argumentative text - developmental reading

TEXT(Argumentative text type)

Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Text_types; http://www.talkingpeople.net/tp/skills/writing/typesoftexts/argumentative_discursive.htmhttp://www.mansioningles.com/first/first_cert05.htm

Reporter: Reggie G. Batausa

A course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating truth or falsehood presented a careful argument for extraterrestrial life.

A fact or statement put forth as proof or evidence; a reason The current low mortgage rates are an argument for buying a house now.

An argument is to provide reasons to defend an idea or opinion.


used to define the operation of justifying an opinion or theory through the reasoning (or argument)

aimed to change the views of other person or merely communicating our own ideas


intended to persuade and convince the audience in terms of communicative functions.


A text written that is based on the evaluation and the

subsequent subjective judgment in answer to a

problem. It refers to the reasons advanced for or against a matter.


It is particularly useful for argumentative texts to think

in terms of categories of knowledge - political,

religious, personal, physical, social, historical,

geographical, economic, artistic, sexual, moral,

creative, or psychological. Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Text_types; http://www.talkingpeople.net/tp/skills/writing/typesoftexts/argumentative_discursive.htmhttp://www.mansioningles.com/first/first_cert05.htm

An argumentative text has the following parts:

Thesis Arguments Conclusion


Argumentative text is organized from a basic idea called thesis.

The thesis is an idea or opinion that is to defend and around which the text reflects

The arguments are the reasons given to support the thesis

The conclusion confirms the original thesis and generally summarize the arguments. Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Text_types;

http://www.talkingpeople.net/tp/skills/writing/typesoftexts/argumentative_discursive.htmhttp://www.mansioningles.com/first/first_cert05.htm

The facts or scientific data to support the thesis The comparison with other similar events or situations that are put as an example The advantages and disadvantages of working under the idea that defends itself The invocation of the higher values (freedom, justice) which is based on the idea of the thesis The opinion of an expert on the subject or a person whose standing is recognized by all. The elimination of other solutions Proverbs and Sayings

The language of argument:

He has to be argumentative language clear and straightforward. Its characteristic features are:

· If the author argues from a personal point of view (subjective) will use resources such as rhetorical questions, exclamatory sentences or hortatory and the 1st and 2nd person verb.

· If the topic of the argument is a technical or scientific subject, then the modalities set predominate and verbs in 3rd person.

· Sentences and paragraphs are linked by connectors of different meanings. For example: -Condition: if, in the case. -Concession: although, though. -Cause: because, since. -Consequence: therefore, thus, hence. "Exemplification: for example, as.


If the author argues from a personal point of view (subjective) will use resources such as rhetorical questions, exclamatory sentences or hortatory and the 1st and 2nd person verb.

If the topic of the argument is a technical or scientific subject, then the modalities set predominate and verbs in 3rd person.


Sentences and paragraphs are linked by connectors of different meanings. For example:Condition: if, in the case.Concession: although, though.Cause: because, since.Consequence: therefore, thus,

hence."Exemplification: for example, as.


classical structure (structural outline) with some useful expressions,

other structural possibilities, the pro-con structure, the one-sided argumentation or the eclectic approach.


The obvious way to organize your material is under pros and cons, points for and against the argument.

A contrast between two different stands can help you write about the subject, make things easier.


However, you could develop your own opinions. You will have to be clear about the point(s) you want to make and make those points.

Then you'll have to explain your reasons for stating them (why do you say that?).

Try to say things which are relevant (content) and not vague comments and opinions.


Order your points under the headings pros and cons. Is this the best order for the various points?

Decide which side of the argument you favour yourself, how best to counter the points put forward on the other side.

What kind of conclusion will you arrive at? You will usually end with your own view, the one you have been leading up to in your presentation of the argument.


Whether you are doing a Reading Comprehension exercise (with an argumentative text) or you need to write an argumentative text, consider this:

Intro (What kind? A beginning? An overview?)

Body: One position - The opposite position / One position - Another - Another.

Ending: Conclusion/Ending/No Conclusion. Why?/How?


Read the following text and answer items 1 to 5 below by underlining the option which best matches the information contained in it. Apply the Skimming and Scanning technique and remember to time yourself.GHOSTS: FACT OR FICTION?


Is television a positive or negative influence on our

lives?

Write a composition and give your views on this question.


PlanningDivide the following points into two groups; the advantages and the disadvantages of watching TV. Follow the examples.

can be addictiveaffects children – violence/sexpeople don’t go out (cinema)watch sports, international competitions – Olympicsactivity for family togetherwatch videos, DVDs, home moviespassive not active (relax after a hard day)passive not active (‘watch’ and not ‘do’)news influences the public – brainwashingstops conversationcheaper than cinema, theatresee the world from your homeeducational – news, nature programmes, documentariesarguments about which channel to watchcompany if you live alone


Use conjunctionsMatch the linking words (conjunctions) neverthelesshowever Althougheven thougheven if whereas Despitein spite of


Now read the following sentences and choose the best linking words to connect the ideas.


1. Television is cheaper than going to the cinema or the theatre. ____________, it can be addictive and it may stop people from leaving their houses and socialising.

2. Television often stops people talking to each other __________ if you live alone it can provide company.

3. __________ being criticised for being a passive and lazy activity, watching television and be relaxing and help you to unwind after a long hard day at work.


Nevertheless

However

Although

even though

even if

whereas

Despite

in spite of

4. _________young children could be affected by the violence and sex on TV, there is also a wide selection of educational programmes such as documentaries and nature programmes.

5. With a television you can travel the world in your living room, and also see world sporting events such as the Olympics and the football World Cup. ____________, TV can have a huge influence on the way we think, the things we buy and who we vote for.


Nevertheless

However

Although

even though

even if

whereas

Despite

in spite of

Is television a positive or a negative influence on our lives?

To begin with, watching television is cheaper than going to the cinema or the theatre. However, it can be addictive and it may stop people from leaving their houses and socialising.



Another point is that television often stops people talking to each other whereas if you live alone it can provide company. It is worth remembering that despite being criticised for being a passive and lazy activity, watching television can be relaxing and help you to unwind after a long hard day at work.



In addition to this, even though young children could be affected by the violence and sex on TV, there is also a wide selection of educational programmes such as documentaries and nature programmes.



To sum up, with a television you can travel the world in your living room, and also see world sporting events such as the Olympics and the football World Cup. In spite of this, TV can have a huge influence on the way we think, the things we buy and who we vote for. If we are not careful it could brainwash us.


Now repeat the process by yourself. Read this exam question about the mobile phone.

Is the mobile phone a positive or a negative influence on our lives?

Write a composition and give your views on this question. Write your composition of between 120 and 180 words. Make notes below. Time limit – 6 minutes. Advantages of the mobile phone || Disadvantages of the

mobile phone Expand your notes into paragraphs. Connect your

ideas using the linking words from the previous exercise and use some of the ‘useful expressions’ above. Time limit – 35 minutes.

Finally, check your writing for grammar, spelling and punctuation mistakes (4 or 5 minutes). (Total time to answer the question– 45 minutes).


argumentative text - developmental reading

Education

types http

sayings sources

ideas sources

original thesis

careful argument

basic idea

scientific subject

argumentative texts