Argumentative Writing

• To present your opinion on certain topic or issue

• To agree or disagree with the given topic/ motion
• State your stand clearly.
• Have substantial evidences, reasons,
explanations, examples, facts and figures to
support your point.
• Use formal language
• Arrange your points in a logical order from the
most important to the least.
• Present each new point in a new paragraph
• Use sentence connectors to link your points
• Make your argument convincing, unified and
coherent
• Emphasise your stand in the conclusion

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Example:
Bandar Jayaputra is a fast developing town in Pulau Lanka
—a tourist destination for people all around the globe. The
vast development has seen the disappearance of the
island’s rich flora and fauna. The local residents are getting
worried and are campaigning for the south-east of the island
to be designated as a forest reserve and an animal
sanctuary for endangered species. On the other hand, a
group of developers would like to develop the area by
building hotels and other tourist attractions.

Arguments put forward by local Arguments put forward by developers

residents
(for forest reserve and animal
sanctuary)
i. forest has a number of
endangered animal species-
will become extinct if
development goes
unchecked
ii. forest reserve will ensure
protection of flora & fauna-
essential for medical
research
iii. forest reserve necessary for
all people- rich and poor etc.
(for development of tourist facilities)
i. build a zoo to protect
endangered species
ii. area has scenic beauty &
lovely unspoilt beach- great
for tourism
iii. hotels, luxury apartment etc.
will generate employment &
income for local residents-
higher standard of living

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The south-east of Pulau Lanka: To preserve forest reserve or open it up for
development

Last month there was a proposal by local developers to develop the south-east of
Pulau Lanka into a tourist destination. This proposal has, however, been met
severe opposition from local residents. The purpose of this report is to consider
the arguments put forward by each group so that a decision can be made
regarding the above matter.

The local residents are arguing that the land should be designated as a forest
reserve and animal sanctuary for endangered species. They (give at least 2
points)
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On the other hand, the developers argue that specific piece of land can be
converted into a rich and famous tourist destination because of its scenic view,
(give at least 2 points)
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To conclude, I would like to recommend that we have a face-to-face dialogue with

both parties on
______________________________________________________ to further
discuss the issue at hand so that both parties can reach
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