Argumentative Essays

Persuasive Writing Skills (cont)

 What is a counter argument?
A counter argument is an argument that is opposed to your opinion (thesis
statement). It strengthens your argument because it shows that you have done
your research, that you have thoughtfully examined both sides of the argument.
 How to write a counter argument
1. Address the opposing argument.
2. Respond to it by discussing the reasons the argument is incomplete/weak/illogical or by
stating your own argument is stronger than the addressed counterargument.
3. Provide examples/evidence to show why the opposing argument is incomplete/illogical or
your own argument is stronger than the addressed counterargument.

However, the people who hold the opposing argument that schools should prioritize
physical education claims P.E can take away valuable class time from essential subjects like
math and science. While this is a valid opinion, I would suggest that physical education is
practically as important as academic subjects. Research has shown that exercise has a positive
impact on children’s academic performance and concentration. Furthermore, without physical
education, many children can not get enough physical activity in their school day, which
undoubtedly will lead to long-term health problems.
 Language to start a counter argument?
● Language to address the opposing argument:

One might argue that…/Some might say that…/An alternative viewpoint is that…/Critics
of my argument might claim that…

● Language to respond to the opposing argument:

Even though the opposition [asserts/claims]…

This statement is only partially accurate because…

Though these concerns may be valid, the argument [fails to acknowledge/does not take
into account]…

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Oaie0EaaB_kdU1QLXmiiXQJj-1UYEvmgXvqG4g
RA2pw/edit
 Writing the Conclusion
Summarize your viewpoints by restating your opinion using different words.

In conclusion,.../ In summary,.../In general,...

To conclude,.../To sum up,.../To summarise,...

Taking everything into consideration…

In conclusion, nuclear technology certainly has positive uses but is

nonetheless dangerous. However, it would have been better if it had never been
used to create nuclear weapons. If life on Earth is to continue, all the nuclear
nations of the world should agree to disarm as soon as possible.
Discussion Essay
Two opposing views
 Opinion Essay: Peer Review
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tIIzqZLUflBpmBEq59gxiDYezp0D_meu8Xle
AY1qYKs/edit
 When to Write a Discussion Essay?
● When you are asked to ‘Discuss both views and give your opinion’ or
‘Discuss both sides of the argument and give your opinion’.

E.g. Computers are being used more and more in education. Some people say that
this is a positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative
consequences.

Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.
 Discussion Essay Requirements
● Discuss two opposing perspectives of an argument
● Persuade readers by exploring the evidence and reasons why
each view may or may not be valid (Logic-based)
 Step 1: Writing Introduction
● Introducing the topic -> Introducing Both Points of View -> Introducing your opinion &
what will be discussed in the body paragraphs

Computers are being used more and more in education. Some people say that this is a
positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative consequences.

Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.

There is an ever increasing use of technology such as tablets and laptops in the
classroom. It is often argued that this is a positive improvement, whilst others disagree
and think it will lead to adverse ramifications. This essay agrees that an increase in
technology is beneficial to educational development and will discuss both points of view.

whilst = while; adverse = harmful; ramification = consequence

 Language Arts for Introduction
Effective Hooks:

- Asking a question: Have you ever considered / Has it ever occurred to you that
computers will one day organize your life?
- Start with the problem that needs a solution: As time passes, our lives will be
controlled by computers.

Effective Thesis Statements:

This question/matter/subject can be looked at from both points of view.

Or State a strong opinion: There is no doubt that technology has been bringing about
numerous advantages in education; however, its pros and cons should be fully discussed.

This essay agrees that an increase in technology is beneficial to educational development

and will discuss both points of view.

This essay will discuss both views and state my own position.
 Writing Introduction Practice
1. Some people think that the range of technology available to people is increasing the
gap between the rich and the poor. Others think it has the opposite effect.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

2. More and more people are using the internet to contact existing friends and even make
new friends. Some people are of the opinion that this has strengthened relationships
between existing friends, whilst others think the opposite is true.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

3. Computers are being used more and more in education. Some people say that this is a
positive trend, while others argue that it is leading to negative consequences.

Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own opinion.
 Step 2: Brainstorming the Ideas
The positive effects of the internet The negative consequences of the internet

- -
 Step 3: Developing Body Paragraphs
2 Body Paragraphs (better choice) 3 Body Paragraphs

Body Paragraph 1 Body Paragraph 1

Sentence 1- State first viewpoint Sentence 1- State first viewpoint
S2- Discuss first viewpoint S2- Discuss first viewpoint
S3- Reason why you agree/disagree with viewpoint S3-5: Examples to support your view
S4-6: Examples to support your view Body Paragraph 2
Body Paragraph 2 Sentence 1- State second viewpoint (opposite point)
Sentence 1- State second viewpoint (opposite point) S2- Discuss second viewpoint
S2- Discuss second viewpoint S3-5: Examples to support your view
S3- Reason why you agree/ disagree with viewpoint Body Paragraph 3
S4-6: Examples to support your view S1- State your opinion (which viewpoint you agree with?)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BgU4vkLsQX S2- 4: Reasons why you agree/ disagree with viewpoint
4gOfjNJzlXdr1NzAez3RWk-6mrhp9Sins/edit
 Developing Body Paragraphs Example (2 Body Paragraphs)
It is clear that the internet has provided students with access to more information than ever before.
Currently, learners have the ability to research and learn about any subject at the touch of a button. It is
therefore agreed that technology is a very worthwhile tool for education. Wikipedia is a prime example, where
students can simply type in any keyword and gain access to in-depth knowledge quickly and easily.
Furthermore, if students need any information or statistics regarding their research proposals, they can reach
numerous sources with a click of the mouse.

However, many disagree and feel that technology deprives people of real human interaction. Human
interaction teaches people valuable skills such as discourse, debate and empathy. Despite this, human
interaction is still possible through the internet and this essay disagrees that technology should be dismissed
for this reason. For instance, Skype and Facebook make it possible for people to interact in ways that were
never possible before. Technically, there are many apps that allow teachers and students taking distance
learning courses to collaborate as effectively as the ways they traditionally do in a physical classroom.
 Quiz: Read the following two paragraphs, then answer the
questions: Which one is more academic? Why?

(A) People benefit from modern technology (B)The social benefits of modern technology
because it has improved our standard of living. include the increased provision of goods,
Modern technology provides many good jobs services and employment. While this
and services for society, but it also damages technology has many negative side-effects on
the environment and causes environmental the environment, particularly in terms of
pollution. We know that modern technology pollution, modern society is dependent on the
damages the environment and causes benefits that this technology provides. In recent
pollution, so why do we still use it? Because we years, increasing public awareness of the
just can’t live without it. Scientists are trying to extent of environmental destruction as a result
reduce pollution and control the problems it of this technology has spurred scientific
causes, and if they don’t, our environment will investigation into technologies which provide a
be destroyed. more sustainable outcome for the environment.
 Answer: B
(A) People benefit from modern technology (B)The social benefits of modern technology
because it has improved our standard of living. include the increased provision of goods,
Modern technology provides many good jobs services and employment. While this
and services for society, but it also damages technology has many negative side-effects on
the environment and causes environmental the environment, particularly in terms of
pollution. We know that modern technology pollution, modern society is dependent on the
damages the environment and causes benefits that this technology provides. In recent
pollution, so why do we still use it? Because we years, increasing public awareness of the
just can’t live without it. Scientists are trying to extent of environmental destruction as a result
reduce pollution and control the problems it of this technology has spurred scientific
causes, and if they don’t, our environment will investigation into technologies which provide a
be destroyed. more sustainable outcome for the environment.
- Use personal pronouns. - Use impersonal pronouns.
- Use dialogue features. - Use advanced sentence structures. (3)
- Use everyday language. - Use specialist language.