HKDSE One-sided argumentative writing (HKDSE 2022 part B Q9: 4-day school week)

 

One-sided argumentative writing 

 

 

Basic structure of each paragraph:

Point Reason Evidence : ______________________________

There are four kinds of evidence that are commonly used:

1.	Anecdotes/news reports	–	evidence based on experience
2.	Common knowledge	–	evidence based on beliefs commonly held by the general public
3.	Statistical data	–	evidence that involves figures from research or formal studies
4.	Quotations from experts/research findings	–	evidence based on judgements of experts in specific fields

Copyright: [Archive] Learning English through Debating (Secondary 4-6) A Resource Package https://www.edb.gov.hk/en/curriculum-development/kla/eng-edu/references-resources/Debate/debating.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRACTICE 1 – Below are examples of different types of evidence. Identify which type of evidence each example belongs to and fill in the blanks.

Example 1: __statistics_________ A study conducted by Cancer Society has found that smokers have a 70% excess risk of dying from all causes of death compared to non-smokers. A person who smokes more than ten cigarettes a day is 60% more likely to die.

Example 2: ___expert __________ “Many old people have the misconception that quitting smoking will shorten one’s life as they see their friends soon die after quitting smoking, but the truth is that they were already quite ill,” said Doctor John Chan from Hong Kong Hospital.

Example 3: ____anecdote__________ Many smokers start at a very young age. For example, Susan started smoking when she was just 13 years old. She tried to quit many times but failed. She quit when her first child was born with respiratory problems, due to her nicotine addiction.

Example 4: _______________________________   Smoking is an addiction that can cause a number of health complications, such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and premature deaths in babies.

 

 

 

 

 

2022 DSE Q9

Q9 Learning English through Debating

The School Management is considering a four-day school week. Students would only need to attend school four days a week instead of five, but the length of each day would be increased by one hour.

You are a member of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Write a letter to the President of the PTA stating your opinion either for or against a four-day school week. Give reasons to support your view.

Role: A teacher or a parent

Tone: formal and persuasive and polite

Dear President of the PTA,

As a parent of two children at our school, I am writing to express my concerns about the proposal for a four-day school week. While I understand the school administration's intention to potentially relieve students’ stress and provide more flexibility, I firmly believe that maintaining our current five-day schedule is in the best interests of our students and families.

(What is so important about the identity?) Ethos – credibility

My primary concern is the impact a four-day week could have on my children's academic progress and overall well-being. Extending the school day by an additional hour may seem like a reasonable trade-off, but is it really possible for students, especially the younger ones, to maintain focus and engagement for such prolonged periods? (What is this writing technique? Rhetorical question ) In the new policy, each lesson will be lengthened to a full 65 minutes, which would require students to sustain focus well beyond their optimal attention span of 28 to 42 minutes, as suggested by Dr. Anne Podolsky from the American Psychological Association. This could lead to increased behavioral issues and diminished learning.

(What is the evidence used?) expert opinion

Furthermore, one significant risk of implementing a free day within the school schedule is the potential for students to not use the time productively (TS). Without clear guidelines and required participation, some students may squander(waste) the free day away with idleness, unproductive activities, or even unsafe behaviors. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Hong Kong in 2023 found that when teenagers are given unstructured free time, the majority (70%) tend to engage in sedentary activities like video games, social media, or simply sleeping in. This could severely undermine the intended benefits of the free day, which are to provide opportunities for enrichment and whole-person development.

(What is the evidence used?) Statistics

Not only will the policy harm students' development, but it will also create difficulties for parents. The policy will not only harm students’ development but also create difficulties for parents. Many working parents, myself included, rely on the traditional five-day school week to coordinate our own work schedules and childcare arrangements. With our children spending an extra day out of school, we would be left without supervision for an entire additional weekday. This could force us to take time off work, find alternative childcare solutions, or even leave the workforce entirely - all of which would have profound impacts on family finances and dynamics.

(Arguing from different __stakeholders__ )

I understand the school's desire to alleviate/relieve student stress or to allow flexibility among students, but I do not believe a four-day school week is the appropriate solution. Instead, one potential option worth considering is the implementation of "special school days" every month, in which the lessons will be slightly shortened to make way for a variety of activities and workshops for students to participate in after-school. These could focus on mental health, physical fitness, and personal enrichment. This would give students the opportunity to rejuvenate(refresh) and grow without the significant risks and drawbacks associated with a four-day school week.

(What is so important about this paragraph?) Counter-suggestion

I urge the school board to carefully consider this alternative suggestion as they continue to explore ways to support our students. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to further discussion on this important issue within the PTA.

 

Yours faithfully,

Chris Wong

Concerned Parent