Section D

Argumentative Writing

Format of Persuasive Writing

Introductory Paragraph

3 Supporting Paragraphs

Concluding Para

So you may be given a TOPIC and be asked

1. to choose a side: supporting or opposing the topic
2. Share your views

First think of 3 strong points to argue on the side/ position that you have taken

For example
Topic: Marijuana should be legalized in Guyana

If you agree that it should be legalized...3 points why...

If you disagree (believe that it should Not be legalized....then 3 points why

If you agree that it should be legalized...3 points why...

If you disagree (believe that it should Not be legalized....then 3 points why

After you have your

Side/position/stance
and thought of 3 points

Then begin your 1st of 5 paragraphs

First Paragraph

The introductory paragraph must have

-The thesis/de nition of key term
-3points
- your side/position.
Sample essay
Paragraph 1
An introductory paragraph on the Supporting Side.

The most e ective herb at present is known as Marijuana *. (This is the thesis...it de nes the key
term Marijuana (positively) as this is the supporting paragraph.* Many use marijuana as a
*medicinal plant* , as a basis for gaining *income* , while others use it during their *social*
*encounters* . (3points) Guyana *should* legalize Marijuana so everyone can reap its bene ts.
(position- supporting)

Over to the Supporting Paragraphs

Paragraphs 2, 3 n 4...

3 Supporting Paragraphs each

1. Having appropriate diction

2. discussing one of your three points listed in the introduction
3. including about two persuasive devices that help to elaborate the point

Example
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 Supporting Paragraph (proposition side on topic based on Marijuana)

*To begin my argument,(1.appropriate diction* ) _Mr. Benn was diagnosed with cancer for over
* ve years* (2.statistics) and had tried all possible measures until someone told him about
Marijuana._ _This *drug unlike chemotherapy and radiation* (3. contrast)not only fought his
disease but has also purged him of all other diseases._ [4. anecdote]. Marijuana is used as a
medical drug in *tablet or tonic from or even via smoking.* (5. examples)

First supporting paragraph based on the 1st point

Point 1. Medical bene t

Paragraph has
1. Appropriate diction
2. Use of 5 Persuasive devices

Those devices are

Five years....statistics
Brief personal Mr.Benn's story ...anecdote
Marijuana di erent from Chemotherapy and radiation...contrast
Tablet, tonic, smoking....examples

The Concluding Paragraph

Must have
- appropriate diction
( I conclude...
To conclude...
In conclusion...
To end my argument/essay...
Based on the points I just made...
It is without a doubt...)

- sum-up the 3 points (no additional point)

- include audience
(We
Us
Our)

Example
Concluding paragraph
Proposition side

Based on the points that I have elaborated on (appropriate diction), I shall reiterate that *we* must
have Marijuana legalized in Guyana. (Position)
Our death-rate may decrease (point1_medical bene t) while the standard of living of those
producing it may improve (point 2_ nancial bene t. Many have enjoyed consuming this as a drink
(point 3_social bene t). So come on board with me to have this drug legalized to generally
improve *our* country.

There ends the total review of the Paper 2

Section A- Summary
Section B- Exposition
Section C- Narrative
Section D- Argumentative
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