CEL 2103

WRITING ACADEMIC TEXTS

SEMESTER 1, 2019/2020
CLASS MATERIAL WEEK 1

Purpose of Argumentative Essays in Academic Context

Argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect,
generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.
Activity 1
With a partner, identify the purpose of writing argumentative essays in academic context?
The ultimate aim argumentative essay is always to convince or persuade a given group of
audience to understand the other side of the argument to support a new belief or idea. To
explicit explain why this type of writing skill is actually a basic and fundamental requirement
of every student.
Components of an Argumentative Essay
An argumentative essay states the thesis in the introduction, validates the thesis in the body,
and provides a resolution for the reader in the conclusion. This distinct structure presents ideas
in a logical and convincing manner.
In body paragraphs, arguments that support and refute the thesis should be stated and explained
in a way that readers would accept. Generally, these arguments are presented with evidence.

General statement
Importance of the issue
Introductory paragraph
Opposing view
Thesis statement
Opposing view & supporting points
Topic sentence (Rebuttal argument) &
Body paragraph
supporting points
Supporting details
Restatement of the main ideas
Concluding paragraph
Final remarks from the writer
Activity 2

Based on the table above, what do you think differentiate argumentative essays with other
academic essay?
1. An argumentative essay is a paper that seeks to state a position on an issue and give several
reasons, supported by evidence, for agreeing with that position.
2. Writing an argumentative essay is to learn how to convince people to change their
perception of things that they strongly believe in.
3. An argument involves arriving at a judgement which is based on an evaluation of relevant
ideas and evidence. An opinion, on the other hand, is a point of view formed without
sufficient evidence to support it.

Activity 3

Identify the different component of an argumentative essay in the text below and complete the
given table.
1
Ever since the invention of computers, technology has done more and more of the job
of the average worker. 2From mathematical calculations to mailing list, computer have become
more efficient, in more areas, that the human. 3Although some argue that computers will never
replace people, others are concerned about the advanced robotic technology that computers
make possible. 4Indeed, it is likely that the use of more and better robots will someday result
in fewer jobs for humans. 5Despite the claims that robot can never replace the human workforce
due to several reasons, advanced robotic technology has potential benefits to maximise
productivity.
6
Until now, many say that it is morally wrong to replace human beings with robots.
7
The arguments stated that it is unethical to deprive real people of their job, merely for the sake
of efficiency. 8If efficiency was the only concern, the arguments might be accurate. 9These
arguments, however, do not take into account the consequences of human failings in the
workplace. In surgery for example, a doctor’s arm may shake. 10A minimally invasive surgical
robot, on the other hand, will always make the right cut (Manjoo, 2011). 11It would be truly
immoral for society to be concerned about the doctor’s job at the expense of the patient’s health.

No
Components Sentence
.
Background of the issue
1 1&2
*The problem being studied
Thesis statement
2 *One sentence in your introductory paragraph that concisely summarizes 5
your main point and claim, should present your stance on the topic.
Opposing argument
3 7
*You state one side of the argument and refute it.
Rebuttal to argument
4 10
* Convince the reader why opposing arguments are not true or valid.

Investigating an issue, taking a stand on the issue, and finding and incorporating a multitude of
evidence in a logical manner to support the overall claim.
Activity 4
Read the texts below and decide if they are argumentative texts or non-argumentative texts.

Text 1
It has been argued that dolphin parks provide the only opportunity for public to see marine
mammals (Smith, 1992). Most Australians live in the cities and never get to see these animals.
It is claimed that marine parks allow the average Australian to appreciate our marine wildlife.
However, as Smith (1192) stated, dolphins, whales and seals can be viewed in the wild at a
number of places on the Australian coast. In fact, there are more places where they can be seen
in the wild than places where they can be seen in captivity. In fact, most Australians would
have to travel less to get to these locations than they would to get to the marine parks on the
Gold Coast. Additionally, these places do not charge an exorbitant entry fee to see the wild
marine mammals.
Argumentative? Yes / No

Text 2
Arcangeli and Leviatano (2009) found that the presence of the tour boats affected the
behavioural states (travelling, resting and feeding) of dolphins. Moreover, the dolphins also
faced problems in terms of breathing rates such as swimming directions, diving times, and
phonation rates. Given that dolphins communicate by sound and they are dependent on hearing
to monitor and navigate in their environment, an uncontrolled marine environment with
excessive activities disturbs their living. In fact, McCaffery & Walker (2013) observed that
there are typically three levels of potential consequence of disturbances.
Argumentative? Yes / No

Text 3
One of the strongest supporting claims is the physical harms of marijuana. Bierson (2000)
stated that Heath's tests of the monkey's brain seemed to show conclusive evidence of brain
damage. However, the tests were later discredited as the monkeys were given extremely high
doses, doses exponentially higher than that of the average recreational or medical marijuana
user, and the test’s sample size was too small. On the other hand, current studies on heavy
marijuana smokers show no evidence of brain damage and the American Medical Association
has officially endorsed the decriminalization of marijuana. Bierson’s claims of physical
damage to both the reproductive and immune system are again based on invalid evidence.
Several studies on the effects of marijuana on the human reproductive and immune systems
have failed to demonstrate the adverse effects.
Argumentative? Yes / No

Text 4
The brain remains in a state of active, experience-guided development from the prenatal period
through childhood and adolescence until the age of approximately 21 years (Gogtay, Giedd &
Lusk, 2004).During these developmental periods, it is intrinsically more vulnerable than a
mature brain to the adverse long-term effects of environmental insults such as exposure to
tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, the primary active ingredient in marijuana. This view has
received considerable support from studies in animals, which have shown, for example, that
prenatal or adolescent exposure to THC can recalibrate the sensitivity of the reward system to
other drugs and that prenatal exposure interferes with cytoskeletal dynamics, which are critical
for the establishment of axonal connections between neurons (Tortoriello, Morris & Alpar,
2014).
Argumentative? Yes / No
Thinking Ahead
1. Read on the differences between debatable and non-debatable issues/statements.

Debatable = Statements with which other people might or might not

statements agree. These are sometimes called "arguments",
"assertions", "propositions" or "premises".
eg. Solar energy is the best way of meeting Australia's
energy needs in the 21st century

Non-debatable = Statements with which no-one would normally disagree or

statements argue. These are sometimes called "facts".
eg. Coal and oil are the main sources of energy in
Australia in the 20th century

2. A well-organised argumentative essay is developed based on solid arguments. Findout

about:
a. Opposing arguments
A counter-argumentis an argument opposed to your thesis or part of your thesis. It
expresses the view of a person who disagrees with your position (Oldham).

b. Rebuttal arguments
“Rebuttal”refers to an attempt to disapprove, contradict, or argue to overcome an
opposing reasoning or evidence, by introducing another reasoning and evidence to
destroy the effect of the previous one. Rebuttal is a literary technique in which a speaker
or writer uses argument, and presents reasoning or evidence intended to undermine or
weaken the claim of an opponent.