Let's get argumentative! Part 3
Natasha Thomas-Francis, Contributor

Hello! As was promised last week, below is the checklist for evaluating and revising your argument.

• Does your essay clearly express your position on the topic or issue?
• Is your position supported by reasons?
• Have you used supporting evidence for each reason?
• Are your reasons arranged in an effective order?
• Have you used appropriate language structures to connect your ideas?
• Have you summarised your main arguments in a conclusion?
• Have you checked carefully for errors in grammar, usage and mechanics?

Question types

Let us now examine the ways in which you may be asked to present your arguments. The essay is not the only way CXC may ask you to organise your points. There are three main ways in which you may be asked to present your arguments:

The essay

This is the most popular format in which you present a simple layout of introduction, body and conclusion organised into appropriate paragraphs. It is normally written in the third-person voice.

The speech

This is a similar format to the regular essay but this argument makes reference to an audience (eg ladies and gentlemen; fellow students; parents) throughout the discussion of the topic. It is written in the first-person voice.

The letter

The regular essay format is placed within a letter. This includes the addresses, date, salutation and complimentary close. For example, a letter to the editor.

Consider the following letter to the editor. Try to identify the main arguments presented. Do you agree with the writer's view? How has the writer organised his/her points? What are the techniques he/she has employed?

The Editor

The Daily Times

Sir,

It is well known that violence among the young people is rapidly growing. Among our citizens are seasoned criminals whose cruelty leaves many of us in peril.

Many of their crimes have their origin in illegal drugs and excessive use of alcohol. Apart from the personal danger faced when drug addicts vent their anger on innocent lives, there is the added problem of carnage on the roads. Reckless and irresponsible intoxicated drivers or drug addicts are free to act menacingly on the roads. Here, the law enforcement has to make a greater and more serious effort to control this recklessness. What has become of the breathalyzer?

The upsurge in school violence is the result of the indifference of authorities to curb violence in the early years. There have been no serious measures to limit violence or to examine the causes of violence among children. Now this has come to haunt many city schools.

Schools have to re-examine their focus, to enforce a greater sense of discipline, to control drugs and alcohol use through education and counsel, and to engage law enforcement where the needs arises.

If a serious approach is not taken, then our society will continue to crumble and anarchy in the society will be inevitable. All measures should be taken and everyone in authority must address these problems if we are to live in comfort and freedom.

Yours sincerely,

Disturbed.

Now that you are armed with the necessary tools to build your arguments, attempt at least one of the following essays for homework:

1. Teenagers have too much freedom in today's complex world. Write an argument FOR or AGAINST this view.

2. As Caribbean neighbours, we are obligated to help earthquake-stricken Haiti. After all, we are our brothers' keeper. Write an argument either SUPPORTING or OPPOSING this statement.

3. In light of the recent Broadcasting Commission's restrictions on the lyrical content which the media can air, write your views on the topic: Freedom of expression must remain a right.

Natasha Thomas-Francis teaches at Glenmuir High School. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com