ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

OBJECTIVES OF TODAY

1. Learn the steps we need to take to write an

Argumentative Essay.

2. Discuss and gather content for the

Argumentative Essay Topic.

N LEVEL EXAMINATIONS

Paper 1 (60m)- Section A (Situational Writing)- Section B (Composition)

Section B 4 different question types- Narrative- Discursive- Descriptive- Argumentative

STEP 1: ADDRESS THE TOPIC

Introduction- Pick out the keywords- General statements about the topic.

Example

Animals should never be kept in cages.

GENERAL STATEMENT

Write about Animals- “Animals are living things, just like human

beings. They grow, they live and they die. The only difference between animals and human beings are that humans are a step beyond in the mental development and capacity. Despite this, there is one thing that Animals and Humans share – emotional capabilities.”

- NOTE: Important that you plan out your points before you go on to write your introduction. You want the Body of your essay to be reflected in your Intro.

STEP 2: STATE YOUR STAND!

Slowly begin to address the topic.- “So, why then are Animals kept in cages?

Cages are cold and brutal and limits freedom. How would a human feel if he or she were kept in a cage?

State your stand!- “Therefore, I believe that animals should

never be kept in cages!”

STEP 3: RANK YOUR REASONS

Point number 1- “Animals should not be kept in cages

because it is a cruel and unfair act.”

Elaborate on your point.- “It is cruel as cages are small and it limits the

space of the animal.”- “It is unfair as animals are supposed to be

born and bred in the Wild and keeping them in cages is only defying their true nature.”

Provide an example - “This is quite evident in Zoos where wild

animals slowly become lifeless as they are only given a small space to call home.”

Validate your stand. - Reiterate it with your reason.- “Therefore, based on the understanding that

animals are creatures of the wild, they should never be kept in cages.

REASONS 2,3, ETC

Remember that your reasons are supposed to get STRONGER and more IMPACTFUL to justify your stand.

COUNTER-ARGUMENT

Always anticipate that the reader would find loopholes in your essay.

- “Some animals are dangerous. And if they are not kept in cages, they may attack people.”

It is YOUR job to think of the loopholes and address them in your essay.

- “Some may say that the reason why animals are kept in cages is mainly for the safety of human beings. However, I feel that our safety would not be at risk if we do not, in any way, pose a threat to the environment that the animals live in.

COUNTER-ARGUMENT (CONTINUED)

Make yourself sound reasonable.

End with a reassertion of your stand and how despite the loophole, your stand is still more POWERFUL and EFFECTIVE.

CONCLUSION

Reiterate your points.

Discuss your topic in a larger context. - “There is just so much space in this world. If

each living creature is given as much space as he, she, or it needs to grow, life would be lived to the maximum capacity.”