## **Learning Outcomes**

After working through this article, you will confidently structure a sustained argument for Paper 2 Section B (AO5/AO6). You will be able to plan and organise your points in a logical sequence, include a counter-argument with an effective rebuttal, and use cohesive devices to link paragraphs and ideas throughout your response. These organisational skills are essential for high marks in both content and structure.

## **AQA GCSE English Language 8700 Syllabus**

For AQA GCSE English Language 8700, this article helps you:

- Organise information and ideas using structural and grammatical features to support coherence and each text's purpose (AO5)
- Communicate clearly, effectively, and imaginatively, selecting and adapting tone, style, and register for different purposes (AO5)
- Construct a sustained and coherent line of argument across multiple paragraphs (AO5)
- Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose, and effect (AO6)

## **Test Your Knowledge**

_Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision._

1. Why is a counter-argument included in a persuasive or argumentative response?
2. True or false: A counter-argument should always appear in the first paragraph.
3. What is cohesion, and how does it differ from coherence?
4. Name three discourse markers you could use to signal a contrast between paragraphs.

## **Introduction**

Paper 2 Section B rewards writing that is organised, purposeful, and sustained. The AO5 mark scheme at Level 4 (19-24 marks) requires "compelling" communication with "extensive and ambitious" use of structural features. This means your response needs more than good ideas — it needs a clear plan, a logical order, and visible links between paragraphs.

The three pillars of a strong argument structure are: a logical sequence of points that builds toward a conclusion, a counter-argument that shows awareness of the opposing view, and cohesive devices that connect every paragraph to the one before it.

> **Key Term: argument structure**
> The planned organisation of an argument, typically including an introduction (stance), supporting points (body), a counter-argument and rebuttal, and a conclusion.
>
> **Key Term: counter-argument**
> An acknowledgement of the opposing viewpoint, included to show awareness and maturity before being challenged with a rebuttal that reinforces the writer's original position.
>
> **Key Term: cohesion**
> The use of linking devices — including discourse markers, pronoun references, and lexical chains — to connect sentences and paragraphs so that the writing flows logically from one idea to the next.

## Structuring an Argument (AO5)

A well-structured argument follows a clear pattern that the reader can follow from beginning to end. The most effective structure for Section B responses is:

1. _Opening paragraph_ — state your stance clearly and explain why the topic matters
2. _Supporting paragraphs (3-4)_ — each develops one point with evidence, example, or explanation
3. _Counter-argument paragraph_ — acknowledge the strongest opposing point, then rebut it
4. _Conclusion_ — reinforce your stance, echo the opening, or issue a call to action

Each supporting paragraph should follow a consistent internal structure: topic sentence (stating the point), development (evidence, example, or reasoning), and link (connecting to the overall argument or transitioning to the next point).

Planning before writing is essential. Spend five minutes listing your points, putting them in order of strength (save your strongest point for last or second to last), and deciding where to place the counter-argument. This prevents repetition and ensures logical progression.

### **Worked Example 1.1**

A plan and model opening for the task: "Write an article arguing that PE should be compulsory for all students up to age eighteen."

Plan:

- Opening: PE is essential for physical and mental health
- Point 1: Physical health benefits (obesity, fitness, lifelong habits)
- Point 2: Mental health benefits (stress relief, concentration, confidence)
- Point 3: Social skills and teamwork
- Counter-argument: Some students dislike PE or have health conditions — but PE can be adapted
- Conclusion: Making PE compulsory is an investment in long-term wellbeing

> **Answer (model opening paragraph):**
>
> At a time when rates of childhood obesity are rising, mental health referrals among young people have doubled, and screen time continues to replace physical activity, the case for compulsory PE has never been stronger. Physical education is not a luxury or a distraction from academic subjects — it is a vital part of a young person's development, and removing it from the timetable after sixteen is a decision we can no longer afford to make.
>
> This opening states the stance immediately, uses a tricolon of evidence to establish urgency, and positions the argument as a matter of national importance. The final sentence frames the conclusion before the argument has even begun, giving the reader a clear sense of direction.

### **Exam Warning**

> Do not start writing without a plan. Unplanned responses tend to repeat points, lose focus, or end abruptly. Spending five minutes planning saves time during writing and produces a visibly more organised response.

## Using Counter-Arguments Effectively (AO5)

Including a counter-argument is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate sophistication in your writing. It shows the examiner that you have considered the issue from multiple angles and that your position is strong enough to withstand challenge.

The most effective structure for a counter-argument paragraph is:

1. _Concession_ — acknowledge the opposing point fairly ("Some may argue that..." or "It is true that...")
2. _Rebuttal_ — challenge the opposing point with evidence or reasoning ("However, this overlooks..." or "While this may be true in some cases, the evidence suggests...")
3. _Reinforcement_ — return to your original stance, now strengthened by having addressed the objection

The counter-argument should typically appear as the penultimate paragraph — after your strongest supporting points and before your conclusion. This placement allows you to address the opposition and then close on a decisive, confident note.

### **Worked Example 1.2**

A counter-argument paragraph for the PE task:

> **Answer:**
>
> Opponents of compulsory PE argue that some students find sport uncomfortable or humiliating, and that forcing reluctant participants onto a playing field achieves nothing but resentment. There is some truth in this: a one-size-fits-all approach to PE can alienate students who do not enjoy competitive sport. However, this is an argument for better PE provision, not for abolishing it. Schools could offer a range of physical activities — from yoga and swimming to dance and climbing — that cater to different interests and abilities. Removing PE entirely because some students dislike the current format is like closing a library because the book selection is poor. The solution is to improve the offering, not to eliminate it.
>
> This paragraph concedes the opposing point fairly ('There is some truth in this'), then rebuts it with a practical solution and an analogy that reframes the objection. The final sentence reinforces the original stance, leaving the reader with the writer's position rather than the opposition's.

## Cohesion and Logical Progression (AO5)

Cohesion is the glue that holds your argument together. Without it, even strong individual paragraphs can feel disconnected, making the response harder to follow and less persuasive.

### Discourse markers

Discourse markers signal the relationship between ideas and guide the reader through your argument:

- _Addition_: furthermore, moreover, in addition, equally
- _Contrast_: however, on the other hand, conversely, nevertheless, yet
- _Cause and effect_: consequently, as a result, therefore, this means that
- _Emphasis_: crucially, above all, most importantly

### Topic sentences

Each paragraph should open with a topic sentence that signals its main idea and connects to the previous paragraph. A strong topic sentence does two things: it introduces a new point and it links back to the overall argument.

### Paragraph-level cohesion

Beyond discourse markers, cohesion is created by:

- _Pronoun reference_ — using "this," "these," or "such" to refer back to a previous point
- _Lexical chains_ — repeating key words or synonyms across paragraphs to maintain thematic focus
- _Echo and development_ — each paragraph picks up where the last one left off and moves the argument forward

### **Worked Example 1.3**

Two consecutive paragraphs showing strong cohesion:

> **Answer:**
>
> [Paragraph 1] Physical education builds habits that last a lifetime. Students who are active during their school years are significantly more likely to maintain an active lifestyle as adults. By making PE compulsory until eighteen, we are not simply filling a timetable slot — we are investing in a generation's long-term health.
>
> [Paragraph 2] Equally important is the impact on mental wellbeing. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and build self-confidence. For students facing the pressures of exams, PE provides a vital outlet — a chance to reset and return to their studies with renewed focus.
>
> The discourse marker 'Equally important' signals that the second paragraph introduces a new but related point. The word 'impact' echoes the idea of consequences from the previous paragraph, and 'students' maintains the lexical chain. The topic sentence of the second paragraph both introduces its own point (mental wellbeing) and connects to the overarching argument (the value of PE). This is cohesion in action.

### **Revision Tip**

> Plan before you write. Spend five minutes creating a numbered list of your points, with one counter-argument placed strategically as the penultimate paragraph. For each point, write a one-line topic sentence. This prevents repetition and ensures logical progression through your argument.

## **Summary**

A strong Section B response is built on three foundations: a logical argument structure that moves from opening stance through supporting points to a decisive conclusion, a counter-argument that demonstrates maturity and strengthens your position, and cohesive devices that link every paragraph to the one before it. Planning is the key to all three — spending five minutes on a structured plan before writing is the most efficient way to improve both content and organisation marks.

## **Key Point Checklist**

_This article has covered the following key knowledge points:_

- Structure an argument with an opening, supporting points, counter-argument, and conclusion
- Plan the order of points before writing, saving the strongest for the end
- Include a counter-argument with concession, rebuttal, and reinforcement
- Use discourse markers to signal relationships between ideas
- Create cohesion through topic sentences, pronoun reference, and lexical chains
- Understand the AO5 mark scheme requirement for organised, coherent writing

## **Key Terms and Concepts**

- argument structure
- counter-argument
- rebuttal
- concession
- cohesion
- discourse marker
- topic sentence
- lexical chain
- logical progression


Writing to present a viewpoint - Argument structure, counter-argument, and cohesion