English for Academic and Professional Purposes

Quarter 2

Lesson 1: ARGUMENTS
ARGUMENTS
• Reasons or the reasoning given for or against a matter under discussion.
• Reasons accompanied with evidences to prove the belief the author wanted
the reader to believe in.
• A statement can only be considered an argument if it presents proof or
evidences, however if it does not, it is only a mere opinion.
• When building an argument, a writer makes one or more claims/assertion,
or statements he/she/they believe/s to be true. Then the writer backs up
each claim with evidence, or information that supports the claim.

ACTIVITY 1
Read the following text about solar-powered cars. First, write the main
assertion/claim. Next, write the evidences.
Dedicating research money to the development of affordable solar-powered cars
would be a wise investment. First, solar cars would help end our dependence on
fossil fuels like oil and coal, which contribute to the pollution of our atmosphere.
In addition, solar power is a renewable resource; unlike fossil fuels, it will never
run out. Solar cars would also help the consumer save money. Panels attached
to cars can collect sunlight and turn it into electricity, so no one would ever need
to buy another tank of gas. Finally, solar-powered cars would also come in all
the same colors as gas-powered cars.
From:
https://www.spsd.k12.ms.us/cms/lib/MS01910585/Centricity/Domain/491/
READY%20LESSON%2016%20ARGUMENT.pdf

Main Assertion: _____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________
Evidences:
1) ___________________________________________________________________________
2) ___________________________________________________________________________
3) ___________________________________________________________________________
English for Academic and Professional Purposes
Quarter 2

In writing position papers, presenting your own arguments is not enough. You
also need to consider potential counterarguments—the arguments that your
readers could reasonably raise to challenge either your thesis or any of the other
claims that you make in your argument. The main purpose of a counterargument
is to address the opposite side of your argument and provide a rebuttal for it.

ACTIVITY 2
Directions: Read the essay below about school uniform. First, write the main
assertion/claim. Next, write the evidences. Write the counterarguments as well
as the rebuttal presented.
THE SCHOOL UNIFORM QUESTION
Individualism is a fundamental part of society in many countries. Most people
believe in the right to express their own opinion without fear of punishment. This
value, however, is coming under fire in an unlikely place the public school
classroom. The issue is school uniforms. Should public school students be
allowed to make individual decisions about clothing, or should all students be
required to wear a uniform? School uniforms are the better choice for three
reasons.
First, wearing school uniforms would help make students' lives simpler. They
would no longer have to decide what to wear every morning, sometimes trying
on outfit after outfit in an effort to choose. Uniforms would not only save time
but also would eliminate the stress often associated with this chore.
Second, school uniforms influence students to act responsibly in groups and as
individuals. Uniforms give students the message that school is a special place
for learning. In addition, uniforms create a feeling of unity among students. For
example, when students do something as a group, such as attend meetings in
the auditorium or eat lunch in the cafeteria, the fact that they all wear the same
uniform gives them a sense of community. Even more important, statistics show
the positive effects that school uniforms have on violence and truancy. According
to a recent survey in a large school district in Florida, incidents of school violence
dropped by 50 percent, attendance and test scores improved, and student
suspensions declined approximately 30 percent after school uniforms were
introduced.
Finally, school uniforms would help make all the students feel equal. Students'
standards of living differ greatly from family to family, and some people are well-
off while others are not. People sometimes forget that school is a place to get an
education, not to promote a "fashion show." Implementing mandatory school
uniforms would make all the students look the same regardless of their financial
English for Academic and Professional Purposes
Quarter 2

status. School uniforms would promote pride and help to raise the self-esteem
of students who cannot afford to wear expensive clothing.
Opponents of mandatory uniforms say that students who wear school uniforms
cannot express their individuality. This point has some merit on the surface.
However, as stated previously, school is a place to learn, not to flaunt wealth and
fashion. Society must decide if individual expression through clothing is more
valuable than improved educational performance. It is important to remember
that school uniforms would be worn only during school hours. Students can
express their individuality in the way that they dress outside of the classroom.
In conclusion, there are many well-documented benefits of implementing
mandatory school uniforms for students. Studies show that students learn better
and act more responsibly when they wear uniforms. Public schools should
require uniforms in order to benefit both the students and society as a whole.
From:
https://www.matthewbarbee.com/uploads/1/6/8/9/16895428/argumentativ
e_essay_worksheets_5.pdf

Main Assertion: _____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________
Evidences:
1) ___________________________________________________________________________
2) ___________________________________________________________________________
3) ___________________________________________________________________________
Counterargument: __________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Refutation/Rebuttal: _______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________