The exam-style question
This is an argumentative essay question, in the style of the First Language English papers. Read it as you would in the exam, then compare your plan with the model.
'Every school should teach basic cooking.' Write an argumentative essay defending this view, using reasons and examples and answering the strongest objection. This is our own original practice statement.
Notes: Cooking in Schools
Argumentative task: you must take and defend one side. Supporting points you may use or improve: many young people leave school unable to cook a simple, cheap meal; diet-related ill health is a growing worry; cooking teaches maths (weighing, timing), science (heat, reactions) and budgeting in a memorable way; a shared meal can build community in a class. Likely objections to answer: the timetable is already crowded; kitchens and ingredients cost money; some say cooking should be taught at home, not school.
A counter to that last point: not every child has someone at home able or willing to teach them, so school may be the only place some will learn. An argumentative essay argues one side firmly but must still deal honestly with the best objection against it, or it looks naive.
Model response: Argumentative essay
An argumentative essay commits to a side and defends it with reasons and evidence. It strengthens its case by confronting the best objection head-on.
A trial lesson can compare your child's own answer with this model on Argumentative essay.
Common errors we see
- Asserting opinions without reasons or evidence
- Ignoring or brushing off the strongest objection
- A thesis that is vague or shifts as the essay goes on
- Emotive claims ('everyone likes it') standing in for argument
- No clear structure linking each reason back to the case
How this maps to the mark scheme
Examiners mark against assessment objectives. These are the skills the paper rewards.
For argumentative essay, the objectives in play are listed below. The wording is summarised for Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (0500) on our qualification page.
- Articulate experience and express what is thought, felt and imagined.
- Organise and structure ideas and opinions for deliberate effect.
- Use register and style appropriate to purpose and audience.
- Make accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Marks reward a clear position, ordered reasons and a persuasive but controlled register. Accuracy is credited separately.
Other boards word their objectives differently, but the same skills earn the marks. Your board's official syllabus gives the exact weighting.
Where to go next
Learn the method in our guide to argumentative essay, then try the argumentative essay practice tasks. You can browse every annotated model response or see how we teach this in our First Language English tuition.
When you have written your own answer, take it to a paid one-hour trial lesson and the teacher who would continue will mark it with you.