Argumentative essay - your best guide!

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay presents a balanced view of a topic but argues strongly for one side. To succeed in your National Exams, you must demonstrate the ability to present your own arguments clearly and address opposing views using counter-arguments. Key terms: Claim: The main point you want to prove. Argument: Evidence and reasoning supporting your claim. Counter-argument: An opposing viewpoint (what the 'other side' thinks). Response: Your response to the counter-argument, showing why your claim is still stronger. The structure  Claim – what you think Counter-argument – what the other side thinks Response  – why you still think you are right Paragraphs are built with PEEL Each argument (and also the response!) is written as a PEEL paragraph. P – Point: Your reason. E – Evidence: Example or fact. E – Explain: Show why it matters. L – Link: Connect back to your claim.

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Task 1: Spot the Structure

Read the paragraph below arguing that "School days should start later."

Identify the function of each sentence by matching it to the correct term.

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(1) Teenagers biologically need more sleep in the mornings to function properly. (2) Studies show that starting school at 10am improves student focus and test scores significantly. (3) Some teachers argue that starting later means finishing later, which cuts into extracurricular time. (4) However, sports and clubs can easily be rescheduled, whereas lost sleep cannot be recovered.

Sentence	Function (Claim, Evidence, Counter-argument,Response)
Sentence (1)
Sentence (2)
Sentence (3)
Sentence (4)

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Task 2: Developing Counter-arguments

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For each claim below, write a possible counter-argument (what would someone who disagrees say?).

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1. Claim: "Students should not be allowed to have mobile phones in the classroom."

Counter-argument:

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2. Claim: "Public transport should be free for everyone under 18."

Counter-argument:

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3. Claim: "Physical Education (PE) should be graded on effort, not skill."

Counter-argument:

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Task 3: The 'Turn-Back' Technique

Once you present a counter-argument, you must  'turn back' to your own view using transition words. Useful Phrases: However... Nevertheless... Despite this... While this may be true, it is more important to  consider...

Word bank: although, however, despite, while

1.	__________ some people believe video games cause violence, studies show no direct link.
2.	Fast food is indeed convenient. __________, it contains high levels of salt and sugar.
3.	__________ the high cost of electric cars, they save money on fuel in the long run.

Model text 

School Uniforms improve students’ focus 

I believe school uniforms are a good idea. Uniforms help students focus on learning instead of worrying about clothes.
For example, when everyone wears similar outfits, students do not spend time choosing what to wear every morning.
This means they can use their energy for schoolwork instead of fashion.
Therefore, uniforms create a calmer learning environment.

Uniforms can also reduce social pressure.
Students do not compare brands or expensive clothes.
Because of this, fewer students may feel left out.
As a result, the school feels more equal.

Some people argue that school uniforms limit students’ freedom.

However, I do not think this argument is strong.

Clothes are only one way to express personality.
Students can show who they are through their interests, opinions, and behaviour.
Personality is shown more through actions than clothing.
Therefore, uniforms do not stop self-expression.

In conclusion, school uniforms are a good idea because they improve focus and reduce pressure while still allowing students to be themselves.

 

Task 4: Writing Practice (it is just to practice, no

grading this time)

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In Trelson, write a short argumentative text (about 10 sentences) that includes:

• A clear claim
  
  

• One argument written with PEEL
  
  

• A counter-argument
  
  

• A response written with PEEL
  
  

• A short conclusion where you repeat your claim

Topics:

• Should homework be banned?

• Is AI good for education?

• Mobile phones should be banned in schools for both students and teachers

• All students should wear uniforms in school. 

• The school must start two hours later because students are very tired 

• Separating boys and girls helps them perform better in school 

• Parents must limit how much time their children spend on tech devices - two hours per day is enough

• Mobile phones should be banned during the whole school day 

• Grades are not necessary - children study anyway

• Homework should be forbidden 

• Schools should offer cash bonuses for good test scores

   Task 5 Response 

1. Show Sara what you have written 

2. A friend will give you feedback and check if you have followed 

the guide on how to write an argumentative text. Your friend will also 

check your text for spelling and grammar mistakes. 

3. Go through your text again and fix it! 

Task 6 ESSAY WRITING - this text will be graded 

Together we will choose a date. Then are you going to write your argumentative essay. 

I will choose one or two of the topics above and you will write about 150- 500 words in Trelson. 

Sara