ENGLISH

Grade 10
MODULE 6
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Santa Maria Campus

MODULE
Argumentation

LESSON 1

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LEARNING OUTCOMES:

a. Understand the concept of argumentation

b. Identify the key elements and language features of argumentative texts
c. analyze given samples and write your own argumentative essay based
on given guideposts

It is normal for any person to have an opinion or a stand on issues

happening around him/her. These issues may vary from usual concerns
within groups or a community to matters that may largely affect a country or
society. Behind someone’s opinion or stand on issues that affect him/her are
reasons or explanations for whichever side he/she takes. There are times
when a person is compelled to provide these explanations to support his/her
claims or ideas.

In this lesson, you will learn how to put your opinions into writing. This
part of the module focuses on deeply understanding the concept of
argumentation. As part of your learning tasks, you will be involved in
identifying the key elements and language features of argumentative texts.
You are also expected to analyze given samples and write your own
argumentative essay based on given guideposts.
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ARGUMENTATION

Course Code: Engl 10

Descriptive Title: English for Grade 10
Subject Teacher: Ms. Benilyn C. Dasalla
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Santa Maria Campus

MODULE

While expressing opinions or claims about an issue seems to be an easy

thing to do, writing effective argumentative texts, such as an argumentative
essay, is actually not. It requires a clear understanding of what argumentative
writing is, knowing structural patterns of argumentative texts, employing
techniques in researching and supporting a claim, as well as using language
features appropriate for argumentation.

Argumentative writing is sometimes called persuasive writing because

it seeks to convince readers to support a stand on a certain issue. It also
requires the writer to examine a topic or issue which involves the collection,
generation and evaluation of exhibits and/or evidences. It further emphasizes
the writer’s agreement or disagreement on particular proposition.

Proposition is very essential in argumentative writing. It serves as the

point of reference of the argumentative writer. It is where the writer decides
whether to express his/her agreement or disagreement. In doing so, it is
necessary that he/ she gathers information and/or evidences that would
support his/her stand.

One of the most common forms of argumentative writing is an

argumentative essay. An argumentative essay is an essay that presents a
stand or a rationale on a given proposition or issue. In this essay, the main
argument presented is elaborated and explained through the presentation of
its pros and cons. The main objective of an argumentative essay is to convince
or persuade the reader into considering your stand or argument on an issue.

Key Structural Elements of Argumentative Writing

The basic components of an argument include: (a) a claim, (b) reasons

behind this claim, and (c) evidences to support this specific claim.
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Course Code: Engl 10

Descriptive Title: English for Grade 10
Subject Teacher: Ms. Benilyn C. Dasalla
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Santa Maria Campus

MODULE
The pattern of idea development in argumentative writing may vary
from one writer to another. The structure of developing an argumentative
essay largely depends on how a writer intends to present his or her main
argument, and how he or she wishes to develop the main idea presented by
backing it up with supporting details or evidences.

As an essay is usually made up of an introduction, a body, and a

conclusion, argumentative essays may use a pattern or structure that
conforms to how a writer intends to present and further establish a point.

The table below presents various patterns of how ideas or arguments in

an argumentative essay may be presented and developed.

Pattern A Pattern B Pattern C

a. Thesis Statement a. Thesis Statement a. Thesis Statement

b. First Pro b. Con(s) + Refutation(s) b. First Con +

c. Second Pro c. First Pro Refutation

d. Con(s) + Refutation(s) d. Second Pro c. Second Con +

e. Conclusion e. Conclusion Refutation d. Third Con

+ Refutation

e. Conclusion

In Pattern A, the thesis statement about the issue is presented in the

topic sentence. It is followed by the first set of pros (supporting ideas) relative
to the thesis statement. Then, the second set of pros (supporting ideas) is also
presented to further support and strengthen the claim regarding the thesis
statement. It is followed by the presentation of the cons (counterarguments)
and refutations. Lastly, a conclusion that summarizes the ideas presented in
the essay and highlights the benefits of the thesis statement is presented to
the readers.
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Page

Course Code: Engl 10

Descriptive Title: English for Grade 10
Subject Teacher: Ms. Benilyn C. Dasalla
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Santa Maria Campus

MODULE
Pattern B, meanwhile, is almost similar to the first one. The only
difference is that it presents the cons (opposing ideas) and refutations first
before building up the thesis statement using the pros (supporting ideas).

Finally, Pattern C presents the simplest flow of arguments starting with

the presentation of the thesis statement. Then, the three (3) sets of cons
(opposing ideas) of the issue together with their corresponding refutations are
provided. Not a single pro (supporting idea) is given in this pattern. This
means that the conclusion needs to focus on justifying the refutations to fully
support the claim.

Language Features of an Argumentative Text

Like in other forms of writing, the use of language, particularly the

choice of words to be used, is an essential consideration in writing an
argumentation. Since this writing focuses on proving the worth of an
argument or idea, there is a need to choose words that will contribute to the
main purpose of writing.

For example, the use of grammatical structures like modals and

adverbs among others may greatly contribute to achieving a compelling
argumentative essay. The table below presents several language features of
an argumentative text.

Modals The use of modal verbs like should and must to express
suggestion and obligation, respectively, contributes to the
achievement of sentences that provide support to the main
argument.

a. The public should consider wearing face shields as

additional protection against COVID-19 infection.
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Course Code: Engl 10

Descriptive Title: English for Grade 10
Subject Teacher: Ms. Benilyn C. Dasalla
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Santa Maria Campus

MODULE
b. Every Filipino must conserve water, energy, and other
natural resources.

The use of adverbs like the ones listed below also

contributes to the attainment of the author’s purpose
for writing. These linguistic particles help indicate the
mood or attitude of the writer with respect to the ideas
being presented.

usually | probably | necessarily | actually | apparently

| certainly | definitely | essentially | in fact | possibly
| inarguably

Evaluative The use of evaluative language, usually in the form of

Language adjectives, reflects the writer’s attitude towards a certain idea.
These words express feelings, opinions, or judgments on what
they are describing. Evaluative words, including the ones
listed below, can have positive or negative effects on an idea.

appalling | awful | disgusting | dreadful | horrendous |

incredible | revolting | ridiculous | shocking | terrible |
wonderful

Transitions The use of appropriate transitional devices plays a great part

in maintaining the smooth flow of ideas in an argumentative
text. Depending on the need to bridge one idea to the others,
these words, also known as connectives, help achieve
coherence in writing. Through these words, the danger of the
essay sounding like a group of disjointed opinions can be
avoided.
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Page

Course Code: Engl 10

Descriptive Title: English for Grade 10
Subject Teacher: Ms. Benilyn C. Dasalla
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Santa Maria Campus

MODULE
because | therefore | on the other hand | as a result | in
summary | consequently | similarly | in contrast |
meanwhile | furthermore

Aside from those mentioned above, the use of these linguistic elements,
such as (1) declarative statements, (2) rhetorical questions, and (3) passive
construction, may also help in writing compelling argumentative texts.

ACTIVITY I. WRITING ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

Write your own argumentative essay in no less than four (4)

7

paragraphs. Select a topic that you’re most interested in and comfortable

Page

working with below:

Course Code: Engl 10

Descriptive Title: English for Grade 10
Subject Teacher: Ms. Benilyn C. Dasalla
ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Santa Maria Campus

MODULE

• Should world governments get involved in addressing climate change?

• Should the death penalty be legalized in the Philippines?
• Should animal testing be allowed?
• Should minimum wage be increased?
• Do GMOs help or harm people?
• Has the internet positively or negatively impacted human society?

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Page

Course Code: Engl 10

Descriptive Title: English for Grade 10
Subject Teacher: Ms. Benilyn C. Dasalla