Language Features & Structures of An Argumentative Text [PDF]

Citation preview

Language Features & Structures of an Argumentative Text



The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.



When writing an argumentative essay, you aim to show your readers that your argument is valid and makes sense.



In argumentative essay, you will both contest the opposing argument and the support your position by supplying evidences.



Key structural features:



1



Position



2



Argument



3



Modals



4



Conjunctions / Connective words



5



Evaluative Language



6



Rhetorical Questions



7



Passive Voice



1



Position



• one’s opinion or point of view toward an issue or topic  begin with an introductory (clear and forceful) statement of position  supported by some background information about the issue in question  may preview in summary form the arguments to be presented



2



Argument (Claim)



• a reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong  need to be logically developed and supported, and justified with reasons, examples, expert evidence and statistical information  begins with background information, followed by points that relate back to the statement of position and justify or elaborate on the statement



3



Modals (p.46-47)



• used to express: ability, possibility, permission or obligation • express the writer’s attitude to the topic



4 Connective Words



& Conjunctions (p.271) • Connective Words are used to link or relate ideas (p.77-82)



o introduce, give background, define, enumerate, give examples, emphasize, clarify, change direction, give additional info, give contrasting info, digress, refer to visuals, conclude



• Conjunction is a word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause o additive, adversative, causal, temporal



• They link the flow of the argument



5 Evaluative Language • describes feelings and opinions using explicit and implicit language • used to express positive and negative feelings and judgements Grammatical Structures



Examples of Evaluative Vocabulary



Adjectives



miserable, safe, confident, wary, satisfied, mightiest, evil, normal, unfriendly, eloquent, dark, grimy, broken-down, terrible, stuffy



Verbs



screaming, crying, grown fond, crave, strike terror, cursed, (the sky) darkened



Adverbials



bitterly, safely, calmly, tenaciously, greedily, graphically



Nouns



fear, hope, terror, horror, sadness, honesty, beauty, destruction



6



     



Rhetorical Questions



• a question that's asked for effect with no answer expected • The answer may be immediately provided by the questioner or obvious. Engage the audience Increase the variety of your presentation Influence and persuade the audience Subtly draw attention and emphasise specific points Introduce topics/ideas Make the listeners think about certain topics



6



Rhetorical Questions



 Who cares?  What's the meaning of life?  How many times do I have to tell you not to...?  Why me?  Would it be really difficulty if you just follow the rules?  Have you ever thought of sacrificing your life your others?  What have you done for your country?



7



Passive Voice



• the subject is acted upon; the subject receives the action expressed by the verb • extremely useful in academic writing because it allows writers to highlight the most important participants or events within sentences • Emphasizes the Action • Creates a Sense of Anonymity • Fosters Objectivity • Imbues Authority