Argumentative Writing Techniques

2. Activity 1: Right Where it
Belongs
Direction: Identify where these elements are found in an
argumentative essay by putting a check mark on the
corresponding column. Write your answer in a 1/2 crosswise.
ELEMENT INTRODUCTION BODY CONCLUSION
1. Background
Information
2.
Counterarguments
3. Reasons
4. Summary
5. Evidence/Proof
6. Thesis Statement

3. Activity 1: Right Where it
Belongs
Direction: Identify where these elements are found in an
argumentative essay by putting a check mark on the
corresponding column.
ELEMENT INTRODUCTION BODY CONCLUSION
1. Background
Information
✔️
2.
Counterarguments
✔️
3. Reasons ✔️
4. Summary ✔️
5. Evidence/Proof ✔️
6. Thesis Statement ✔️

4. Argumentative Writing
 It is a type of writing wherein the writer aims at
presenting an issue (be it scientific, political, social, etc.)
and then taking side or making a stand, which he will have
to support by giving proof or evidence.
 Argumentative texts adopts a fair, formal, and reasonable
tone.
 Argumentative essays should have a straight forward
structure, so they are easy for readers to follow.

5.  This part should provide an outline of the
topic, the background information needed to
understand your argument, the evidence you
will present, and your thesis statement.

6. Example
"Electric cars were invented more than 100 years ago.
Battery-powered electric vehicles were on the roads in the
late 1800s. Eventually, electric and gas-powered cars
replaced horses for personal transportation. Today, all
vehicles should be electric powered because electric cars are
better for the environment and they cost less to fuel."

7.  This part comprises at least three
paragraphs that contains reasons and
evidence such as research statistics that back
up or support your claim.

8. Example
"First, all cars should be electric because they are better for the
environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency,
electric cars emit less greenhouse gases than gas-powered cars
(EPA, 2022). This shows that electric cars are better for the
environment because greenhouse gases can lead to an unnatural
warming of the Earth.
Next, all cars should be electric because they cost less to fuel than
gas-powered cars. A 2020 Consumer Reports study found that
electric vehicle owners spent 60% less on fuel than gas-powered
vehicle owners (Lindwall, 2022). In other words, owning an electric
vehicle allows people to save the money they would normally

9. This paragraph is still part of the body, but it is
reserved for acknowledging opposing claims and then
refuting them to further support your side or state.

10. Example
"Some people believe that all cars should not be
electric because electric cars cannot drive long
distances. This is not the case because many electric
cars can travel long distances without charging. For
example, Tesla's Model S can drive approximately 370
miles without stopping for a charge (Sidiqui, 2020). This
means it is possible to drive long distances in an electric
car without a need to stop and recharge."

11. This is a one paragraph part that restates your thesis
and summarizes all of the arguments. Here, there are
no other arguments should be introduced anymore.

12. Example
In conclusion, all cars should be electric. Electric cars
are better for the environment and they cost less to
fuel. When it is time to purchase a car, an electric
vehicle is the better choice."

13. Readers should be able to pinpoint immediate
what your thesis statement is.
Argumentative writing techniques from Sarikas
(2019) and other sources:
"Social media use can have a negative impact
on mental health by increasing feelings of
loneliness, anxiety, and depression among
young adults."

14. Readers should be able to pinpoint immediate
what your thesis statement is.
Argumentative writing techniques from Sarikas
(2019) and other sources:
"According to a study by the University of Pennsylvania,
limiting social media use to 30 minutes per day
significantly reduces feelings of loneliness and
depression among young adults."

15. The best argumentative essays are not that
focuses only on their side, but those that
present opposing arguments and then
countering them.
Argumentative writing techniques from Sarikas
(2019) and other sources:
While some may argue that social media use can have
positive effects on mental health, such as enhancing
social connections and self-esteem, this claim is not
supported by the available evidence. In fact, several
studies have shown that social media use can have the
opposite effect, by reducing the quality and quantity of
face-to-face interactions, and by increasing the exposure
to unrealistic and idealized images of others, which can
lower one’s self-esteem and self-worth. Therefore, the

16. "Social media use can have a negative impact on mental
health by increasing feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and
depression among young adults. However, some may
argue that social media use can also have positive
effects, such as enhancing social connections and self-
esteem. On the other hand, this claim is not supported by
the available evidence."
Argumentative writing techniques from Sarikas
(2019) and other sources:
Make sure to use where appropriate some
logical connectors such as "however, on the
other hand, consequently, therefore, and so
on."

17. Activity 2: Fill Me In
Direction: On a 1/2 crosswise, complete the table by filling in the
missing information about argumentative writing.
Argumentative Essay
Purpose
Starting point
Structure
Support
Tone

18. Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write
your answer on a 1/2 crosswise.
1. Which of the following statements best describes
argumentative writing?
A. It presents the writer’s side about an issue and the
evidence to prove his points.
B. It uses emotive language to sway the readers to agree
with the writer's opinion.
C. It usually ends with a call to action.

19. Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write
your answer on a 1/2 crosswise.
2. In this writing technique, readers should be able to
pinpoint immediately what your thesis statement is.
A. Show why the other side is weak.
B. Use logical connectors.
C. Make your thesis crystal clear.
3. Counterargument is still part of the _____ paragraph.
A. Body
B. Introduction

20. Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write
your answer on a 1/2 crosswise.
4. How to write an argumentative essay following a
straight forward structure?
I. Introductory paragraph
II. Counterargument
III. Body paragraphs
IV. Conclusion
A. I, III, IV
B. I, II, III, IV
C. I, III, II, IV

21. Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write
your answer on a 1/2 crosswise.
5. What is the purpose of counterarguments in
argumentative writing?
A. It is primarily aimed at setting argumentative from
persuasive writing.
B. It is meant to make the essay longer and meet the
word count.
C. It is intended to weaken the opposing arguments by
presenting
evidence that would invalidate their claim.

22. Directions: Write an argumentative essay (five
paragraphs) on one whole sheet of paper about any of
the topics listed below. This would require you to research
about your chosen topic. Also, be gbyd with the content of
the rubric.
A. Social Media Platforms Should Be Regulated by the Government
B. The K-12 Program in the Philippines: A Critical Analysis
C. The Benefits of Wearing Uniforms in School