What I Need to Know

We have learned from the previous module the different techniques in writing informative,
persuasive, and argumentative texts. In an informative essay, you educate your reader on a topic
either to define a term, compare and contrast something, analyze data, or provide a how-to. In
persuasive writing, you try to convince the reader to adopt your position on an issue or point of
view. Here, your rationale, your argument, is most important. On the other hand, argumentative
writing is very similar to persuasive essay, but the difference is that you are arguing for your
opinion as opposed to others, rather than directly trying to persuade someone to adopt your point
of view.

This module focuses on:

Most Essential Learning Competency: Compose an argumentative essay.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Identify what is an argumentative essay.

2. Determine ways to organize ideas and opinions in an argumentative essay.
3. Compose and argumentative essay from a given topic.

What I Know
Before you begin this week’s journey, try first to do the activity below. This will help you
find out what you already know about the lesson that you are going to embark on.

Directions: Identify which statements describe or characterize an argumentative essay and a

persuasive essay. Put a check mark under the heading that corresponds to your answer.

Argumentative Persuasive
GOAL
1. To get the reader agrees with the writer’s point of
view on a particular topic.
2. To get the reader acknowledge that the writer’s side
is valid and deserves consideration as another point
of view.
GENERAL TECHNIQUE
3.Offers the reader relevant reasons, credible facts,
and sufficient evidence to honor the write has a valid
and worthy perspective.
4. Blends facts and emotions in attempt to convince
the reader that the writer is ‘right’.
STARTING POINT
5. Research a topic and then align with one side.
6.Identify a topic and the writer’s side.

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 VIEWPOINT
7. It may include ONE opposing point; it is then quickly
dismissed/refuted.
8. It presents multiple perspectives, although is clearly
for one side.
ATTITUDE
9. It is more personal, more passionate, and more
emotional.
10. It shares the writer’s conviction, whether the
audience ends up agreeing or not.

What’s In
In an argumentative essay, your task is to make the reader agree with your opinion about
a certain or controversial topic.
You must (1) state your opinion, (2) give reasons to support your opinion, and (3) argue
against the opposite opinion.
Overall, you must convince the audience that your side of the argument is correct.
To convince the audience, your essay must be balanced—it must include your viewpoint
and the opposing viewpoint, or counterargument.
Even though you are arguing only one side of an issue, you must think about what the
other side would say about your opinion. After you give the counterargument, you must refute it
by showing that it is wrong. If your essay is balanced, a reader is more likely to agree with you.

What’s New
Activity 1: READ TO WRITE!

Read the sample argumentative essay below.

Aggressive Driving Should be Avoided

Aggressive driving is a phenomenon, which has only recently got the public worried. The
National Highway Traffic Safety Council (NHTSC) defines aggressive driving as “the operation of
a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property”. Actions
such as running red lights, improper passing, overtaking on the left, improper lane change, failing
to yield, improper turns, running stop signs, tailgating, careless driving, and speeding are
examples of aggressive driving. Such actions are dangerous to other road users. Aggressive
driving should be avoided because it causes crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
The first reason why aggressive driving should be avoided is it causes crashes. According
to NHTSC between 78 percent (excessive speed) and 100 percent (improper passing) of the
cases of aggressive driving resulted in traffic crashes and 96 percent of the drivers cited for
“following too closely” or tailgating caused crashes as a result of their aggressive driving.

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Moreover, “running red light”, “improper passing”, and “overtaking on the left” topped other
categories of aggressive driving in contributing to traffic crashes.
Another reason why aggressive driving should be avoided is it causes injuries. NHTSC
states that the percentages of the injuries caused by aggressive driving are, in almost all
categories of aggressive driving, above 100 percent. Furthermore, the Department of Highway
Safety (DHS) reports that this is due to the fact that each motor vehicle crash accounts for one or
more injuries. It was found that of the ten categories of aggressive driving, “running red light”,
“failing to yield”, and “running stop signs” are the most serious factors contributing to injuries.
Yet another reason why aggressive driving should be avoided is it causes fatalities.
Overtaking on the left” appears to be the most important contributing factor in traffic fatalities as it
relates to aggressive driving. “Improper lane change”, “running stop sign” and “running red light”
rank second through four in terms of their contribution to traffic fatalities (DHS, 2008).
The above evidence shows that aggressive driving causes crashes, injuries, and
fatalities. Hence, aggressive driving should be avoided. Since the opening of the North-South
Highway, the number of kilometers of roads in the country has increased by one percent while
the number of vehicle miles driven has increased by 35 percent. More cars and more drivers are
also on the road, leading to more aggressive drivers.
http://learnenglishessay.blogspot.com/2011/12/argumentative-essay.html

Activity 2: Reason Out!

Directions: In the boxes provided below, give the reasons why aggressive driving should be
avoided. Write your explanation opposite each box.

 ________________________________________________
________________________________________________
__________________ ________________________________________________

 ________________________________________________
________________________________________________
__________________ ________________________________________________

 ________________________________________________
________________________________________________
__________________ ________________________________________________

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Activity 3: I Saw the Sign!
Directions: Create a friendly reminder/signage on motorists’ safety vehicle driving. Write it in the
box.

What Is It
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
An argumentative essay tries to change the readers mind by convincing the
reader to agree with the writer’s point of view. It 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 than intelligent than the writer. Hence, an argumentative essay should be written
objectively and logically.

Organization of an Argumentative Essay

The most common type of argumentative essay has six paragraphs. Like all essays, it
begins with an introduction and ends with a conclusion. In between are the body paragraphs
where you must do three things: support your opinion, present the opposing point of view,
and tell why that viewpoint is wrong. Opposing views or opinions can be ideas or points for
(pro) which support the issue being discussed, or ideas or points against (con/contra) which
disagree with the issue.
Hook (Attention Getting Sentence)
INTRODUCTION Paragraph 1 Connecting/Background Information
Main idea Statement/Thesis Statement
Support 1 (first reason)
Paragraph 2 • Explanation, detail, example
• Explanation, detail, example
Support 2 (second reason)
Paragraph 3 • Explanation, detail, example
BODY
• Explanation, detail, example
Support 3 (third reason)
Paragraph 4 • Explanation, detail, example
• Explanation, detail, example
Paragraph 5 Opposite Side

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 • Counterargument 1
• Refutation (ATTACK)
• Counterargument 2
• Refutation (ATTACK)
Repeat your thesis statement in different words
CONCLUSION Paragraph 6
Suggestion/Opinion/Prediction for the future

What’s More
Activity 4: Identify and Classify!
Directions: From the model argumentative essay, identify its parts by rewriting the essential
elements in the box.

AGGRESSIVE DRIVING SHOULD BE AVOIDED

Introduction:

Body:

Conclusion:

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Activity 5: Driving in the New Normal!
Directions: Answer the following questions on safety rules and regulations on the road in the
new normal. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What safety protocols in travelling/driving are imposed in your community?

_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
2. Who are allowed/not allowed to travel?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
3. Why is it important for us to abide with the safety protocols in driving/travelling?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

What I Have Learned

Activity 6: Complete Me!
Directions: With the activities presented to you, try to complete the statement below to sum up
your journey through this lesson.
I learned that __________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

What I Can Do
Activity 6: Topics for Argumentative Essays
Directions: Read these five topics. Put a check mark () next to the ones that could be good
topics for argumentative essays.

________1. The first time I flew in a plane.

________2. University education should be free.

________3. How and Why birds fly south for the winter.

________4. High school teachers need a higher salary.

________5. Increasing tax on imported food.

________6. Mandatory RT-PCR Test results as requirement for traveling.

________7. Conduct of limited face-to-face in school.

________8. Pass/Fail system of students in the modular distance learning.

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 Assessment
Activity 8: Test Your Knowledge!
Directions: Identify the terminologies used in an argumentative text as described on the
following statements. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
________1. This means to show that an argument presented is wrong.
________2. It is the opposing viewpoint of an issue.
________3. These are ideas or points which disagrees with the issue being discussed.
________4. These are ideas or points for which support the issue being discussed.
________5. Type of essay that makes the reader agrees with the writer’s opinion about a certain
or controversial topic.

Additional Activity
Directions: Search for other examples of argumentative essays on the internet. Rewrite the
essay and identify its basic parts. Follow the format below.

Introduction:

Body:

Conclusion:

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 Key to Corrections

What I Know:

Argumentative Persuasive
1. /
2. /
3. /
4. /
5. /
6. /
7. /
8. /
9. /
10. /

Activity 2.

1. It causes crashes- Answers varies.

2. It causes injuries- Answers varies.
3. It causes fatalities- Answers varies.

Activity 3. Answers Varies

What’s More
Activity 4:

Introduction:
Aggressive driving is a phenomenon, which has only recently got the public
worried. The National Highway Traffic Safety Council (NHTSC) defines aggressive driving
as “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger
persons or property”. Actions such as running red lights, improper passing, overtaking on
the left, improper lane change, failing to yield, improper turns, running stop signs,
tailgaiting, careless driving and speeding are examples of aggressive driving. Such
actions are dangerous to other road users. Aggressive driving should be avoided because
it causes crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

Body:
The first reason why aggressive driving should be avoided is it causes crashes.
According to NHTSC between 78 percent (excessive speed) and 100 percent (improper
passing) of the cases of aggressive driving resulted in traffic crashes and 96 percent of
the drivers cited for “following too closely” or tailgaitng caused crashes as a result of their
aggressive driving. Moreover, “running red light”, “improper passing”, and “overtaking on
the left” topped other categories of aggressive driving in contributing to traffic crashes.
Another reason why aggressive driving should be avoided is it causes injuries.
NHTSC states that the percentages of the injuries caused by aggressive driving are, in
almost all categories of aggressive driving, above 100 percent. Furthermore, the

8
Department of Highway Safety (DHS) reports that this is due to the fact that each motor
vehicle crash accounts for one or more injuries. It was found that of the ten categories of
aggressive driving, “running red light”, “failing to yield”, and “running stop signs” are the
most serious factors contributing to injuries.
Yet another reason why aggressive driving should be avoided is it causes
fatalities. “Overtaking on the left” appears to be the most important contributing factor in
traffic fatalities as it relates to aggressive driving. “Improper lane change”, “running stop
sign” and “running red light” rank second through four in terms of their contribution to
traffic fatalities (DHS, 2008).

Conclusion:
The above evidence shows that aggressive driving causes crashes, injuries and
fatalities. (17) Hence, aggressive driving should be avoided. Since the opening of the
North-South Highway, the number of kilometers of roads in the country has increased by
one percent while the number of vehicle miles driven has increased by 35 percent. More
cars and more drivers are also on the road, leading to more aggressive drivers.

Assessment:

1. Refute
2. Counterargument
3. Con/contra
4. Pro
5. Argumentative Essay

Activity 5: Answers varies

Activity 6:

1. 5. /

2. / 6. /

3. 7. /

4. / 8. /

Additional Activity: Answers varies

References:

Celebrating Diversity through World Literature pp. 131-134

Self-Learning Module in English 10 -Schools Division of Pasig City pp. 6-13

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

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Name: ____________________________ Score: _______________________

Grade-Section: _____________________ Date: ________________________

WORKSHEET NO. 1
Module 1: Composing an Argumentative Essay
Directions: Read the example essay. Identify its composition following the structure presented in
this module. Use the format below as your guide.
Title: The School Uniform Question
INTRODUCTION
Paragraph I

Hook: _______________________________________________________________________
Connecting/Background Information: _______________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Main Idea/Thesis Statement: ______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
BODY
Paragraph 2
First Reason: ___________________________________________________________
Explanation:
 __________________________________________________________
 __________________________________________________________
Paragraph 3
Second Reason: ________________________________________________________
Explanation:
 __________________________________________________________
 __________________________________________________________
Paragraph 4
Third Reason: __________________________________________________________
Explanation:
 __________________________________________________________
 __________________________________________________________
Paragraph 5
Opposite Side: __________________________________________________________
Counter Argument:
 __________________________________________________________
 __________________________________________________________
CONCLUSION:

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

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 The School Uniform Question

Individualism is a fundamental value in the United States. All Americans believe in the
right to express their own opinion without fear of punishment. This value, however, is coming
under fire in an unlikely place – the public school classroom. The issue is about school uniform.
Should public school students be allowed to make individual decisions about clothing, or should
all students be required to wear a uniform? School uniforms are the better choice for three
reasons.

First, wearing school uniforms would help make students’ lives simpler. They would no
longer have to decide what to wear every morning, sometimes trying on outfit after outfit in an
effort to choose. Uniforms would not only save time but also would eliminate the stress often
associated with this chore.

Second, school uniforms influence students to act responsibly in groups and as

individuals. Uniforms give students the message that school is a special place for learning. In
addition, uniforms create a feeling of unity among students. For example, when students do
something as a group, such as attend meetings in the auditorium or eat lunch in the cafeteria, the
fact that they all wear the same uniform would create a sense of community. Even more
important, statistics show the possible effects that school uniforms have on violence and truancy.
According to a recent survey in Hillsborough County, Florida, incidents of school violence
dropped by 50 percent, attendance and test scores improved, and student suspensions declined
approximately 30 percent after school uniforms were introduced.

Finally, school uniforms would help make all the students feel equal. People’s standards
of living differ greatly, and some people are well-off while others are not. People sometimes
forgets that school is a place to get an education, not to promote a “fashion show”. Implementing
mandatory school uniforms would make all the students look the same regardless of their
financial status. School uniforms would 10 Promote pride and help to raise the self-esteem of
students who cannot afford to wear stylish clothing.

Opponents of mandatory uniforms may say that students who wear school uniforms
cannot express their individuality. 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’s 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 many well-documented benefits to implementing mandatory

school uniforms for students. Studies show that students learn better and act more responsibly
when they wear uniforms. Public schools should require uniforms in-order to benefit both the
students and society as well.

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