This document provides guidance on argumentative writing. It outlines the key steps, which include understanding the task, planning main points by finding evidence and explanations to support a clear purpose and audience. When writing, use an introduction, alternative views, criticism of alternatives, and a conclusion. Techniques like facts, opinions, rhetorical questions and statistics presented in a FOREST structure can support points. Connectives should link ideas and paragraphs while words and phrases can establish objectivity. A checklist ensures an argument is convincing and sources are properly included to prevent plagiarism. As an example, guidance is given to write a 250-word essay weighing for and against arguments on the topic "Technology: Friend or Foe?".

1. Argumentative Writing
New English File Advanced
UNIT 4C

2. 1st Step
• Read the question and underline key words
• Read the question and the instructions of the
task carefully and decide on key vocabulary.
Try to use synonyms. Don’t repeat
words
Top Tip

3. Planning
Planning
Listing
main points
Sequencing
ideas
P A F
Selecting
techniques
you will use
P E E
put the most
important point first
or last.
Top Tip

4. Points => Find them!
Evidences => Support your points!
Explanations => Express your views!
P E E

5. Purpose => What is your purpose?
What do you want to convey to the audience?
Audience => Who are your audiences?
Use your language appropriately!
Form => Structure and sequencing your idea!
P A F

6. Paragraphing
Introduction
Alternative view
Criticism of Alternative
view
Your view
Conclusion
state the issue
give another side of view
demolish the alternative view by using cons
explain reasons and techniques to support your view
Summary

7. Conclusion
***Remember NEVER add
any new information to it.
Conclusion is the end of the essay
which the reader will remember
most, so it should be clear and
avoid confusing the reader.
Top Tip
A Good Conclusion must:
• Rephrase the question.
• Summarize the main ideas.
• Look to the future.

8. A FOREST
A
Anecdote
Telling your
own story
F
Fact
Real
event
that can
be
prove.
O
Opinion
Point of
view
R
Rhetorical
Question
Asking
question that
doesn’t any
answer
E
Expert
Expert
statement
S
Statistic
Research
T
Triple
3
powerful
and
effective
words.

9. A FOREST
Technique Example
Fact 5 to 53 facial muscles are used
when you are smiling.
Opinion They smile which means they are
happy.
Rhetorical Question Nobody likes people who are
always stressed, don’t you?
Expert Scientists say smiling can extend 7
years of your life span.
Statistic About 80% of people who smile
live longer than people who didn’t
smile.
Triple Smiling makes you become more
friendly, attractive and relaxed.

10. Connective
Remember to use them to link your ideas and paragraphs.
Example
Adding new supporting information moreover, in addition, furthermore
Offering a different viewpoint in contrast, on the other hand, however,
nevertheless, despite, but, while
Restarting a point for impact as stated earlier, to recap
Explaining cause and effect as a result, because, consequently

11. Useful words and phrases
When you would like to distance from the
fact and be objective:
could be claimed
It may be asserted that... However,
might be argued

12. Revision Checklist
• Catch your readers attention
• State a clear opinion
• Identify your reasons for asserting your opinion
• Provide strong evidence for your main points
• Address your oppositions argument
• Convince the reader that your position is valid
• Make it easy for your reader to read
• Include your sources
• Prevent plagiarism

13. TASK TO BE DONE
“TECHNOLOGY:
FRIEND OR
FOE?”
• Write a 250-word
discursive essay, giving
for and against
arguments
• Deadline: Wednesday,
13th April