CEL 2103

WRITING ACADEMIC TEXTS

SEMESTER 1, 2020/2021

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?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

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

1
Activity 2
Based on the table above, what do you think differentiate argumentative essays with other
academic essay?

1. ______________________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________________________

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. 7The
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

1. Background of the issue

2. Thesis statement

3. Opposing argument

4. Rebuttal to argument

2
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

3
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.

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

out about:
a. Opposing arguments
b. Rebuttal arguments