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English
Quarter 3 - Module 1

Composition of Argumentative Essay

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

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 What I Need to Know

Welcome to this module! You must be very eager to start with the learning
activities prepared for you. The activities in the module have been designed to provide
you with rich and stimulating learning experience.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. identify statements containing an argument,
2. compose an argumentative essay.

What I Know (Pre-Test)

Activity 1
Directions: Put a check mark ( ) on the items that contain an
argument and an “x” mark ( X ) if it doesn’t. Use another sheet of
paper.
______1. The impressive eagle is a national symbol in the United States for patriotism
and freedom. Because the bald eagle was once hunted for sport, it is on the
verge of extinction. If you kill a bald eagle, you can go to jail. Unfortunately,
bald eagles still maybe become extinct.
______2. Lisa always looked forward to the fall because of the Harvest Festival. Of
course, she loved the rides, but she really enjoyed the shows. This year would
be the best. Lisa had a special opportunity to perform in the talent show.
______3. A book of over 1,000 believe-it-or-not stories.
______4. Disasters, whether natural or man-made, are unpredictable. Which is why we
must always prepare for the worst.
______5. If you recycle, you will help the environment. The next time you throw away
your Coke can, think about putting it in a recycling bin. Your effort will help
save your community.

This module aims to broaden your mind on the parts and steps of composing an
argumentative essay.

An argumentative essay attempts to be highly persuasive and logical. It usually

assumes that the reader disagrees with the writer, but it should be noted that the
reader is no less intelligent than the writer. Hence, an argumentative essay should be
written objectively and logically.

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Lesson

1 Argumentative Essay

What’s In
Activity 2
Directions: The task below shows the basic parts of an essay.
Write its characteristics on the space provided. Use another
sheet of paper.

Parts of an Essay Characteristics

Introduction

Body

Conclusion

What’s New
Activity 3
Directions: Read the paragraph and answer the following
questions.

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 1. Is the selection above an example of argumentative essay?
_____________________________________________________
2. Write the sentence that shows the argument.
_____________________________________________________
3. How is an argumentative essay differ from other types of essay?
_____________________________________________________

What Is It

An argumentative piece of writing is sometimes called as persuasive writing

because it aims to change the reader’s mind by convincing the readers about a certain
stand on a debatable issue.

CHARACTERISTICS
An argumentative essay attempts to be highly persuasive and logical. It usually assumes
that the reader disagrees with the writer, but it should be noted that the reader is no less
intelligent than the writer. Hence an argumentative essay should be written objectively, logically
and respectfully.
When planning an argumentative essay, be aware that the essay should contain the
following characteristics:

• The argumentative essay introduces and explains the issue or case. The reader needs to
know what the issue is going to be.

• The essay offers reasons and supports these reasons. The essay should prove its point.

• The essay, at times, refutes (proves wrong) opposing arguments.

ORGANIZING ITS PARTS
Introduction
The first paragraph is the introductory paragraph. It introduces the problem and gives the
background information necessary for the argument and the thesis statement.
Body

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 The body paragraphs contain the reasons. Each paragraph talks about one reason. The
reason is stated in the topic sentence and is supported by supporting details or materials. These
supporting materials can be either examples, statistics, personal experiences, or quotations.
Conclusion
The conclusion restates the main claim and presents one or two general statements which
accurately summarize the arguments which support the main premise.
BASIC COMPONENTS

• The claim (typically answers the question: “What do I think?”)

• The reasons (typically answer the question: “Why do I think so?”)

• The evidence (typically answers the question: “How do I know this is the case?”)
DEVELOPING AN ARGUMENT

When you develop your argument, you are confirming your own position and building
your case. Use empirical evidence, such as facts and statistics to support your claims. Appeal to
your audience’s rational and logical thinking. Argue using your evidence and research.

TECHNIQUES ON APPEALING TO YOUR READERS

The success of your argument depends on your skill in convincing your reader through
sound reasoning, persuasion, and evidence. There are three fundamental types of appeal in
presenting an argument: reason, ethics, and emotion.

WRITE YOUR CONCLUSION

Your conclusion should state your conviction strongly. Review your main points and tell
your audience what action you would like them to take; address and resolve the main points in
your introduction.

SUGGESTED ORGANIZATION FOR A CLASSIC ARGUMENT

1. Introduction: Give the content and background of your issue. (stablish the style, tone, and
significance of your issue.
2. State Your Case: Clarify your issue here. Give any necessary background for understanding
the issues. Define important terms or conditions here.
3. Proposition: State your central proposition. Be sure that your hook presents an issue that is
open to debate. Present the subtopics or supportive points to forecast your argument for your
reader.
4. Substantiation and Proof: Present and develop your own case. Carefully plan your
disclosure; avoid logical fallacies. Rely primarily on reasoning for your appeal and use
emotional appeals carefully, use examples, facts, experts, and statistics. Develop your
argument using the appropriate prose strategy, e.g., causal analysis, comparison, analogies,
or definitions.

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 5. Conclusion: Conclude with conviction. Review your main points and state your claims
strongly. Make a strong plea for action or invite your readers to refute your argument.

What’s More

Activity 4

Directions: Read and analyze the example of argumentative essay below. Answer the questions
below in a separate sheet of paper.

COVID-19 and the Poverty Pandemic

by Camille Adle

Preventing transmission of the COVID-19 disease requires that we consistently exercise

proper health and hygiene protocols, both in our homes and in public spaces. Authorities have
also advised that we all steer clear of large gatherings, avoid using public transportation, follow
“community quarantine” measures, and seek prompt medical attention when there is exposure
to the disease. While all these are sound reminders, there is one glaring problem – the poor will
not be able to afford to follow these.

Poor people inordinately bear the brunt of economic shocks brought by this pandemic.
Many informal, micro-, small-scale, and even up to medium-scale enterprises will take the hit as
compared to the larger and more established businesses. Many may have to stop operations or
close down because they would not be able to absorb the shocks to the economy. Hoarding of
essential goods such as soap, alcohol, and basic food items only raises market prices and creates
access barriers. Stocking up on food and medicines is impossible for those without regular
incomes, savings, the unbanked, or those without access to financial services.

While it may be true that COVID-19 is not the proximate cause of these underlying
problems, what is true is that it threatens the already fragile social safety nets of the Philippines.
What pro-poor solutions could be considered to reduce inequalities in the time of COVID-19,
particularly in ensuring access to water?

First, local governments could use calamity funds to subsidize water costs for the poorest
sectors, particularly informal settler families (ISFs) crowding in the urban centers. Safe water is
beyond the reach of poor communities because of access and cost barriers. Oftentimes, this water
needs to be fetched, and it ultimately puts limits on hygiene practices. The lack of access and the
high costs of safe water puts the poorest and most vulnerable at risk since proper hygiene is a
challenge.

Second, partnerships with WASH-related private sector companies should be explored. There are
companies willing and capable of subsidizing the regular supply of hygiene items for the poorest
and most vulnerable, especially older persons, lactating and pregnant women, families with
infants and small children. Incorporating a gender perspective into plans and strategies enables

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response operations to efficiently reach underserved and at-risk individuals. Local governments
could also use calamity funds to distribute cash vouchers to low-income families to enable them
to buy hygiene items locally.
Finally, it is important to work with poor communities to strengthen communications on
hygiene and health promotion. Local governments, community groups, and the private sector can
join forces and form a local network that could support poorest families in obtaining accurate and
useful information on COVID-19, as well as provide free and immediate testing, quarantine and
medical assistance for suspected cases.
Safe water, adequate sanitation, and hygienic conditions are crucial to health and
wellbeing, more so in this time of COVID-19. Let us make sure no one gets left behind.

http://learnenglishessay.blogspot.com/2011/12/argumentative-essay.html

Directions: From the example of argumentative essay above, identify its parts by
rewriting the essential statements in the box. Use separate sheet of paper.

Covid-19 and the Poverty Pandemic

by Camille Adle
Introduction:

________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______

Body:

________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

Conclusion:

________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______
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 What I Have Learned
Activity 5
Directions: From the selection “Covid-19 and the Poverty Pandemic”,
locate its basic components and write them on the box below. Use another sheet of
paper.

Basic Component Passage from the Essay

______________________________________
_________________________________________
The writer’s claim
_________________________________________
_________________________________________

______________________________________
_________________________________________

The writer’s reasons _________________________________________

_________________________________________
_________________________________________

______________________________________
_________________________________________

The writer’s evidence _________________________________________

_________________________________________
_________________________________________

What I Can Do
Activity 6
Directions: Write an argumentative essay on any of the topics below: Use
another sheet of paper.

1. Philippines and Its Disaster Risk Management during typhoons

2. Preventive Measures against Covid-19

3. Filipino students’ stand on Distant Learning.

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 Assessment
Activity 7
Directions: Circle the letter of the correct answer. Use separate sheet of paper.

1. What type of text that has the same meaning as Argumentative Texts?
A. Persuasive text C. Recount text
B. Descriptive text D. Narrative text

2. What is the purpose in including evidence in your claims?

A. To make your essay longer and more comprehensive
B. To show that you know a lot about the topic
C. To show that your claims are valid and factual.
D. To boast that you are more believable than anyone else.

3. Your conclusion should include?

A. a restatement and summary of your main claim
B. main ideas
C. evidence
D. additional details

4. The following are the basic components of an argument except;

A. evidence C. reasons
B. claim D. reference