ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES

Applied Subject

Class No.: _____ Date: _______________________

Name: ____________________________________ Module 5 – 2nd Quarter – SY20212022
Grade and Section: __________________________ Teacher: ____________________

I. Title: Introduction to Position/Argumentative Essay

II. Objectives:
After accomplishing this module, you must be able to:
1. define what an argument is and differentiate it from argument;
2. develop supporting ideas for an argument; and
3. weigh both sides of a topic when making decisions

III. Material/s:
For reference/s, you may visit our LMS for the articles and extra materials.

IV. Time Frame: Quarter 2 – Week 5

V. Concept:

What is an argument?
An argument, in academic writing, is referred to as the main idea. It often called a
“claim” or “thesis statement”, backed by evidence.

Argument vs Opinion
• An argument involves careful evaluation of ideas and evidence before arriving at a
judgment.
• An opinion tends to reflect an individual’ instinctive reactions and personal
experiences.

Definition of Terms
• Argument – is a statement of an idea that is defended by the writer

• Bias – includes subjective statements, word usage, and examples used by the
writer that make the argument unreliable

• Claim – the writer’s position about a particular topic, backed by reasons and
evidences; main argument

• Counterargument – rebuttal to the counterclaim

• Counterclaim – is a statement made by another person that goes against a claim;

opposing argument

• Support – include specific facts and evidence used to support your claim

What is an argumentative paper?

An argumentative paper is also known as position paper. In this type of essay,
the writer adopts a stance or a position on a debatable issue. The writer then uses reason
and evidence to convince the reader to agree with their opinion.

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 Structure of an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay, like any other essays, begin with an introduction that
provides the readers with background information on the topic. It often ends with a thesis
statement.

The thesis statement states your opinion on the issue. Not only that, it may also
mention a counter argument.

As for the body part, it follows this flow of ideas:

Paragraph 1 / Argument 1
Sentence 1: Topic sentence that states your first argument
Sentence 2-3: Evidence in support of argument 1
Sentence 4-5: Commentary that explains the significance of the evidence or
the connection to your claim
Repeat 2-5 to add other evidences.
End with a concluding sentence that wraps up the argument.

The body part if often divided into multiple paragraphs; one paragraph corresponds to
one argument.

Opposing viewpoints or counter arguments can also be included in the body part
of an argumentative essay. If you mention a counter argument, briefly summarize it in
one paragraph then rebut or disprove it using logic or evidence.

Lastly, the conclusion restates your opinion. It also reviews the reasons and
pieces of evidence that you have discussed in the body paragraphs.

VI. Activity: Let’s try these!

Directions. Given the topic below, give three (3) pros and three (3) cons.

TOPIC Online games

ISSUE Online games as an educational tool.

PROS CONS

VII. Evaluation: Let’s check your understanding!

A. Quiz No. 2
The quiz no. 2 is related to your Mini Performance Task 2. Complete the table below with
information that will help you identify arguments and counter arguments for your
argumentative essay.

TOPIC Books vs Gadgets

ISSUE Books vs Gadgets as Learning Devices

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 BOOKS GADGETS

PROS CONS PROS CONS

B. Mini Performance Task 2

Your Mini Performance Task 2 is an argumentative essay that discusses whether or not
you agree that books should be replaced with gadgets as learning devices. In question
form: Books should be replaced with gadgets as learning devices. Do you agree or
disagree?

As always, the thesis statement of your essay should follow the format previously
discussed. Limit your blueprint of reasons to 2 ideas only.

Your argumentative essay will be graded using the standards below.

4 3 2
Thesis Statement (x1)
Thesis statement is (1) strong and is
placed in the appropriate place in
the paper. It is the (2) focal point of
the paper and is (3) strongly
supported throughout the paper.

Reasons (x2)
Author’s position is supported with
(1) well-developed and thought-out
reasons (minimum of 2). Reasons
show (2) careful analysis and Only two
All elements are
elements are One element is
Depth and Variety of Evidence (x3) present.
present. present.
(1) Variety of sources is used to
support author’s position. (2)
Accurate information from expert
opinion, statistics, etc are used
throughout the paper. (3)
Information is relevant to the topic.

Organization and Mechanics (x1)

Ideas are (1) well organized and (2)
free of errors. (3) Transitional
devices are used to link ideas.

TOTAL (HPS: 30 pts.)

VIII. Reflection: 3-2-1

Directions. Answer the question: How important is it to look at both sides of the argument
when making a decision? Explain your answer.

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