Lesson 1: Argumentative Essay

Definitions

• Argumentative:

  • Defined as having or showing a tendency to disagree or argue.

  • Involves presenting a point of view or argument on a particular subject.

• Essay:

  • A short piece of writing on a particular subject.

• Argumentative Essay:

  • A type of writing aimed at convincing the reader to agree with the writer's opinion about a controversial or debatable issue.

Execution of Argumentative Essay Writing

Step 1: Formulate Your Claim or Argument

• Example Issue: The instruction from Malacanang to mayors to adhere to the priority list for COVID-19 vaccination.

• Positions:

  • Agree:

  • Claim/Thesis Statement: "Mayors should not skip the COVID-19 vaccine line since they are not on the priority list."

  • Disagree:

  • Claim/Thesis Statement: "Mayors should be prioritized for vaccination to influence their constituents."

• Importance: Choose only one side to strengthen the argumentative essay.

Step 2: Support Your Claim with Evidence

• Evidence can come from:

  • Prior knowledge.

  • Personal experiences.

  • Interviews with experts (e.g. doctors, nurses, educators).

  • Reliable books and articles, both print and online.

• Reminder: All claims must be backed by facts from reliable sources.

Structure of the Argumentative Essay

Basic Structure

1. Introduction

   • Introduce the topic.

   • Provide background information.

   • State your claim/thesis statement (typically the last sentence of the introduction).

2. Body Paragraphs

   • Each paragraph should contain one reason supporting the claim.

   • Supporting Details:

     • Examples, statistics, personal experiences, or expert quotations.

   • For stronger arguments, aim to provide three or more reasons.

3. Counterclaim and Rebuttal

   • Present the opposing argument as a separate paragraph.

   • Counterclaim: Other opinions that differ from your stance.

   • Rebuttal: Refute the opposing argument with evidence supporting your original claim.

   • Example:

     • Claim: "Mayors should not skip the COVID-19 vaccine line."

     • Counterclaim: "Mayors should be vaccinated as influencers."

     • Rebuttal: "Due to limited vaccine supplies, frontline workers and vulnerable individuals must remain prioritized."

4. Conclusion

   • Summarize the arguments supporting your claim.

   • Include a general statement that reinforces your viewpoint.

   • Optional: Include a quotation and a call to action (a statement encouraging readers to act).

   • Example Closing*: "In conclusion, marine mammals should definitely not be held in captivity. As Mahatma Gandhi said, 'The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.' In a world where much of nature has already been lost, we must help free these marine mammals."

Example Argumentative Topic

Marine Mammals in Captivity

Introduction

• Claim: Marine mammals should not be held in captivity.

Body Evidence

1. Health Issues:

   • Captivity leads to health problems like blindness and skin issues in dolphins due to chemical-laden water.

   • Marine mammals can die from pneumonia and stress-related diseases.

   • Captive dolphins are bored, swimming repetitive patterns rather than roaming freely.

2. Abusive Treatment:

   • Caretaker abuse can shorten lifespans (e.g. Keiko, the killer whale from "Free Willy").

3. Breeding Problems:

   • High infant death rates in captivity; natural breeding is not as successful.

Counterclaim

• Some argue that holding animals in captivity aids research.

Rebuttal

• Scientists prefer observing animals in their natural habitat for accurate understanding.

Conclusion

• In conclusion, the ethical treatment of marine mammals must compel us to advocate against captivity.

Final Note

• Learning outcomes from the lesson aim to impart effective writing skills for argumentative essays.

• Encourage continuous practice and apply the structured approach of introduction, body, and conclusion for constructing essays.

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