Argumentative writing

What is argumentative writing? It is a simple argument that someone takes part in alone, there is
no second party involved.
You produce your own argument
Eg- 1. List down advantages and disadvantages of wearing school uniforms
2. What do you prefer, to wear the uniform or not?
3. Why have you concluded that wearing uniforms is good? Or bad? Give reasons.
4. ‘Wearing uniforms is considered a violation of human rights among teenagers’ do you
agree or disagree?
Points to remember when writing an argumentative essay
1. The essay can be in 1st person narration or 2nd person (eg- one. You) narration.
2. Your essay must be well structured.
3. Must pay attention to TONE and REGISTER.
4. Emotive language should not be used to create negativity. (what is emotive language?).
5. You must convince the reader to accept your point of view/opinion.
6. Introductory and concluding paragraphs are crucial aspects of an argumentative essay.
7. It is always advised to use actual examples as much as possible.
(Emotive language -Chapter 5-page 38- English language course book)

How to structure/ organize your argument

Introduction-body and opposition- conclusion (The number of paragraphs depends on the
number of points that you will be discussing in your essay) however, it is advised that you do not
include too many points in the essay since you are writing under time and word constraint. (word
limit 350-500 words)
Introduction- Start with a hook- preferably a rhetorical question This would keep/hold the
readers enthusiasm and suspense. (question statement)
Background into the topic in question (given that you are writing under time constraint, limit the
background into about less than 30 words)
Your opinion needs to be stated in brief eg- do you agree that uniforms should be worn in schools.
Ideas to support your view needs to be included. You need to provide reasons which would support
your claim/opinion.
Evidence is also essential in your essay these are facts and proof that can be proven either by
science or quotations on research paper.
Opposition- this is where you state why others oppose your viewpoint or why you like it and others
dislike or vise versa. At this point you could also refute the opinion of others by giving sufficient
evidence/reasons as to why you say so.
Conclusion – This is where you could repeat your stance on the given topic and reiterate on why
the audience should accept your point of view on the topic. This is the reassuring line, and it needs
to be very convincing. You also need to summarize your opinion (statements made earlier in the
essay) at this point.

Most argumentative essays end in a futuristic manner or imaginative past- (if conditional clause),
you can end with a quote that supports your opinion or by rephrasing/restating the question you
asked at the beginning of the essay.

Arguments-
Controversial topics-

Introduction – this is also called the thesis statement. Culture in your country and two aspects
your proud of.
We introduce the country. The culture.
2nd para- - state an aspect- why should people be proud of it. Give reasons. Current state of this
aspect- do the respect, why don’t respect.
3rd para- 2nd aspects
4th para- why do people not feel proud- (refuting)
Conclusion- can be futuristic. What will happen in the future.