CEL 2103

WRITING ACADEMIC TEXTS

SEMESTER 1, 2020/2021

CLASS MATERIAL WEEK 2

Identifying a Debatable Issue

The first step in writing an argumentative essay is to ensure that the topic/issue selected is
debatable.

Activity 1
Write the features of a debatable issue on the space provided.

a. ________________________________________________________________

b. ________________________________________________________________

c. ________________________________________________________________

Activity 2
Based on the features above, provide 5 possible debatable issues.
Eg:
Free education for all

1. ______________________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________________________

1
 Debatable and Non-debatable Statements in Argumentative Context

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

The integration of technology in classroom has helped university students

1.
to improve their academic performance.

Violence in video games is one of the causes of violence behaviour among

2.
teenagers.

Annual forest burning is the primary cause for haze in the South East
3.
Asian region.

Practising corporal punishment in secondary school should be allowed in

4.
order to control disciplinary problems.

5. Early childhood is an important phase of cognitive development.

There are three main levels in the Malaysian education system i.e. primary,
6.
secondary and tertiary.

Children raised by single mothers are more independent compared to

7.
children raised by both parents.

8. Learning a second language provides numerous advantages.

Graduates with excellent academic results display better working

9.
performance than those with average academic results.

10. Household air freshener poses health risk to consumers.

2
Deciding 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.

1. ___________________________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________________________

Identifying Opposing and Rebuttal Arguments & Their Relevancy

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?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

3
Activity 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.

1.

Issue Parents should monitor their children’s internet use

Writer’s
Agree
stand

Opposing Parents should believe in their children’s maturity and therefore, should not
view monitor the children’s online activities. (opponent’s view)

It is 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
Agree
stand

Opposing
By legalising PEDs, all athletes would be able to use it thus, it is fairer for all.
view

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.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

4
3.

Participation in co-curricular activities among university students should be

Issue
encouraged.

Writer’s
Disagree
stand

Opposing
This will help students to enhance their soft skills.
view

Academic qualification is still the main criterion set by employers, not soft skills,
Rebuttal
and participating in co-curricular activities will only distract the students from
argument
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?