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Faizatulsara Basarudin

ARGUMENTATIVE COMPOSITION

ARGUMENTATIVE COMPOSITION

In argumentative writing, you may be required to either state your stand on a certain issue (agree or disagree) or to present your point of view, giving reasons and evidence, before finally taking your own stand in the topic.

 

 

1.

The main reason for presenting opinions is to convince the listeners and readers of your viewpoint.

2.

In order to achieve this, you have to present strong and effective arguments supported by elaboration and examples. Present your opinions in a simple and clear manner (straight to the point) which can be easily understood by the listeners.

3.

In examinations, you must be aware whether you need to argue on both sides of an argument or make a stand either to support or oppose the motion. For example, phrases like "Do you think …, Discuss, Do you agree ….. , etc. mean that you have to explore both sides of the argument before making a suitable stand at the end of  your essay. On the other hand, in a debate, you are required to prepare a stand either to support or go against the argument.

4.

The main emphasis of this lesson is for you to be able to form strong and effective arguments supported by elaboration and examples. The use of the expressions given (below) is to assist you stylistically to present for or against an issue. Make sure they can understand and follow your flow of thoughts.

 

List of phrases and expressions to present opinions.

I would rather / prefer ……….

 

Many believe that ……

In my opinion, ………..

 

A popular belief is that ……

I agree that ……………however,

 

Personally, I believe that ………

I disagree with the opinion that …however,…

 

Some people believe that …….

On one hand, …… . On the other hand, ………

 

I believe that …………….

I feel ………………

 

As a result / Therefore / So

Moreover / Furthermore / In addition,

 

But / However / Nevertheless,

THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT

 

Step 1: Read the question carefully. Do you need to make a stand or to present both sides of the arguments?

 

Step 2:  Note down all the points that you have about the topic. You can do mind-map or draw pro and con table*.  (Drafting)

 

Step 3:  If you need to present both sides of the issues, state all the points on one side of the issue first before giving the other. Compare and contrast your points if you are presenting both side of an issue.

 

Step 4: Use an appropriate introduction. State your stand firmly and clearly at the beginning of the essay.

 

Step 5: Each paragraph should contain a main advantage or disadvantage. Link each paragraph with suitable sentence connectors /phrases and expressions

 

Step 6: Add some examples based on reason and logic.

 

Step 7: Your conclusion is very important. You should state your stand once again.

 

Pro and Con Chart

Proposition:

For (Pro)

Against (Con)

1.

1.

2.

2.

3.

3.

*

 

 

 

 

 


here's a list of websites that you can check out!

Basic Guide to Essay Writing

http://members.tripod.com/~lklivingston/essay/
step-by-step guide to writing a basic essay, along with links to other writing resources.

Colorado State University - Writing Center
http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/WritingCenter/reference.htm
Find easy to use reference material for writing.

Dr. Gwen's Research Paper Information Page
http://astro.fccj.cc.fl.us/LearningResources/DrGwen/research.htm
Resources on MLA, APA, Documentation, and other information and links to help with research papers.

English Zone
http://www.glen-net.ca/english/thezone.html
This site is great for high school students who need help with their literature homework. Be aware that there is only information on a select few novels, plays, and poems.

Essay Writing: A Guide for Students
http://www.puc.edu/Faculty/Keith_Francis/Hist_101/Essays/Guide.html
Includes criteria for a good essay and criteria for grading.

GradeSaver
http://www.gradesaver.com/
Essay editing and proofreading by Harvard undergraduates for high school and collegiate writing.

How to Write a Book Review
http://www.coe.ilstu.edu/mbgraham/c&i210/bokrev.html
A great guide to writing a book review.

Inkspot
http://www.inkspot.com/
An award-winning resource and community for writers of all ages and levels of experience.

The Biography Maker
http://www.bham.wednet.edu/bio/biomak2.htm
Is a step by step guide to make a great biographical paper.

The Essay Wizard
http://www.northfork.com/essaywiz/
The Essay Wizard will help you with information about writing, style, grammar, structure and many other helpful ideas when writing an essay.

The Writing Page
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Parthenon/9502/essay.html
Answering Essay Questions, The Five-Paragraph Essay, and other subjects.

Tips, Tools and Ideas to Improve your Writing
http://www.aci-plus.com/tips/
A great site of tips for the writer that wants to improve his capabilities.

University of Victoria's Hypertext Writing Guide
http://www.clearcf.uvic.ca/writersguide/Pages/
A guide for great writing!

WriteDirections
http://www.writedirections.com/
Teleclasses, publications, and coaching help writers jump-start and complete their books and articles. Free weekly newsletters, tips, and resources. Fiction, nonfiction, business writing, networking, writer's block.

Writing Argumentative Essays
http://www.eslplanet.com/teachertools/argueweb/frntpage.htm
Learn how to write great Argumentative Essays.

WritingDen
http://www2.actden.com/writ_den/
Improve your reading, comprehending and writing skills.

Writutor
http://members.xoom.com/writutor/
Writing-instruction service provides tutoring for students in grade school through college.