The document provides instructions for writing an argumentative essay. It explains that an argumentative essay presents a claim with supporting reasons and evidence while addressing opposing views. It recommends including an introduction with background on the topic and a thesis statement, paragraphs with a topic sentence followed by opposing claim, supporting argument, and refutation, and a conclusion that restates the main points and refutations. The document also provides examples of an introduction, body paragraph, and conclusion. It offers language to introduce positions, opposing arguments, and compromises in the essay.

1. Argumentative essay
By Nurshamsinar Ramli

2. What is it?
Argumentative essays give information and
present an argument with the pros and cons
on the issue. You must take a clear stand and
try to persuade the opposing audience of
your opinion.
PROS- Are your views
CONS- The opposite views
Refutation- The proof of your arguments

3. Structure
Introduction
Thesis statement
Body
Paragraph 1- CON 1 + PRO 1 + Refutation
Paragraph 2- CON 2 + PRO 2 + Refutation
Paragraph 3- CON 3 + PRO 2 + Refutation
Conclusion

4. Introduction
Structure of an introduction:
Introduce and explain topic
Background information
Thesis statement

5. Example Introduction
In Malaysia, although there are no seasons that
regulate our weather, there are seasonal occurrences that
affect the minds of most Malaysians. These seasonal
occurrences are public examinations. Parents and
students alike are well-versed in the demands made on
them by the three main public examinations that
Malaysian students sit for; the UPSR, PMR and SPM.
Many Malaysians will attest to the fact that these public
examinations are more of a bane than a boon. Due to the
various negative impact and shortcomings they bring,
public examination should be abolished.
Introduction of
topic
Background
information
Thesis
statement

6. Paragraphs
Structure of a paragraph:
1. Topic sentence
2. CON - The opposing view
4. PRO - Your arguing view
5. Refutation- Proof of your argument

7. Example paragraph
To begin with, public examinations are not a reliable way of
gauging the true ability of students. We cannot deny the fact that
public examinations are used for a number of purposes, ranging
from placement of students to awarding of scholarships. However,
examinations neither promote higher order thinking skills among
students, nor do they identify those with such skills. They are
merely a good indication of students’ test-taking skills and do not
reflect the students’ true learning ability. Many students simply
memorise what has been taught and regurgitate the facts during
examinations. At best, public examinations only seem to evaluate a
student ‘s ability to memorise and retain that memory until the
time he sits for an examination.
Topic sentence CON PRO Refutation

8. Conclusion
Include in a conclusion:
Restatement of topic sentences
Summarise you main refutations

9. Example conclusion
In conclusion, given the numerous drawbacks of
the public examination system such as...., it is clear
that we should seriously consider other means of
assessing our students’ performance and do away
with public examinations.
Summary
of PROS
Summary of
refutation

10. Language Expression
To present ideas To begin with,
Firstly,
Another reason,
Finally,
To point out
opposing arguments
Opponent of this idea claim that….
Those who disagree..
Some people claim that…
Some people may disagree with this idea..
To present opposing
ideas
However,
On the other hand,
Nonetheless / nevertheless,
….but,
To compromise They have a point in thinking that way. However,..
What they say might be true. Nonetheless,..
To certain extent they are right, but..
To disagree totally The evidence provided here proves that everyone should
disagree with this (opposing) view..

11. end