Writing a Balanced Argument for the 11+

What Is a Balanced Argument?

A balanced argument — sometimes called a discursive essay — is one of the most important non-fiction forms in the 11+ and independent school entrance exams. Unlike a persuasive piece, where you argue as forcefully as possible for one side, a balanced argument presents both the case for and the case against an issue, then reaches a measured conclusion.

This format tests a specific skill: the ability to hold two opposing ideas in your head at the same time and discuss both of them with fairness and intelligence. It's the kind of thinking that examiners — and future secondary school teachers — value highly.

The structure is logical and repeatable. Once you've learned it, you can apply it to virtually any topic the exam sets.

The Structure

Every balanced argument follows the same five-part pattern:

1. Introduction

Open by introducing the issue and explaining why it matters or is debated. Do not take a side here. End the introduction with a sentence that signals you will examine both sides.

"The question of whether schools should have longer summer holidays is one that divides parents, teachers, and pupils alike. There are compelling arguments on both sides, and this essay will explore them before reaching a conclusion."

2. Arguments in favour

One or two paragraphs presenting the strongest points in support of the issue. Use impersonal language: 'Supporters argue that…', 'One advantage is…', 'Research suggests…'

3. Arguments against

One or two paragraphs presenting the strongest points against the issue. Signal the shift with a balance connective: 'However…', 'On the other hand…', 'Despite this…'

4. Conclusion with a reasoned personal view

Bring the essay to a close by summarising both sides briefly, then offer your own view. It should feel measured, not passionate. 'Having considered both sides, I believe…' or 'Taking all of this into account, it seems that…'

Connectives That Signal Balance

The connectives you use tell the examiner that you understand how a balanced argument works. Here are the ones to know:

Adding a point on the same side

Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Also, Not only this, but…

Switching to the other side

However, On the other hand, In contrast, Despite this, Nevertheless, That said, Conversely, Yet…

Introducing evidence or examples

For example, For instance, Research suggests, Studies indicate, It has been found that…

Concluding

Taking all of this into account, Having considered both sides, On balance, Ultimately, In conclusion…

Model Essay, Annotated

Here is a model balanced argument on a topic common in Year 5/6 exams. Annotations appear in bold brackets.

[Introduction — states issue, does not take a side]
The question of whether schools should have longer summer holidays is one that provokes strong feelings among parents, teachers, and pupils alike. Supporters of extended holidays argue that children need rest and freedom to develop. Critics worry that long breaks disrupt learning and widen the gap between different groups of pupils. This essay will examine both sides before reaching a conclusion.

[Arguments in favour — impersonal language, one clear point]
There is a strong case for extending the summer holiday. Many educational experts argue that children, particularly younger ones, need extended periods of unstructured time to develop creativity, social skills, and independence. The current six-week holiday, some suggest, is barely long enough for many families to organise meaningful summer experiences for their children before the pressure of the next school year begins.

[Second point in favour]
Furthermore, research into wellbeing suggests that children and teachers alike suffer from increased stress as the school year progresses. A longer holiday would allow both groups to fully recover before the demands of autumn term. Countries such as Finland, whose pupils consistently perform well in international assessments, build in more substantial rest periods as part of their educational model.

[Switch — 'However' signals the turn]
However, there are significant arguments against longer holidays. The most widely cited concern is the 'summer slide': the tendency for academic skills, particularly reading and mathematics, to regress during long breaks. Research in the United States suggests that pupils can lose up to two months of learning progress over a ten-week summer. A longer holiday in the UK could risk a similar effect.

[Second point against]
Moreover, extended holidays create practical difficulties for many families. Parents who work full-time struggle to find and afford childcare for an already long six-week break. Lengthening it further would increase that burden considerably, and the children most likely to miss out on stimulating activities are those from less affluent households — potentially widening, rather than narrowing, the attainment gap.

[Conclusion — reasoned personal view]
Having considered both sides, I believe the current six-week summer holiday represents a reasonable balance, provided that schools and local authorities do more to offer affordable holiday provision for children from all backgrounds. While rest is undeniably important, the risks of extended learning loss and increased inequality are too significant to dismiss. Rather than extending the holiday, a better solution might be to reduce the intensity of the summer term to give children adequate rest before the break begins.

This essay is approximately 380 words — a realistic length for a timed 11+ exam piece. Notice how no single paragraph tries to make too many points at once.

Note for older learners: If you go on to study for GCSE or A-level English, or if you are an adult tackling IELTS Writing Task 2, you'll recognise this discursive structure immediately — it's the same framework used in Task 2 discussion essays. TalkDrill (a sister platform focused on IELTS preparation) covers this structure in depth for adult learners. The skills transfer directly.

Planning Template

Before you write, spend two minutes filling in this framework:

• Issue: [State the topic in one sentence]
• Arguments FOR (2-3 points):
• Arguments AGAINST (2-3 points):
• My conclusion: [Which side do I lean towards, and why?]

Once the framework is filled in, write your introduction, then work through your for-points and against-points in order, and end with your conclusion. Do not skip the plan — it prevents you from running out of ideas halfway through and ensures your essay has a clear shape.

Practice Prompt

Write a balanced argument discussing whether children should be allowed to use mobile phones in school.

Use the planning template above before you begin writing. Aim for five paragraphs (introduction, two for, two against, conclusion) in 25 minutes.