ARGUMENTATIVE

WRITING
Understanding a situation and presenting argument

USHA KANOONGO, PhD, MPhil

 A genre of writing: Writing persuasively using
logic and reason
Learn to do the following:
• Read a given topic/situation
• Study the situation w.r.t. all aspects of the situation
• Evaluate the given ideas/ points of view
• Think of all information that is possible
• Think of points on both sides of the issue –(the pros and the cons)
• Support/Challenge ideas
• Provide a quality opinion
• Justify opinion
• Present relevant evidence and examples
• Argue the case with
• Make the reader accept your position
• Use accurate and appropriate language
USHA KANOONGO, PhD, MPhil
 How to perform Argumentative Writing?
• You are given a discussion topic
• The topic will present you with an opinion or an argument
• You have to discuss the question with two or three main points
• Provide supporting detail for each point
• Write introduction, body and conclusion
• Follow a given word limit

USHA KANOONGO, PhD, MPhil

 Structure and Organization
INTRODUCTION
1. Opening –general statement introducing the topic.
2. Background information (based on what is given in the question itself)
3. Thesis statement/Claim:
• Provide your opinion
• Mention the main points to add to your opinion

USHA KANOONGO, PhD, MPhil

 BODY PARAGRAPH 1 (Point of View 1)
to justify your opinion
• Topic sentence/main point
• Supporting sentence 1
• Supporting sentence 2
• Supporting sentence 3

USHA KANOONGO, PhD, MPhil

 BODY PARAGRAPH 2 (Point of View 2)
to justify your opinion
BODY PARAGRAPH 2 (Point of View 2)
• Topic sentence/main point
• Supporting sentence 1
• Supporting sentence 2
• Supporting sentence 3

USHA KANOONGO, PhD, MPhil

CONCLUSION
• Restatement of your opinion
• Summary of your main points

USHA KANOONGO, PhD, MPhil

 FEATURES OF EFFECTIVE
ARGUMENT

Situation Handling and Response

• Identification of both sides of the issue before selecting one
• Presentation of a clear position with a logical, well supported argument.
• Presentation of valid support to the argument with personal experience and reasons.
• Focus on the topic and avoidance of anything irrelevant
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
• Use of a variety of sentence structures: simple, complex and compound
• Greater use of complex structures
USHA KANOONGO, PhD, MPhil
Coherence and Cohesion
• Ability to write fluently enough to make the message clear to the reader
• Ability to write cohesive sentences and paragraphs
Lexical Resource
• Ability to use appropriate words and phrases, strong vocabulary
• Pay attention to spelling and punctuation
USHA KANOONGO, PhD, MPhil
 Prepare an outline
• Highlight or underline key words
• Note down all related examples, experiences, data, anecdotes, quotation
• Use paragraphs clearly; put one idea in each paragraph
• Keep one controlling idea in one body sentence
• Maintain unity (relation/ connection) between the topic sentence and the
supporting sentences
• Connect sentences and paragraphs with transitional words, phrases, and
sentences
USHA KANOONGO, PhD, MPhil
 Link ideas within/between sentences and
paragraphs
• Make paragraphs and sentences cohesive : Link your ideas within and between
sentences and paragraphs
• For links that show addition: as well as, in addition
• For contrast : whereas, on the other hand, albeit
• For expressing views: For example, ‘I believe that …’ ‘I would argue that …’
• For making contrasts and concessions. For example, ‘ Despite the fact that …’
• For refuting an argument. For example, ‘There is little evidence to support the …’
• For providing support to your main points. For example, ‘In my experience …’ or ‘A good example of
this is …’
• ‘In conclusion ..’ or ‘’On balance…’, ‘Summing up..’

USHA KANOONGO, PhD, MPhil

• Giving lectures in auditoriums to large numbers of students is the
traditional way of teaching. With the technology available today there
is no justification for it, and everything should be done online. To what
extent do you agree or disagree? Give your own opinion. (300 words)

USHA KANOONGO, PhD, MPhil

Given below are two sets of views about advertising. To what extent do you
agree and/or disagree with these views? Prepare an argument using specific
reasons and examples to support your writing.
a. Advertising encourages us to buy things we really do not need.
b. Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in
today’s society.

a. Advertisements tell us about new products that may improve our lives.
USHA KANOONGO, PhD, MPhil
• In the last 20 years there have been significant developments in the
field of information technology (IT), for example the World Wide Web
and communication by email. However, future developments in IT are
likely to have more negative effects than positive.
• To what extent do you agree with this view? Prepare an argument
using specific reasons and examples to support your writing.
•

USHA KANOONGO, PhD, MPhil