10

English
Quarter 2–Module 2:
Identifying Key Structural Elements of Arguments

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Ladylyn T. Punzalan
Editor: Leolinda C. Quimzon
Reviewer: Carolina C. Tayag
Illustrator: Ladylyn T. Punzalan
Layout Artist: Paolo B. Paras
Management Team: SDS Zenia G. Mostoles, EdD, CESO V
ASDS Leonardo C. Canlas, EdD, CESE
ASDS Rowena T. Quiambao, CESE
CID Chief, Celia R. Lacanlale, PhD
SGOD Chief, Arceli S. Lopez, PhD
June D. Cunanan, EPS-I, English
Ruby M. Jimenez, EPS-I, LRMDS

Published by the Department of Education, Schools Division of Pampanga

Office Address: High School Boulevard, Brgy. Lourdes, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Telephone No: (045) 435-2728
E-mail Address: [email protected]
Introductory Message
For the Facilitator:

Welcome to the English 10 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Identifying the Key
Structural Elements of Arguments!

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators from public
institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set
by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints in
schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent learning
activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help learners acquire the
needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that will
help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module. You also need
to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage their own learning.
Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the learners as they do the tasks
included in the module.

For the Learner:

Welcome to the English 10 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Identifying the Key
Structural Elements of Arguments.

The mind is the part of a person that thinks, reasons, feels and remembers. In understanding
the key structural elements of an argument we need to use our mind to reason out and
formulate an argument. Hence, the mind in this learning resource signifies that you as a learner
is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant competencies and skills at your
own pace and time. Your academic success lies in you.

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for guided and
independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to process the contents of
the learning resource while being an active learner.
 What I Need to Know
We reason every day of our lives. All of us argue for our own points of view,
whether the topic is politics, the value or burden of religion, the best route to drive
between long way around and short way to your destination, or any of a myriad of other
subjects. We are constantly barraged by the arguments of others, seeking to convince
us that they know how to build a better computer or how to prevent a serious illness or
whatever. This lesson will help you identify the key structural elements of an argument.
It consists of activities that will enhance your good reasoning technique which you can
use in your everyday living as a 21st century learner.

Each of us has different viewpoint or belief. There are times that we disagree to
others depending on how we perceived things. The way we understand them differs in
some aspects. We mostly rely on our own point of view.

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. define arguments;
2. identify key structural elements of arguments; and,
3. write sound arguments.

What I Know
Task 1: PAPER AND PENCIL TEST
Directions: Choose the letter with the correct answer and write it in your English
notebook.

1. Which type of writing has differing points of view?

A. Argumentative writing C. Informative writing
B. Descriptive writing D. Narrative writing
2. What do you call your position on a debate topic?
A. claim C. quote
B. emotion D. reason
3. What is a debate topic?
A. an issue that cannot be debated
B. an issue that no one cares about
C. an issue that everybody has the same opinion of
D. an issue people feel strongly in favor of or opposed to
4. Which term means you strongly agree on something?
A. against C. opposed to
B. in favor of D. unsure of
5. What is an argument in writing?
A. a compromise C. a fistfight
B. a debate D. a verbal fight
6. In argument writing, you should have no more than how many main reasons
(arguments) to support your claim?
A. 1 C. 5
B. 3 D. 7
7. When you copy information exactly from a source, you must ______.
A. plagiarize
B. not use every word.
C. pretend it is your own work.
D. use quotation marks to show it is not your own work.
8. It is a number fact that you could include as evidence called.
A. anecdote C. fact
B. example D. statistic
9. What do you call convincing stories that relate to your claim?
A. an anecdote C. a fact
B. an example D. a statistic
10. It is a piece of information which can be proven.
A. fact C. example
B. statistic D. anecdote
11. A statistic could include ______.
A. facts C. examples
B. issues D. anecdotes
12. Plagiarism is when you ______.
A. include a bibliography
B. create your own information
C. copy someone else's information and give credit to the original writer
D. copy someone else's information without giving him or her credit
13. It is an opposing argument or an objection to a claim.
A. argument C. evidence
B. counter-argument D. rebuttal
14. What is another name for a counter-argument?
A. counterclaim C. counterpart
B. counter clockwise D. countertop
15. In a 5-paragraph argument essay, which paragraph introduces the evidence?
A. paragraph 1 C. paragraph 3
B. paragraph 2 D. paragraph 5
Lesson
Identifying Key Structural Elements of
2 Arguments

The ability to make an argument and reason out with a claim tests our
cognizance and intellectual capacity on a given situation depending on how we
perceived things. Understanding arguments uses one’s awareness. When you make an
argument, you are making a claim that you believe is true. For example, you might
argue that you should allow that you have a pet dog. To make an effective argument
and convince your reader you are right, you will need to provide examples or evidences
that support your claim.

What’s In
Task 2: My Opinion

Direction: Answer these questions in 2-3 sentences based on your own understanding
or opinion. Do this in your English notebook.

1. What was the last topic/issue you argue about at home?

2. When was the last time you had to put forward an argument about something?
3. How can you make a convincing argument? What should you do and say?
4. What is the difference between a discussion and an argument?

Notes to the Teacher

The teacher must consider the prerequisite skills needed in the
development of this competency including the schema or background
knowledge which may reinforce learning. This module will help the learners
bridge the gap of learning to attain mastery of the lesson in its spiral
progression.
 What’s New

Task 3: What’s the Word, That’s the Word

Direction: Analyze the conversation below and complete the missing letters in the box.
Write your answer on your English notebook
Mark: There are some studies that I have read stating that for many years, some
children growing up in a single parent family have been viewed as different.
Lady: What do you mean by different? I know of someone who belonged to a broken
family but she seemed okay with me. There is nothing different about her.
Mark: I think so, too. However, the research shows some statistics that a child who is
raised by a single mother or a single father alone tends to be more of a recluse than
that of a child who is raised by both mother and father.
Lady: So what is your personal take on this particular issue?
Mark: Well, I think, it is better for a child to really grow up with both parents by his/her
side. What about you?
Lady: Yes, that might be true; but, I think it is not just the family structure that matters
the most. It should be the values – the godly values that are taught to children as they
grow up that should be given more emphasis on. So, whether a child has two parents
by his/her side or he/she has one parent only, with the proper guidance the child will
surely grow up maximizing his/her attitude, skills and potentials.
Mark: I still stick to having two parents by the side of a growing child. Anyways, you still
got a point.

A U N S

What Is It

Key Structural Elements of Arguments

What is an argument?
 It is a discussion in which people express different opinions about something.
 It is a viewpoint, claim or line of reasoning forwarded by authors or writers.

An argument is composed of two kinds of statement:

1. The Conclusion (main claim) – the statement which follows from the other
statement; and
2. The Premise (evidence/reasons) –those statements which are intended to support
the conclusion.
Premise or Evidence Indicators

Words that introduce or appear in an argument premise (evidence) include:

since may be inferred

as indicated by given that
because seeing that
for for the reason that
in that in as much as
as however
due owing to
and

Conclusion Indicators

Words that introduce or appear in an argument conclusion include:

therefore it may be inferred that

wherefore it must be that
accordingly whence
we may conclude so
entails that it follows that
hence implies that
thus as a result
consequently then

Note: If an argument has no indicators at all, then good English style suggests that the
topic sentence of the paragraph is the conclusion of the argument.

Remember this formula:

ARGUMENT = Conclusion + Reason

Examples:
Conclusion Indicator Reason
1. Prohibited drugs because they are harmful to one’s
should be banned physical, mental, social,
and emotional being.
2. DSWD went due to the large number of
through a time of SAP beneficiaries.
unrest
3. The medical however it is not yet proven to be
experts are trying to effective for everyone.
discover covid-19
vaccine

The following are pieces of advice in formulating an argument:

1. Have a clear standpoint – make sure that your audience knows what your opinion is.
2. Present a logical sequence of reasons for your argument so that it is easy to follow.
3. Provide supporting arguments and evidence to strengthen your view.
4. If you refer to other people’s opinions, you can contrast them with your own.
5. Make sure to reformulate your argument so the audience hears it one more time.
6. Summarize your main point at the end of your argument.

What’s More

Independent Activity 1

Directions: Identify premise and conclusion indicator. Write P for PREMISE and C for
Conclusion. Write the answer in your English notebook.

___1. because
___2. since
___3. accordingly
___4. so
___5. hence
___6. seeing that
___7. therefore
___8. however
___9. due
___10. thus
___11. as a result
___12. given that
___13. may be inferred
___14. it follows that
___15. we may conclude

Independent Assessment 1

Directions: Decide on whether the statement has the basic structure of an argument or
not. Write (√) if the statement has or (X) if it does not have. Write the answers in your
English notebook.
1. Since we are affected by the pandemic, the government should provide
necessary action.
2. The government should provide necessary action.
3. ABS-CBN is no longer operational.
4. ABS-CBN is no longer operational due to many violations.
5. People must be informed about the current situation of the country because they
are affected.
6. People must be informed about the current situation of the country.
7. Covid-19 is a pandemic disease.
8. As indicated by the news, Covid-19 is a pandemic disease.
9. China is claiming the West Philippine Sea because it is rich in marine ecosystem,
gas and oil deposits, and it’s an ideal location for military strategies.
10. China is claiming the West Philippine Sea.
11. I'm comfortable to say that Spratly should be owned by the Philippines.
 12. Seeing that there were no proofs China discovered the Island first, I'm
comfortable to say that Spratly should be owned by the Philippines.
13. Religious gatherings are allowed.
14. Religious gatherings are allowed given that we follow the health protocols of
DOH.
15. We have to follow the health protocols of DOH.

Independent Activity 2

Directions: Copy the sentences in your English notebook then, underline the correct
indicator inside the parenthesis.
1. (As indicated by, It follows that) the DOH, in a Modified General Community
Quarantine (MGCQ) we still have to follow health protocols like handwashing
habit, maintaining social distancing and wearing of face mask.
2. ABS-CBN shutdown is final (however, since) there are fans who are still hoping
for its comeback.
3. (In as much as, We may conclude) the Kapamilya supporters want the ABS-CBN
to operate, the decision is already made.
4. Always wash your hands, maintain social distancing, and wear face mask and
face shield (because, so) we don’t see the virus.
5. There are millions of deaths brought by the pandemic; (therefore, however) we
should take care of ourselves.
6. According to the investigation, a lot of violations were committed by ABS-CBN
(so, for) it is necessary for it to be shutdown.
7. (We may infer that, Since) the employees of ABS-CBN were emotional because
of what happened.
8. (Due, Accordingly) to the shutdown of ABS-CBN, Kapuso launched its GMA
Affordabox where viewers can watch their favorite movie anytime.
9. Face to face instruction is allowed (given that, then) there is already vaccine for
COVID-19.
10. President Duterte signed the new law on the opening of classes on August 2020,
(hence, for) the DepED had much longer preparation.
11. Modular learning is better than face to face learning in this time of pandemic;
(however, because) the parents should guide their children at home.
12. Private schools can have their online classes (since, so) their students can afford
to buy laptops or any other gadgets.
13. (In as much as, Whence) the parents want to buy their children laptops, they
can’t afford them.
14. China is guilty of extreme human rights abuses. Furthermore, they refuse to
implement democratic reforms (for, thus) the U.S. refuses to deal with the
present Chinese government.
15. If the cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, (then, owing to) the government
should take necessary actions.
Independent Assessment 2

Directions: List the following arguments in logical order and number the premises. Put
a conclusion indicator in the conclusion. (25pts.) Do this in your English notebook.
Example: Everyone from Artemus Ward Pre-School knows how to tie their shoes.
Bradley tried and tried and couldn't do it. She must not go to Artemus Ward.

Answer:
(1) Everyone from Artemus Ward knows how to tie their shoes.
(2) Bradley tried and tried and couldn't do it.
(3) Therefore, she must not go to Artemus Ward.

1. Put together that our uninsured children have pressing needs, and that the
elderly face high medical costs, and you see that the new health care bill is the
right one to pass, despite the fact that it will lead to higher taxes. (4pts.)
2. There's no talent here. The novel's plotlessness and its unsavory characters
make it the result of just stringing together a lot of big words. And when all you
have is a lot of big words strung together, there's no talent at work. (5pts.)
3. If he'd been perfectly innocent, he wouldn't have been arrested; but he was
arrested. And you've seen that suspicious smirk on his face. He's not innocent.
(4pts.)
4. There is no way she will be able to afford private schools for her kids. She
speculated in real estate---that's been a real money loser lately. And she bought
a lot of art and plowed the rest into her retirement account, which means she has
no liquid capital. (6pts)
5. They have no convincing alibi for the night of the 14th. They can't explain what
happened to their shotgun. And they owed the victim money, which means they
had a motive. It makes a winning case and that's why I'm pressing charges.
(6pts.)

Independent Activity 3
Directions: Look at the advice for formulating an argument. Which pieces of advice do
you think are APPROPRIATE? Which are INAPPROPRIATE? Write A for appropriate
and I for inappropriate. Do this in your English notebook.
___1. Have a clear standpoint – make sure that your audience knows what your opinion
is.
___2. Don’t make your argument clear until just before you conclude.
___3. Present a logical sequence of reasons for your argument so that it is easy to
follow.
___4. Provide supporting arguments and evidence to strengthen your view.
___5. Give many different examples of why your opinion is valid.
___6. If you refer to other people’s opinions, you can contrast them with your own.
___7. Always agree with other people’s opinions.
___8. Use insults to make your partner’s argument weaker.
___9. Make sure to reformulate your argument so the audience hears it one more time.
___10. Summarize your main point at the end of your argument.
Independent Assessment 3

Directions: From the given indicators below, choose one from each row and write your
own argument on your notebook. (3 pts each)
Claim  I strongly believe…
What do you believe?  (topic) is important for many reasons…
 Everyone should…
 In my opinion…
Evidence  For example…
Give examples that support your  Another reason why…
claim.  You would agree if you knew…
 Not many people know that…
Counter Argument  Some people say…
What might someone say if they  It may be true that…
disagreed with you?  It’s easy to think…
 You might argue that…
Rebuttal  …but I argue that…
What would you say to the  However, the truth is…
person who disagreed with you  …but when you look at the facts…
to change their mind?  But, the evidence shows…
Conclusion  In conclusion…
Restate your claim in a powerful  Now you can see why…
way!  It is clear that…
 Therefore….

What I Have Learned

SENTENCE COMPLETION Complete the statement below on your notebook.

I have learned that argument/s___________________________________

___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________.

What I Can Do

ON THE PAPER
Directions: Look at the following comment presented at a discussion on introducing
flexi-time. What language is used to structure the speaker’s argument? Write one
example from the reading text below next to each category. (2pts each) Do this in your
English notebook.
Reading Text
Flexi-time- a system in which employees are required to work a certain number of
hours but are allowed to choose their own times for starting and finishing work.
‘I believe strongly that introducing a flexi-time system would be beneficial. Firstly,
it would facilitate a better work–life balance. What is more, it would allow employees to
attend language classes. Finally, not only it would increase job satisfaction but it would
also boost productivity. I am aware that you are in two minds about introducing this
system; however, I am convinced that flexi-time will create a happier workplace and
result in higher staff retention levels. All things considered, it seems a productive step
for us to take.’
Category Indicator
1. Expressing your opinion
2. Sequencing
3. Providing supporting arguments
4. Acknowledging other views
5. Showing contrast
6. Reformulating
7. Summarizing

Assessment
Directions: From the given essay below, identify the premise and the conclusion
indicator and write it in your English notebook. Refer on the table given. (2pts each
correct answer.)
Premise Indicator Conclusion Indicator
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
5. 5.
6. 6.

School from Home Should Be Implemented

Homeschooling means learning outside of the public or private school

environment which means that the students will study at home. In this time of pandemic
disease, the Department of Education is busy on preparing and planning about the
school year 2020-2021. Due to the enhanced community quarantine brought by the
coronavirus disease (COVID-19), many parents are starting to worry about the
studies of their children, prompting them to look for other educational options or
alternatives that would enable students to continue learning even if schools remain
closed. Therefore, school from home should be implemented because of the threat of
COVID-19.

First reason why school from home should be implemented is it is an ideal

option at this time where everyone is advised to stay at home to curb the pandemic.
DepEd Secretary Leonor M. Briones, said that DepEd is carefully studying and
evaluating its implementation for the reason that homeschooling follows a
curriculum that is approved by DepEd.

Another reason why school from home should be implemented, is there are
parents who don’t want to enroll their children this school year 2020-2021. Seeing
that the case of covid-19 is continuously increasing every single day we may infer
that they are dreadful about the health of their children.

The above statement shows that the threat of Covid-19 is widespread hence,
school from home should be implemented until the vaccine will be out of the market.
Since President Rodrigo Roa Duterte sign the new law to adjust the opening of classes
instead of August 2020, then the DepEd will have more time planning and preparing a
good learning modality for the sake of the students as Briones said that “Education must
continue even in times of crisis whether it may be a calamity, disaster, emergency,
quarantine, or even war.

Additional Activities

Directions: Write two arguments you have encountered today. Just make sure there is
a conclusion and at least one premise. (10 points each.) Do this in your English
notebook.
What’s More (Assessment 1) Assessment What I Can Do
1. √ Premise Indicator 1. I believe strongly
2. X
3. X 1. Due 2. Firstly, finally
4. √ 2. Because 3. What is more..
5. √ 3. For the reason that 4. I am aware that
6. X 4. Seeing that you are in two
7. X
5. Since minds about
8. √
9. √ 6. as 5. However
10. X 6. I am convince that
11. X flexi-time will
12. √
Conclusion Indicator create a happier
13. X
14. √ workplace and
1. Therefore results in higher
15. X
2. We may infer that
staff retention
3. Hence
levels
4. then
7. All things
considered
What I Know What's More (Activities 1 and What’s More (Activity 2)
3)
1. A 1. As indicated by
2. A 1. P 1. A 2. however
3. D 2. P 2. I 3. In as much as
4. B 3. C 3. A 4. because
5. B 4. C 4. A 5. Therefore
6. B 5. C 5. I . 6. so
7. D 6. P 6. A . 7. We may infer that
8. D
7. C 7. I . 8. due
9. A
8. P 8. I 9. Given that
10. A
9. P 9. A . 10. hence
11. C
10. C 10.A 11. however
12. D
13. B 11. C 12. since
14. A 12. P 13. In as much as
15. C 13. P 14. thus
14. C 15. then
What's New 15. C
1. ARGUMENTS
Answer Key
 Independent Assessment 2 Answer key

1. (1) Our uninsured children have pressing needs.

(2) The elderly face high medical costs.
(3) The new health care bill is the right one to pass.
(4) [Therefore] It will lead to higher taxes

2. (1) There is no talent here

(2) The novel has no plot.
(3) The novel has unsavory characters.
(4) The novel is the result of stringing together a lot of big words.
(5) [Therefore] When all you have are big words strung together, there's no talent.

3. (1) If he'd been perfectly innocent, he wouldn't have been arrested

(2) He was arrested.
(3) He has a suspicious smirk on his face.
(4) [Therefore] He's not innocent.

4. (1) She won't be able to afford private schools for her kids.
(2) She speculated in real estate.
(3) Real estate has been a money loser lately.
(4) She bought a lot of art.
(5) She plowed the rest into her retirement account.
(6) [Therefore] She has no liquid capital.

5. (1) They have no convincing alibi for the night of the 14th.
(2) They can't explain what happened to their shotgun.
(3) They owed the victim money.
(4) They had a motive.
(5) It makes a winning case.
(6) [Therefore] I'm pressing charges.
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Argument

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https://www.merriam-webster.com/

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“Types of Arguments Indicators,” Accessed June 16, 2020

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