Argumentative Text Lecture

ARGUMENTATION
While expressing opinions or claims about an issue seems to be an easy thing to do,
writing effective argumentative texts, such as an argumentative essay, is actually not.
Writing argumentative texts requires a clear understanding of what argumentative writing is

- knowing structural patterns of argumentative texts
- employing techniques in researching and supporting a claim
- using language features appropriate for argumentation.
Argumentative writing is sometimes called persuasive writing because it seeks to convince
readers to support a stand on a certain issue.
Proposition is very essential in argumentative writing. It serves as the point of reference of

the argumentative writer.
- It is where the writer decides whether to express his/her agreement or disagreement.
- In doing so, it is necessary that he/she gathers information and/ or evidences that
would support his /her stand.
Argument means your stance, claim and take. It can be presented as:
• Essays
• Editorial
• Speech
An argumentative essay is an essay that presents a stand or a rationale on a given

proposition or issue. In this essay, the main argument presented is elaborated and explained
through the presentation of its pros and cons.
The main objective of an argumentative essay is to convince or persuade the reader into
considering your stand or argument on an issue.
Key Structural Elements of Argumentative Writing

The basic components of an argument include:
(a) a claim,
(b) reasons behind this claim, and
(c) evidences to support this specific claim.
The pattern of idea of development still varies on the how the writer intends to present his or
her main argument.
As an essay is usually made up of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion, argumentative
essays may use a pattern or structure that conforms to how a writer intends to present and
further establish a point.
These are the various patterns of how ideas or arguments in an argumentative essay may be
presented and developed:
Pattern A Pattern B Pattern C
A. Thesis Statement
A. Thesis Statement A. Thesis statement B. First Con +
B. First Pro B. Con(s) + Refutation
C. Second Pro Refutation(s) C. Second Con +
D. Con(s) + C. First Pro Refutation
Refutation(s) D. Second Pro D. Third Con +
E. Conclusion E. Conclusion Refutation
E. Conclusion
In Pattern A, the thesis statement about the issue is presented in the topic sentence.
It is followed by the first set of pros (supporting ideas) relative to the thesis statement. Then,
the second set of pros (supporting ideas) is also presented to further support and strengthen
the claim regarding the thesis statement. It is followed by the presentation of the cons
(counterarguments) and refutations.
Lastly, a conclusion that summarizes the ideas presented in the essay and highlights the
benefits of the thesis statement is presented to the readers.
Pattern B, meanwhile, is almost similar to the first one. The only difference is that it
presents the cons (opposing ideas) and refutations first before building up the thesis statement
using the pros (supporting ideas).
Finally, Pattern C presents the simplest flow of arguments starting with the presentation
of the thesis statement. Then, the three (3) sets of cons (opposing ideas) of the issue together
with their corresponding refutations are provided. Not a single pro (supporting idea) is given
in this pattern. This means that the conclusion needs to focus on justifying the refutations to
fully support the claim.
Language Features of an Argumentative Text

Like in other forms of writing, the use of language, particularly the choice of words to be
used, is an essential consideration in writing an argumentation. there is a need to choose
words that will contribute to the main purpose of writing.
For example, the use of grammatical structures like modals and adverbs among others
may greatly contribute to achieving a compelling argumentative essay.
Modals
The use of modal verbs like should and must to express suggestion and obligation,
respectively, contributes to the achievement of sentences that provide support to the main
argument.
a. The public should consider wearing face shields as additional protection against
COVID-19 infection.
b. Every Filipino must conserve water, energy, and other natural resources.
Adverbs
The use of adverbs like the ones listed below also contributes to the attainment of the
author's purpose for writing. These linguistic particles help indicate the mood or attitude of
the writer with respect to the ideas being presented.
Ex. Usually, probably, necessarily, actually, apparently, certainly, definitely, essentially, in fact,
possibly, inarguably.
a. Our sales are rising. In fact, they’ve risen by 10% this month.
b. Half of these people will definitely get the job done quickly.
Evaluative Language
The use of evaluative language, usually in the form of adjectives, reflects the writer's
attitude towards a certain idea.
These words express feelings, opinions, or judgments on what they are describing.
Evaluative words, including the ones listed below, can have positive or negative effects on an
idea.
Ex. Appalling, awful, disgusting, dreadful, horrendous, incredible, revolting, ridiculous,
shocking, terrible, wonderful
a. The war between Gaza and Israel must be terrible.
b. The cake in that bakery shop tastes wonderful.
Transitions
The use of appropriate transitional devices plays a great part in maintaining the smooth
flow of ideas in an argumentative text. These words are also known as connectives, help
achieve coherence in writing. Through these words, the danger of the essay sounding like a
group of disjointed opinions can be avoided.
Ex. Because, therefore, on the other hand, as a result, in summary, consequently, similarity,
in contrast, meanwhile, furthermore.
a. I want to grow up quickly because I want to be like my mom.
b. I studied about flowers meanwhile my friend studied about insects
Aside from those mentioned above, the use of these linguistic elements, such as
(1) Declarative statements - makes statement and ends with a period.
• I like freedom.
• My new shirt was cute.
(2) Rhetorical questions - question that is not supposed to be answered.
• Why bother?
• What are you, insane?
(3) Passive construction - a sentence where subject does not perform directly the action of
verb.
• Our turkey was eaten by the dog
• The bridge was destroyed by engineers.
Performance Task:
Choose one from the given topics and make an
argumentative essay.
Topic includes:
• Is technology making people lazier?
• Should divorce be legalized?
• Is zoo should be illegal?
• Are you a pro-choice or pro-life?

Argumentative Text Lecture

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Argumentative Text Lecture

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Argumentative Text Lecture

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

ARGUMENTATION

Writing argumentative texts requires a clear understanding of what argumentative writing is

Proposition is very essential in argumentative writing. It serves as the point of reference of

An argumentative essay is an essay that presents a stand or a rationale on a given

Key Structural Elements of Argumentative Writing

Pattern A Pattern B Pattern C

Language Features of an Argumentative Text

You might also like