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ENGLISH
QUARTER 3
MODULE 2C
WRITING TECHNIQUES
(ARGUMENTATIVE)

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 DAY 1

Pre-Test

Directions: Read each item carefully and choose only the letter of your answer.
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What type of writing requires clear, logical thinking and the know-how to appeal
to readers’ needs?
A. Argumentative B. Informative C. Persuasive D. Declarative
2. Which of the following are used in argumentative writing to support the claim
it’s making?
A. evidence and facts C. values and ethics
B. reasons and assumptions D. opinions and perceptions
3. What argumentative format begins with an introduction, follows with a
thesis/claim, and gives data and evidence to support the claim?
A. The Toulmin model C. The Rogerian model
B. The Deductive model D. The Inductive model
4. What argumentative format weighs the strengths and weaknesses of both sides
before reaching a conclusion?
A. The Toulmin model C. The Rogerian model
B. The Deductive model D. The Inductive model
5. Which of the following is another term for opinion statement?
A. proposition B. logos C. ethos D. persuasive
6. What type of opinion statement claims that something is or is not the case?
A. Statement of policy C. Statement of value
B. Statement of truth D. Statement of conclusion
7. What type of opinion statement claims that something should or should not be
done?
A. Statement of policy C. Statement of value
B. Statement of truth D. Statement of conclusion
8. What type of opinion statement claims that something does or does not have
worth?
A. Statement of policy C. Statement of value
B. Statement of truth D. Statement of conclusion
9. What rhetorical appeal provides clear thinking and solid reasoning to support
claims?
A. Appeal to logos C. Appeal to ethos
B. Emotive Language D. Appeal to menthos
10. What rhetorical appeal builds trust by citing reputable sources, providing
factual evidence, and fairly presenting the issue?
A. Appeal to logos C. Appeal to ethos
B. Emotive Language D. Appeal to menthos
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11. What rhetorical appeal means persuading by connecting to readers’ emotions?
A. Appeal to logos C. Appeal to ethos
B. Emotive Language D. Appeal to menthos
12. What opposing points of view point out a flaw or weakness in the objection
without belittling the person who is objecting?
A. arguments C. counterarguments
B. concessions D. counterconcessions
13. What opposing point of view admits the value of an opposing viewpoint, but
quickly pivots back to the writer’s side of the argument?
A. arguments C. counterarguments
B. concessions D. counterconcessions
14. What logical fallacy suggests that something is true until it has been disproven,
unfairly shifting the burden of proof?
A. Appeals to ignorance C. Appeals to pity
B. Gaslighting D. Oversimplification
15. What logical fallacy presents a complex situation in deceptively simple terms?
A. Appeals to ignorance C. Appeals to pity
B. Gaslighting D. Oversimplification

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 DAY 2

Lesson
Argumentative Writing
1

What I Need To Know

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

 differentiate argumentative from persuasive;

 give examples of opinion statements and;
 use argumentative techniques in writing.

What’s In
Instructions: Classify the statements as either Persuasive or Argumentative. Put a
check on the corresponding column.

Persuasive Argumentative
Description
Writing Writing
Writer starts with a strong opinion and
researches reasons to support it
Writer starts with a topic, researches and
discusses all sides of the issue, and chooses
one side to support
Appeals to readers with logic
Appeals to readers with evidence
Appeals to readers with emotion
Outlines multiple sides of the issue
Calls readers to action
Uses passionate, urgent writing voice
Uses calm, neutral writing voice

What is your basis in

classifying a persuasive
from argumentative topics?

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 What’s New

You have learned from the previous module that both persuasive and
argumentative writing attempts to convince readers, but uses different method.
Argumentation relies on logic and evidence to build cases for a specific claim while
persuasion appeals to readers’ emotions to make them believe something or take
specific action.
Argumentative writing requires clear, logical thinking and the know-how to appeal
to readers' needs. Clearly, such communication skills come at a premium in today’s
information economy, and developing those skills will help students flourish in
school and the workplace.

What Is It

How do I write a good Argumentative? What is its structure? What

techniques can I use?
An argumentative essay is an essay that uses evidence and facts to support the
claim it’s making. Its purpose is to persuade the reader to agree with the argument
being made.
Argumenative Essay Formats:
The Toulmin model – begins with an introduction, follows with a
thesis/claim, and gives data and evidence to support that claim. This style of
essay also includes rebuttals of counterarguments.

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Example:

The Rogerian model – analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a

conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of both sides.
Example:

There are 6 Strategies in Writing Arguments

1.Distinguishing Argumentation from Persuasion

Argumentation relies on logic and evidence
Persuasion appeals to readers’ emotions

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 2. Forming an Opinion Statement
An effective argument starts with a clear opinion statement, also known as
a claim or proposition.
Use this simple formula to craft your opinion statement. Remember that the
statement will serve as the thesis for your writing.

Debatable Topic (Who or what am I writing about?)

+ Focus (What specific feeling or belief do I have about my topic?)
_________________________________
= Opinion Statement

Opinion statements fall into three categories: statements of truth, statements of

value, and statements of policy.

 Statements of truth claim that something is or is not the case.

Despite what you might think, most hunters (topic) are friends of the
environment (focus).
 Statements of value claim that something does or does not have worth.
Podcasts (topic) have become the media of consequence in the 21st
century (focus).
 Statements of policy claim that something should or should not be done.
What we need most of all isn't mourning but action (focus) to lower the toll
of guns in America (topic).

3. Appealing to the Audience

Aristotle outlined three types of rhetorical appeals. The first two work best in
argumentation and the third in persuasion.

 appeal to logos means providing clear thinking and solid reasoning to

support claims (using logic).
 appeal to ethos means building trust by citing reputable sources, providing
factual evidence, and fairly presenting the issue (using ethics).
 appeal to pathos means persuading by connecting to readers’ emotions
(tugging "heartstrings").

4. Connecting with Anecdotes

An anecdote is a brief story used to make a larger point. Anecdotes can add a
storytelling touch to your explanatory and persuasive writing—connecting your
ideas to real life and real people.

Beginning: To Introduce a Topic

In the ocean, two hungry dolphins pick up speed when they spot a school of
flying fish. Sensing danger, the fish dart ahead. Soon they are cruising through
the deep blue water at 20 miles an hour. As the dolphins get closer, the flying
fish break through the surface, spread their fins like wings, and take
off. Amateur explorers have called them ―dragonflies of the deep,‖ but flying
fish are most definitely fish.
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Middle: To Support an Idea
The bleachers in the gym are unsafe. Some of the boards are cracked, which
makes them hard to navigate. Just last a week, a student was walking up the
bleachers when she tripped on a crack, spilled her popcorn, and banged her
wrists. She wasn't seriously hurt, but the next person who trips on the
bleachers might not be so lucky.

Ending: To Make a Final Point

On the third turn of the 111th lap at Bellville Speedway, racer Keith Sweat lost
control of his vehicle and slammed into a new shock-absorbant wall. After a
caution flag cleared the track, Sweat unbuckled his new head and neck braces
and walked out of his mangled race car without so much as a scratch or
limp. At least for today, the new mandatory safety measures triggered by a
year-old tragedy fulfilled their promise: to keep drivers safe.

5. Answering Objections
Arguments lose steam key opposing ideas are ignored. Addressing readers'
disagreements does not weaken arguments, but in fact strengthens it.
There two ways to respond to opposing points of view.

Counterarguments point out a flaw or weakness in the objection (without belittling

the person who is objecting).
Concessions admit the value of an opposing viewpoint, but quickly pivot back to
the writer's side of the argument.

6. Avoiding Logical Fallacies

Logical fallacies are forms of "fuzzy thinking" that some people accidently use
(weakening their arguments) and others intentionally use (manipulating others)

Ad hominem attacks focus on the opponent rather than the opposing position.
(Ad hominem is Latin for ―to the man.‖)
If he wants anyone to consider his proposal, he should stop whining and
try brushing his teeth occasionally.

Appeals to ignorance suggest that something is true until it has been disproven,
unfairly shifting the burden of proof.
No one has studied how aspartame relates to the modern epidemic of
autism, which demonstrates what a dangerous substance it is.

Appeals to pity try to evoke sympathy for someone rather than taking a hard look
at an issue based on its own merits.
Students who have to work after school and then stay up late studying
should never be marked tardy the next day.

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Gaslighting refers to confidently and repeatedly stating a falsehood until it is
accepted as fact. It leads to denialism and conspiracy theories.
The earth is flat. NASA routinely alters images to hide that fact.

Either-or thinking consists of reducing a solution to two extremes, eliminating

every possibility in the middle.
Either our city approves this light-rail project, or we will never expand in
the future.

Oversimplification presents a complex situation in deceptively simple terms.

Beware of phrases like ―It all boils down to . . . ‖ or ―It’s a simple question of . . . ‖
Capital punishment is a simple question of protecting society.
The straw man fallacy sets up a false position for the opposition and then knocks
it down. (It defeats a straw opponent rather than a real one).
The other candidate wants to destroy America. I want to save it.
Bandwagoning supports a position by saying that most people agree with it. This
fallacy avoids the real question: ―Is this position good or not?‖

Many top-level executives have left this company, so those who remain
are obviously in the wrong.

Broad generalizations take in everything and everyone at once, allowing no

exceptions and ignoring complexity.

Millennials care more about their digital lives than about their actual lives.

Circular reasoning assumes the very point it is trying to prove.

Racism is bad because it is racist. (Racism is bad because it unjustly

disadvantages people based on their race.)

Genetic fallacies assume that the origin of something dictates its modern reality.

Hitler built the first modern interstate highway system, which explains
why freeways are so dangerous and aggressive.

Half-truths present only part of the story. They are true and dishonest at the same
time.
The new work-for-welfare bill is good because it requires recipients to
work for the aid they receive. (What about those who receive welfare
because they are unable to work?)

Slanted language uses strongly positive or negative words to distract from valid
arguments.
People in their right mind would never agree to anything so ridiculous.

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Testimonials use quotations from famous people who often have no real expertise
or experience in an area.

“As a doctor on Grey’s Anatomy, I’ve treated many colds, and—believe

me—no cold medicine works as quickly or as effectively as Temptrol.”

DAY 3

What I Can Do
Instructions: Refer to the formula in developing opinion statements. Beside each
general subject, write a specific topic. Use your specific topic to create an opinion
statement. Classify your opinion statement as statement of truth, value or policy.
The first one is done for you.

General
Specific Topic Opinion Statement Classification
Subject
Masks reduce Wearing a mask does not Statement of
Health the intensity of completely protect us against truth
Protocols Covid-19 a COVID-19 infection, but
infection and data indicates that wearing a
sickness? mask decreases the level of
infection and harmful health
impacts.
Self-Learning
Modules
School
Policies

What I have Learned

Instructions: Complete these statements with your understanding of today’s
lesson. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Argumentation relies on __________and evidence to build cases for a

specific claim.
2. _________________________________ and 3. ___________________ are the
common Argumentative Essay formats.
4. Opinion statements are also known as a ________________or
5. _______________________.

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 DAY 4

What’s More

Activity 2C: NOW IT’S YOUR TURN!

Instructions: Write an argumentative essay by expressing your claim in answering

the writing prompt below. Use the techniques in our discussion. Please write your
essay in a short size bondpaper.

Is it ethical to perform medical experiments on the covid-19 patients to

develop a possible vaccine?
Writing Prompt:

CRITERIA in Writing Argumentative Essay

Statement of Opinion 10
Clearly Organized Structure 10
Writing Techniques 10
Total: 30pts

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 DAY 5

Assessment (Post Test)

Instructions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers on
a separate sheet of paper.

1.What type of writing requires clear, logical thinking and the know-how to appeal
to readers’ needs?
B. Argumentative B. Informative C. Persuasive D. Declarative
2.Which of the following are used in argumentative writing to support the claim it’s
making?
A. evidence and facts C. values and ethics
B. reasons and assumptions D. opinions and perceptions
3.What argumentative format begins with an introduction, follows with a
thesis/claim, and gives data and evidence to support the claim?
A. The Toulmin model C. The Rogerian model
B. The Deductive model D. The Inductive model
4.What argumentative format weighs the strengths and weaknesses of both sides
before reaching a conclusion?
A. The Toulmin model C. The Rogerian model
B. The Deductive model D. The Inductive model
5. Which of the following is another term for opinion statement?
A. proposition B. logos C. ethos D. persuasive
6. What type of opinion statement claims that something is or is not the case?
A. Statement of policy C. Statement of value
B. Statement of truth D. Statement of conclusion
7. What type of opinion statement claims that something should or should not be
done?
A. Statement of policy C. Statement of value
B. Statement of truth D. Statement of conclusion
8. What type of opinion statement claims that something does or does not have
worth?
A. Statement of policy C. Statement of value
B. Statement of truth D. Statement of conclusion
9. What rhetorical appeal provides clear thinking and solid reasoning to support
claims?
B. Appeal to logos C. Appeal to ethos
B. Emotive Language D. Appeal to menthos
10. What rhetorical appeal builds trust by citing reputable sources, providing
factual evidence, and fairly presenting the issue?
A. Appeal to logos C. Appeal to ethos

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 B. Emotive Language D. Appeal to menthos
11. What rhetorical appeal means persuading by connecting to readers’ emotions?
A. Appeal to logos C. Appeal to ethos
B. Emotive Language D. Appeal to menthos
12. What opposing points of view point out a flaw or weakness in the objection
without belittling the person who is objecting?
A. arguments C. counterarguments
B. concessions D. counterconcessions
13. What opposing point of view admits the value of an opposing viewpoint, but
quickly pivots back to the writer’s side of the argument?
A. arguments C. counterarguments
B. concessions D. counterconcessions
14. What logical fallacy suggests that something is true until it has been disproven,
unfairly shifting the burden of proof?
B. Appeals to ignorance C. Appeals to pity
B. Gaslighting D. Oversimplification
15. What logical fallacy presents a complex situation in deceptively simple terms?
B. Appeals to ignorance C. Appeals to pity
B. Gaslighting D. Oversimplification

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References
Websites
―6 Strategies for Writing Arguments,‖ accessed Jan. 27, 2021, t.ly/dhxB
―Developing An Opinion Statement,‖ accessed Jan. 27, 2021, t.ly/NAx1
―Using Anecdotes in Formal Writing,‖ accessed Jan. 27, 2021, t.ly/kwmE
―Recognizing Logical Fallacies 1,‖ accessed Jan. 28, 2021, t.ly/FQLb
―Recognizing Logical Fallacies 2, accessed Jan. 28, 2021, t.ly/z8iU
―3 Strong Argumentative Essay Examples, Analyzed,‖ accessed Jan. 28,
2021, t.ly/EAcT
―Toulmin's Schema‖ accessed Jan. 28, 2021, t.ly/fBDL
―How to Organize a Paper: The Rogerian Method, accessed Jan 28, 2021,
t.ly/arQq
Images
Image1: retrieved Jan. 24, 2020, https://bit.ly/39bUYuZ

Cliparts
Clipart 1: retrieved Oct. 28, 2020, shorturl.at/fpvBO
Clipart 2: retrieved Oct. 28,2020, https://urlshort.host/FewTj

You are now ready for the next module. Always remember the following:
1. Make sure every answer sheet has your
 Name
 Grade and Section
 Title of the Activity or Activity No.
2. Follow the date of submission of answer sheets as agreed with your teacher.
3. Keep the modules with you AND return them at the end of the school year or whenever
face-to-face interaction is permitted.

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