PERSUASION TASK  5

Sometimes we feel very strongly about an issue and we want others to know how we feel.  So, what really interests you, angers you or makes you particularly sad?

One issue many teenagers feel strongly about is curfews for those under 16 years of age.

Imagine I was going to persuade you of the following:

“Local Authorities should not have the power to impose curfews on the under sixteens”.

Some people who OPPOSE this might argue that:

1. Curfews would cut the number of incidences of street crime and vandalism committed by under 16s.

But to SUPPORT my statement I might argue that:

1. Curfews are against everyone’s human rights.
2. It would destroy positive relations between police and children
3. There aren’t enough police to enforce curfews.
4. Curfew schemes eg, in Hamilton have not been proven successful.

Here are some other statements made by teenagers about issues on which they hold strong views.

• School Uniform should be banned.
• Parents should not have the right to smack their children
• Scotland should be an independent country
• The sale of fireworks to members of the public should be banned
• People who are terminally ill or severely handicapped should be allowed or even helped to die
• Mobile phones at school should be banned

• People should not be allowed to keep dangerous dogs
• Violent video games have a negative effect on children

Do you feel strongly about any of these issues?

Perhaps you feel that the opposite of one of these statements is true, eg:

• People who are terminally ill or severely handicapped should NOT be allowed or even helped to die

Chose one of the statements from the list that you agree with and write it in your jotter

•  ___________________________________________________________________________

NOW write down 3 or 4 reasons why you feel this way.   (Again use the curfews example to help you)

1. ___________________________________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________________________________________

NOW write down one reason that some people might OPPOSE this viewpoint.  (use the curfews example to help you)

1. ___________________________________________________________________________