English Second Language (AS)·2 · Writing Skills · NSSCAS 5.2.3
The argumentative essay: structure & requirements
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Paper 2 gives you five topics and three of them are discursive or argumentative. In this lesson Miss Veronica shows you how to take ONE side and defend it: hook and thesis, one reason per paragraph with real evidence, a counter-argument you knock down, a conclusion with teeth — all inside 220 to 260 words.
What you'll learn in this lesson
By the end you should be able to (NSSCAS English Second Language (AS) 5.2.3):
- Learners should be able to explain what an argumentative essay is and how it differs from a discursive essay.
- Learners should be able to write a clear thesis statement that takes one side of a given statement.
- Learners should be able to structure an argumentative essay as introduction, two reasoned body paragraphs, a counter-argument with rebuttal, and a forceful conclusion.
- Learners should be able to develop a paragraph using a claim, a reason and supporting evidence.
- Learners should be able to acknowledge a counter-argument and rebut it convincingly using appropriate signposting language.
- Learners should be able to use persuasive language — modal verbs, rhetorical devices and controlled emotive diction — for effect.
- Learners should be able to plan and control an essay of 220 to 260 words in four to five tight paragraphs.
- Learners should be able to present and defend their own opinion, as required by assessment objective W4.
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Miss Veronica and Mike talk through the whole topic — with the figure and working drawn live.