Scribd
Upload
581 views

Unit 5 - Argumentative Essay PDF

The document provides an overview of how to write an effective argumentative essay, including choosing a topic that can be argued from different perspectives, using evidence and counterarguments to convince readers of one's position, and employing modal verbs and logical reasoning while avoiding fallacies. It also discusses outlining an essay, adding supporting information, and acknowledging opposing views.

Uploaded by

Heav Sanath
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
581 views

Unit 5 - Argumentative Essay PDF

The document provides an overview of how to write an effective argumentative essay, including choosing a topic that can be argued from different perspectives, using evidence and counterarguments to convince readers of one's position, and employing modal verbs and logical reasoning while avoiding fallacies. It also discusses outlining an essay, adding supporting information, and acknowledging opposing views.

Uploaded by

Heav Sanath
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 14

Institute of T echnology of

Cambodia (ITC)

English Section

Unit 4: Argumentative Essays

Presenter: Yeat Vanna

Class: I4 I (B2)

Academic Year: 2019 - 2020


Content
1. What is an Argumentative Essays?
2. Choosing a Topic
3. Convincing the reader
4. Counterargument and refutation
5. Developing Argumentative Essays
6. Language Focus: Controlling Tone with Modals
7. Writer’s note: Using Modals for Assertion and for
Acknowledging an Opposing view
8. Avoiding Faulty Logic
1. What is an Argumentative Essays?
- In an Argumentative Essay, the writer’s purpose is
to persuade the reader of an opinion about
something.
- For example, that female military personnel can
be as effective as males military personnel in
combat missions.
- The writer argues his or her point, gives reasons
to support it, and tries to convince the reader.
2. Choosing a Topic
- Choosing a topic that is appropriate for an
argumentative essay is especially important because
some things can’t be argued.
- For example, you can’t argue that a rose is more
beautiful than a daisy – this is an opinion that can’t be
supported by facts.
- However, you can argue that roses are more popular
than daisies and support the argument with facts about
florist’s sales of the two kinds of flowers.
2. Choosing a Topic
- Here is an effective topic and thesis statements for an argumentative essay:

Ex. Marriage under eighteen: People under the age of eighteen should not be
allowed to marry.

- You can argue either for (pro) or against (con).

- If your topic does not have two viewpoints, your essay will not be
effective.

Ex. Jazz music: Jazz music began with African Americans.

- This topic and thesis statement are ineffective.

- You cannot argue against this statement because it is a fact.

 Be sure that the topic you choose for an argumentative essay can be
argued both pro and con.
3. Convincing the reader
- Your job as the writer of an argumentative essay is to convince
your readers that your opinion about a topic (thesis statement)
if the most valid view point.
- To do this, your essay needs to be balanced.
- It must include an opposing viewpoint, or counterargument.
- Counterargument is a an argument against another argument,
idea or suggestion.
- As soon as you give your opponent’s point of view, you must
offer a refutation of it.
4. Counterargument and refutation
- The key to persuading the reader that your viewpoint
is valid is to support it in every paragraph.

- Every counterargument that you include in your essay


needs a refutation.

- A refutation is a response to the counterargument that


disprove it.

- See examples on page 110.


5. Developing Argumentative Essays

5.1 Outlining:

- See the activity 2: (page 111)

5.2 Adding supporting information

- See the activity 3: (page 113)


6. Language Focus: Controlling Tone with Modals
- In argumentative essays, good writers are aware of how
their argument sound.
- Are they strong? Not strong enough?
- Certain words can help control the tone of your argument.
 Asserting a Point
- Strong modals such as must, had batter, and should help
writers to assert their main points.
- When you use these words, readers know where you stand
on an issue.
6. Language Focus: Controlling Tone with Modals

 Acknowledging an Opposing Point

- Weaker modals such as may, might, could, can,


and would help writers make an opposing opinion
sound weak.

- You acknowledge an opposing point when you


use may, for example, but this weak modal shows
that the statement is not strong and can be refuted.
7. Writer’s note: Using Modals for Assertion and for
Acknowledging an Opposing view

- You are probably already familiar with most of the


modals in English – may, might, can, could, would,
must, should, had better, ought to.
- Modals can be useful in argumentative essays for two
reasons:
1. Strong modals help writers make their opinions sound
stronger.
2. Weak modals make opposing views sound weaker.
8. Avoiding Faulty Logic
- Good writers want to convince readers to agree with their
argument – their reasons and conclusions.
- If your argument are not logical, readers won’t be
convinced.
- Logic can help prove your point and disprove your
opponent’s point – and perhaps change a reader’s mind
about an issue.
- If you use faulty logic (logic not based on fact), readers will
not believe you or take your position seriously.
8. Avoiding Faulty Logic
 Try to avoid these errors in your writing: (page. 118)
- Sweeping Generalizations: words such as all, always, and
never are too broad and can’t be supported.
- Events related Only by Sequence: When one event happens,
it doesn’t necessarily cause a second event to happen, even
if one follows the other in time.
- Inappropriate Authority Figure: Using famous names may
often help you prove or disprove your point. However, be
sure to use the name logically and in the proper context.
8. Avoiding Faulty Logic
 Try to avoid these errors in your writing: (page. 118)
- Hasty Generalizations: are just what they sound like – making quick
judgments based on inadequate information. This kind of logical
fallacy is a common error in argumentative writing.
- Loaded Words: Some words contain positive or negative
connotations. Try to avoid them when you make an argument.
- Either/ or Arguments: When you argue a point, be careful not to
limit the choices to only two or three.

You might also like