ENGLISH 10

Second Quarter
Week 2

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

Identify key structural elements and language features of an argumentative
text.

I. INTRODUCTION
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.

II. MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY

Identify key structural elements and language features of an argumentative
text.

III. STRATEGY
A. EXPLORE
DIRECTIONS: Read the statements carefully. Write AGREE if the statement
expresses the truth about argumentative texts, and DISAGREE if it says
otherwise.
_______ 1. The main goal of an argumentative text is to tell a story.
_______ 2. An argumentative text persuades readers to believe a certain claim or
opinion.
_______ 3. When writing an argumentative text such as an essay, it is important to
include evidences that support your claim.
_________ 4. Argumentative texts basically present and describe a topic.
_________ 5. Understanding the pros and cons of an issue is an essential aspect of
argumentative writing.

B. LEARN
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.

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 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.
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 + Refutation
c. Second Pro c. First Pro c. Second Con + Refutation
d. Con(s) + d. Second Pro d. Third Con + Refutation
Refutation(s) e. Conclusion e. Conclusion
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 strengthens 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.
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
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 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

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.
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 adjectives, reflects the
Language 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.

because | therefore | on the other hand | as a result | in summary |

consequently | similarly | in contrast | meanwhile | furthermore

C. ENGAGE
DIRECTIONS: Take some time to learn about things that are currently happening
around you. Watch news programs, listen to the radio, or read a newspaper. After
doing at least one of these suggested activities, you are going list down 5 events or
issues which may serve as good topics for writing an argumentative essay. Write
your answers in your answer sheets.
D. APPLY
DIRECTIONS: This time, you will be prompted to draft an argumentative essay for
a given topic. Provide the key elements using the template given. Do this in your
answer sheets.
Topic: (Choose a topic from your listed current events or issues)
Main Argument
Pros
Cons
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Refutations
Conclusion

QUARTER 2| WEEK 2

E. ASSESSMENT
DIRECTIONS: Read each item carefully. Choose the letter of the correct
answer.

1. What is the first part of an argumentative essay?

a. Introduction c. Topic presentation
b. Conclusion d. Greetings
2. Which of these types of essay almost related to the argumentative essay?
a. Persuasive c. Expository
b. Descriptive d. Narrative
3. Which of these describes the topic of an argumentative essay?
a. Thesis statement c. Expository statement
b. Theoretical statement d. Action statement
4. How many parts is the argumentative essay made up of?
a. 2 c. 4
b. 3 d. 5

5. Which of these is required to be chosen before working on an

argumentative essay?
a. Topic c. Age of the readers
b. Type of essay d. Number of the readers
6. Which of these is unusual?
a. Introduction c. Conclusion
b. Body of the write-up d. Signature of the writer
7. How many paragraphs should an argumentative essay have?
a. 2 c. 4
b. 3 d. 5
8. Which of these supports the writer’s claim?
a. Introduction c. Reasoning
b. Conclusion d. Explanation
9. What is the main argument of an essay?
a. Claim c. Explanation
b. Introduction d. Conclusion
10. What is the information that supports writer’s reasoning?
a. Conclusion c. Claim
b. Topic d. Evidence

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