Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
CARAGA REGION

SCHOOLS DIVISION OF AGUSAN DEL SUR

Learners’ Activity Sheet

English 10
Quarter 3– Week 2
ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING TECHNIQUES

D.O Plaza Government Center, Patin-ay Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur

depedagusandelsur@deped.gov.ph
(085) 839-545
 Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
CARAGA REGION

SCHOOLS DIVISION OF AGUSAN DEL SUR

English – Grade 10
Learner’s Activity Sheet Quarter 3 - Week 2: Argumentative Writing Techniques
First Edition, 2020
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D.O Plaza Government Center, Patin-ay Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur

depedagusandelsur@deped.gov.ph
(085) 839-545
 LEARNER’S ACTIVITY SHEET in ENGLISH 10
QUARTER 3: WEEK 2

Name: _______________________________________ Grade & Section: ___________

School: ______________________________________ Date: _______________________
Teacher: _____________________________________ Score: ______________________

I. Title: Argumentative Writing Techniques

II. Learning Competency: Use a variety of informative, persuasive, argumentative

writing techniques EN10WC-llb-14.1.2

III. Instructions: This lesson contains series of activities which will help you learn
varied writing techniques in order to meet your learning needs in writing
argumentative texts. Read and understand the given concepts in order to accomplish
the tasks and activities that follow.

IV. Activities

Concept #1

Argumentative Writing

● An argumentative piece of writing is sometimes called

persuasive writing because it aims to convince the reader
about a certain stand on a debatable issue.
● Argumentative essay conveys opinions that are proposed
as true and justifiable. It is for this reason that an editorial is
the most outstanding example of argumentative writing,
although persuasion is also really identified in campaign
speeches or even print advertisements.
● A controversial issue always lies at the heart of an
argumentative essay. The argument maybe in favor of (pro) or
against (con) the said issue.

To persuade the readers through logical reasoning and analysis, the author may
use the techniques suggested below.

Techniques in Argumentation

1. Analogy. There is an assumption that two things similar in one aspect are
alike in another aspect.
Example: bread: butter; teacher: student
 2. Comparison-Contrast. This technique presents the similarities and/or
differences of two major concerns.
Example: Beauty versus Brawn. Beauty ensures permanence and
remarkableness, Brawn ensures temporary success.

3. Definition. This technique gives a meaning or several meanings to a concept

that forms the argument.
Example: Feminism is not about hating men. It is about celebrating
the power of women side by side with men.

4. Analysis. It is a technique that takes a part from the whole and scrutinizes
it to prove the point.
Example: Career Choice
One’s personal interest determines her choice of a career because it
is her natural response to life in general (personal interest apart from
skills, resources, etc.)

Activity A. WEIGH IN!

Directions. Read and evaluate the argument in this editorial excerpt from the
Philippine Daily Inquirer featured on May 21, 2002. Be ready to answer the questions
that follow. Write your answer in your notebook.

LANGUAGE ADVANTAGE

In the not-so-distant past, Filipinos were envied in Asia for their proficiency in
the English Language. Filipinos were invariably chosen presiding officers or
rapporteurs at international conferences in Asia. Filipinos were considered as No.1 on
the recruitment list for overseas jobs that require good knowledge of English.

Soon, this may no longer be true. Our Asian neighbours have realized the value
of English as an international language in business, science and technology, and
enrolling in English language schools in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok,
and Tokyo — all are eager to learn the language in the shortest possible time.

And now, we stand to lose our language advantage — our superiority in the use
of English. One factor that has been blamed for the deterioration of English usage for
Filipinos is what has been called the “schizophrenic” bilingual education policy of the
school system. Some subjects are taught in Filipino and some in English. Almost
equal emphasis is given to the teaching of Filipino and English, or if there is bias, that
bias is in favor of Filipino.

Studies have shown that the content of school subject is understood more
quickly, assimilated more easily and retained much longer when it is taught in the
native language than when it is taught in the foreign language. But there may be
courses like Science and Mathematics or Information Technology that are better
taught in English. And the use of Filipino as the medium of instruction in most
subjects should not be promoted at the expense of teaching English as a second
language. Up to the ‘50s and ‘60s, English was taught well in the public and private
schools.
Every day, there were grammar quizzes. Students were made to read, read, and
read some more. Teachers devoted a lot of time or composition in English, and
students were made to rewrite their “themes” until they were almost letter perfect.
Thus, most students became proficient in grammatical Standard English (perhaps
something like this old teaching regimen should be adopted in today’s schools).
Now, this is no longer the case. Even the English of some graduates of the
University of the Philippines leaves a lot to be desired, and if many teachers in public
schools cannot write or speak correct English, what are they passing on to their
students?
A native language expresses best the thoughts, aspirations, and the soul of a
people. But like the other people on earth, we have to wake up to the reality that
English has become the global lingua franca. It has become the leading medium for
the transmission of information and knowledge, and for the conduct of business and
communication. It is now the language of socio-economic mobility and educational
and professional advancement. This being the case, we have to be proficient in it to
stay in touch with the rest of the world, and to be globally competitive. We cannot
afford to lose our language advantage.

Questions:

1. How does the title reveal the topic of the essay?

2. How is the argument introduced?
3. What pattern or technique is employed in this writing?
4. What examples are used to illustrate the point?
5. Does the conclusion resonate with the introduction?
6. Generally, what is the challenge posed by the editorial?

Concept #2

Argumentative Essay Format

1. Introduction
o Present the topic and its context.
o Explain to the reader the importance of the topic and its relevance.
o Include your position in the final part of the introduction.
o The manner you present your position in the last sentence of the
introduction should have a seamless transition to the next paragraph.
2. Body featuring your first point
o Present one idea and the focus should be on that idea alone.
o Present your evidence/support for the first idea.
 3. Body featuring your second point
o Present the second point of your argument.
o Present your evidence/support for the first idea.
4. Body featuring your third point (if there is a third point)
o Present the third point of your argument.
o Present your evidence/support for the first idea.
5. Conclusion
o Do not present new information in the conclusion part.
o Summarize everything and synthesize the information that you presented
in the paper.
o Make sure to make your conclusion strong and clear because this is the
last part that the readers will read. This will leave the lasting impression
about the argument that you are pointing out.

Activity 2. HOW IT’S DONE

Directions. Study the sample argumentative essay below. Note closely the parts of the
given essay.
Activity 3. REASON OUT
Directions: Read the essay below and answer the questions that follow. Write your
answer in your notebook.

The School Uniform Question

Individualism has become prevalent in societies in many countries. Most people

believe in the right to own opinion without fear of punishment. This cost, however, is
coming under fire in unlikely place - the public school classroom. The issue is school
uniform. Should public school students be allowed to make private resolutions about
clothing, or should all students be required to wear a uniform? Wearing a school
uniform is the better choice for three reasons.
First reason stresses that wearing school uniforms would help make
students’ lives easy. Wearing a school uniform not only saves time but also disposes
the stress often associated with worrying what to wear every morning. The students
will not have a hard time planning and choosing what to wear during the day because
there is already a school uniform.
Second reason lies in the fact that wearing school uniforms influence
students to act responsibly in groups and in individuals. Uniforms give students
the message that a school is a special place for learning, and wearing these create a
feeling of unity among students. When students do something as a group, like meet in
the auditorium or eat lunch in the cafeteria, wearing the same uniform gives them a
sense of community. Even more important, statistics show the positive effect that a
school uniform has on mitigating violence. According to a recent survey in a large
school district in Florida, incidents of school violence dropped by 50 percent,
attendance and test scores improved, and student suspensions declined
approximately by 30 percent after school uniforms were introduced.
Finally, school uniforms would help make all the students feel equal.
Students’ standards of living differ from family to family, and some people are well-off
while others are not. Sometimes, when no school uniform is imposed, students forget
that a school is a place to get an education, but a venue to promote a fashion show.
Thus, mandatory implementation of wearing school uniforms makes all the students
look the same regardless of financial status. In addition, school uniforms promote
pride and help raise the self-esteem of students who cannot afford to wear expensive
clothing.
Even though some of the students who wear school uniforms say that they
cannot express themselves freely, this point has some merit on the surface. However
as stated previously, school is a place to learn, not to flaunt wealth and fashion.
Society must decide if individual expression through clothing is more valuable than
improved educational performance. It is important to remember that school uniforms
would be worn only during school hours. Students can express their individuality in
the way they dress outside of the classroom.
In conclusion, there are well – documented benefits of implementing mandatory
school uniform for students. Studies show that students learn better and more
responsibly when they wear uniforms. Therefore, public schools should require
wearing of school uniforms for students as this benefits both the students and society
as a whole.
Questions to Ponder!

1. What is the first argument of the author?

Wearing school uniforms would help make students’ lives easy.

Write the reasons the author gives to support the first argument.
The author stated that the students will not worry anymore
about what they should wear during class because they already have
uniform and it would also save them the time because they will not
bother looking for a dress that will fit their taste during classes.

2. What is the second argument of the author?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Write the reasons the author gives to support the second argument.
_____________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

3. What is the third argument of the author?

___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Write the reasons the author gives to support the third argument.
_______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

4. Do you believe that the reasons cited by the author to support the arguments are
valid? Explain.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Concept #3

The Thesis Statement of Argumentative Writing

● A controversial issue always lies at the heart of an argumentative essay. The
argument maybe in favor of (pro) or against (con) the said issue.

A good way to organize your ideas is to use a Pro & Con T-chart.
[Pro = in favor of the thesis statement, Con = against the thesis statement]
(If you cannot think of several ideas for one or both sides, you should do more research
about that topic or choose a different topic.)

Here is a Pro & Con T-Chart for an essay about Cell phones being allowed in classrooms.
Thesis statement: Cell phones should not be allowed in university classrooms.

PRO (for) CON (against)

1. Cell phones distract students from
learning if they send messages or
play games in class.
2. Cell phones might ring in class and
disturb the teacher.
3. Students could use cell phones to
cheat on tests.
1. Cell phones can easily be turned
off and kept out of sight.
2. University students are not
children and cell phones are
important in an emergency.
3. Cell phones can be useful tools in
some academic tasks.

Activity 4. FOR REAL?

Directions. Read the essay below and answer the activities that follow. Write the
answers in your notebook.
A. Directions: Based on the essay titled, “Reality TV shows are good entertainment”,
put a check (/) mark if the statement is true to the essay, and put an (X) if it tells
otherwise.

________ 1. Through reality TV programmers, talented people can be discovered.

________ 2. Reality shows are always the same.
________ 3. Some people on reality shows behave badly.
________ 4. People on reality shows have fun experiences and meet new people.
________ 5. Some competitions are very difficult or dangerous.
________ 6. There are lots of different types of reality shows.
________ 7. They are fun to watch.
________ 8. Reality TV is not an easy way to become famous.
________ 9. People spend a lot of money on their phones when they vote.
________ 10. The winners win great prizes.

B. Directions: Identify whether the statements in the box are FOR or AGAINST reality
TV shows based on the essay that you just read. Copy and complete the table given
below in your notebook
 FOR reality TV shows AGAINST reality TV show
1. There are lots of different types of 1. Some people on reality shows behave
reality shows. badly.
2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

Activity 5. PROS and CONS

Directions: Read the thesis statements and complete the Pro & Con T-charts. Write
two ideas to support each statement. Then write two ideas against each statement.
Review Lesson Guide/Concept #3 for the example of Pro & Con T-chart.
Write the answers in your notebook.

A. Face-to-face classes should be allowed.

PRO (for) CON (against)

1. 1.

2. 2.

B. Schools must not require students to wear school uniform.

PRO (for) CON (against)

1. 1.

2. 2.
C. Death penalty must be implemented in the Philippines .

PRO (for) CON (against)

1. 1.

2. 2.

ACTIVITY 6. CLOSURE – My Treasure!

Directions: Reflect on how you performed in this lesson, and make a plan on how to
develop your skills. Use the following sentence starters:

1. Parts of this lesson that I find most helpful are

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

2. The insights I learned in this lesson enable me to become

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

3. And they made me realize that

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

4. Hence, I commit to
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

REFERENCES:

1. Celebrating Diversity through World Literature English LM p. 258-260

Tagay, L., Brutas, M. & Basa, M. (2019). Journeying through Literature and
Language 10 (revised edition), pp. 189-192.

2.https://parkerkeimyung.files.wordpress.com/2018/11/2018-the-school-uniform-question.pdf

3.https://englishthroughlaxas.blogspot.com/2016/12/538-reality-tv-shows-for-against-essay.html?m=
Answer Key:

WEEK 2

Activity 1. WEIGH IN!

(Possible answers)

1. The title reveals the topic by giving a brief detail of what the essay is about.
2. The argument is introduced by citing the advantage of being proficient in English
language.
3. They are analysis, definition and comparison and contrast.
4. The author discussed that being proficient in English language made Filipinos
become presiding officers/rapporteurs at international conferences. Filipinos were also
considered as top priority in overseas job that requires good knowledge in English.
5. It does not resonate, rather the conclusion supported the introduction. It discussed
that Filipinos should maintain their proficiency in English language in order to connect
with the rest of the world, and become globally competitive.
6. The challenge posed by the editorial is to maintain the language proficiency of the
Filipinos in Asia and around the world. Filipinos should maintain their superiority in
English.

Activity 3. REASON OUT Activity 4. FOR REAL?

2-4. Students’ answers may A.
vary 1. ̸ 6. ̸
2. ̸ 7. ̸
3. X 8. ̸
4. ̸ 9. X
5. ̸ 10. X

FOR reality TV shows AGAINST reality TV show

1. There are lots of different types
of
reality shows.
2. People on reality shows have fun
experiences and meet new people
3. They can discover talented
people.
4. They are fun to watch.
5. The winners win great prizes.
1. Some people on reality shows behave
badly.
2. Some competitions are very difficult
or dangerous.
3. Reality shows are always the same.
4. People spend a lot of money on their
phones when they vote.
5. Reality TV is not an easy way to
become famous.

Activity 5. PROS and CONS

A-C. Students’ answers may vary

Activity 6. Closure
Students’ answers may vary