MUET Extended writing tips : Argumentative Essay

 

An argumentative essay is an essay where candidates need to take a position or a stand on controversial issues and present evidence in their writing, candidates should engage the readers to the topic, explain make a partial stand on the topic given. In good argumentative and consider all types of issues fairly, address potential counter - arguments, and persuade readers to adopt a new perspective.

 

STRUCTURE OF AN ARGUMENTATIVE

 

Paragraph 1 (Introduction)-

 

●       Describe the topic or issue and provide some background information.

 

●       State your thesis statement that will cover what will be discussed as well as your stand on the issue.

 

 

Paragraphs 2, 3 & 4 (Body)

 

●       Each paragraph should only discuss one main idea.

●       Present other conflicting views on the topic.

●       Present your counter-arguments or rebuttals.

●       Justify your arguments with facts, evidence, etc.

●       Provide examples where necessary.

 

Paragraph 5 (Conclusion)

 

●       Summarize the points presented earlier.

●       Restate your stand.

 

 

WRITING A THESIS STATEMENT FOR ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS

 

When writing the thesis statement for an argumentative essay, it is the issue. It is usually the second last sentence of your introduction. important to state your stand. A stand is the position you take on There are 3 stands you can take:

 

A)     Disagree

B)     Agree

C)    Partially agree/ mixed

 

USEFUL PHRASES AND EXPRESSIONS

 

Function	Example
Agree	I (strongly/completely/ totally) agree that… I (strongly/ completely/ totally) agree with the statement.. I firmly believe that…. I am in favour of …..
Disagree	I (strongly/ competely/ totally) disagree that… I (strongly, completely totally) disagree with the statement… After seeing this evidence, there is no way we can agree that.. Others may say that .., however… It can be argued that …, but…
Partially agree/ mixed stand	I partially agree that … I partially agree with statement… I agree with the statement to a certain extent, however… To a certain extent, thay are right.. They do have a point in….
To present arguments for	The most important advantage of… One major benefit of … A further/ additional advantage of …
To present arguments against	A major disadvantage of … The main drawback of … One argument against … Many people are against
To conclude	To sum up…. In conclusion … Taking everything into account/ consideration

 

Adopted from : Effective Text MUET (Malaysian University English Test) 800/1-800/4 -Third Edition, Albert Nathan, Cecilia Arul, Phoon Foon Ha and Kok Ming Wai- Ilmu Bakti