Have you ever had a strong opinion about something — maybe about school rules, sports, or why you deserve extra vacation?
Whenever you try to convince someone to see things your way, you are practicing argumentative writing!
In this lesson, you will learn how to state an opinion, support it with good reasons, refute opposing views, and persuade your reader confidently.
Argumentative essays help you build strong ideas and defend them clearly — a very useful skill for exams, debates, and real life!
By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to write powerful argumentative essays that grab attention and win hearts.
An argumentative essay presents an opinion about an issue and supports it with facts, examples, and reasons.
✅ You choose a side — either agree or disagree.
✅ You defend your side strongly.
✅ You acknowledge (and often counter) the opposite side’s arguments.
| Feature | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Opinion | State whether you agree or disagree. | “I believe school uniforms should be compulsory.” |
| Strong Reasons | Support your opinion with 2–4 points. | “Uniforms promote discipline.” |
| Facts and Examples | Use evidence, statistics, real events. | “Studies show uniformed students behave better.” |
| Counterargument | Mention and refute opposing views. | “Some say uniforms limit freedom, but rules improve focus.” |
| Persuasive Language | Use convincing, polite, firm language. | “Clearly,” “It is evident,” “Without doubt” |
Here are examples of debate topics you might encounter:
| Topic | Possible Stance |
|---|---|
| “Should mobile phones be allowed in schools?” | No, they distract students. |
| “Is boarding school better than day school?” | Yes, it teaches independence. |
| “Should homework be banned?” | No, it reinforces learning. |
| Part | What to Include | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Introduce the topic and your opinion. | “Many believe homework is stressful, but it is essential for success.” |
| Body Paragraph 1 | First reason with explanation and examples. | Homework improves understanding. |
| Body Paragraph 2 | Second reason with examples. | Homework builds responsibility. |
| Counterargument | Mention and weaken the opposing view. | “Some argue homework causes stress; however, good planning can reduce it.” |
| Conclusion | Summarize your points and restate your strong opinion. | “Therefore, homework must remain part of education.” |
Use Strong Connectors: ➔ “Firstly,” “Moreover,” “However,” “In conclusion,” “On the other hand.”
Use Persuasive Words: ➔ “It is clear that…,” “Without doubt…,” “It is important to realize…”
Stay Formal and Respectful: ➔ Avoid rude or emotional language.
➔ Respect opposing views, even when disagreeing.
Title: Students Should Be Given Homework Daily
Introduction:
Education does not end in the classroom. I strongly believe students should be given homework every day to help them practice and deepen their learning.
Body Paragraph 1:
Firstly, homework allows students to revise what they learned in class. By practicing at home, students remember lessons better.
Body Paragraph 2:
Moreover, homework builds discipline and time management skills. Students learn to plan and work independently, skills needed for future success.
Counterargument:
Some argue that homework causes stress. However, if students manage their time wisely, homework becomes a tool for growth, not a burden.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, daily homework strengthens learning, develops important life skills, and prepares students for future challenges. It must remain a daily routine.
Choose one topic and clearly state your opinion:
Should school start earlier or later in the day?
Is it better to live in the city or in the countryside?
For the topic you chose in Exercise 1, list at least two strong reasons and one counterargument:
| Part | Your Points |
|---|---|
| Reason 1 | |
| Reason 2 | |
| Counterargument |
Fill in the blanks with strong connectors:
______, school uniforms promote unity among students.
______, some students claim uniforms limit their freedom.
______, uniforms help reduce bullying based on fashion.
______, school uniforms must be enforced.
(Choices: Firstly, However, Moreover, In conclusion)
Write a short paragraph (5–7 sentences) defending or opposing this idea:
“All students should participate in school sports activities.”
✅ Begin with your opinion.
✅ Give at least one reason.
✅ Use a persuasive connector.
Write a full argumentative essay (about 250–300 words) on one of these topics:
“Should mobile phones be banned in junior high schools?”
“Is television a bad influence on teenagers?”
“Should students have longer holidays?”
✅ Include an introduction, body paragraphs with strong reasons, a counterargument, and a conclusion.
Today you learned that:
An argumentative essay presents a strong opinion and supports it with facts and examples.
Good essays respect opposing views but still defend their side confidently.
Using clear structure, persuasive language, and good organization makes your argument more convincing!
Writing a great argument helps you win debates — and even impress your teachers!
Think about a debate you’ve had recently — maybe with friends, classmates, or family.
What techniques did you use to convince others? Did you succeed? Why or why not?
(Write a few sentences reflecting on this experience!)