How to Write a Comment (Mittelstufe)
Zielsetzung: Das übergeordnete Lernziel des Arbeitsblattes ist es, Schüler:innen anzuleiten, wie sie einen "Comment" (Meinungsbeitrag) verfassen, indem sie eine klare Struktur, die Formulierung der eigenen Meinung, die Darstellung von Pro- und Kontra-Argumenten sowie eine schlüssige Schlussfolgerung erlernen.
Inhalte und Methoden: Das Arbeitsblatt behandelt die Bestandteile eines Kommentars: Einleitung, eigene Meinung, Gegenargumente, unterstützende Argumente und Schlussfolgerung. Es werden verschiedene Beispiele für Einleitungen, Meinungsäußerungen und Argumente vorgestellt, die von den Schüler:innen bewertet werden sollen. Zudem werden Kriterien für gute Argumente erläutert. Eine praktische Aufgabe fordert die Schüler:innen auf, Textbausteine den jeweiligen Teilen eines Kommentars zuzuordnen. Abschließend sollen die Schüler:innen selbst einen Kommentar zu einem vorgegebenen Thema verfassen, wobei sie alle gelernten Aspekte anwenden sollen. Eine Vokabelliste bietet nützliche Formulierungen für die verschiedenen Abschnitte eines Kommentars.
Kompetenzen:
- Schreibkompetenz (Verfassen eines strukturierten Meinungsbeitrags)
- Argumentationsfähigkeit (Entwicklung und Stützung von Argumenten, Berücksichtigung von Gegenargumenten)
- Kritisches Denken (Bewertung von Textbeispielen und Argumenten)
- Sprachliche Ausdrucksfähigkeit (Anwendung passenden Vokabulars und logischer Satzstrukturen)
- Leseverständnis (Analyse und Verständnis der Richtlinien und Beispiele)
Zielgruppe und Niveau: Mittelstufe
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Target group and level
Mittelstufe
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How to Write a Comment (Mittelstufe)


Guideline for writing a comment
Introduction to set the scene
Start your comment by introducing the topic you are going to discuss. Provide some background information to help the reader understand the context. This is where you set the scene and explain why the topic is important or relevant.

Different introductions
Read the following introductions. Which ones of them are good, which ones aren't, and why?
1. School uniforms are good. They should be mandatory.
2. The debate over school uniforms is a topic of interest for many educators and parents. Making uniforms mandatory for all students could promote equality, reduce distractions, and create a sense of community within the school environment, benefiting students academically and socially.
3. School uniforms are a subject that involves clothing worn by students. Schools are places where students go to learn. Some people have opinions about uniforms. The topic of school uniforms is something that people sometimes talk about in different contexts.
Use this space for notes.
Additional information for teachers
The second introduction is the best because it provides clear context and explains the importance of the topic. It mentions specific benefits of mandatory school uniforms, like promoting equality, reducing distractions, and fostering community. This helps readers understand why the topic matters.
On the other hand, the first introduction is too short and lacks context. It states an opinion without explaining why school uniforms should be mandatory, leaving readers without a proper understanding of the topic's relevance.
The third introduction is too general and doesn't add valuable information. It simply describes what school uniforms are and that people talk about them, but it doesn't explain the significance of the debate or why it's worth discussing. This makes it unhelpful for setting the scene in a written comment.

Guideline for writing a comment
Own opinion
Clearly state your own opinion on the topic. Make sure your opinion is clear and specific, so that the reader understands your position.

Different opinions
Read the following opinions. Which ones of them are good, which ones aren't, and why?
1. School uniforms can help reduce bullying because everyone wears the same clothes. They also make mornings easier because students don’t have to choose what to wear.
2. I think uniforms are not good. I mean, like, why do we need them? They are boring and make everyone look the same, you know?
3. In my opinion, school uniforms should be mandatory for all students.
Use this space for notes.
Additional information for teachers
The third opinion, "In my opinion, school uniforms should be mandatory for all students," is the best because it clearly states the writer's position. It is direct and easy to understand. The first opinion provides reasons for supporting uniforms, like reducing bullying and making mornings easier, but it isn't clear if the writer agrees or disagrees with these points. The second opinion, "I think uniforms are not good," lacks clarity and specifics. It uses informal language and doesn't explain why uniforms are boring or why making everyone look the same is a problem.
To write a good comment, it is important to clearly state your opinion and give reasons to support it. The third opinion does this well because it tells us the writer's position directly. In contrast, the first and second opinions do not clearly express the writer's stance or give enough detail to explain why they feel that way. A strong comment should be clear, specific, and provide reasons for the opinion expressed.

Guideline for writing a comment
Three arguments against your own opinion
Present three arguments that oppose your opinion. This shows that you have considered different viewpoints. Start with the strongest counterargument and support it with an example. Then, present the second argument with an example, followed by the third and weakest argument with an example.
Three arguments supporting your own opinion
Now, present three arguments that support your opinion. Start with the weakest argument and provide an example. Then, present the second argument with an example. Finally, present the strongest argument with an example. This structure helps to build up to your most compelling point.
What makes up a good argument?
Clarity: The argument should be clearly stated and easy to understand.
Relevance: The argument should fit the topic or thesis well and show why it matters.
Evidence: A strong argument is supported by examples or proof from texts or reliable sources.
Logical Structure: There should be a clear connection between the argument and the main idea of the comment.
Depth: A good argument looks deeper into the topic, not just at the surface.
Objectivity: Even if the argument supports an opinion, it should be stated objectively, without emotional language.
Coherence: The argument should fit smoothly into the overall comment and work well with other points.

Arguments
Read the following arguments. Which ones of them are good, which ones aren't, and why?
1. Uniforms can suppress individuality. When students wear uniforms, they might feel like they can't express themselves through their clothing choices. For instance, a student who loves bright colors and unique fashion may feel restricted and less confident. This lack of personal expression can impact their overall sense of identity and creativity.
2. Uniforms are boring. Some people don't like the style of uniforms and think they look ugly. This can make students unhappy because they can't wear what they want, and it makes school less fun.
3. Uniforms make everyone look the same. Students might not be able to tell each other apart easily, which can be confusing. This is not good because students need to recognize each other to make friends.
4. Uniforms are cool because they make everyone look smart. When students wear uniforms, they look neat and tidy, and this makes the school look good. It's nice when everyone matches.
5. Uniforms save time in the morning. Students don't have to think about what to wear, so they can get ready faster. This helps them not be late for school.
6. Uniforms promote equality among students. When everyone wears the same clothes, it reduces peer pressure and bullying related to fashion choices or economic status. For example, a student from a less affluent background might feel more included and less judged, which can foster a more positive school environment and improve focus on learning.

Task
In the task on the following page, drag the text elements to the correct positions. Which sentences do you use for an introduction, which express your opinion, which ones are arguments, and what would you write as a conclusion to your comment?
Additional information for teachers
The first argument qualifies as a good argument because it clearly explains how uniforms can suppress individuality. It is clear and easy to understand, which is important for clarity. The argument is also relevant because it directly relates to the topic of school uniforms and their impact on students. To support this argument, there is an example of a student who enjoys bright colors and unique fashion feeling restricted, which provides evidence and makes the argument more convincing. The logical structure is present as the argument connects well to the main idea about the effects of uniforms. Additionally, the argument looks deeper into the topic by considering the impact on identity and creativity, demonstrating depth. The objectivity is maintained by presenting the argument in a neutral tone, and coherence is achieved as the argument fits smoothly into the overall discussion.
The last argument is also good because it presents a strong case for how uniforms promote equality among students. The argument is clear and straightforward, meeting the clarity criterion. It is relevant because it addresses the topic of school uniforms and their role in reducing peer pressure and bullying, showing why it matters. There is evidence provided with an example of a student from a less affluent background feeling more included, which supports the argument effectively. The logical structure is apparent as the argument logically connects the use of uniforms to a positive school environment. The argument shows depth by discussing how uniforms can improve focus on learning, going beyond the surface issue. Objectivity is maintained as the argument is stated neutrally, and coherence is present as the argument works well with other points in the discussion.

Useful vocabulary
Introduction
- topic - Thema
- issue - Problem/Angelegenheit
- opinion - Meinung
- thesis statement - These
- In my opinion - Meiner Meinung nach
Main body
- argument - Argument
- reason - Grund
- example - Beispiel
- point of view - Blickwinkel
- comparison - Vergleich
- contrast - Gegensatz
Arguments
- Firstly/Secondly/Thirdly… - Erstens/Zweitens/Drittens…
- Secondly… - Zweitens…
- In addition… - Darüber hinaus
- Moreover… - Außerdem
- Furthermore… - Außerdem…
- On the one hand… - Einerseits…
- On the other hand… - Andererseits…
- However… - Jedoch…
- Although… - Obwohl…
- For instance… - Zum Beispiel…
- For example… - Beispielsweise…
- As a result - Resultierend daraus
- Therefore… - Daher…
- Thus… - Somit…
- Consequently… - Folglich…
- Finally… - Schließlich
Conclusion
- In summary… - Zusammenfassend…
- To sum up… - Abschließend…
- In conclusion… - Abschließend…
- Overall… - Insgesamt…

Task
Now write your own comment, you can find the task below. Write about 150 words.
Write a comment on the topic "Technology makes life easier for everyone". Make sure to include:
- an introduction
- your opinion
- three arguments against your own opinion (starting with the strongest)
- three arguments supporting your opinion (ending with the strongest)
- examples supporting your arguments
- a conclusion
Make sure to include fitting vocabulary, to follow a logical structure, and to check for grammar mistakes at the end.
Your comment
Additional information for teachers
Technology and Its Impact on Everyday Life
Technology has become a crucial part of our daily lives, influencing everything from communication to transportation. While it is often hailed for making life easier, the true impact of technology can be complex and varied. Understanding its role is essential as it continues to shape our world.
In my opinion, technology indeed makes life easier for everyone. However, there are arguments against this view. Firstly, some people argue that technology can make life more complicated. For example, managing numerous apps and devices can be overwhelming. Secondly, technology can create dependency. Many people rely heavily on their smartphones or computers for basic tasks, which could be problematic if these devices fail. Lastly, technology can lead to privacy concerns, as personal data can be easily accessed by third parties.
On the other hand, there are strong arguments supporting the idea that technology simplifies life. Firstly, it offers convenience; for instance, online shopping saves time and effort. Secondly, technology enhances communication, allowing people to connect instantly regardless of distance, as seen with social media and video calls. Lastly, technology improves access to information, making learning and problem-solving much easier and quicker.
In conclusion, while there are valid concerns about technology, its benefits in terms of convenience, communication, and information access are significant. Therefore, I believe that technology does make life easier for everyone.