Argumentative Texts: Modal Verbs and Modal Adverbs

Modal verbs

are special verbs which behave irregularly in English

Modal Verbs:
-May
-Can
-Might
-Have to
-Should
-Ought to
-Could
-May

Ability- to say someone has (or hasn't) particular ability.

Can/Can't (present)
Could/Couldn't (past)

Possibility- to express possibility about the present or the future.

Could/Might/May
(present and future)

Certainty- to express certainty.

Must/Must Have
(present/past)

Advice- to give advice.

Should/Ought to/Must

Obligation- expresses strong obligation.

Must/Have to

Modal Adverbs are used to modify specific verbs that consist of a linking
verb(verb of being) and sometimes another verb.
Here are some of modal adverbs:
-Probably
-Possibly
-Evidently
-Certainly
-Surely
-Undoubtedly
-Seriously
-Clearly
-Obviously

Modality- It is used in writing to express how definite you are about

something.

Degree of Modality

1. Strong- uses the adverbs always and never, evidently, surely, seriously,
and undoubtedly

2. Moderate- uses often, rarely, usually, sometimes, frequently, and

occasionall.

Argumentative Essay

An Argumentative essay is a type of essay that presents arguments about

both sides of an issue.

An Argumentative essay is usually written in the five paragraph structure.

The argumentative essay format consist of an introduction, 2-3
paragraphs and conclusion.

Multimodals and it's elements

Is not only relaying message throuh voice and letters. It does not limit its
purpose to written and verbal text.

Multimodals can include:

-picture
-books
-textbooks
-graphic novels
-comics
- posters

With combination of visual(still image), written language, and spatial

modes

Elements of Multimodal Text

A text may be defined as multimodal when it combines two or more

semiotic systems.

• Linguistic: vocabulary, structure, grammar of oral/written language

• Visual: color, vectors and viewpoint in still and moving images

• Audio or Aural: volume, pitch and rhythm of music and sound effects

• Gestural: movement, facial expression and body language

Spatial: proximity, direction, position of layout, organization of objects in

space.

Visual
The visual mode refers to the images and characters that people see.

Aural or Audio

The aural mode is focused on sound including, but not limited to, music,
sound effects, ambient noises, silence, tone of voice in spoken language,
volume of sound, emphasis, and accent.

Gestural

The gestural mode "refers to the way movement is interpreted. Facial

expressions, hand gestures, body language, and interaction between
people are all gestural modes

Linguistic (or Alphabetic)

The linguistic mode refers to written or spoken words. The mode includes
word choice, the delivery of written or spoken text, the organization of
words into sentences and paragraphs, and the development and
coherence of words and ideas.

Spatial

The spatial mode, as the name implies, refers to the arrangement of

elements in space. It involves the organization of items and the physical
closeness between people and objects.
FORMULATING CLAIMS OF FACT, POLICY AND VALUE

What is a claim?

For a Speaker: A claim is the main topic of an argument where the

speaker tries to assert on his or her beliefs, ideas or actions.

For a Writer: A claim is the central statement of a text where the writer
tries to prove in the text by providing details, explanations and other
types of evidence

Other characteristics of a good claim:

• A claim should be argumentative and debatable.

• A claim should be specific and focused.

• A claim should be interesting and engaging.

A claim should be logical.

Three types of Claims

1. CLAIM OF FACT

A claim whether something is true or untrue but there must always be

potential for controversy, conflict and change.

A claim that reports, describes, predicts and shows cause and effect.
A claim that something has existed (past), exists (present) or will exist
(future).

2. CLAIM OF POLICY

A claim that urges that an action be taken or discontinued in specific

policies.

A claim that shows that a problem exists and it's good to solve it in a
certain way.

3. CLAIM OF VALUE

A claim that gives judgment about morality, beauty, merit or wisdom.

A claim that compares and contrasts a problem with a similar one in

another time and/or place

A claim that is based on preference such as likes or dislikes, good or bad.

RESEARCH

is an imperative area in not just the field of education, but in other fields
as well.

The Research Process

Researchers first find out what others have already learned about the
subject.

If the question has not been fully answered, they figure out a way to get
more information. They may do further observations or perform an
experiment to test their idea.

Next, they analyze the data (information) they have collected.

5 Dimensions of a Campaign

(1) Awareness Raising

This is intended to make the problem to be addressed known by the
general public.

(2) Research

Another dimension that is based on research, since it

provides the necessary knowledge to take action.

Many stakeholders are involved here for the complexity of the topics.

(3) Social Mobilization

These are used by grass-root based social movements, but also as a tool
for the elite and the state itself.

Involves a lot of different groups like civic organizations, religions, and

actions of members of institutions like mass meetings, processions, and
demonstrations.

4) Training

It is the process focused on a clear and specific target

(5) Lobbying

It is an act to influence decisions made by officials in the government

LANGUAGE OF RESEARCH, CAMPAIGNS, AND ADVOCACIES

Research makes use of a formal, academic, and persuasive language to

communicate discussions and present corresponding findings for
variables studied.

A campaign, usually social or political in nature, is technically defined as a

planned set of activities that people carry out to attain a certain goal or
objective
1. Emotive Language. This involves the use of words that evoke emotions
and make people feel a certain way. Through the use of words that appeal
to the emotion, the writer can sound more convincing

An advocacy refers to activities that argue, plead, support, or favor a

certain cause.

2. Modal Verbs. The use of words that express modality or how likely
something is going to happen helps adjust the level of certainty of events
to suit arguments.

4. Rhetorical Questions. These are questions that are not supposed to be

answered. Instead, they are asked for effect, to illustrate a point or let the
reader think. The use of questions that sometimes state the obvious can
convince the reader to agree on the points being presented.

3. Involving the Reader. This is done through the use of personal pronouns
like you, your, we, our, and indicative words like together. Using these
words establishes a connection between the author and the reader. This
way, the issue is made personal and more important to the reader.

5. Using Evidence. This involves the use of facts, figures, or quotes from
experts to highlight the writer's authority and make the arguments
presented more convincing.

6. Repetition. This technique involves repeating keywords, phrases, or

ideas to appeal to the readers.

Adjectives and Adverbs. Using carefully selected adjectives and adverbs

makes it possible for the writer to influence how the readers feel.

8. Bandwagon. Commonly used in advertisements, this persuasion

technique makes the audience believe the idea that "everyone is doing it"
or that everyone likes something.

9. Association. This technique tries to link an object or an idea with

something already liked or desired by the target audience such as wealth,
success, pleasure, and security.
10. Experts. This means relying on expert advice from trusted people like
doctors, scientists, and other professionals for things that the audience do
not know. The idea that these experts are risking their credibility to
support an object or idea makes the persuasion more effective.