English for Academic Reading &

Writing
Lesson 9
The argumentative essay

Arguments
Example:
Some people believe that you must work hard to
achieve success in life.
However, it is more important to know when to
work hard and when to work smart, i.e. to save your
energy.
If the first sentence is the argument what is the
second sentence called?
A counterargument

Counterarguments

What is a counterargument?

counterargument is an argument
offered in opposition to another
argument.

Dealing with counterarguments

As a writer, you must know the

counterarguments of the opposing
side.

To win an argument, you must show

that the counterarguments are not
valid.

In other words, you must be able to

refute the counterarguments.

Refuting
counterarguments

There are three ways to refute a

counterargument:

1)
2)
3)

Show that is incorrect

Show that it is irrelevant
Show that it is insufficient / not
strong enough (most common)

Language to refute counterarguments

State the counterargument first,
e.g.
The death penalty for capital crimes
ensures that that the criminal can
never commit the offence again.
Then refute it:
However, if an innocent person is
executed the mistake can never be
undone.

Language to refute
counterarguments
However is a logical organiser of
concession (concede = to give in or
surrender).
Another logical organiser of concession is
is although.
e.g.
Although the death penalty ensures that
the criminal cannot repeat the crime, it
also ensures that a wrongful conviction
cannot be undone.

Three patterns for argumentative

essays
1) Organisation A
Pro-arguments (1,2,3),
counterarguments + refutation
2) Organisation B
Counterargument(s) + refutation,
pro-arguments (1,2,3)
3) Organisation C
Counterargument 1 + pro-argument 1
Counterargument 2 + pro-arguemnt 2
Counterargument 3 + pro-argument 3

Three patterns for argumentative

essays
When do we use organisation patterns
A, B and C?
If the arguments are unbalanced use
A or B;
However, if there an equal number or
pro and con arguments use C.

Exercise
Work as a group and do the following exercises from UNIT 9;
OXFORD EAP: UPPER-INTERMEDIATE / B2
Complete the following exercises and take a print-out of your activity as a
group and submit.
LESSON: 9 ARGUMENTS
Organise ideas:
9B, Task- 1, page 140

Select body paragraph structure:

9B, Task- 2, page 141

State and support main argument:

9B, Task- 3, page 142

Synthesis citations, evidence and explanation:

9B, Task- 4, page 142