Topic 5

Reading and Writing:

Skimming
&
For and Against Essay
OUTLINING
 Topic 5
 In this lesson, you are going to:
 1. Practice skimming technique for reading;
 2. Understand the structure of argumentative essay (for and against
essay);
 3. Start outlining your ideas for an argumentative essay (for and against
essay).

 List of task:
 1. Make an outline for an argumentative essay
 2. Complete the Reading 1 task in the PDF File (page 54-57).
Reading Section
 Reading Skills:
Skimming
Skimming is reading a text QUICKLY to get a general
idea of meaning.

Skimming is a strategic, SELECTIVE reading method in

which you focus on the main ideas of a text to extract
the essence of the author’s main messages

Skimming is a specific reading skill which is common in

reading newspapers, messages and e-mails
 Reading Skills:
What to Read When Skimming
The title, the introduction, any headings and
subheadings, and the conclusion

The first sentence of each paragraph (the topic

sentence)

The concluding sentence of each paragraph

The words highlighted in bold

Illustrations (pictures, diagrams, tables).

 Reading Skills:
Active Reading Strategies for Skimming
 Set a purpose for reading: What do you want to get out of it? Why are you
reading it? Keep this purpose in mind as you read.

 Preview: Look through the text before started to read and focus on headings,
illustrations, captions, highlighted items, end of chapter summaries, etc.

 Make a prediction: Right after previewing, make a prediction about what

you think the chapter or section is going to be about.

 Activate prior knowledge: Make a list of what you already know about the
topic and what you want to know about it.

 Annotate: Jot down brief notes and thoughts (in your own words) in the
margins of the text.

 Summarize the main ideas. After a section or page, stop and write a 1-3
sentence summary in your own words.
Writing Section
 Writing
Revisiting the Definition:
A For and Against Essay
An essay is a formal piece of writing
which describes, analyses, or discusses a
particular topic or issue.

A For and Against essay is a ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ essay in

which a topic or an issue is considered from opposing
points of view.
 Characteristics of a For and Against Essay
It presents both sides in a balanced and
fair way.
It discusses both sides objectively and in
equal detail.
It conveys the writer’s opinion on the
topic or issue.

How to do those things?

 Explain the opposing viewpoints with relevant reasons,
statistics, facts, and examples.
 State why one side is more convincing than the other
without using harsh or emotional language.
Sample question
Some people think that it is better to educate
boys and girls in separate schools. Others,
however, believe that boys and girls benefit more
from attending mixed schools.

Discuss both these views and give your own

opinion.
 Structure of a For and Against Essay
1. INTRODUCTION (Paragraph 1)
State the issue along with the present situation.

How to do it
 Talk about the topic in your own words (paraphrase).
 Mention that the issue is complex.
 Say that you will discuss both ‘For’ and ‘Against’
arguments.
 Structure of a For and Against Essay
2. BODY (Paragraph 2)
 Introduce the major argument ‘For’.
 Present the main points and elaborate.

How to do it
State the arguments in-favor (pros) along with reasons,
examples, facts, etc.

You can start your argument with, “On one hand…”

 Structure of a For and Against Essay
3. BODY (Paragraph 3)
 Introduce the major argument ‘Against’.
 Present the main points and elaborate.

How to do it
State the arguments against (cons) along with reasons,
examples, facts, etc.

You can start your argument with, “On the other

hand…”
 Structure of a For and Against Essay
4. YOUR OWN OPINION (Paragraph 4)
 Develop your own final opinion.

How to do it
State your opinion in a balanced way directly or
indirectly.

Give your personal thoughts on the issue.

 Structure of a For and Against Essay
4. CONCLUSION (Paragraph 5)
 Develop your own final summary.
 Close your essay with thought-provoking statement.

How to do it
State your opinion in a balanced way directly or
indirectly.

Give your personal thoughts on the issue.

Outlining your Argumentative
Essay
Sample structure 1 (Context: Public school
in Indonesia)
 Par 1: Introduction

 Par 2: Separate school

 Plus: Less harassment, more focus on studying, advocate some religious
values/beliefs, stronger bonds/engagements,
 Minus: more teachers, more classrooms, more infrastructure

 Par 3: Mixed school

 Plus: Expresses diversity values of Indonesian people, less infrastructure needed
 Minus: more bullying, harassment,
 Par 4: Own opinion
 In the case of public schools in Indonesia, I argue that mixed school system is still
more relevant despite of some adversities. (highlight the explanation and
illustration more).
 Par 5: Conclusion
Sample structure 2 (Context: Public
school in Indonesia)
 Par 1: Paraphrase the QS (Context: Indonesian public schools)
 Par 2: Single-gender schools
 Religious purposes
 Avoid inappropriate acts
 Par 3: mixed schools or co-education
 Does not express diversity values and equality.
 Par 4: Your own opinion:
 Indonesian public schools (co-education)
 Express equality and diversity
 Limited infrastructure

 Par 5: Conclusion
In conclusion, co-education is considered more relevant in the context of Indonesian
public schools. Despite the contesting debates between single and mixed-gender
schools, public schools in Indonesia should implement the latter as it can express the
diversity aspect of Indonesian people, and accommodate the limited infrastructure.
Your Turn to Shine
Choose between the two examples. Alternatively, you can find
your own topic.
1. Discipline is an ever increasing problem in modern school. Some
people think that discipline should be the responsibility of teachers,
while others think that this is the role of parents. Discuss both sides and give
your opinion.

2. The free markets (free movements of goods) across national borders

has long been a controversial issue. Some people argue that it is
necessary for economic growth, while others claim that it damages local
industries. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

3. Employers sometimes ask people applying for jobs for personal

information, such as marital status, hobbies, religion, etc. Some people
say that this information may be relevant and useful. Others, however,
disagree. Discuss both views and state your own opinion.

4. Your own topic (note: consult to your lecturer in advance).

Thank You.