Overview
This lecture introduces argumentative texts, their structure, language features, and provides an example about a cashless society.
Definition of Argumentative Text
- Argumentative text persuades someone to do or not do something.
- It expresses reasons to support an opinion, idea, or belief.
Structure of Argumentative Text
- Thesis: Introduces the issue and the writer’s point of view.
- Arguments: Gives reasons to support the writer's opinion.
- Conclusion/Reiteration: Summarizes all the arguments presented.
Language Features
- Uses modal auxiliaries (e.g., may, should, must).
- Includes temporal connectives (e.g., first of all, secondly, similarly).
- Utilizes present tenses (present continuous, simple present, present future, present perfect).
Example: Cashless Society Argument
- A cashless world replaces physical money with electronic transactions.
- Financial crime may decrease because digital transactions are recorded.
- Going cashless is convenient and reduces costs for businesses and banks.
- Travelers benefit by not needing local currency for transactions.
- Cashless society emerges due to technology and social changes.
- Potential downsides exist, but the future of cash is uncertain.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Argumentative Text — A text type aiming to persuade using reasons and evidence.
- Thesis — The introduction of the issue and the author's stance.
- Modal Auxiliaries — Helping verbs expressing necessity, possibility, or obligation.
- Temporal Connectives — Words linking sequence or order of ideas.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Create a mind map or infographic summarizing argumentative text structure and features in your notebook.