidence of the writing process throughout the year. This means I will require a task proposal, a plan, first drafts etc.

• You will be given homework to do over the holidays that relate to your task proposal and plan.

Higher Writing Folio – General Information

• Essays should be typed up and put in an appropriate format.

• You will be given opportunities throughout the year to write in different ways to help you choose your best pieces.

• These will not be marked over and over again.

Higher Writing Folio – General Information

References

• You must include a list of books, websites, journals etc… that you read and referred to in your discursive essay.

• If this is not included then markers may become suspicious and refer it to the PA so make sure you keep a list of your sources.

Persuasive Writing – Think/Pair/Share

On your own, THINK about the purpose of persuasive writing and when it is used.

In PAIRS, discuss your ideas and add to your notes.

Finally in groups, SHARE your information and try to identify the techniques a writer can use in order to be persuasive.

Possible Topics

As stated earlier, your choice of topic is extremely important as it needs to be something you can:

• Explore from different angles

• Provide a clear stance

• Research and find clear evidence

• Feel strongly about

Topics

In groups, create a list of possible topics you could write about. Think about what is important to you and what you feel strongly about.

Topics

Avoid:• Euthanasia• Abortion• Size Zero• Footballer’s Wages• Legalisation of drugs

These are all done to death!!!!!

Topics

By the end of this period, you must have chosen a topic to write about. Use the laptops for inspiration if you can’t think of anything. If you already have your topic, begin your research.

Useful Websites

• http://www.procon.org/

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/

• http://www.idebate.org/debatabase/topic_index.php

Topics

Move around the room and exchange ideas with each person you meet. Think about their choice of topics and if there is anything you could use.

Remember, you MUST have your choice of topic decided for when you come back.

Model Essays

Read over an example model essay and look at the grade related criteria. Highlight any good examples of persuasive writing and decide, which grade you would award it. Remember to justify your choice.