ARGUMENTATIVE TEXT
(English for grade XI)
Definition of Argumentative Text
An argumentative text is a type of text that presents a viewpoint or argument with the
aim of convincing the reader or listener to agree with the presented opinion.
The text typically addresses a debatable topic, and the writer must provide supporting
reasons to reinforce their point of view.
Characteristics of Argumentative Texts
Has a clear opinion or thesis: This is the main idea or opinion that will be argued in
the text.
Supporting arguments: The text includes reasons or evidence to support the opinion
presented.
Facts and data: It is supported by objective, verifiable information.
Clear structure: Argumentative texts generally consist of an introduction, body
(arguments), and conclusion.
Structure of Argumentative Texts
Introduction: Introduces the topic and states the opinion or thesis.
Body (Arguments): Contains reasons and evidence to support the stated opinion.
Conclusion: Summarizes the arguments and reinforces the opinion.
Types of Arguments
Deductive Argument: Drawing a conclusion from a general statement or widely
accepted principle.
Inductive Argument: Using specific facts or examples to derive a general conclusion.
Examples of Argumentative Texts
Example Opinion: Arguing for the importance of character education in schools to
build better student personalities.
Example Arguments: Using facts to show the positive impact of character education
on student behavior and society.
Language and Style Used in Argumentative Texts
Use formal and objective language.
Avoid emotional or biased language.
Be clear and concise with the arguments.
Provide evidence, examples, or facts to support each point.
Steps in Writing an Argumentative Text
1) Choose a topic: Select a debatable issue or topic to argue.
2) State your opinion: Clearly state your thesis or main argument.
3) Gather supporting evidence: Collect facts, data, and examples to support your
thesis.
4) Organize your arguments: Present your arguments logically in the body.
5) Write the conclusion: Summarize your points and restate the importance of your
argument.
Example of an Argumentative Text
Example 1
Topic: Should school uniforms be mandatory?
Introduction:
School uniforms are a common requirement in many schools around the world. Some people
argue that they help promote discipline and equality, while others believe that they restrict
students’ freedom of expression. In this essay, I will argue that school uniforms should be
mandatory because they help reduce peer pressure, promote equality, and foster a sense of
school pride.
Body:
Argument 1 (Reduces Peer Pressure): One of the main reasons for having school
uniforms is to reduce peer pressure. When students wear the same clothing, it lessens
the competition over who wears the most fashionable or expensive clothes. This helps
create a more inclusive environment where students are judged by their abilities, not
their appearance.
Argument 2 (Promotes Equality): School uniforms promote equality by reducing
the visible differences between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
This allows students to focus on their studies rather than worrying about what to wear
or comparing their clothing to others.
Argument 3 (Fosters School Pride): Wearing a uniform can help create a sense of
belonging and pride in the school community. When students wear the same clothes,
they feel connected to one another and to the school, which can improve school spirit
and academic performance.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, school uniforms should be mandatory because they reduce peer pressure,
promote equality, and foster a sense of pride and unity within the school. Schools should
adopt uniforms to create a more focused and supportive learning environment.
Example 2
Topic: Should social media platforms be regulated by the government?
Introduction:
In the digital age, social media platforms have become an essential part of daily life. They
provide opportunities for communication, entertainment, and information sharing. However,
the rapid growth of these platforms has raised concerns about privacy, misinformation, and
harmful content. In this essay, I will argue that social media platforms should be regulated by
the government to protect users, ensure the accuracy of information, and maintain a safe
online environment.
Body:
Argument 1 (Protecting Users' Privacy): One of the most critical reasons for
regulating social media is to protect users' personal data. Many social media platforms
collect vast amounts of data about their users, sometimes without their knowledge.
Without proper regulation, this data could be misused, leading to privacy breaches or
exploitation. Governments should step in to establish laws that ensure users' data is
secure and that companies cannot misuse or sell this information.
Argument 2 (Combating Misinformation): Another reason for regulation is to curb
the spread of misinformation and fake news. Social media platforms have been
instrumental in the rapid dissemination of information, but they also allow the spread
of false or misleading content. This can have harmful consequences, such as
influencing elections, causing public panic, or promoting harmful behaviors. By
regulating social media, governments can require platforms to take more
responsibility for the content they allow, ensuring that only accurate information is
shared.
Argument 3 (Ensuring Online Safety): Social media platforms often host harmful
content, including hate speech, cyberbullying, and illegal activities. Without
regulation, these platforms may not take sufficient action to protect users from such
content. Governments can enforce rules that require platforms to remove harmful
material and provide better safeguards for vulnerable groups, such as children and
minorities, making the online environment safer for everyone.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, regulating social media platforms is necessary to protect users' privacy,
combat misinformation, and ensure online safety. Governments must implement laws that
require these platforms to take responsibility for the content shared and ensure a safer, more
secure online space. While regulation may have challenges, it is a step in the right direction
toward creating a healthier digital environment for all users.
Practice Activities
Activity 1: Writing an Argumentative Text
Topic 1: Should homework be banned in schools?
o Write an argumentative text where you express your opinion about
whether homework should be banned or not.
o Use at least three arguments to support your opinion.
o Structure the text with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Topic 2: Should the use of mobile phones be banned in schools?
o Write an argumentative text in which you state your opinion about the
use of mobile phones in schools.
o Support your argument with at least three reasons.
o Structure your text with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Activity 2: Peer Review
Exchange your argumentative text with a classmate.
Review their text for clarity, structure, and logical flow of arguments.
Provide feedback on how to improve their text.
Homework and Additional Practice
Choose another debatable topic, write an argumentative text, and submit it for review.
Read articles on current issues (e.g., online education, environmental concerns) and
try to summarize their arguments in an argumentative text.
Rubric for Assessment
Needs
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Satisfactory (2)
Improvement (1)
Clear thesis, but
Thesis Clear, concise, and Thesis is unclear No clear thesis or
not debatable
Statement debatable thesis. or weak. irrelevant.
enough.
Presents strong, Presents solid Arguments are Lacks sufficient
Arguments well-supported arguments with weak or not well- arguments or
arguments. some evidence. supported. evidence.
Excellent Some
Good organization
organization, clear organizational Disorganized, hard
Organization but minor issues
introduction, body, issues, difficult to to follow.
with transitions.
and conclusion. follow.
Mostly formal and Some informal Informal language,
Formal, clear, and
Language Use clear with minor language or unclear or
precise language.
errors. unclear sentences. repetitive.
Good conclusion, No clear
Strong conclusion Conclusion is
but slightly weak conclusion or no
Conclusion that reinforces the vague or
in restating the summary of the
thesis. incomplete.
thesis. thesis.
