10

ENGLISH
QUARTER 3 – MODULE 1

MELC 1:
Components of an
Argumentative Essay

English 10 – Quarter 3 – Module 1 1

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW
This module will help you learn to differentiate an argumentative essay from
any other forms of writing. You will accomplish several activities for you to fully
understand the main parts of persuasive essay. It aims to develop your critical
thinking skills as you read samples of argumentative essays. At the end of the
lesson, you will be asked to write your own composition.
The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different
learning situations. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of
the course. To solidify your understanding and skills of the topic, below are series
of activities that will enrich your mastery of the lesson.
This module focuses on the Most Essential Learning Competency:
Compose an argumentative essay (EN10WC-IIh-13).
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. identify parts and features of an argumentative essay;
2. point out reasons presented in a text/essay; and
3. write an argumentative essay using facts and opposing views.

WHAT I KNOW
Directions: Write T if the statement is TRUE and F if it’s FALSE. Write your answer
on a separate sheet of paper.

1. The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the writer to

investigate a topic, collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and
establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.
2. Argumentative essays should have a straightforward structure so they are
easy for readers to follow.
3. The goal of an argumentative essay is to entertain the readers and forget
their problems in life.
4. A good argumentative essay should have the power to convince the
readers to believe and accept the arguments presented by the writer in
his essay.
5. The body paragraphs of the essay should outline the topic, provide
background information necessary to understand the argument, outline
the evidence the writer will present and state the thesis.
6. The thesis statement is part of the introductory paragraph. It is a concise,
one-sentence summary of the main point and claim.
7. Introductory paragraph restates the thesis statement and summarizes all
of the arguments made in the body paragraphs.
8. Body paragraphs are where the writer backs up his/her claims with
examples, research, statistics, studies, and text citations.
9. Your thesis statement is only one sentence long, but it’s the most
important part of your argumentative essay.
10. Writing an argumentative essay takes time and often involves outlining
the main points.

English 10 – Quarter 3 – Module 1 2

WHAT’S IN
Directions: Copy the following table on your paper and sort out the words/phrases
into their corresponding columns.

Suitable Topic for an Not Suitable Topic for an

Given Words/Phrases Argumentative Essay Argumentative Essay
1. Death Penalty
2. Beauty and the Beast
3. Gender Equality
4. Once Upon a Time
5. Love Letter
6. Abortion
7. Photosynthesis
8. Mercy Killing
9. Literary Composition
10. ABS-CBN Shutdown

WHAT’S NEW

We Agree to
Disagree

1. Which came
first: Chicken or
Egg?

2. Prove your
answer.

WHAT IS IT
An argumentative essay is a type of writing that presents arguments about
both sides of an issue. It could be that both sides are presented equally balanced,
or it could be that one side is presented more forcefully than the other. It all
depends on the writer, and what side he supports the most.

English 10 – Quarter 3 – Module 1 3

How To Outline an Argumentative Essay in 4 Steps
Argumentative Essays should have a straightforward structure so they are
easy for readers to follow. The goal of an argumentative essay is to clearly outline
a point of view, reasoning, and evidence. A good argumentative essay should
follow this structure:

1. Introductory paragraph. The first paragraph of your essay should outline

the topic, provide background information necessary to understand your
argument, outline the evidence you will present and state your thesis.

2. Thesis statement. This is part of your first paragraph. It is a concise, one-

sentence summary of your main point and claim.

3. Body paragraphs. A typical argumentative essay comprises three or more

paragraphs that explain the reasons why you support your thesis. Each
body paragraph should cover a different idea or piece of evidence and
contain a topic sentence that clearly and concisely explains why the reader
should agree with your position. Body paragraphs are where you back up
your claims with examples, research, statistics, studies, and text
citations. Address opposing points of view and disprove them or explain
why you disagree with them. Presenting facts and considering a topic from
every angle add credibility and will help you gain a reader’s trust.

4. Conclusion. One paragraph that restates your thesis and summarizes all of
the arguments made in your body paragraphs. Rather than introducing new
facts or more arguments, a good conclusion will appeal to a reader’s
emotions. In some cases, writers will use a personal anecdote explaining
how the topic personally affects them.

A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement occurs in the

first paragraph of the essay.

Can you identify the thesis statement in the following paragraph?

With more information readily available than ever before, it's crucial
that students are prepared to examine the material they're reading and
determine whether or not it's a good source or if it has misleading
information. Teaching students digital literacy and helping them to
understand the difference between opinion or propaganda from legitimate,
real information is integral.

The thesis statement in the above paragraph is: “Teaching students digital
literacy and helping them to understand the difference between opinion or
propaganda from legitimate, real information is integral.”

In this case, thesis statement is situated at the end sentence of an

introductory paragraph. It is the summary of the writer’s main point.

Let’s try once more. Can you identify the thesis statement in the paragraph
that follows?

English 10 – Quarter 3 – Module 1 4

 Beauty pageants are presented with the angle that they empower
women. However, putting women in a swimsuit on a stage while
simultaneously judging them on how well they answer an impossible
question in a short period of time is cruel and purely for the amusement of
men. Therefore, we should stop televising beauty pageants.

The thesis statement is the second sentence: “Putting women in a swimsuit

on a stage while simultaneously judging them on how well they answer an
impossible question in a short period of time is cruel and purely for the amusement
of men.”

Here’s the general structure of an argumentative essay:

1. Introduction: Attention Grabber / Hook, Background
Information, Thesis Statement
2. Body: Three body paragraphs (three major arguments)
3. Counterargument: An argument to refute earlier arguments and give
weight to the actual position
4. Conclusion: Rephrasing the thesis statement, major points, call to
attention, or concluding remarks.

PROCESSING QUESTIONS
1. What is an argumentative essay?
2. What are its main parts?

WHAT’S MORE
Activity 1
Directions: Complete the following table. Write your answer on a separate sheet of
paper.

I am… I am…
in favor not in favor in favor not in favor
of Death Penalty because of the of Same Sex Marriage because of the
following reasons: following reasons:
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.

English 10 – Quarter 3 – Module 1 5

 Activity 2
Directions: Identify the reason/s or claim/s presented by the writer in the
paragraph.

On ABS-CBN Shutdown
The attempt to shut down ABS-CBN is a thinly-veiled attack on press
freedom. “This government is hellbent on using all its powers to shut down the
broadcast network,” the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines
(NUJP) declared in a statement. “We must not allow the vindictiveness of one man,
no matter how powerful, to run roughshod over the constitutionally guaranteed
freedoms of the press and of expression, and the people’s right to know.”
- Thets Torres

Activity 3
Directions: Read the disagreement between two friends on same sex marriage.
Who do you think has a better argument? Why do you think so?

To deny some
people the option The institution of
to marry would marriage has
be discriminatory traditionally been
and would create defined as being
a second class of between a man and a
citizens. Same-sex woman. Civil unions
couples should and domestic
have access to the partnerships could
same benefits provide the protections
enjoyed by and benefits gay
heterosexual couples need without
married couples. changing the definition
- Ed of marriage.
- RC

Activity 4
Directions: Read the following argumentative essay on cigarette smoking.
Answer the questions that follow.

One of the biggest and most challenging health concerns in our society is
smoking. Smoking is not a new activity. This practice has been around for ages in
different forms. Smoking is presently the foremost cause of death in the world, due
to its damaging and addicting substances, such as nicotine and tobacco. Even
though millions die from it each year, smoking is the single most avoidable cause of
death as well. Without smoking, a great amount of money and lives will be saved.
Bans on items like tobacco are difficult to implement, and usually, do not stop all
activity. Illegal selling of cigarettes is likely to follow a ban, if not imposed correctly.
Cigarette smoking is the source of several health issues, it also includes lethal

English 10 – Quarter 3 – Module 1 6

cancers. The habit-forming nature makes it a tough task to stay away from once it
has been experienced. This is made particularly testing when smoking is attempted
at a young age. Evolving and impressionable minds often form addictions faster.
Currently, a cigarette manufacturing machine can use up to 3.7 miles of
paper an hour. Tobacco crop uses additional important nutrients than many other
harvests, degrading the soil. Probably the most influence of a cigarette on the
environment is the making of them. The land used to grow tobacco crops could be
put to healthier use by planting more trees or food production. Huge quantities of
pesticides, fertilizer and herbicides are used on tobacco crops. Cigarette butts also
do a lot of damage as actually they are often made from a form of plastic. The
polymer acetate filters consist of thousands of strands that can take up to 15-25
years to dissolve. The dregs from tobacco in the butts also discharge pollutants into
the atmosphere. Trillions of butts are discarded each year. These cigarette butts
then make their way inside the stomachs of birds and fishes. It is awful to know that
some of the fishes that we have consumed may have been tainted by cigarette
butts.
Smoking is a nauseating habit that puts people’s lives at risk. The health
concerns have been identified for many years, yet the habit-forming nature of
cigarettes has stayed put. It may benefit to ban cigarettes since some people do
not have the willpower to fight the problem on their own. A ban holds people
responsible for their actions when it comes to illegal substances. Nicotine may not
damage cognitive skills in the same way that drugs and alcohol do. However, they
do affect vast long-term health matters. Smokers also suffer publicly, socially and
not just physically. Cigarette smoking culminates to governing the lives of those
who become addicted. Many residential complexes do not want smokers, as the
cleaning is difficult when they move out. It is very difficult to totally eliminate the
smell as the smell penetrates the walls and carpets deeply.
Unfortunately, smokers are at danger of losing their lives from huge health
concerns. Smaller illnesses, like asthma, can also be challenging on the person.
Lung cancer is often terminal and can lead to a heart-breaking loss for family and
friends. Many people may try to support smoker mend, without any positive result.
A ban on smoking may assist to curb pollution, keep children safe and healthy, and
leave fewer people lonely. Any kind of addiction can inflict destruction in the lives of
the addicts and those close to them.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. What is the main topic of the essay?
2. What is the stand of the author regarding smoking?
3. What are the claims/arguments raised by the author why cigarette smoking
should be banned in all public places?
4. Can you identify the thesis statement?
5. What paragraph is for the Introduction?
6. What paragraphs are for the Body?
7. What paragraph is for the Conclusion?

English 10 – Quarter 3 – Module 1 7

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED
Create a concept map about argumentative essay. Write it on your
notebook or on a separate sheet of paper. A Frayer Model can help you do this.
You can use this version of the model to break down a word or concept.
1. Write the word or concept “Argumentative Essay” in the middle box.
2. In the outer four boxes, explain the word or concept in four different
ways.

Write the definition. Use the word in a sentence.

Word / Con cept

Draw a picture or Describe it in your

give an example. own words.

WHAT I CAN DO
Directions: Compose an argumentative essay about Aggressive Driving using its
three essential parts in the box.

Aggressive Driving Should Be Avoided

Introduction

Body

Conclusion

English 10 – Quarter 3 – Module 1 8

ASSESSMENT
Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer and write it on your answer sheet.

1. In an argumentative essay, you should:

a. Use evidence from a text to support your ideas.
b. Cite the title and or/author of any source you use.
c. Use all the sources provided to you.
d. Cite the central idea of the text.

2. Argumentative writing should appeal to the readers’ .

a. taste buds
b. sense of social justice
c. intelligence
d. emotions

3. What part of an argument tells the main point of an essay?

a. counterclaim
b. reason
c. evidence
d. claim

4. It introduces the problem and gives the background information needed

for the argument and thesis statement.
a. introduction
b. body
c. conclusion
d. summary

5. Which part of an essay gives the summary of the argument and support
the main premise?
a. introduction
b. body
c. conclusion
d. thesis statement

English 10 – Quarter 3 – Module 1 9

ANSWER KEY
What I Know What’s In
1. T Suitable Topic Not Suitable Topic
2. T 1. Death Penalty 1. Beauty and the Beast
3. F 2. Gender Equality 2. Once Upon a Time
4. T 3. Abortion 3. Love Letter
5. F 4. Mercy Killing 4. Photosynthesis
6. T 5. ABS-CBN Shutdown 5. Literary Composition
7. F
8. T
9. T
10. T

What’s New
Answers may vary but please make sure that the answers provided are in relation to
argumentative essay.

What’s More
Activity 1
Answers may vary but please make sure that the answers provided are in relation to
argumentative essay.

Activity 2
Attack on press freedom; vindictiveness of one man

Activity 3
Answers may vary but please make sure that the answers provided are in relation to
argumentative essay.

Activity 4
1. Cigarette smoking should be banned
2. The author is against smoking
3. Answers may vary but please make sure that the answers provided are in relation
to argumentative essay.
4. One of the biggest and most challenging health concerns in our country is
smoking.
5. Paragraph 1
6. Paragraphs 2, 3
7. Paragraph 4

What I Have Learned

Answers may vary but please make sure that the answers provided are in relation
to argumentative essay.

Assessment
1. a
2. c
3. d
4. a
5. a
6-10. Answers may vary but please make sure that the answers provided are in
relation to argumentative essay.

English 10 – Quarter 3 – Module 1 10

 RETURN THIS WORKSHEET TO YOUR T E ACH E R !

English 10 – Quarter 3
MODULE 1 – WORKSHEET
MELC 1: Compose an Argumentative Essay

Name: _ _ Score:
Grade & Section: _ English Teacher:

I. Directions: Read each statement about argumentative essay carefully. Draw a

emoji if you agree and if you disagree.

No. STATEMENT AGREE OR DISAGREE

1 An argumentative essay conveys opinions that are

proposed as untrue and justifiable.

2 An argumentative piece of writing is sometimes called

persuasive writing because it aims to convince the
reader about a certain stand on a debatable issue.

3 The function of an argumentative essay is to present a

case before the readers in a convincing manner

4 The thesis statement is placed in the introduction.

5 An argumentative essay tries to change the reader’s

mind by convincing the reader to agree with the writer’s
point of view.

6 An argumentative essay has four parts, the introduction,

body, examples, and conclusion.

English 10 – Quarter 3 – Module 1 11

Directions: Read and evaluate the essay taken from the Al Jazeera featured on June
24, 2020. Then answer the following questions. Encircle the letter of your choice.
The Philippines' Anti-Terror Bill is poised to cause more terror
The government needs to accept that there are no shortcuts to peace and retract the bill.
As the world is plagued by COVID-19, an impending anti-terrorism bill is creating more
fear in the Philippines.
Recently passed by Congress, the bill is set to be signed into law by President Rodrigo
Duterte. If this happens, the bill will not only suppress the fundamental rights and freedoms of
Filipinos, it will also terrorize the same conflict-affected communities it seeks to protect, as it
undoes decades of peace-building work.
Despite protests against the bill and mounting calls to provide more time for deliberations,
Congress has quietly fast-tracked its passage while the rest of the country braced for the impact of
COVID-19. The bill will allow for a lengthened period of warrantless detention and expanded
surveillance of law enforcement deems suspicious. It will also remove stiff penalties for wrongful
detention.
If implemented, the new anti-terrorism bill will not only impede our ability as peace
builders and human rights defenders to bridge divides or raise the alarm when atrocities occur. It
will also put our lives and limbs at risk. It will undo years of peace-building and further devastate
the communities worst affected by terror.
If it is sincere in its "whole-of-nation approach" to peace-building, the government must
retract the bill, re-open deliberations and listen to a wide range of voices across society, especially
the voices of those who have borne the brunt of both terrorist violence and abusive counterterror
laws. It must heed the lessons from community leaders and peace builders. We need a policy that
addresses the underlying roots of terrorism, and that prevents further distrust, injustice and
escalations in violence.
Yet as I write this, trust in the government is also under threat. What is left of our
democracy is under threat. Peace is under threat.
It is our collective duty to end violence against civilian communities. For this same reason,
we cannot take shortcuts to peace.
This rushed and unrestrained anti-terror bill will cause terror - and it will come from the
state.
7. What is the claim in the essay?
a. The government needs to accept that there are no shortcuts to peace and
retract the bill.
b. The anti-terrorism bill in the Philippines is creating more fear.
c. The government is under threat if anti-terrorism bill is implemented.
d. Anti-terrorism bill will suppress the fundamental rights of Filipinos.
8. The following are supporting details about the anti-terrorism bill except .
1. It will allow for a lengthened period of warrantless detention and expanded
surveillance of those law enforcement deems suspicious.
2. It will also remove stiff penalties for wrongful detention.
3. It will not only impede our ability as peace builders and human rights
defenders to bridge divides or raise the alarm when atrocities occur.
4. It will also put our lives and limbs at risk.
a. 1 and 2 b. 2 and 3 c. 3 and 4 d. 2 and 3
9. What pattern or technique is employed in this writing?
a. Analogy b. Comparison-Contrast c. Definition d. Analysis
10. What is the stand of the writer on the issue about anti-terrorism bill?
a. in favor b. against c. not clear d. no stand

English 10 – Quarter 3 – Module 1 12

English 10 – Quarter 3 – Module 1 13