Overview
This lecture explains argumentative texts, their structure, language features, and provides an example about a cashless society.
Definition and Purpose of Argumentative Text
- Argumentative text is a text used to persuade someone to do or not do something.
- It expresses reasons for an opinion, idea, or belief.
Structure of Argumentative Text
- Thesis: Introduces the issue and presents the writer's point of view.
- Arguments: Provides reasons and elaborates on the writer’s point of view to support the thesis.
- Conclusion/Reiteration: Summarizes all arguments stated previously.
Language Features of Argumentative Text
- Uses modal auxiliaries (e.g., may, should, must) to express necessity or possibility.
- Employs temporal connectives (e.g., first of all, secondly, similarly) to organize arguments.
- Utilizes present tenses (present simple, present continuous, present perfect, present future) for clarity and emphasis.
Example: Cashless Society Argumentative Text
- Describes a cashless world where financial transactions are done electronically without paper or coin money.
- Argues that a cashless society can reduce financial crime by recording all transactions.
- Highlights that going cashless is convenient and reduces the cost and risks related to handling physical cash.
- Mentions travelers benefit from not needing local currency in cashless countries.
- Notes that while cash usage is declining, there are potential drawbacks to a fully cashless society.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Argumentative Text — Text aimed at persuading readers about a specific opinion or action.
- Thesis — The opening statement with the writer's main viewpoint.
- Arguments — Supporting reasons or evidence backing up the thesis.
- Conclusion/Reiteration — Final summary reinforcing the arguments.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Create a mind map or infographic summarizing the structure and features of an argumentative text in your notebook.