Language Features | Argumentative Text || GRADE 10|| MELC-based VIDEO LESSON | QUARTER 2| MODULE 2

Summary

This video lesson focuses on the key structural elements and language features of an argumentative essay. It breaks down the components such as the introduction, body, and conclusion, using the metaphor of a house structure. The video also explains the use of language features like modals, adverbs, transitional devices, and rhetorical questions, which help create a compelling argument. By examining a sample essay, viewers are guided on how to present arguments effectively. The lesson concludes with a review of how these elements come together to strengthen argumentative writing.

Takeaways

• 📚 Argumentation is a way to present one's stance or claim on an issue, often through essays, speeches, or editorials.
• 🏠 Argumentative essays follow a structure similar to a house: introduction (roof), body (walls), and conclusion (floor).
• 📝 The introduction presents the statement of position with a strong opening sentence and thesis statement.
• 📢 The body of the essay includes key arguments, each starting with a general statement, followed by supporting reasons and details.
• ❌ Example essay: Aggressive driving should be avoided because it causes crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
• 🔄 The conclusion restates the position, provides a solution, or calls for action.
• 💡 Language features of argumentative texts include modals, adverbs, evaluative language, and transitions.
• 🎯 Modals like 'should' and 'must' express obligation and suggestions in argumentative texts.
• 🌟 Transitional devices such as 'because', 'therefore', and 'on the other hand' ensure smooth flow of ideas.
• ❓ Rhetorical questions provoke thought and can lead readers toward a specific conclusion.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video lesson?

The main topic of the video lesson is identifying the key structural elements and language features of an argumentative text.

What are the three main parts of an argumentative essay, as described in the lesson?

The three main parts of an argumentative essay are the introduction (statement of position), the body (arguments), and the conclusion (restatement of position).

What is a thesis statement, and why is it important in an argumentative essay?

A thesis statement is a declarative sentence that expresses the writer's stance or main argument. It is important because it tells the reader what the essay will be about and what position the writer is taking.

What is the purpose of the introduction in an argumentative essay?

The purpose of the introduction is to introduce the topic and make the writer's position clear by providing a strong opening sentence that captures the reader's attention and presenting an overview of the points that will be made.

What are modals, and how are they used in an argumentative text?

Modals are auxiliary verbs like 'should' and 'must' that express suggestion and obligation. In an argumentative text, they help support the main argument by indicating what the writer believes people should or must do.

How does the body of an argumentative essay support the thesis statement?

The body of the essay supports the thesis statement by presenting multiple arguments. Each argument is introduced with a general statement, followed by supporting details and evidence.

What are some examples of adverbs used in argumentative texts, and how do they contribute to the writing?

Examples of adverbs used in argumentative texts include 'always', 'never', 'probably', and 'definitely'. They contribute by indicating the writer's attitude and helping to clarify the level of certainty or frequency related to the ideas presented.

What is the role of transitional devices in argumentative writing?

Transitional devices, such as 'because', 'therefore', 'on the other hand', and 'consequently', help maintain the smooth flow of ideas in an argumentative essay by connecting thoughts and ensuring coherence.

What is a rhetorical question, and how is it used in argumentative writing?

A rhetorical question is a statement posed as a question that doesn't require an answer. It is used in argumentative writing to provoke thought, emphasize a point, or guide the reader towards a particular conclusion.

Why might a writer use passive voice in an argumentative text, and what effect does it have?

A writer might use passive voice in an argumentative text to focus on the action and the outcome rather than the person performing the action. It shifts the emphasis to what is being done rather than who is doing it, which can be effective in certain rhetorical situations.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Argumentative Texts and Opinions

The speaker introduces the topic by engaging the audience with a reflection on opinions, particularly in relation to face-to-face classes. It highlights how having an opinion is normal and provides a brief introduction to argumentative texts. The speaker emphasizes that an argument consists of a stance or claim, supported by reasoning, and explains that the lesson will focus on how arguments are presented in essays. The structure of argumentation is compared to a house: the roof is the statement of position (introduction), the walls represent the arguments (body), and the floor is the restatement of the position (conclusion).

05:02

📝 Breaking Down the Argumentative Essay Structure

This paragraph explains the process of structuring an argumentative essay. The introduction starts with a strong, attention-grabbing sentence that clearly states the writer's position on the topic. A sample essay is used to demonstrate this structure, where the thesis states that 'aggressive driving should be avoided.' Each paragraph of the essay's body introduces a key point, supported by evidence and examples, to argue against aggressive driving. The speaker walks through each reason, showing how supporting details follow the general statements, with the body consisting of three main reasons for avoiding aggressive driving.

10:05

📢 Concluding the Argument and Language Features

This section discusses how to effectively conclude an argumentative essay by restating the position and offering solutions or calls to action. It emphasizes the importance of language features in argumentative writing, such as modals, adverbs, and transitions, to enhance the essay's clarity and persuasiveness. The speaker provides examples of modals (e.g., 'should' and 'must'), adverbs, evaluative language, and transitional devices, demonstrating how these elements help maintain the smooth flow of ideas and strengthen the argument. Declarative statements and rhetorical questions are also highlighted as key tools for making the thesis and arguments clear and compelling.

Keywords

💡Argument

An argument refers to a stance or position that is presented and supported with reasoning. In the video, the teacher explains that arguments are the core of an argumentative essay, with the body of the essay being dedicated to presenting multiple reasons for the position taken. For example, the writer argues that aggressive driving should be avoided due to crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

💡Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is a declarative sentence that summarizes the main point or position of the essay. It introduces the central argument that the writer will support in the body of the text. In the example provided, the thesis statement is 'Aggressive driving should be avoided.' This sets the direction for the rest of the essay.

💡Introduction

The introduction is the first part of an argumentative essay where the writer presents the topic and their position. It should capture the reader's attention and outline the thesis and key points. The video emphasizes the importance of having a strong opening to engage the audience, as seen in the sample essay with the statement against aggressive driving.

💡Modals

Modals are auxiliary verbs like 'should,' 'must,' and 'might' that express necessity, possibility, or obligation. In argumentative writing, modals are used to strengthen claims. For instance, the example sentence 'The public should consider wearing face shields' uses the modal 'should' to suggest a recommended action.

💡Transitional Devices

Transitional devices, or connectives, are words that link ideas together, ensuring the essay flows smoothly. Examples include 'therefore,' 'because,' and 'on the other hand.' These help the reader follow the writer's reasoning. The video highlights their role in connecting reasons within an argumentative essay, preventing the text from feeling disjointed.

💡Declarative Statements

A declarative statement is a sentence that makes a direct assertion, stating facts or claims. In argumentative essays, declarative statements are essential, particularly in the thesis, which conveys the author's stance. The video gives examples of declarative sentences like 'Aggressive driving causes crashes' to support the argument.

💡Rhetorical Questions

Rhetorical questions are posed to provoke thought rather than elicit a direct answer. They are used to engage the reader and lead them toward a conclusion. The video gives examples such as 'Do people want to be successful?' which nudges readers to consider the obvious answer without needing to state it outright.

💡Passive Voice

Passive voice occurs when the subject of the sentence is acted upon, rather than performing the action. In the video, the teacher contrasts active and passive voice, explaining that passive voice can be useful when the focus is on the action rather than the agent, as in 'Police are being notified.' It shifts attention away from the doer to the action itself.

💡Evaluative Language

Evaluative language involves words that convey the writer's judgment or opinion, often in the form of adjectives. These words can reflect positive or negative connotations, such as 'terrible' or 'wonderful.' The video emphasizes that these words are important in argumentative essays for expressing the writer’s feelings about an issue, as seen with words like 'disgusting' or 'incredible.'

💡Conclusion

The conclusion is the final part of an argumentative essay where the writer restates their position and summarizes the main points. It often includes a call to action or prediction of the consequences if the issue is not addressed. In the video, the teacher explains that the conclusion serves to reinforce the argument made throughout the essay, as demonstrated in the example about aggressive driving.

Highlights

Introduction of the lesson's topic: identifying key structural elements and language features of an argumentative text.

Explanation of the importance of having a stance or opinion on issues, particularly on face-to-face classes.

Arguments can be presented in various forms, such as essays, editorials, letters to the editor, or speeches.

Introduction of the structure of an argumentative essay: statement of position (introduction), arguments (body), and restatement of position (conclusion).

The importance of a strong opening sentence to capture the reader's attention and introduce the thesis statement.

The body of an argumentative essay should provide reasons that support the thesis statement, with each paragraph containing a general statement followed by supporting details.

Example of a thesis statement: aggressive driving should be avoided because it causes crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

Explanation of the conclusion: summing up the argument and possibly calling for action from the audience.

The role of language features in argumentative texts: modals, adverbs, evaluative language, transitions, declarative statements, rhetorical questions, and passive constructions.

The use of modal verbs like 'should' and 'must' to express suggestions and obligations.

Adverbs help indicate the writer's mood or attitude towards the ideas presented, such as 'always', 'usually', 'never'.

Evaluative language reflects the writer's attitude towards a certain idea, using adjectives like 'appalling', 'wonderful', 'horrendous'.

The importance of transitional devices to maintain a smooth flow of ideas, using words like 'because', 'therefore', and 'furthermore'.

Declarative statements are crucial in argumentative writing, as the thesis statement itself is a declarative sentence.

Rhetorical questions in argumentative texts can provoke thought or lead the reader to a conclusion, such as 'Do people want to be successful?'

Transcripts

time check

it's english o'clock

[Music]

english teacher nihuan

[Music]

i made learning english easy for you

please like comment and subscribe

hello dear learners excited ganaba for

our lesson today

okay let's start

our target most essential learning

competency for this video is

identify key structural elements and

language features of unargumentative

text

what is your opinion

now limited face-to-face classes

do you agree

or disagree

[Music]

i won't judge you because it's normal

yes it is normal for any person to have

an opinion or stand on issues happening

around him

behind someone's opinion or stand on

issues or reasons or explanations for

whichever side that person takes

so

agriculture implementation on

face-to-face classes i will totally

understand

and i'm sure mairo and kasapatna hilan

[Music]

to support your argument

argument means

your stance

your claim

or your take on the issue

arguments can be presented as essays

editorials

letters to the editor or speeches

for this particular lesson we will be

dealing with how arguments are presented

in an essay

argumentation follows a certain

structure

let's imagine the structure of a house

the roof represents the statement of

position

[Music]

exposition

the wall is the argument

and the floor is the restatement of the

position

if we are to label it in another way

this is the introduction

this is the body and this is the

conclusion

keep this in mind okay

statement of position requires you to

introduce the topic

and make it clear what your position is

to achieve this

you shall provide a strong opening

sentence that provokes your reader's

interest or captures your reader's

attention

you will also need to write an overview

of your thesis on the topic and the

points you will make

here is a sample argumentative essay i

will show it to you part by part

this is how the topic was introduced

the writer provided a strong opening

sentence that captured the reader's

attention

the writer also stated his position as

expressed on the thesis statement

this is the stand or position of the

writer

so for him

aggressive driving should be avoided

because it causes crashes injuries and

fatalities

this is the introduction part of the

essay

the next part is the argument

in this section you can make a number of

points

begin each paragraph with a key

statement or general statement

then provide supporting reasons in the

rest of the paragraph

in the example essay the thesis

statement is

aggressive driving should be avoided

from there the writer supported this by

writing the following

[Music]

this serves as the body of the essay

where the writer provided reasons to

support his thesis statement

the paragraph begins with a general

statement that contains the first reason

why aggressive driving should be avoided

the first reason why aggressive driving

should be avoided is it causes crashes

then this statement is followed by

supporting details

hindi lang issa kundita

and reasons

writer to support his thesis statement

let me read the second reason

another reason why aggressive driving

should be avoided is it causes injuries

and the succeeding sentences are the

supporting details

[Music]

and the third and last reason is

aggressive driving also causes

fatalities

reason 1 2 and 3 constitute the body of

the essay

[Music]

now

in the illustration

the last part which is restatement of

position which is equivalent to the

conclusion part

here you will sum up the argument

you could make a statement about what

you see as a solution to the problem

make a statement about what might happen

if the situation is not resolved

you can also call for some form of

action from the audience

here is the conclusion part of our

sample essay

like in other forms of writing the use

of language is an essential

consideration in writing on

argumentation

for example

the use of grammatical structures like

modals and adverbs among others may

greatly contribute to achieving a

compelling argumentative essay

here are some of the language features

of an argumentative text

modals

[Music]

adverbs

evaluative language

transitions

declarative statements

rhetorical questions

and passive construction

[Music]

let's start with modals

the use of modal verbs like should and

must to express suggestion and

obligation respectively

contributes to the achievement of

sentences that provide support to the

main argument

look at these examples

the public should consider

wearing face shields as additional

protection against covid19 infection

every filipino must conserve water

energy and other natural resources

the use of adverbs like the ones listed

also contributes to the attainment of

the author's purpose for writing

these linguistic particles help indicate

the mood or attitude of the writer with

respect to the ideas being presented

here are some examples

always

usually

never

probably necessarily actually apparently

certainly definitely essentially in fact

possibly inarguably

example

people should always wash their hands

before eating

you will never graduate if you will not

study hard

the use of evaluative language usually

in the form of adjectives reflects the

writer's attitude towards a certain idea

these words express feelings

opinions or judgments on what they are

describing

evaluative words including the ones

listed can have positive or negative

effects on an idea

examples are

appalling awful disgusting

dreadful horrendous incredible revolting

ridiculous shocking terrible wonderful

the use of appropriate transitional

devices plays a great part in

maintaining the smooth flow of ideas in

unargumentative text

depending on the need to bridge one idea

to the others

these words also known as connectives

help achieve coherence in writing

through these words the danger of the

essay sounding like a group of

disjointed opinions can be avoided

examples are

because therefore on the other hand as a

result in summary consequently similarly

in contrast meanwhile furthermore

in this sample essay the highlighted

words are the transitional devices used

to help in making the ideas flow

smoothly

another language feature of an

argumentation is declarative statement

why is it important

simply because a thesis statement is a

declarative sentence

remember that a thesis statement is so

important as it states what you want

your readers to know

believe or understand after having read

your essay

[Music]

statement no writer

this thesis statement is a declarative

sentence

let's proceed to rhetorical questions

a rhetorical question is a statement

formed as a question

rhetorical questions can be manipulative

because they are designed to appear

objective and open-ended

but may actually lead the reader to a

foregone conclusion

the rhetorical question takes several

forms

it may answer itself and require no

response

example

do people want to be successful

it may be used to provoke thought what

if this generation could solve hunger

it may be used to state the obvious

can students try a bit harder next time

it may have no possible answer

what if there is no answer to this

problem

while active voice helps to create clear

and direct sentences

sometimes writers find using an indirect

expression is rhetorically effective in

a given situation

so they choose passive voice

the passive voice is effective in such

circumstances because it highlights the

action and what is acted upon

rather than the agent performing the

action

let's compare the given examples

active voice

the dispatcher is notifying police that

three prisoners have escaped

passive voice

police are being notified that three

prisoners have escaped

surgeons successfully performed a new

experimental liver transplant operation

yesterday

a new experimental liver transplant

operation was performed successfully

yesterday

authorities make rules to be broken he

said defiantly

rules are made to be broken

he said defiantly

in each of these examples the passive

voice makes sense because the agent is

relatively unimportant compared to the

action itself and what is acted upon

so there you have it

for this lesson we have discussed the

key structural elements of argumentation

we have

statement of position or exposition

which can be found in the introduction

part of the essay

arguments which is part of the body

and restatement of positions or the

conclusion part

also we talked about the language

features of an argumentative text which

include

modals

adverbs evaluative language

transitions declarative statements

rhetorical questions and passive

construction

[Music]

so did you learn something today

if you want more of this video tutorial

and learn english in a light speed

walk kalimu tang muk subscribe and turn

on a notification button

updated

lessons

an english teacher in iwan

class dismissed see ya

[Music]