ARGUMENTATIVE TEXT
ARGUMENTATIVE TEXT
Simply put, Argumentative Text can be interpreted as text whose contents are
dominated by the arguments of the author on an issue. For example, the issue that is
being discussed at the moment is from the world of education, namely the existence of essay-
shaped questions in the 2018 national exam. Now, an argumentative text can be compiled
based on our opinions and arguments on this issue, for example, I feel disagree with the
issue, then in the argumentation text that I made I will start with a statement that leads to the
main idea that I do not agree on the issue. For example, I can say "I personally think that the
essay type of questions is not suitable in National Examination", then in the next paragraph I
will present an argument that explains why I express my opinion.
SOCIAL FUNCTION / PURPOSE OF ARGUMENTATIVE TEXT
Regarding the social function or purpose of an Argumentative Text, I quote a statement from
the book titled "Exploring How Texts Work" by Beverly Derewianka which states that the
purpose of the Argumentative Text in general is: "to take a position on some issues and
justify it "or if we translate it in Indonesian roughly means" take a stand on an issue and
give reasons for it ".
GENERIC STRUCTURE OF ARGUMENTATIVE TEXT
There are three elements in the text structure or generic structure of argumentative text,
namely:
- Thesis Statement (statement of position)
The first part of the text where we as writers clearly state our opinions or attitudes about
the issues we raise as the theme of the writing.
- Argument
Contains points of argument as well as evidence that supports our attitude or opinion in
the thesis statement.
- Summing up the position
It contains a restatement or conclusion about our attitude or opinion on the issue we
discussed. There is a difference between Analytical Exposition and Hortatory Exposition at
this final stage, where the Analytical section is finally called the "Reiteration" or in the
Indonesian language "re-statement" while the Hortatory section is finally called
"Recommendation" which means "Recommendation or suggestion".
LANGUAGE FEATURES OF ARGUMENTATIVE TEXT
Language elements or Language Features of Argumentative Text include:
- Abstract Noun
Abstract nouns (can't be seen, heard or touched), for example: beauty, bravery, culture,
confidence, goodness, hope, etc.
- Verb Action
Verbs that describe actions that humans or animals can take, for example: eat, touch, talk,
watch, walk, etc.
- Temporal Connectives
Vocabulary that connects one event to another in sequence, for example: firstly, secondly,
thirdly, etc.
- Capital Auxiliaries
Some forms of capital, for example: can, may, must, should, etc.
- Technical Terms
Specific terms related to the theme we raise, for example: examination, score, assessment,
evaluation, test, etc.
- Reasoning Connectives
Vocabulary that shows a relationship of reasons, for example: because of, so, therefore, etc.
- Simple present tense
Dominated by sentences in the form of simple present tense.