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- Emily Dickinson

You know that Portrait in the Moon --

So tell me who 'tis like --

The very Brow -- the stooping eyes --

A fog for -- Say -- Whose Sake?

...

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noun

A decorated cloth hung at the back of a stage.

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Reading Willow Persuasive Writing & Essays Library

A curated collection of persuasive texts and essay models exploring argument structure, rhetorical technique, and critical reasoning — ideal for developing analytical reading and writing skills across all year levels.

86 texts

Should Social Media Require Verified Age Checks?

822 words·~5 min read

Social media platforms have become central to modern life, yet their design often prioritises engagement over safety. The question of whether they should be required to implement verified age checks i...

Should Phones Be Locked Away During Class?

812 words·~5 min read

Phones should be locked away during class because attention is one of the most valuable resources in education. A lesson cannot succeed if students are physically present but mentally pulled toward me...

Against Clear Labels on AI-Generated Content

1,322 words·~7 min read

The proposition that all AI-generated content should be clearly labelled appears, at first glance, to be an unassailable defence of transparency. Who could oppose letting readers know whether a text w...

Should Students Get Free Public Transport?

715 words·~4 min read

The question of whether students should receive free public transport is more than a budgetary debate; it is a test of a society's commitment to equitable education. Access to schooling should not hin...

For Later School Start Times

464 words·~3 min read

The debate over school start times has intensified in recent years, with mounting evidence suggesting that early morning bells are detrimental to adolescent health and academic performance. Despite th...

Against Daily Reading Time in Every Class

494 words·~3 min read

The proposal that every class should dedicate a fixed period to daily reading time has gained traction among educators and parents alike. Proponents argue that such a routine fosters a love of literat...

Against Limits on Weekend Homework

483 words·~3 min read

The debate over whether homework should be limited on weekends has intensified as educators and parents weigh the benefits of academic momentum against the need for rest. While some argue that student...

Against School Uniforms

417 words·~3 min read

The debate over mandatory school uniforms often polarises opinion, but a careful examination of the evidence suggests that the case against them is stronger. While proponents argue that uniforms promo...

The Case Against Universal Basic Income

678 words·~4 min read

In recent years, the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) has gained traction among policymakers and intellectuals as a panacea for economic inequality and technological unemployment. Proponents ar...

For Learning First Aid

644 words·~4 min read

The question of whether first aid should be a compulsory component of the school curriculum is one that elicits strong opinions on both sides. Those who argue against mandatory training often cite the...

Against Stricter Biometric Surveillance Limits

917 words·~5 min read

In an era defined by unprecedented security challenges and the rapid evolution of digital infrastructure, the call to impose stricter limits on biometric surveillance has gained considerable traction...

Against Banning Dark Patterns

918 words·~5 min read

The question of whether dark patterns in digital design should be banned is one that demands careful consideration of competing values: consumer autonomy, commercial freedom, and the integrity of publ...

Against Protecting Minors from Political Advertising

833 words·~5 min read

The question of whether political advertising directed at minors should face stronger restrictions is one that demands careful consideration of competing values: the protection of young people from ma...

For Stronger Regulation of Addictive App Design

851 words·~5 min read

The question of whether addictive app design should be subject to stronger regulation has become increasingly urgent as digital platforms permeate every facet of daily life. This essay argues that the...

Against A Longer Lunch Break

428 words·~3 min read

The proposal to extend the school lunch break has gained traction among some educators and parents, who argue that additional free time would improve student wellbeing and foster a stronger sense of c...

The Case for Teaching Philosophy in Secondary Schools

569 words·~3 min read

In an era of information overload and polarised discourse, the capacity to think critically and reason ethically has never been more imperative. Yet, many secondary school curricula remain conspicuous...

Against Independent Algorithm Audits

1,015 words·~6 min read

In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital governance, the call for independent algorithm audits has gained considerable traction among policymakers and civil society groups. Proponents argue that s...

Against More Arts Electives

629 words·~4 min read

The question of whether schools should offer more arts electives has gained considerable attention in recent years. Proponents argue that expanding arts programmes fosters creativity, boosts student c...

The Essential Role of Media Literacy in Safeguarding Democracy

794 words·~4 min read

In a world inundated with digital content, the ability to critically assess media messages is not merely a skill but a democratic imperative. The proliferation of online platforms, while democratising...

For A Weekly Club Hour

395 words·~2 min read

Should schools set aside one hour each week for student-led clubs? The stronger position is yes: a weekly club hour enriches the school experience in ways that academic classes alone cannot. A persuas...

For Community Service Before Graduation

683 words·~4 min read

The proposition that community service should be a compulsory requirement for high school graduation has gained considerable traction in educational policy debates. Proponents argue that such a mandat...

Against Stronger Data Portability Rights

997 words·~5 min read

The debate over data portability rights has intensified as digital platforms accumulate ever greater stores of personal information. Proponents argue that allowing users to transfer their data easily...

Against More Shade Trees at School

456 words·~3 min read

The proposal to plant additional shade trees on school grounds appears, at first glance, to be an unqualified good. Trees offer respite from the sun, improve air quality, and create a more pleasant en...

Against Clearer Labels on Opinion Pieces

807 words·~5 min read

The proposition that opinion pieces should be labelled more clearly online appears, at first glance, to be a straightforward improvement to media transparency. However, a closer examination reveals th...

Against Compulsory Work Experience

706 words·~4 min read

The proposition that work experience should be compulsory for all students has gained traction in educational policy debates. Proponents argue that such programmes bridge the gap between academic lear...

For Protecting Student Climate Protest

848 words·~5 min read

The question of whether student climate protests should receive stronger legal protection has become a defining issue in contemporary democratic discourse. While some argue that such protests disrupt...

For More Student Input into School Rules

534 words·~3 min read

The question of whether students should have greater input into school rules is one that strikes at the heart of educational philosophy. While some argue that authority must remain centralised for eff...

For Buddy Reading Across Year Levels

396 words·~2 min read

Buddy reading, a practice where older and younger students read together, offers a range of benefits that extend far beyond simple literacy improvement. This persuasive argument contends that schools...

For Fruit for Every Child at Recess

322 words·~2 min read

Every school should provide fruit at recess. This simple policy can improve children's wellbeing, promote fairness, and build healthy habits that last a lifetime. While critics raise concerns about co...

For More Outdoor Learning Spaces

329 words·~2 min read

The modern classroom, with its fluorescent lights and regimented rows of desks, has long been the default setting for education. Yet a growing body of research suggests that confining students indoors...

Against Stronger Youth Mental Health Funding

787 words·~4 min read

The proposition that governments should substantially increase youth mental health funding appears, on the surface, both compassionate and prudent. After all, rates of anxiety and depression among ado...

Against Libraries Open After School

576 words·~3 min read

The proposition that school libraries should remain open after school hours appears, on the surface, to be an uncontentious proposal. After all, who could argue against providing students with additio...

Against Restricting Political Microtargeting

919 words·~5 min read

The question of whether political microtargeting should be restricted has become a flashpoint in debates about democratic integrity. Proponents argue that microtargeting enables campaigns to manipulat...

For A Stronger Right to Explanation

890 words·~5 min read

Should automated decisions come with a stronger right to explanation? This question has become central to debates about algorithmic governance, fairness, and democratic accountability. In an era where...

For Mandatory Deepfake Labelling

738 words·~4 min read

The rapid proliferation of synthetic media, particularly deepfakes, poses an unprecedented challenge to public trust and democratic discourse. Deepfakes—hyper-realistic audio, video, or images generat...

Against Later Starts for Older Students

699 words·~4 min read

The proposal to delay school start times for adolescents has gained traction among educators and health advocates, who cite research on circadian rhythms and sleep deprivation. Yet a closer examinatio...

For Mixed-Age Mentoring

570 words·~3 min read

The proposal that schools should establish mixed-age mentoring programs, in which older students guide younger peers through academic and social routines, has generated considerable debate. While some...

The Case for Banning Predictive Policing Algorithms

627 words·~4 min read

In the name of efficiency and crime prevention, law enforcement agencies across the globe have begun deploying algorithms that predict where and when crime will occur. These systems, often marketed as...

For Oral Presentations in Assessment

638 words·~4 min read

The debate over the weighting of oral presentations in student assessment has intensified in recent years, with proponents arguing that spoken communication is a fundamental skill undervalued by tradi...

For Privacy-First Age Assurance

999 words·~5 min read

The question of whether age assurance systems should prioritise privacy by design is not merely a technical one; it strikes at the heart of how democratic societies balance competing public goods. On...

Against Independent Journalism Funding

738 words·~4 min read

The proposition that independent journalism should receive stronger public funding appears, at first glance, to be an unassailable good. After all, a well-informed citizenry is the bedrock of democrat...

Against A Weekly Art Afternoon

359 words·~2 min read

Should schools set aside an entire afternoon each week for art? Proponents argue that such a block nurtures creativity and wellbeing, but a closer look reveals significant drawbacks. The core mission...

Against Recycling Bins in Every Classroom

340 words·~2 min read

The proposal to place recycling bins in every classroom appears, at first glance, to be an unqualified good. After all, teaching environmental responsibility is a worthy goal, and making recycling con...

Against Restricting Fast Fashion Advertising

603 words·~4 min read

The proposition that fast fashion advertising should face stronger limits appeals to environmental concerns and ethical consumerism. Yet a closer examination reveals that such restrictions may be misg...

Against More Practical Life Skills Lessons

654 words·~4 min read

The proposition that schools should expand their curriculum to include more practical life skills lessons has gained traction among educators and parents alike. Proponents argue that students emerge i...

For Assembly Roles for More Students

288 words·~2 min read

Should more students lead parts of assembly? This question has sparked debate in schools across the country. I believe that expanding student roles in assemblies is a wise decision that fosters confid...

The Imperative of Compulsory Voting in Federal Elections

482 words·~3 min read

Australia has long prided itself on being a robust democracy, yet the question of who participates in the electoral process remains contentious. At present, voting is compulsory for enrolled citizens,...

Against More Youth Spaces in Communities

661 words·~4 min read

The proposition that governments should invest more in youth spaces appears, at first glance, to be an unassailable good. Who could argue against providing young people with safe, dedicated areas for...

Against Mandatory Climate Risk Disclosure for Companies

840 words·~5 min read

The proposition that companies should be compelled to disclose climate-related risks in standardised public reports has gained considerable traction among regulators, investors, and advocacy groups. P...

Against More Local Excursions

602 words·~4 min read

The proposition that schools should increase the frequency of local excursions appears, on the surface, to be an appealing one. Proponents argue that such trips make learning tangible, foster communit...

For Guest Speakers Every Month

357 words·~2 min read

Should schools invite guest speakers every month? This question divides educators, parents, and students. Some argue that frequent visitors disrupt routines and strain budgets. However, a closer exami...

For Climate Action Days at School

792 words·~4 min read

The proposition that schools should hold regular climate action days has gained traction in educational discourse, yet it remains a subject of vigorous debate. This essay argues in favour of such init...

For Platform Accountability for Misinformation

820 words·~5 min read

The question of whether digital platforms should bear greater accountability for the spread of misinformation has become one of the defining civic challenges of our era. As social media companies incr...

Against Device-Free Lunch Breaks

485 words·~3 min read

The proposal to mandate device-free lunch breaks in schools has gained traction among educators and parents who argue that such a policy would foster face-to-face interaction and reduce screen time. H...

The Case for Mandatory Civic Service: Forging Unity Through Shared Contribution

845 words·~5 min read

In an era marked by deepening social fragmentation and political polarisation, the notion of mandatory civic service for young adults has re-emerged as a provocative proposal. Critics decry it as an i...

For More Student Choice in Reading

567 words·~3 min read

The question of whether students should have greater autonomy in selecting their reading materials within the school curriculum has sparked considerable debate. Proponents argue that choice enhances e...

Against Banning Energy Drinks Near Schools

710 words·~4 min read

The proposal to ban the sale of energy drinks near schools has gained traction among parents and health advocates, who cite rising concerns about adolescent health and academic performance. While the...

Against a Daily Screen-Free Lesson

435 words·~3 min read

In recent years, a growing number of educators have proposed that schools should protect one screen-free lesson every day. The idea sounds appealing: a break from digital devices might encourage more...

For the Mandatory Inclusion of Indigenous Australian Perspectives in the National Curriculum

639 words·~4 min read

The Australian education system has long been criticised for its singular perspective on the nation’s history and culture. Too often, the curriculum presents a narrative that marginalises the voices a...

Against More Cooking and Food Lessons

583 words·~3 min read

The proposal to expand cooking and food lessons in schools has gained traction among advocates who argue that such programs foster practical life skills, promote healthier eating habits, and build con...

Against Open Access to Publicly Funded Research

740 words·~4 min read

The proposition that publicly funded research should be made openly accessible to all has gained considerable traction in recent years, championed by advocates who invoke principles of equity, transpa...

Against Celebrating Effort More Than Winning

332 words·~2 min read

In recent years, many schools have shifted their focus from celebrating winning to praising effort. While this approach aims to build confidence and resilience, I argue that it ultimately undermines t...

For Optional National Digital Identity

954 words·~5 min read

The question of whether national digital identity systems should remain optional is not merely a technical debate; it is a fundamental test of how a democratic society balances efficiency with individ...

For Limits on Cashless School Systems

753 words·~4 min read

The question of whether schools should limit fully cashless systems is not merely a logistical one; it strikes at the heart of equity, access, and the purpose of public education. While proponents of...

The Imperative of Mandatory Mental Health Literacy in Senior Secondary Curricula

905 words·~5 min read

In recent years, the discourse surrounding adolescent well-being has converged on a troubling consensus: the mental health of young Australians is in decline. Rates of anxiety, depression, and self-ha...

For More Projects and Fewer Exams

580 words·~3 min read

The debate over how best to assess senior secondary students has intensified in recent years. Critics of traditional examinations argue that they measure only a narrow band of cognitive skills, often...

The Case for Compulsory Civics Education in Australian High Schools

559 words·~3 min read

In an era of declining voter turnout, rising political polarisation, and the proliferation of misinformation on social media, the question of whether Australian high schools should mandate civics educ...

The Case for Advanced Persuasive Literacy as a Core Senior Skill

850 words·~5 min read

In an era defined by information saturation and algorithmic curation, the ability to critically evaluate and construct persuasive arguments has become not merely an academic asset but a civic necessit...

Against More Debate and Public Speaking

545 words·~3 min read

The proposition that schools should allocate more time to debate and public speaking has gained traction among educators who champion student voice and critical thinking. Yet a careful examination of...

For Formal Argument Skills for All Students

661 words·~4 min read

The question of whether all students should be taught formal argument skills has become increasingly pertinent in an era marked by polarised public discourse and the rapid spread of misinformation. Th...

The Imperative of Civic Education on Compulsory Voting

611 words·~4 min read

In the Australian political landscape, compulsory voting is a distinctive feature, yet many young Australians enter the electorate without a thorough understanding of its history, mechanics, and ethic...

Against Mandating Digital Literacy as a Core Subject

1,049 words·~6 min read

The proposition that digital literacy should be mandated as a core subject in every school curriculum has gained considerable traction among policymakers, educators, and technology advocates. At first...

For Weekly Persuasive Speaking Practice

370 words·~2 min read

Should every class set aside time each week for persuasive speaking practice? I argue that it should, because regular spoken argument builds essential skills that benefit children in lasting ways. A s...

How Feedback Changes Work: Context And Power

1,278 words·~7 min read

Feedback is often imagined as a simple exchange: one person speaks, another listens, and improvement follows. Yet anyone who has sat through a year of essays, peer reviews, or even casual comments kno...

A Summary of Three Choices: Structure And Detail

651 words·~4 min read

Every day, we make countless decisions. Some are small, like what to eat for breakfast, while others shape our future. But among all the choices we face, three stand out as especially important: the c...

What Makes a Goal Worth Keeping: Context And Power

1,168 words·~6 min read

Consider two students at the same selective school: one from a prosperous family with a home library, tutors, and a parent who works flexible hours; the other from a single‑income household where ever...

How Confidence Is Built: Complexity And Critique

1,218 words·~7 min read

Confidence is often portrayed in popular culture as a straightforward quality: you either have it or you don't, and if you lack it, a few simple tricks—like power posing or repeating affirmations—can...

Comparing Memory and Record: Purpose And Audience

643 words·~4 min read

When you think back to a family holiday or a school camp, your memory probably feels clear. You might recall the smell of the ocean, the laughter at dinner, or the feeling of tired legs after a long w...

Why Endings Need Care: Voice And Argument

1,113 words·~6 min read

Every piece of writing, whether a novel, an essay, or a speech, eventually reaches its final moment. That moment—the ending—carries a weight that many young writers underestimate. In Year 11, you are...

The Shape of a Strong Explanation: Perspective And Evidence

816 words·~5 min read

When you explain something, you are not just delivering facts. You are building a bridge between what you know and what someone else needs to understand. A strong explanation does two things at once:...

The Role of Evidence in Opinion: Technique And Effect

971 words·~5 min read

Every opinion we hold is shaped by the evidence we choose to accept. The technique of selecting relevant evidence determines how convincing our argument becomes. When a writer picks facts that directl...

How a Community Remembers: Voice And Argument

1,030 words·~6 min read

Every community holds a collection of stories about its past. These stories are not simply records of events; they are shaped by the voices that tell them and the arguments those voices carry. When we...

Comparing Private and Public Voices: Technique And Effect

759 words·~4 min read

Every person has two voices: the private one we use when we are alone or with close friends, and the public one we use in formal settings, at school, or in writing for an audience. The private voice i...

Why Revision Matters: Context And Power

1,096 words·~6 min read

Revision is often misunderstood as a simple act of correction—fixing typos, smoothing awkward sentences, or adjusting punctuation. Yet for Year 12 students preparing to leave school, revision offers s...

The Question Left Open: Clear Understanding

558 words·~3 min read

Some of the best questions do not have tidy answers. In Year 6, we often learn that a good question is more valuable than a quick answer. When we study history, science, or even a story, the most inte...

A Polished Final Thought: Structure And Detail

765 words·~4 min read

When you finish a piece of writing, the last paragraph is your final chance to leave an impression. A polished final thought does not simply repeat what you have already said. Instead, it draws togeth...