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_i
ndex.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.