advice given to a friend
has he been taught the PEEL structure? are you yourself used to thinking in terms of the PEEL framework? some of my teacher friends who are trained in literature find it stifling to have to organise their thoughts in such a structured manner. but this template works for the best of us. It’s a default way to put across our arguments.
He is adept at writing sentences. How familiar is he with regard to penning cause-effect sentences? Maybe use some of these linking words to get him to express causative statements. Sentence starters like for this reason can be an excellent way to jog one’s thinking even if they feel like a crutch. Your son can always ditch them later once he gains more confidence in the way he frames his opinions.
He doesn’t seem comfortable with expressing opinions. Is it because he is more of go-with-the-flow and happy-go-lucky person, so he doesn’t feel particularly strongly about issues? Or is he kinda afraid of being a feeling his innermost thoughts, for fear that others might disapprove of them? Is he overly conscious of a need to express diplomatic answers?
Regardless of his reluctance, maybe get him to express his opinions on safe topics that he is passionate about. Stuff like should kids play Minecraft or Roblox? Should kids under the age of 13 be banned from using social media? (Some kids gravitate towards controversial topics like this.) Enxourage him to speak up and stress that there is no right or wrong answer. Once he gets accustomed to thinking in terms of the PEEL framework, his argumentative skills should improve.
It doesn’t seem like he dreads writing. But what medium is he most comfortable with? For some of my students, I don’t let them write until I hear them articulate their opinions. Some kids can only do one thing at a time.
he is probably lazy (as most children are these days haha). and it can be the case that he doesn’t know which argument is more substantial and how it feels/looks like.
why not take the weight off the writing and come up with some interactives? choose something light-hearted which he has a vested interest in. for instance, a topic like should I give you your allowance in fiat or sats?
then you give him 3 arguments for fiat and 3 arguments for sats and ask him to arrange in terms of persuasiveness. this should help him understand that some arguments are more cogent and convincing than others. after he has ranked all six statements, ask him what his stand is. I think some kids need time to make up their mind. that ranking activity helps to give them the time needed.
if ranking strips of paper sounds unappealing to your kid, get him to prepare a sandwich instead. he can associate the meat patty and vegetables with the most substantial argument and nice-to-have supporting arguments respectively. and use them to build his own sandwich. after that, he can eat it. the trick is to get him to think without him feeling like he’s exerting strenuous effort
