UNIT 2 Worksheet 2: Writing an argument

The aim of an argument is to convince the reader that your opinion is the right one and
that they should agree with you. To do this you have to present facts and opinions in a
logical and persuasive way. Structure is very important in a piece of argumentative writing,
as you may cancel out your own case if you give your opinion too early or if you contradict
yourself. Style contributes to the effectiveness of the content in argumentative writing.

Content and structure

1 Draft a sentence to introduce the subject and to explain why it is an important one.

2 Consider both sides of the subject and decide which viewpoint you are going to adopt.
Make notes on two or three general arguments that could be made against your viewpoint.

3 Collect a set of ideas and opinions you want to convey to support your own case,
recording them in the table below. Continue on a separate sheet of paper if you
need to. Make sure that some of your ideas and opinions contradict the opposing
viewpoint.

Opinions Evidence

© Cambridge University Press 2014 Cambridge Checkpoint English 9: A World View 1

 UNIT 2 Worksheet 2: Writing an argument

4 Provide evidence to support your views and complete the table on page 1. These
may come from a stimulus article or things you have heard in a discussion. You may
also use relevant statistics and examples, perhaps including recent stories in the
media. Personal anecdotes can be used, but sparingly. An argument needs to include
everyone for it to be universally accepted and objective evidence is more persuasive
than subjective material.

5 Decide on the best order in which to present your views and number them. Use the
strongest ones later rather than earlier, when they will be better remembered. Think
about how you can link them to build up a coherent and progressive argument.

6 Draft your final sentence. This should not repeat anything you’ve already said but
summarise your argument in a firm way which sounds final, as though there is nothing
more to say on the subject. You may predict dire consequences if your viewpoint is not
generally adopted.

Style
When writing your argument, bear in mind these style points and edit and redraft your
opening and closing sentences until you are happy with them.
• The opening sentence needs to be engaging. It could take the form of a question or
exclamation, or a provocative statement, or a claim of how important the issue is right now.
• Rhetorical devices are a way of keeping readers engaged and creating a lively style. If
you sound committed and passionate – but not extreme – your views are more likely to
be considered and accepted. Ideas can be made to sound more persuasive by using a
variety of these devices.
• Discourse markers are needed at the beginning of each paragraph to show the reader
whether you are continuing in the same direction or switching to the other point of
view, and to build up your argument to a climax.
• A humorous tone may be appropriate, depending on how serious the subject matter is.
Irony is always an effective tool in argument. It is permissible to satirise (mock) those
who believe in the opposite view.
• The final sentence should be even more powerful than the opening one. It is better not
to repeat exactly the same device used in the opening, but one of the other possibilities
not used there. A very short sentence, or even non-sentence, can have a finalising effect
and leave the reader in no doubt about what you want them to think about the issue.

© Cambridge University Press 2014 Cambridge Checkpoint English 9: A World View 2