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English Q2 M2

An argumentative text aims to persuade readers to understand and support a point of view on a topic. It includes three main structural elements: a statement of position that introduces the central argument, arguments that provide supporting points and evidence, and a reinforcement of the position statement. Modal verbs and adverbs are used in argumentative texts to suggest different degrees of certainty regarding claims, from strong to tentative. They help writers build arguments based on what may or may not be true.

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85 views4 pages

English Q2 M2

An argumentative text aims to persuade readers to understand and support a point of view on a topic. It includes three main structural elements: a statement of position that introduces the central argument, arguments that provide supporting points and evidence, and a reinforcement of the position statement. Modal verbs and adverbs are used in argumentative texts to suggest different degrees of certainty regarding claims, from strong to tentative. They help writers build arguments based on what may or may not be true.

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Ysrielle Fione
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Q2 M2 ARGUMENTATIVE TEXT, MODAL VERBS and ADVERBS

The Structural Elements of Argumentative Text


An argumentative text is any text where the main purpose is to present a point of
view and seeks to persuade a reader.A writer attempts to persuade readers to
understand and support their point of view about a topic by stating their reasoning
and providing evidence to back it up. Argumentative Writing includes debates and
arguments, opinion pieces, feature articles, speeches, letters (e.g. a cover letter for
a job application), reviews, advertisements.
How is an Argumentative Text structured?
An argumenatative text is built around three central elements: (1)‘statement of
position‘,(2)‘arguments‘ and (3) a ‘reinforcement of position statement‘
The statement of position gives an overview of the argument and reveals the
position to be argued. It clearly states the central argument of the text. It is located
near the beginning so the audiences know what to expect from the outset.
Ex. My fellow Americans, people all over the world, we need to solve the climate
crisis. It’s not a political issue; it’s a moral issue. We have everything we need to
get started, with the possible exception of the will to act. That’s a renewable
resource. Let’s renew it.
Next, arguments section which is a series of points with supporting evidence. Here
is where you try to convince the reader into believing your point of view on a
particular issue. As a basis, you should have at least three main argument points
and can include more if necessary. This is also the part where an argumentative
text goes into detail. Take the time to explain your arguments thoroughly and
support them with evidence at every opportunity.
After you have put forth your arguments you then need to sum up. Int this section
you will strongly repeat what you believe in with a summary of your argument
points.
Note: An argumentative text conclusion can also include a reminder of the central
argument especially in longer text with plenty of details in the body.
Instructions: Complete these statements with your understanding of today‘s
lesson. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Argumentative text is
__________________________________________________.
2. Argumentative text includes _________________,
_______________,_________, _____________, _______________,
________________.

Modal Verbs and Modal Adverbs in Argumentative Text


Writers are often unable to make very strong claims that something is definitely
true or false. They build up an argument based on what may or may not be true, or
on what can be done.
In grammar, modality has to do with properties, such as possibility, obligation, and
emphasis. The main modal verbs in the English language are can, could, may,
might, must, shall, should, will, and would. These verbs are auxiliary verbs, which
modify the meaning of another verb in the sentence. Certain other verbs are
sometimes, but not always, referred to as modal verbs: ought to, had better, and in
certain uses, dare and need.
 I might go to the meeting if I get all of my homework done first.
 You can write this paper; you just need to have the confidence.
Modal verbs are often used to make the writer’s claims more or lesstentative, i.e.
to suggest that the writer thinks something is more or less probable. It can be used
to express the different degrees of certainty or modality of one‘s opinions or
argument.
Certainty of Conclusion Modal Verbs/Adverbs Statements of Claim
Strong Is, will, can not, must, It is certain that…
definitely, clearly, It seems clear that…
undoubtedly, always, X is definitely…
never
Moderate Should, would, can, ought It appears probable…
to, frequently, rarely, It is usually the case
tends to, usually, likely, that…
probably, regularly, In the majority of cases…
majority, generally, often The results suggest it is
likely that…
Tentative May, might, could, Conceivably,…
possible, uncertainly, It is possible that…
minority, conceivable, Occasionally,…
sometimes, occasionally, It may be the case that…
seldomly, perhaps, maybe

Here are some examples of modality use in academic writing:


It seems likely that a species Low modality – rather than
leaf structural ‘it is the case’, the author is
characteristics influence less certain, ‘it seems likely
their seasonal water-tissue it is the case’.
relations because……
Technology assessment can More moderate expression
be an effective tool to of opinion than saying ‘is’.
analyse the effect of a
technology on social and
environmental issues, yet in
practise it can be used to
formalise and legitimise
previously decided
outcomes.
Legal aid, by providing Modality lowered through
representation and the use of ‘has the potential
individual legal advice has to’ rather than merely ‘it
the potential to mitigate mitigates‘.
some of the entrenched
inequality in regards to
access to justice.

Modal adverbs are a specific group of adverbs that add additional meaning to
modal verbs. Remember that modality has to do with ideas such as the possibility
of something happening. Another way to think of this concept is to ask yourself:
''How likely is this to occur or to exist?''
Look at these sentences:
 I really might be going to the party on Saturday.
 Surely you can't mean to vote for that candidate!
Here are a few more sentences using modal adverbs to add to the meaning:
 That controversial amendment surely won't pass. Undoubtedly, the huge
number of protests have had an effect on support for the amendment.
In the first sentence, the adverbsurely modifies the verb will not or won't. In the
second sentence, undoubtedly at the beginning of the sentence actually modifies
have had, which appears later.

Instructions: Underline the modal verb and encircle the modal adverb in each
sentences. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
1. It is plainly raining too hard today for the festival to go on.
2. Fortunately, the festival can easily be postponed until next weekend.
3. He probably ought to do it.
4. It definitely must be below freezing. I can see ice on the windows!

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