EGP

elements of an
argumentative
essay
Alvin, Rhea, and Marco
 supporting argument
A supporting argument is evidence, reasoning, or information presented to bolster or strengthen a
particular claim or main argument. It provides additional context, validation, and persuasive power to
the central point. Supporting arguments are essential in building a convincing case, whether in written
or verbal communication, such as essays, debates, presentations, or discussions. These arguments
help provide a comprehensive understanding of the main argument by addressing potential
counterarguments, providing examples, citing relevant sources, or offering logical reasoning. The
quality and relevance of supporting arguments significantly influence the overall persuasiveness and
credibility of the main argument.
example:
Standardized testing, while intended to gauge a student’s academic proficiency, often falls short of
assessing the student’s raw capabilities and potential. These tests rely on a limited set of questions
and formats, prioritizing rote memorization and test-taking strategies over critical thinking, creativity,
and practical application of knowledge. Moreover, the sized fits all approach of standardized testing
fails to acknowledge the diverse learning styles, backgrounds, and individual strengths of students,
inadvertently disadvantaging those who excel in different areas or require alternative modes of
assessment. Furthermore, according to the National Education Association, 70 percent of global
educators say that standardized assessments are far from developmentally appropriate. This fact
suggests that a significant number of students may not prefer or thrive under the traditional
standardized testing system. Many students and educators have voiced concerns about the
pressure, anxiety, and limitations associated with high-stakes testing, leading to calls for more
innovative and holistic forms of assessment.
 counterargument
A counterargument is a viewpoint that opposes or challenges the main argument or
thesis presented in a discussion, essay, or debate. It acknowledges and addresses
opposing perspectives or objections, aiming to provide a balanced and
comprehensive analysis of the topic at hand. A well-constructed counterargument
strengthens the overall argument by demonstrating an understanding of alternative
viewpoints and then refuting them with relevant evidence, reasoning, or
counterexamples.
example:
Some may argue that standardized testing provides a fair and consistent way to assess student
knowledge and performance on a larger scale, thus aiding in identifying strengths and weaknesses
within the education system. They might point to the fact that standardized tests offer quantifiable
data that can be used to compare schools and educational programs. For instance, a study
conducted by the National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest) in 2019 found that schools
with higher average SAT scores tend to have higher graduation rates. However, critics contend that
this correlation does not imply causation, as factors like socioeconomic status and access to
resources also play significant roles in both standardized test scores and graduation rates. This
suggests that using standardized test scores as the primary measure of educational quality might
oversimplify the complexities of the learning environment and overlook crucial contributing factors.
 rebuttal
A rebuttal is a response or argument which is presented to counter or
challenge specific arguments, claims, and point of Views. A rebuttal is a
form of discourse in which one side addresses the statements or claims
made by the opposing side, in the attempt to present any flaws in their
argument. In a rebuttal, individuals present counter arguments, evidence, or
logical reasoning in order to undermine the validity of the opponents claim.
example:
Standardized tests have been widely criticized for their inherent
limitations and negative impacts on education. These critiques are
not without evidence, as these tests often fail to promote
meaningful and vocational learning and accurately assess students'
true potential. Firstly, students are compelled to focus on test-
specific-content, neglecting a more comprehensive understanding
of the subject matter. This approach undermines the main goal of
education, which should encourage analytical thinking, creativity, and
the application of knowledge.
 line of arguments
A line of arguments, refers to a sequence of interconnected ideas
or points that are presented in a structured and coherent manner
to support a particular viewpoint or claim. This sequence of
arguments is designed to persuade the audience about the validity
and credibility of the main claim that is being made.
example:
The criticism surrounding standardized tests in education as an ineffective tool for
promoting meaningful learning and assessing students' true potential is rooted in a series
of interconnected concerns. Firstly, the focus on test-specific content often leads to rote
memorization and neglect of holistic understanding, inhibiting the development of critical
thinking and creative problem-solving skills essential for real-world applications.
Additionally, standardized tests fail to accommodate diverse learning styles and individual
strengths, resulting in an unfair evaluation that fails to recognize students' unique
capabilities. Furthermore, the stress and pressure associated with high-stakes testing
create an environment that prioritizes performance over genuine intellectual growth,
deterring students from exploring subjects deeply and curbing their curiosity. Ultimately,
the narrow scope of standardized tests disregards the multifaceted nature of learning and
assessment, impeding educators' ability to cultivate well-rounded, capable individuals
prepared for the complexities of the modern world.
 concession
A concession in an argumentative essay is a rhetorical strategy where the writer
acknowledges a valid point or perspective from the opposing side. It involves
conceding a certain aspect of the opposing argument to show a willingness to engage
in a different point of view in a discussion. This technique can enhance the credibility
of the writer by demonstrating their understanding of different viewpoints. By
presenting a concession, the writer sets the stage to counter the opposing argument
with even stronger evidence and reasoning to ultimately uphold their stance. This
approach appeals to a broader audience and potentially making the essay more
persuasive.
example:
While standardized tests do provide a consistent way to measure student performance on a
broader scale, it's important to acknowledge that they have been used as tools for educational
accountability and assessment for many years. Proponents argue that these tests offer a
standardized metric that can help identify areas of improvement within the education system. For
instance, standardized test scores can pinpoint specific subject areas where students may be
struggling, potentially guiding curriculum adjustments. However, critics of standardized testing
point out that the focus on these tests can inadvertently shift education priorities towards
"teaching to the test," narrowing the curriculum and detracting from more holistic learning
experiences. This concern emphasizes the need for a balanced approach in which educational
evaluation takes into account a broader range of skills and knowledge that students require for
success in the real world.
 parameters
Setting parameters in an argumentative essay involves defining and narrowing the
scope of the topic being discussed. It establishes the specific boundaries within
which the argument will be presented and evaluated. By clearly outlining the
parameters, the essay focuses on relevant aspects of the topic while excluding
tangential or unrelated points. This ensures that the analysis remains concise and
coherent, allowing the writer to delve deeply into key issues and provide a
comprehensive evaluation. Parameters help both the writer and the reader
understand the context and limitations of the argument, enabling a more
structured and effective presentation of ideas within the essay.
example:
In the context of the motion "Standardized testing is not effective for students," the keyword
"standardized testing" refers to the practice of assessing students' knowledge and skills using
uniform tests with predetermined formats and content. The term "not effective" implies that
standardized testing is inadequate or fails to achieve its intended educational goals. To set the
parameters for this motion, it's important to consider various aspects such as the impact of
standardized testing on student learning outcomes, the potential for bias and equity issues, the
influence of test preparation, and the alignment of testing methods with a diverse range of
learning styles and abilities. Additionally, the parameters should encompass discussions on
whether standardized testing accurately measures critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-
world application skills. Overall, the debate within these parameters aims to evaluate the extent to
which standardized testing contributes positively or negatively to students' educational
experiences and achievements.
Resources
https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/standardized-testing-still-failing-students
https://standardizedtests.procon.org
https://www.ascd.org/blogs/15-reasons-why-standardized-tests-are-problematic
https://theworldlink.com/opinion/letters/standardized-testing-is-
ineffective/article_6cf44396-57b6-5cd1-b04b-74618891930d.html
https://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/opinion/guest-
commentary/2021/05/standardized-tests-are-fundamentally-bad/
thanks for
listening!