Argumentative writing guide for IGCSE English First Language

1. Argumentative Writing
Wunsa Euavarree (Grace)
Benyapha Pianphanitporn (Fame)
Jidapa Promdech (Nan)

2. 1st Step
• Read the question and underline key words
• Read the question and the instructions of the
task carefully and decide on key vocabulary.
Top Tip
write words of the same meaning
to these vocabulary words to be
your selection.

3. Planning
Listing
main points
Sequencing
ideas
PEE
Planning
Top Tip
Selecting
techniques
you will use
PAF
put the most
important point first
or last.

4. PEE
Points =>
Evidences =>
Explanations =>
Find them!
Support your points!
Express your views!

5. PAF
Purpose =>
What is your purpose?
What do you want to convey to the audience?
Audience =>
Who are your audiences?
Use your language appropriately!
Form =>
Structure and sequencing your idea!

6. Paragraphing
Introduction
Alternative view
Criticism of Alternative
view
Your view
Conclusion
state the issue
give the opposite side of view
demolish the opposite view by using its weakness
explain reasons and techniques to support your view
Summary

7. Conclusion
A Good Conclusion must:
• Rephrase the question.
• Summarize the main ideas.
• Look to the future.
Top Tip
Conclusion is the end of the essay
which the reader will remember
most, so it should be clear and
avoid confusing the reader.
***Remember NEVER add
any new information to it.

8. A FOREST
A
F
O
R
E
S
T
Anecdote
Fact
Opinion
Rhetorical
Question
Expert
Statistic
Triple
Telling your
own story
Real
event
that can
be
prove.
Point of
view
Asking
question that
doesn’t any
answer
Expert
statement
Research
3
powerful
and
effective
words.

9. A FOREST
Technique
Example
Fact
5 to 53 facial muscles are used
when you smiling.
Opinion
They smile that means they are
happy.
Rhetorical Question
Nobody like to people who always
be stressful, do you?
Expert
Scientists say smiling can extend 7
years of your life time.
Statistic
About 80% of people who smile
live longer that the people who
didn’t smile.
Triple
Smiling makes you become more
friendly, attractive and relax.

10. Targeting Grade
Grade C
Grade A
• Relevant points with an attempt to • Well-developed logical points.
develop some of the ideas.
• Clearly linked each stage.
• You do not repeat points to
• Sequencing sentences and
emphasize the important points.
paragraphs which are easy to
• The sequencing of the paragraphs
follow.
is satisfactory but it could be more
smoothly linked.

11. Connective
Remember to use them to link your ideas and paragraphs.
Example
Adding new supporting information
moreover, in addition, furthermore
Offering a different viewpoint
in contrast, on the other hand, however,
nevertheless, despite, but, while
Restarting a point for impact
as stated earlier, to recap
Explaining cause and effect
as a result, because, consequently

12. Exam Style Question
• ‘Honest people never win.’ What are your views?
• ‘To hate people is always wrong.’ Argue a case for or
against this view.
• ‘Everything we learn is useful.’ Argue for or against this
statement.
• ‘Dreams are important in our lives.’ Discuss this view.
• ‘The small things that we own are the most precious.’ Do
you agree?