ArWri Module
Dear students,
This Argumentative Writing (ArWri) module is developed to improve your critical thinking skills and writing performance. It has been designed to meet your learning needs and guide you through the process of writing argumentative essays smoothly. The module is prepared so that you can continue learning anywhere at any time. This module has considered your background knowledge of writing. Your teacher will guide you through every activity and writing task in the module. In most writing activities, you will work with a partner or in small groups to help you exchange ideas and learn from your peers. You are encouraged to use this module anywhere and at any time.
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Have fun learning!
About this module
The module has been tailored to aid students with their argumentative writing. It consists of four units with various themes. Learning objectives are stated at the start of each unit, explaining to students what will be covered. Each unit includes a vocabulary section that seeks to aid students in picking up as many words as possible. The new words they learn in each unit must be listed with their definitions by the students. The teacher can administer a spelling quiz to ensure students understand the new terminology. Grammar activities explain, demonstrate, and practice grammatical structures. Grammar tasks are designed to help students practice the grammatical items.
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Each unit introduces the writing assignment with slides presentations and model paragraphs. Students should use the slides presentation and model paragraphs as a guide when writing their own.
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This ArWri module has been designed to align with the specific learning needs and prior experiences of the students, while also being closely connected to their language proficiency levels. To enhance the module's use, careful consideration has been given to the students' learning environment, as well as their educational background. The selection of writing subjects has been carefully chosen to ensure their suitability and relevance to the students. This deliberate selection aims to maximise personal involvement and motivation, encouraging students to dig further into the module.
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The module also facilitates the development of critical thinking skills among students, particularly in relation to writing tasks by encouraging them to engage in analysis and evaluation of material. Furthermore, it catalyzes students to foster their original thoughts and enhance their lexical repertoire.
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“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing”
- Benjamin Franklin-
Toulmin's Model of Argumentation
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The word argument can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Generally, an argument refers to a discussion or debate between two or more people who present their viewpoints and support them with evidence or reasoning. However, the word argument can also refer to a specific statement or claim made by someone to support their position in a debate or disagreement.
Presenting a strong and compelling argument backed by solid evidence and logical reasoning is important to persuade others to agree with our claim. To do this, we must research and find evidence to support our claim, demonstrating its validity. A well-structured and persuasive argument increases our chances of convincing others to see things from our perspective. Additionally, presenting our argument clearly and concisely allows for easier comprehension and understanding.
Toulmin's Model of argumentation is a useful framework for constructing our claim. This model helps us organise our thoughts and evidence into clear and logical components, such as the claim, evidence, warrant, backing, and rebuttal. Using the Toulmin Model ensures that our argument is well-supported and effectively communicates our position to others. Additionally, it allows us to acknowledge and address any potential weaknesses in our argument, making it more robust and persuasive overall.
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WHAT IS IN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY ?
Claim, ground, warrant, backing, rebuttal, and qualifier are all important elements of Toulmin's Model of argument. Each component plays a crucial role in constructing a strong and convincing argument. The claim states our position or main point, while the ground provides the evidence or facts that support our claim. The warrant explains the logical connection between the claim and the ground, and the backing further supports our warrant with additional evidence or reasoning. The rebuttal anticipates and addresses counterarguments, while the qualifier acknowledges any limitations or exceptions to our claim. Learning to write an effective argumentative essay will help develop critical thinking skills and enhance persuasive communication abilities. It is an essential skill for success in academic and professional environments.
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References:
Kirszner, L. G., & Mandell, S. R. (1988). Writing a college rhetoric (Second Edition). Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc.
Kneupper, C. W. (1978). Teaching Argument: An Introduction to the Toulmin Model. College Composition and Communication, 29(3), 237. https://doi.org/10.2307/356935
Purdue Writing Lab. (2018). Toulmin Argument // Purdue Writing Lab. Purdue Writing Lab. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/historical_perspectives_on_argumentation/toulmin_argument.html