2nd Trimester English Reviewer

Argumentative Essay

• Arguments – these are claims or thesis statements that should be strong and be backed up
with concrete evidence that supports an idea and should mainly interpret a text.

• In creating arguments, you should consider the reactions of your audience, whereas there
should be disagreement and/or opposing views.

• Most importantly, it should be persuasive, as to point out where you stand on a debatable
issue.

• Genre is the most important element to the contract of expectations between a writer and a
reader, where defying genre/focus/specific idea, then the argument becomes boring or a
complete apocalypse.

• Techniques to create persuasive writing:

1. Reference
2. Personal Experiences
3. Facts
4. Statistics
5. Analogies
6. Logic
7. Connection

• Argumentation
- Begins with an issue (controversial, problem, arguable, debatable)

- Then, you should have a claim or position in order to convey your side or stance in this
issue presented.

Example. We should turn on air-conditioning because classrooms are too hot.

- Next, we should have evidence to provide proof, and support your claims since not
everyone would be convinced towards your stance.

*Evidence will always have opposing arguments, so you must add counterarguments
to annihilate the opposing side.

• Types of Claims:
1. Claim of Fact – it is an assertion that could be proven or disproven by factual evidence
(research, statistics, surveys, or data).

Ex. Social media has had many negative influences towards the youth today.
 - Always remember that not all statements can be a claim of fact, as people would often
confuse it with the idea of statement of fact or something that is already generally
accepted and is true.

Ex. The solar system revolves around the sun.

2. Claim of Value – It can be a comparison, preference, or is subjective. It can be proven

by a criterion or set of standards (awards, popularity, influence, impact). Morality,
preferences, and aesthetics are all claims of value.

Ex. Taylor Swift is the best singer-songwriter of our generation.

- Key words: best, better, worst, beautiful, wrong, right, immoral

3. Claim of Policy – It suggests an action, measures, and policies to be done. It can also
question certain social practices.

Ex. Decriminalizing abortion is a need in our society for women.

- Key word: need, must, should

• In a nutshell, a claim should:

- Pick a side
- Be supported by evidence
- Must be direct

Analytical Listening

• Different Skills:
1. Note – taking (while listening)
a. Outlining method – outline various topics and classifying ideas as the main, sub, or
supporting ideas.

e.g., The Earth (Main Topic), Planets (Subtopic), Features (Further Subtopic)

b. Mapping method – organize information in a visually appealing format. This

method is useful for topics that have branches and sub-branches.

c. Sentence method – this is a simple method directed at a recording maximum

information

A. Record each piece of information in a different sentence.

B. Break the vast information into pieces and jot them in a new sentence.
C. Number these sentences to gain more clarity over the comprehension of the
information.
 D. Each sentence should be written in a different line to look neat for the note-
taking process.

d. Write down the main ideas – jot down only the main concepts and the main words
associated with those concepts.

e. Shorthand works wonders – writing down abbreviations and signs which can help.

e.g., C.R.A.A.P. – Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and purpose

f. Pictures for the rescue!

g. Using margins – allow yourself to focus on the inner content fully by jotting down
information on the sides.

2. Paraphrasing (in your own words) – express the meaning of (the writer or speaker
or something written or spoken) using different words, especially to achieve greater
clarity.

3. Synthesizing (digging deeper) - involves more than just summarizing. You must
emphasize how each source contributes to current debates, highlighting points of
(dis)agreement and putting the in conversation with each other.

4. Decision making (providing solution) – handle problems in the best manner possible
and implement solutions with little risk.

Persuasive Techniques

• Ethos – credibility through EMPATHY (I experience this…, connect with the audience).
Is the speaker credible?
• Pathos – emotions (audience), how you invoke these feelings as a speaker to the audience
through your statements, and what you want the audience to feel (appeal)
• Logos – logic, and avoiding fallacies like: Ad populum, Ad hominem, Hasty
generalization, False Dilemma, Straw Man, etc.

• Examples:

1. Logos – 1 content
- Arguments, benefits, facts, figures, data, numbers, statistics, scientific research,
processes, and product characteristics.

2. Ethos – 2 content, 4 delivery

- Personal anecdote (why me?), client testimonials, success stories, track record, titles
- Eye contact, body language, delivery, vocal variety, and poise.

3. Pathos – 3 content, 5 delivery

 - Stories, positive and negative emotions like frustration, anger, love, or respect
- Coherence (body language and voice are coherent with the specific content)

Practice creating claims, arguments, identifying evidence in different contexts, and writing a
short argumentative paragraph.

Good luck on your English periodic test!

References:

1. Powerpoints