A reading material like this type is an example of an argumentative text.

Week 2
English 9 Argumentative text is used when you are arguing for or against a claim or when you are trying
to persuade someone to agree with your point of view. It does not just present information, but
also shows the pros and cons of an issue.
Name: __________________________________Year and Section: _____________ Thus, most of the time an argumentative paragraph is alternatively called a persuasive
paragraph.
EXPECTATIONS
This self-learning instructional module in English 9 will not only teach you the prescribed A persuasive paragraph tries to convince the reader that a particular point of view is worthy of
lessons on extracting important information from argumentative/persuasive texts but will also expose consideration. It wants you to consider both sides of an issue, but it reveals a bias in favor of
you to variegated activities especially crafted to enhance your skills. one side over another. Facts may be presented in support of a position, but the writer is not
being objective. The point of view is subjective.
After going through this self-learning module, you are expected to:
 define argumentative and persuasive texts; In extracting information from an argumentative text, you must be able to note the issue and
 note important details/information from the reading material; the supporting and opposing opinions about the issue. Therefore, you must be familiar with the parts of
 extract important information from an argumentative and persuasive texts; and an argumentative text.
 answer exercises to practice transfer of learning.
1. Introduction
LESSON - should engage the readers by using hook which is a sentence that captures
Read the text below and find out if the claim made is convincing or not. readers’ attention.
- contains the thesis statement at the last sentence which
In the middle of this pandemic, people have tried many ways one after another on how to - is a clearly worded statement telling readers exactly what the writer intends to do in the
contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus as number of infected cases continue to rise. One easy essay.
and traditional way that people believe to be effective cure to COVID-19 virus infection is the
practice of steam inhalation –locally known as tuob. 2. Body
Rappler.com reported that the employees in Cebu provincial government were instructed - contains paragraphs of supporting details, evidences such as articles, studies and
to do steam inhalation twice a day at their own workplaces as part of their wellness program. This statistics
action serves as their means to battle against the virus. - explains why the evidences are worthwhile
However, this action by the Office of the Governor of Cebu was opposed by WHO - each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence which clearly states the
Philippines telling that steam inhalation will not prevent one from catching COVID-19. They further purpose of the paragraph.
elaborated that extremely hot steam can be harmful because of the risk of getting burn injury. -
Also, they pointed out that science and evidence must be sought in fighting this virus. They 3. Rebuttal
clarified that as to date there is no recommended treatment or vaccine for COVID-19 yet. - contains paragraphs of objections or opposing views about the claim
Moreover, they even warned people against self-medicating and using unverified treatments to - explains and proves why a counterargument is wrong
patients with COVID-19 until there is enough evidence. - sums up problems with the counterargument
There is no evidence up to the present time that can attest the efficacy of this inhalation
practice in relation to COVID-19. We must not put our health at risk by trying practices not 4. Conclusion
recommended by experts in order to avoid physical health consequences. - restates the main points
Do you think the claim of the writer is strong? Why or why not? Notice that the claim was backed - leaves a strong impression on the reader by ending on a clinching statement
up by citing WHO Philippines thereby weakening the points of the claim that Tuob can be used
against COVID 19.
 Therefore, in extracting information from an argumentative text/paragraph look for the following: 1. Identify the Issue
 When you read an article, it’s important to clarify the issue being debated.
 Claim/argument: This states the position in relation to the topic.  When you’re identifying the issue, phrasing something as a question can often help clearly
 Data/Evidences: These support the claim with a fact, statistic, quote, percentage, etc. & cite state what is being argued over.
where that information came from. o Should teens have the right to private medical appointments?
 Warrant: This explains why or how the evidence/data support the claim. It is typically 2-3 o Should sex education be taught in elementary?
sentences in length. o Should weeds/marijuana be legalized?
 Counterargument: This states a logical counterclaim. It uses language to show that there is a o
conflicting viewpoint (i.e. although, even though, despite, 2. Identify the Contention
however, in contrast, etc.)  Contention is simply another word for point-of-view or opinion.
 Rebuttal: This presents data and analysis to discredit or prove the counterclaim is weak. It is  Read the piece of persuasive writing carefully.
typically 2-3 sentences in length.  What does the writer believe? Starting a sentence with the word ‘that’ can help you identify the
 Conclusion statement: It restates or summarizes the main points. writer’s contention.

The author is arguing...

▪ that marijuana should be legalized.
▪ that tv shows about exercises are a waste of time.
▪ that teens should have access to private medical appointments.

In extracting important information from a persuasive text, it is imperative that readers must be
analytical since the writer is subjective in his claim even after presenting a counterclaim.

Readers must learn to figure out if the writer uses ethos, pathos and logos in persuading.

❖ Ethos is a way of convincing the readers that the writer is a credible source.
❖ Pathos is a way of connecting with the reader's emotions.
❖ Logos is the use of facts, information, statistics, or other evidence to
make the argument more convincing.

As an analytical reader, you must learn to weigh how the writer persuades the readers like
you. Try to scrutinize if the writer used supporting details such as arguments, examples, or descriptions
that justify, explain, and develop his main points.

If the arguments are mainly based on personal feelings and opinions, it is your prerogative to
weigh on things at hand. Would you be convinced through emotions and point of views alone? or Would
you only be persuaded if factual evidences are presented? Remember, good readers will be more likely
to believe if there are data to back up the claims.

ACTIVITIES
 ACTIVITY 1
Read the text carefully. Answer the given items by choosing the letter of the best answer. _________ 2. It refers to an argument made to answer likely objections (being one step
ahead..."I know you're going to say this_ _ _, BUT_ _ _".
Immigration contributes to the overall health of the American economy. Despite recent A. Claim B. Counterargument C. Evidence D. Support
concerns expressed about illegal and some legal immigration to the United States, this country
has largely benefited from the skills, talents, and ambition that immigrants bring with them. _________ 3. It states the argument that the writer is trying to prove.
American businesses gain from a good source of affordable labor, while towns and cities are A. Claim B. Conclusion C. Evidence D. Topic Sentence
revitalized by immigrant families who strengthen communities through civic participation and the
generation of new economic activity. The United States must continue to welcome new arrivals _________ 4. What should you do after presenting text evidence?
and help those who are already here; otherwise, the country will lose the advantages it has over A. Summarize that evidence. B. Move on to another reason.
other industrialized countries that compete against us in the global marketplace and seek to C. Develop another argument. D. Explain how that evidence proves your thesis statement.
recruit from a vast pool of unskilled and skilled global workers.
_________ 5. Which would be the most "credible" source for your evidence?
https://learnamericanenglishonline.com/Write_in_English/WL14_persuasive_paragraphs.html#:~:text=A%20persuasive%20paragraph%20tries%20to,of%20one%20side%20over
%20another. 2012 A. A quote from Wikipedia
B. An article from a news journal
_________ 1. Immigration contributes to the overall health of the American economy is a/an ________. C. A statement from a famous celebrity
A. Claim C. Evidence D. A quote from a popular blog with over a million followers
B. Conclusion D. Reason
POST TEST
_________ 2. American businesses gain from a good source of affordable labor is a/an ___________. Encircle the letter that best represents your answer.
A. Claim C. Evidence
1. Which is not a counterclaim?
B. Conclusion D. Supporting Details
A. A rebuttal C. Someone else's opinion
_________ 3. Towns and cities are revitalized by immigrant families who strengthen communities B. Your initial argument D. The other side to your argument
through civic participation is a/an_____________. 2. Concluding statements do all of the following except?
A. Claim C. Counterclaim A. End the essay. C. Make a new claim.
B. Conclusion D. Supporting Details B. Restate the claim. D. Summarize the main points.
3. Which of the following is not a form of evidence?
_________ 4. The United States must continue to welcome new arrivals and help those who are
already here; otherwise, the country will lose the advantages it has over other industrialized countries is A. A statistic C. Quote from an expert
a/an _____________. B. A counterclaim D. Government definition
A. Claim B. Conclusion C. Counterclaim D. Reason 4. In persuading the audience, a writer may use all of the following except?
A. Egos C. Logos
_________ 5. The text aims to ______________.
B. Ethos D. Pathos
A. Argue B. Entertain C. Explain D. Persuade 5. Which of the following is not a common reason for making a claim?
A. To challenge a commonly-held view
ACTIVITY 2
B. To convince someone of your position
Choose the letter that best represents your answer.
C. To respond to a statement you agree or disagree with
D. To prove that you are right and someone else is wrong
_________ 1. These refer to declarations made to justify an action, decision, or belief

A. Arguments B. Counterarguments C. Evidences D. Reasons