H1 General Paper

Essay Wri ng Skills

GP-EWS-0621

ESSAY SKILLS NATURE (TYPES) OF ARGUMENTS

In Paper 1, all Topic Sentences (TS) must contain a speci c argument in the form of a reason to
support the stand.

E.g. "A degree is unnecessary in today’s world." Do you agree?

TS: It is true that a degree is unnecessary in today’s world because… (argument = reason)
TS: It is not true that a degree is unnecessary in today’s world because… (argument = reason)

Example driven arguments can be avoided by ensuring that a reason is included in the topic
sentences.

E.g. “Movies are nothing more than a form of escapism." Do you agree?

TS: It is true that movies are nothing more than a way for us to escape from our daily lives.
[no argument]
TS: Apart from func oning as a way for us to temporarily relieve stress, movies do not have
other more permanent bene ts. [argument is present]

THE GENERAL NATURE OF ARGUMENTS

Paper 1 ques ons generally require an explora on and discussion of whether:

• something should be the case or not the case (explore acceptability of a prac ce)
• something can be the case or not the case (explore possibility of achieving an outcome)
• something is the case or not the case (explore occurrence of a phenomenon)
• something will be the case or not the case (explore likelihood of a hypothe cal scenario)

This shapes the direc on that the arguments should take for the ques on.

THE FIVE TYPES (NATURE) OF ARGUMENTS

A useful framework for conceptualising arguments is to think in terms of ve basic types
of arguments as follows:

• BEN/NBEN Something is or is not bene cial (address acceptability)

• RGT/NRGT Something is or is not legal/ethical (address acceptability)

• POS/NPOS Something is or is not possible (address possibility)

• ITC/NTC Something is or is not the case (address occurrence)
• LIK/NLIK Something is or is not likely (address likelihood)
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 H1 General Paper
Essay Wri ng Skills
GP-EWS-0621

1. Arguments for Acceptability: Something Is or Is Not Bene cial (BEN/PRB)

This is a common type of argument which can be used generally for ques ons which require you
to examine whether something should be done or whether something is important.

E.g.
• Should poli cians pursue the popular viewpoint or their own convic ons, if they con ict?
(2020)
• Considering the money involved, should developing countries be allowed to host major
spor ng events? (2016)
• Should a love of one’s country s ll be encouraged? (2009)
• ‘A good leader must always look beyond the needs of his or her country.’ Do you agree?
(2003)
• Is regula on of the press desirable?(2017)
• How far is it important for people to be aware of current events in countries other than their
own? (2014)

For this type of ques ons, the arguments ought to be in the form of:

• Bene ts
• Lack of bene ts
• Problems

Theore cal TS Structure

• Something SHOULD be the case if there is a bene t from it being the case = ARG
• Something SHOULD be the case if it helps to overcome a problem=ARG

• Something SHOULD NOT be the case if there is a bene t from it NOT being the case = ARG
• Something SHOULD NOT be the case if it causes a problem=ARG
• Something SHOULD NOT be the case if there is no bene t =ARG

Note:
Bene ts and problems in this context are generic and NOT outcome directed.

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 H1 General Paper
Essay Wri ng Skills
GP-EWS-0621

2. Arguments for Acceptability: Something Is or Is Not Legal/Ethical (RGT/NRGT)

This is an alterna ve type of argument for ques ons which require you to examine whether
something should be done or whether something is important.

For this type of ques ons, the arguments ought to be in the form of:

• moral or legal principles which makes something "right"

• moral or legal principles which makes something "wrong"

Theore cal TS Structure

• Something SHOULD be the case if it is legally right

• Something SHOULD be the case if it is ethical or just
• Something SHOULD be the case if it is illegal or unethical when it is not the case

• Something SHOULD NOT be the case if it is illegal

• Something SHOULD NOT be the case if it is unethical or unjust

Note:
This is probably the hardest type of arguments to make as

• ethical principles can be subjec ve

• ethical and legal principles are di cult to elaborate and exemplify

Remember that instead of using RGT/NRGT arguments, you can always use BEN/NBEN arguments.

The crucial di erence between the two is that the u lity of a bene t is con ngent on the
prac cality of the process that leads to the bene t whereas ethical principles can be imprac cal
to adhere to strictly (of course, just because something cannot be done doesn't mean we should
not try to do it).

RGT/NRGT Example

Discuss the view that countries should always take in refugees.

Countries should always take in refugees as there is a moral as well as a legal obliga on to
help all refugees (moral and legal principles = ARG).

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 H1 General Paper
Essay Wri ng Skills
GP-EWS-0621

Case Study of BEN/NBEN vs. RGT/NRGT Arguments

Should there be any age restric ons for employment?

Thesis: Yes, there should be certain age restric ons for employment.

(BEN/NBEN argument)
No doubt, it has to be conceded that not having age restric ons will prevent employers from legally
demanding that their older employees re re once they reach a certain age (prevent a
problem=ARG). This is important as there are many elderly workers who wish to con nue working
in their old age for various reasons (bene t=ARG).

Compare the above with the argument below.

(RGT/NRGT Argument)
There should not be any age restric ons for employment because employment is a source of
livelihood and no one should be denied access to this basic right to make a living (ethical right =
ARG). Any form of age restric on would cons tute a form of discrimina on (unethical and unjust
situa on = ARG).

The RGT/NRGT paragraph is harder to put together because the following concepts have to be
elaborated and exemplify in a relevant way:

• "basic right to make a living"

• "a form of discrimina on"

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 H1 General Paper
Essay Wri ng Skills
GP-EWS-0621

3. Arguments for Possibility: Something Is or Is Not Possible (POS/NPOS)

This is a type of argument which can be used generally for ques ons which require you to examine
whether a speci ed outcome is achievable.

E.g.
• To what extent can any society claim to be great? (2020)
• Can prejudice ever be eliminated? (2011)
• ‘Women will never enjoy the same rights as men.’ Do you agree? (2006)

For this type of ques ons, the arguments ought to be in the form of:

• the methods/means/ways in which some speci ed outcome can be met

• obstacles which prevent some speci ed outcome from being met
• problems which can arise if the speci ed objec ve is met (thus making the outcome not
desirable)

Theore cal TS Structure

• Something CAN be the case through using a method = ARG

• Something CANNOT be the case because of an obstacle = ARG

• Something CANNOT be the case because it will cause a problem = ARG

Note:
• POS/NPOS arguments can be used for most (not all) ques ons that can be asked using the
word 'can' or ‘(im)possible'.
• The strength of your POS arguments generally depends on how workable the suggested
method or means is in achieving the speci c outcome .
• The strength of your NPOS arguments can also depend on how intractable1 an iden ed
problem is, if the argument is based on problems.

1 hard to control or deal with

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 H1 General Paper
Essay Wri ng Skills
GP-EWS-0621

• If the speci ed outcome in the ques on relates to a problem, the following methods of dealing
with the problem can be considered:
- educa on to change or shape mindset
- legisla on to compel behavioural change
- science or technology to overcome the limita on of a certain situa on
• While proposing ways of achieving an outcome, you must always be mindful of the
limita on(s) of the suggested means.
• You must carry out realis c assessment of the achievability of a speci ed outcome. A er all, if
the speci ed outcome has not been achieved before, there must be reasons why this is the
case.

POS/NPOS Example 1

"Crime can never be completely prevented." Do you agree?

Crime can be completely prevented when society takes care of its weakest members (means=ARG).

Crime can never be completely prevented because it is impossible to fully control the values people
have (obstacles=ARG).

POS/NPOS Example 2

Can your society do without the elites?

No na on can be without its poli cal elites. Singapore is no excep on. Without a small group of
people empowered to pass legisla on and exercise control over the na on, anarchy will prevail
(problem that arise=ARG).

POS/NPOS Example 3

Can prejudice ever be eliminated?

Thesis: No, prejudice can never be eliminated.

Firstly, some will reason that prejudice can be eliminated if governments and non-government
organisa ons invest in programmes that educate people on the dangers of intolerance and bigotry
(means[edu.]=ARG).

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 H1 General Paper
Essay Wri ng Skills
GP-EWS-0621

Addi onally, many will point out that legisla on can be used as instruments to curtail prejudice
(means[leg.]=ARG).

Nonetheless, it must however be noted that legisla ons may only be e ec ve in curbing forms of
prejudice that are overt and clearly discriminatory. In reality, prejudice o en goes unno ced as it is
embedded in ordinary everyday experience which we take for granted (obstacle=ARG).

Furthermore, in some socie es prejudice may be fairly overt, but is so deeply ingrained within the
psyche of the culture and its people (obstacle=ARG) that it is doub ul that it can ever be removed.

Moreover, we should not forget that prejudice can also be perpetuated in socie es where freedom
of speech is guaranteed by cons tu onal rights (obstacle=ARG). In fact, free-speech legisla on has
facilitated the prolifera on of many hate groups around the world which are involved in advoca ng
hatred and hos lity towards other groups of people in society.

All in all, there are clearly many obstacles that stand in the way of the crea on of a truly
egalitarian world. E orts to raise awareness and educa ng people on the dangers of intolerance
can be increased, and legisla on can be explored to eradicate bigotry. That said, it must be
accepted that cultural and religious mindsets that have been deeply ingrained for centuries cannot
be simply changed through legisla on and educa on. In socie es with greater freedom of speech
and more liberal views towards media censorship are at liberty to freely express their opinions, no
ma er no how coloured they may be. Given that there are too many avenues for jaundiced
percep ons to creep into the hearts and minds of people, the inevitable conclusion we must arrive
at is that prejudice can perhaps be reduced but never eliminated.

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 H1 General Paper
Essay Wri ng Skills
GP-EWS-0621

4. Arguments for Occurrence: Something Is or Is Not the Case (ITC/NTC)

Arguments of this type are quite fundamental to ques ons which require you assess whether
some situa on is occurring or not occurring.

E.g.
• Is modern technology a bene t or a threat to democracy? (2020)
• Consider the view that social media has more in uence than poli cians. (2019)
• Religion is an important part of the lives of young people today.’ Consider whether this is true
in your society. (2019)

For this type of ques ons, the arguments ought to be in the form of:

• reasons based on phenomena/trends/events which are observable nowadays

• reasons based on characteris cs of today's world
• reasons based on characteris cs or features inherent in a certain process, prac ce or system

Theore cal TS Structure

• Something IS the case as evidenced by a certain observable phenomenon/trend = ARG

• Something IS the case due to a certain characteris c of today's world = ARG
• Something IS the case due to a certain characteris c inherent in a certain process/prac ce/
system = ARG

• Something IS NOT the case as evidenced by a certain observable phenomenon/trend = ARG

• Something IS NOT the case due to a certain characteris c of today's world = ARG
• Something IS NOT the case due to a certain characteris c inherent in a certain process/
prac ce/system = ARG

Note:
• The use of present or present perfect tense in ques ons, par cularly those without modal
verbs such as 'should' and 'can' – is usually an indica on of the relevance of ITC/NTC
arguments.
• Words such as 'today' and 'nowadays' in the ques on also suggest that ITC/NTC arguments can
be used.
• The strength of your ITC/NTC arguments generally depends on how prevalent or impac ul the
observable phenomena or characteris cs are.

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 H1 General Paper
Essay Wri ng Skills
GP-EWS-0621

• You ought to consider whether the observable phenomena or inherent characteris cs you are
describing cons tute the excep on or the norm.
• You can construct opposing arguments using excep onal cases (and subsequent rebut these
arguments).
• This argument type can be challenging because it needs to be re ec ve of reality and cannot
be generated using logic (unlike BEN/NBEN and POS/NPOS which to a greater extent can be
constructed based on logic).

ITC/NTC Example

Is your society too status conscious?

Indeed, Singaporeans are truly conscious of social status as evidenced by how people will live
beyond their means in the pretence that they are truly well-o (observable phenomenon=ARG).

It is inaccurate to assert that Singaporeans are too conscious of social status as evidenced by the
fact that many Singaporeans today are eschewing the conven onal path to success and forgoing
the chance to climb up the social ladder and are instead pursuing voca on that allow them to help
others or help address certain social issues (observable phenomenon=ARG).

Note that the strength of the above two arguments lies not in the logic of the arguments but in
how accurate they are in re ec ng the reali es of Singapore.

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 H1 General Paper
Essay Wri ng Skills
GP-EWS-0621

5. Arguments for Likelihood: Something Is or Is Not Likely (LIK/NLIK)

Arguments of this type can be applied to ques ons which require you assess a specula ve/future
possibility or a hypothe cal outcome.

E.g.
• ‘The world would be a be er place if more poli cal leaders were women.’ What is your view?
(2013)
• Assess the view that tradi onal buildings have no future in your society. (2016)
• ‘The world would be a be er place if everyone spoke the same language.’ Discuss. (2006)

For this type of ques ons, the arguments ought to be in the form of:

• assessment based on past experiences

• assessment based on trends already observable today
• assessment based on projec ons and models

Theore cal TS Structure

• Something WILL BE the case if it has occurred before in the past = ARG
• Something WILL BE the case due to short-term e ects that are already observable = ARG
• Something WILL BE the case due to reasonably reliable models/projec ons by experts = ARG

• Something WILL NOT BE the case if it has not occurred before in the past = ARG
• Something WILL NOT BE the case due to short-term e ects that are already observable = ARG
• Something WILL NOT BE the case due to reasonably reliable models/projec ons by experts =
ARG

Note:
• Look for the use of words such as ‘would’ in ques ons to suggest the possible use of LIK/NLIK
arguments.
• It is important that these arguments are grounded in reality and present trends and cannot be
en rely specula ve.
• Unpacking what the the proposed new direc on or future scenario means will help you think
of more incisive arguments.

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 H1 General Paper
Essay Wri ng Skills
GP-EWS-0621

LIK/NLIK Example

‘The world would be a be er place if everyone spoke the same language.’ Discuss.

Speaking a common language will bring about economic bene ts as communica on barriers are
removed, paving the way for greater commercial integra on and coopera on between states. This
is evidenced by the faster economic growth experienced by countries with a workforce able to
converse uently in English, the world’s commerce language (past occurrence=ARG).

However, language deaths as a consequence of the emergence of an interna onal language is a

very real threat. Based on a study by renowned linguist David Graddol, he expects that some 90%
of the currently spoken languages will have become ex nct by 2050 (projec on by expert=ARG).

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