ENGLISH 10- QUARTER 2; MODULE 5

Name of Learner: ______________________________________ Grade Level: ___________

Section: _______________________________________________ Date: ________________

Parts and Features of an Argumentative Essay

Background Information for Learners

In your previous grade levels, you have been taught of different types of essays and
how to write them. In this lesson, you will learn more on argumentative essay, its parts and
its features.

Argumentative essay
Argumentative essay is a type of formal essay that tries to change the reader’s mind
by convincing the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view about a certain issue. It
uses evidence and facts to support the claim that the author makes. Thus, the pros and cons
are given to both sides so that the reader can weigh and decide on the stand that s/he is
going to take.

Argumentative Essay vs. Persuasive Essay

Argumentative essay asks you to give the facts straight. The facts and evidence to
be included in your argument should be from credible sources. Evidence can be in the form
of scientific data, results from researches or statistics.

Persuasive essay asks you to convince the reader with your beliefs using your own
words. Your ideas and opinions should stir up the emotion of your reader. In this type of
essay, the use of persuasive techniques should be employed.

Parts of an Argumentative Essay

Generally, all essays have three parts namely introduction, body, and conclusion.
The introduction is the first paragraph of your essay. This contains the general
statement and thesis statement of your essay. General statements are few sentences about
the subject of your essay to catch the attention of your reader while a thesis statement
contains your main point about the subject.
The body contains the supporting details of your main idea. This consists of one or
more paragraphs following the introduction. Each paragraph supports the main idea of
your essay by breaking it down into smaller ideas or sub- topics.
The conclusion is the last paragraph in the essay. It completes the essay by
summarizing the most important ideas.
An argumentative essay has these parts. However, the following should be
observed when writing the said parts.
The introduction of your argumentative essay should contain a general statement and
a thesis statement. The thesis statement is your claim as a writer.
🧐Add-on to Learning. A claim is your opinion or your position about the issue
that you are talking about.

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 The body of your essay should include 1 -3 reasons about your claim. Reasons
should be backed up by evidence like facts including scientific data and statistics. Each
reason will be one paragraph each.
The conclusion part of your essay should summarize and review your main points and
let your reader think about your claim.
Specifically, argumentative essay has two more parts. These are the:
Counterclaim- this is a claim or a reason that your reader might bring up to
disagree with your position.
🧐Add-on to Learning. Counterclaim is also called as counter-argument.
Rebuttal- this follows the counterclaim. This is your response to the counterclaim.
This negates or disagrees with the counterclaim given. In this part, you should
have the “last word” by giving a concrete piece of evidence to strengthen your
claim.

Language Features of an Argumentative Text

I. Uses of Modals
Modals are used as auxiliary or helping verbs with special functions.
The following are examples of modals which you can use in strengthening your positions/
arguments when making an argumentative text.
Should- used for advice and recommendations.
Example: You should observe proper personal hygiene in order to avoid from
getting
sick.
Must – used for orders, suggestions, required action and very strong advice.
Example: You must wear a face mask whenever you are going to go out from
your house.
May- suggests that something is possible.
Example: You may become what you wish to be if you will work for it.
Might- suggests a weaker possibility.
Example: Some of your decisions might affect your future.
Will- express willingness and intentions. It is also use to announce a decision at the moment
that one makes it.
Example: Being obedient and responsible towards your actions will help you
become successful someday.
🧐Add-on to Learning. Modal adverbs are also used to add conviction to your claim.

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Examples of modal adverbs are certainly, absolutely, probably, usually and definitely.

II. Use of Conjunctions or Connectives

Conjunction is a word used to connect other words, group of words or ideas. It also called
as connectives. Examples of connectives are because, although, on the other hand, therefore,
in order that, and as much as.
Review your transitional words, conjunctive adverbs, and their uses in sentences/
paragraphs.

III. Use of Evaluative Language

Implicit language- this kind of evaluative language is used when the writer wants to add
effect to the purpose of his writing by not directly stating his aim but can be understood by
the reader.

Explicit language- this kind of evaluative language is used when the writer wants to
explain and describe things in a detailed manner by directly stating his purpose of writing.

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 Take a look at the parts of an argumentative essay below:
Title: Are you Distracted by Technology?
This part is the Introduction of an essay
According to an article published by Daily Mail, an average person spends 8 hours
and 41 minutes on electronic devices. That period of time surpasses the time an average
person spends sleeping for 20 minutes. There is no doubt in the fact that people are getting
more dependent on technology as time goes by. The only question is: are we too distracted
by it?
Author’s Claim
Technology can be a distraction only when people fail to use it responsibly.
When a responsible individual uses smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices to get
access to knowledge, contacts and truthful information, technology serves as the most
useful tool for elevating their quality of life.
Body of the Essay
Technology takes us to places most of us never get to see, it helps us find out every
piece of information we need, and it enables us to communicate with any person,
regardless of their location. A report from a survey conducted by Pew Research Center
showed that 62% of smartphone owners in the U.S. have used their devices to find
information about health conditions; 57% relied on their phones to do online banking; and
30% of them have taken a class or accessed educational content via smartphone during
2015.
Counterclaim

The biggest argument against the statement that technology can be beneficial for
everyone is the fact that it can be addictive. Children and teenagers, who seem to be
absorbed by games, are the most commonly used example that shows how distorted
modern values are. The Internet is presented as one of the greatest problems of today's
youth. Online media proved to be an extremely powerful weapon to control the population
and turn young people into slaves of consumerism. Websites and online magazines that
aim towards teenagers are flooded with topics that revolve around makeup, fitness, fashion
models, movie stars, and many more.
Rebuttal

The way we use contemporary technology is not determined by the content that's
being served online, but by our own character. If some people use Facebook as a dating
service, a distraction or a way to promote themselves, we cannot blame the creator of this
platform for their inability to gain knowledge, meaningful connections, and other benefits
from modern technology.
Conclusion

In conclusion, we cannot even imagine living without our smartphones,

tablets and laptops. We need these wonders of technology to communicate with the rest of
the world and get instant, free access to any piece of information we need. Whether we
allow ourselves to be entirely consumed by these devices or we stay resistant to the
temptations they impose - that's something we should all decide for ourselves. It's in our
nature to adapt everything to our interests. Thus, we take the devices that are available to
us and we choose the way we use them. Technology can distract only those who do not
plan to use it in the most beneficial way. For everyone else, it's a necessary aspect of the
way we function, and it makes us more effective and knowledgeable than humans ever
were.
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General Directions

Answer the following activities in order for you to learn more about the parts, features and
proper ways of writing an argumentative essay.

Review
Directions: The following statements are about essay, its parts and essay writing. On the
line before the number, write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if not.
__________1. An essay is a piece of writing expressing the author’s side of argument, story
or experiences.
__________2. Generally, there are four parts of an essay: introduction, argument, body and
conclusion.
__________3. The introductory part of an essay provides the most vital and important
content of the writing where the author provides evidence to tell his point.
__________4. A thesis statement is a clear one or two- sentence explanation of one’s
position
about the topic.
__________5. When writing an essay, the use of transition words helps the reader
understands how the writing flows from one idea to the next.

Activity 1: Quick Writing

In the space given, write as many ideas or arguments as you can for two minutes about the
situation given:

Esguerra, D. (2020, December 15). Face-to-face classes dry run set from January 11 to 23.
Retrieved December 15, 2020, from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1371994/face-to-face-
classes-dry-run-set-from-january-11-to-23

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Activity 2: Modal Works

Direction: Complete the sentence in each item by writing the correct modal on the blank.
Some sentences contain the purpose of the modal; in some, you need to understand well the
context of the modal use.
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1. _____ As law-abiding citizens of our country, we (may, must, will) obey the rules
and regulations set by the government.
2. _____ During the pandemic, the Philippine government set different rules and
regulations that we (may, must, will) follow.
3. _____ Our obedience to the said rules (with certainty- might, should, will) help in the
prevention of the spread of the disease.
4. _____ Region 02 is one of the areas put under the General Community Quarantine.
Under this, 50- 100% of selected establishments (permission- may, must, will) open subject
to the health standards set forth by the IATF.
5. _____ In Alert Level 4, any person who is pregnant, elderly aged 60 years old and
above, and minor aged 11 and below (may, might, will) not be allowed to go out because they
are more prone to acquire the disease according to health experts.
6. _____ Wearing face masks and observing social distancing (stern warning- may, must,
should) be observed when going out.
7. _____ As a student and a citizen of our country, you (capability- can, may, will)
spread awareness to other people about how we can solve the problem that we are facing.
8. _____ Writing a reminder post, sharing truthful information and educating yourself in
order for you to educate others (may, must, will) be a great help in the fight against this
pandemic.
9. _____ Aside from these, you (obligation- can, might, should) offer prayers for
emotional and physical healing of those who are sick and downtrodden.
10. _____ Remember, Dr. Jose Rizal believed that learners like you are the hope of this
country. Simple and small acts and words from you (possibility- can, might, will) make a
difference.

Activity 3: Connectives Play

Direction: Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunction to complete the thought
of the sentence. Choose your answer from the given conjunctions.
also although as a result
because but usually

1. Looking after one another and other creatures here on earth is a shared responsibility
among us ______________ we are called to be good stewards of creation.
2. Learners like you are also stewards. Each steward is different from one another.
____________ you are different from one another in terms of religion, ethnicity and
culture, you are called to look for each other’s welfare and safety.
3. _________________, you think that you need to be rich or popular to make a
difference
in our country _______________, you can use whatever God-given talent, gift or
intelligence that you have to help other people most especially the less fortunate.
4. Being a good steward ______________ means taking care of other creations around
us
like the natural resources whether these are the plants in your school, river in your
town

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 or your house pets.
5. Doing things that will not harm the environment like observing proper waste disposal
can lead to a better planet for us. __________________ we can live healthier and
happier.

Activity 4: Structure of an Argumentative Essay

Direction: Fill in the boxes below by providing the parts of an argumentative essay.

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Activity 5. Parts of the Argument
Direction: Identify whether the given sentence is an example of claim, counterclaim or a
rebuttal. Write your answer on the space before the number.

__________1. Washing your hands with soap after holding something or making contact
with someone is important.
__________2. Using hand sanitizer is as effective as washing your hands with soap.
__________3. Handwashing with soap removes germs from the hands and prevent infections.
__________4. Hand sanitizers without 60-95% alcohol will merely reduce the growth of
germs rather than kill them outright.
__________5. Hand sanitizers are 63 percent ethanol, which kills almost 100 percent of the
germs it comes in contact with.

Activity 6: A Safe Argument

Direction: Listed below are topics for argumentative essays. You are going to
choose only one topic. In this pre-writing activity, you are going to decide whether
you agree/ disagree with your chosen topic. After you have decided, supply a one-
sentence statement for each part of an argumentative essay. Provide (at leat) 2-(at
most) 3 reasons in the body paragraphs. This will already provide an outline of your
final argumentative essay that you will be writing in the FINAL TASK.

Topics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5. Humans are too dependent on computers.
6.
7.
8. Technologies at home (robot vacuum, air fryer, microwave oven, etc.)
make people lazy.

ANSWERS- State your topic. Write your one-sentence statement for each
part following the guidelines given in this module. To be able to do this, you
have to read thoroughly first about your topic. Reasons should be presented
logically and sensibly.

TOPIC:
1. Introduction:
2. Reason 1 with evidence
3. Reason 2 with evidence
4. Reason 3 with evidence
5. Counterclaim
6. Rebuttal
7.Conclusion

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 Final Task: Writing an Argumentative Essay
Direction: From your answer in activity 5, follow the structure of writing an
argumentative essay. Your output will be graded according to the given rubric. List
your sources using the APA format.

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References (at least three; APA format)

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Rubrics for Scoring of a Written Argumentative Essay

5 3 1
INTRODUCTI Well-developed Introductory Introduction states

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 introductory paragraph contains the thesis but does
paragraph some not adequately
contains background explain the
ON information and
detailed background background of the
Background information, a clear states the problem, problem. The
explanation or but does not explain problem is stated,
Thesis Statement using details. States
definition of the but lacks detail.
problem, and a the thesis of the
thesis statement. paper.

Two or three main Two or three main Two or three main

points are well points are present but points, but all lack
developed with may lack detail and development.
supporting details. development in one Counter claim and
Counter claim and or two. Counter claim rebuttal paragraph
MAIN POINTS are missing and/or
rebuttal paragraph and rebuttal
Body Paragraphs vague.
acknowledge the paragraph
opposing view, and acknowledge the
summarizes their opposing view, but
main points. doesn't summarize
points.
Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion
summarizes the summarizes main summarizes main
main topics without topics. Some topics, but is
repeating previous suggestions for repetitive. No
sentences; writer's change are evident. suggestions for
CONCLUSION
opinions and change and/or
suggestions for opinions are
change are logical included.
and well thought
out.
The writer treats the The writer uses some Some unclear or
subject seriously informal language confused
SENTENCE
using formal and slang. Most sentences; the
PRECISION language. All sentences are writer shifts
sentences are complete, accurate person throughout
Sentence
complete, accurate, and clear; there is an the essay .
Clarity and clear; the writer occasional use of
controls the point of "you" in the essay,
view appropriately. indicating a lack of
revision or control.
Sentence structure is Work contains
MECHANICS
generally correct.
structural
Punctuation Some awkward
Punctuation and sentences do appear. weaknesses and
Capitalization

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 capitalization are grammatical
correct. errors. There are
There are one or two three or four
errors in punctuation errors in
and/or capitalization. punctuation
and/or
capitalization.

References
Argumentative Essay vs. Persuasive Essay: What’s the Difference. January 25, 2017.
Retrieved from https://theasianlife.com/argumentative-persuasive-essay-
whats- difference/

Argumentative Essay: Are you distracted by technology?. (February 3, 2016).

Retrieved from https://www.essaymama.com/blog/argumentative-essay-are-
youdistracted-by-technology/

Department of Education.(2015). English Learner’s Material 10: Celebrating

Diversity Through World Literature. Department of Education. Pasig City.

Pearson Education South Asia. (2004). Writing and Grammar: Communication in

Action. Pearson Education Inc. Singapore.

Prepared by ROXANNE ELAINE J. CONCEPCION

Quality Assured by: MARYELLE C. MACAPIA

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