CEL 2103 WRITING ACADEMIC TEXTS. ‘SEMESTER 2, 2019/2020 CLASS MATERIAL WEEK 2 The first step in writing an argumentative essay is to ensure that the topic/issue selected is, debatable. Activity 4 Write the features of a debatable issue on the space provided. Based on the features above, provide 5 possible debatable issues. Eg: Free education for all‘An argumentative essay is built around a specific statement that is debatable within any respective discipline. In other words, at the center of an argumentative essay is a statement which the readers may disagree. The essay will need to support that statement in a manner that convinces the readers of its truth. The debatable statement will form the topic of your argumentative essay. This is no to be confused with thesis statement. Activity 3 Label the statement below as either debatable or non-debatable. No Statements D/ND 4, | The integration of technology in classroom has helped university students to improve their academic performance. 2, | Violence in video games is one of the causes of violence behaviour among teenagers. 3,_| Annual forest burning is the primary cause for haze in the South East Asian region, 4, | Practising corporal punishment in secondary school should be allowed in order to control disciplinary problems, 5, | Early childhood is an important phase of cognitive development. g_ | There are three main levels in the Malaysian education system i.e. primary, secondary and tertiary. 7, | Children raised by single mothers are more independent compared to children raised by both parents. 8, | Learning a second language provides numerous advantages. g_ | Graduates with excellent academic results display better working performance than those with average academic results. 10. | Household air freshener poses health risk to consumers.De g a stance for Argumentative Essay The most important step in writing an argumentative essay is to brainstorm ideas for both sides of the issue/topic. Activity 4 List 2 importance of brainstorming ideas for both sides of the issue/topic before deciding on a stance. ‘A good argumentative essay resolves around the strength of the opposing view as well as the rebuttal arguments. Activity 5 ‘Answer the questions below. 1. What does an opposing view mean? 2. What does a rebuttal argument mean?Act ity 6 Decide if the rebuttal arguments below are well written. If not, write new main ideas to improve the rebuttal arguments in the space provided. Issue _| Parents should monitor their children’s internet use Writer's stand | Agree Opposing | Parents should believe in their children's maturity and therefore, should not view monitor the children’s online activities. (opponent's view) Itis necessary for parents to monitor their children’s internet use as the children Rebuttal may not have the maturity to select online activities or content that are argument . appropriate for their age. (writer's view) Is this a good argument? State your reason and provide suggestion for improvement if necessary. 2. Issue Performance enhancement drugs (PEDs) should be banned. Writer's stand | Agree Opposing By legalising PEDs, all athletes would be able to use it thus, Rebuttal | The effect of PEDs on mental health is also detrimental as it leads to argument | nervousness, increased aggression, anxiety and possible addiction. Is this a good argument? State your reason and provide suggestion for improvement if necessary.Participation in co-curricular activities among university students should be Issue | encouraged. wrter® | sage Gppesing | This will help students to enhance their soft skils Rebuttal | Academic qualification is stil the main criterion set by employers, not soft skills, argument | 294 Participating in co-curricular activities wil only aistract the students from their studies. Is this a good argument? State your reason and provide suggestion for improvement if necessary. Thinking Ahead 1. What is a funnel-shaped introduction? Identify the parts of a funnel introductory paragraph and their functions. 2. A good thesis statement provides the readers with the important points of an argumentative essay. What is a thesis statement and what are the criteria of a good thesis statement for an argumentative essay?