5. Mechanics
Punctuation, capitalization, spelling and paragraphing are the criteria in mechanics of writing.
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The criteria mentioned above are important in writing that should not be ignored in assessing writing. Those criteria have their own sub categories to be
assessed. To sum up, many ways and methods that can be used to assess writing
such as using assessment rubric, rating scale, checklist and etc. Those instruments can be modified with the criteria of assessment based on the rater want and what
aspect wants to be assessed. The instrument chosen should be able to evaluate and assess the writing correctly, reliably and responsibly. More importantly, credible
rater is must to result reliable judgment.
6. Argumentative Writing
Argumentative writing is a genre of writing that allows writers to express their opinion on a topic and support that opinion with strong logic and evidence.
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The main purpose of argumentative writing is to convince the readers that the writer‟ particular view or opinion on a controversial issue is correct and to
persuade the audience to take some sort of action.
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In argumentative writing, a writer attempts to support or defend a position or difference point on with his her
logical arguments, idea and opinion. In order to convince the audience in an argumentation essay, it is important
to provide them with a clear main point and plenty of logical evidence. In writing argumentative, there are some strategies to convince the readers with writers‟
words. Langan gives five strategies for argumentation: a.
use tactful, courteous language b.
point out common ground c.
acknowledge differing viewpoints
32
Sara Cushing Weigle, Assessing Writing, New York: Cambridge University Press, 2002, p. 116.
33
Suzanne Sweat, Argumentative Essay: Definition, Format Examples, retrieved from: http:study.comacademylessonargumentative-essay-definition-format-examples.html
34
Langan, op. cit., p. 326.
d. grant the merits of differing viewpoint
e. rebut differing viewpoints
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By following the strategies above, the writer can result a good argumentative essay. According to Moore and Parker, good argumentative writing
consists of 4 parts as stated below:
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A good of argumentative essay consist of 4 parts: a statement of the issue, a statement of one‟s position on that issue, argument that support
one‟s position, and rebuttals of arguments that support contrary position. Obviously, argumentative essay is weakened by statement that are
obscure.
For the explanation above, it seems that statement is a vital component in argumentative writing. Statements express the writer position on the issue.
Therefore, the statement given should come from both sides support and contrary position. Moreover, the writer should provide strong and logic
statements. In conclusion, argumentative writing is the writing that consists of some
argument and the opinion of the writer. In argumentative writing, some data, example and other‟s opinion are needed in order to support the argument. Good
argumentation is required because it can help the writer easily convince and persuade the reader. Therefore, the writer should truly know the issue, hisher
position, knowledge in order to give good argumentation.
7. Elements of Argumentative Essay
Argumentative writing is different from other genre of writing- narrative, descriptive, exposition- because it has different requirement and different format
in conducting the writing. In argumentative writing, there are some elements that must be included in the text, thus, by understanding the crucial elements in
argument essays will enable the writer to construct arguments that are more logical and ultimately write more persuasively.
35
Ibid., pp. 320 —322.
36
Brooke Noel Moore and Richard Parker, Critical Thinking, New York: McGraw-Hill Companies. Inc., 2007, 8
th
ed., p. 42.
Basically, there are 3 elements of Argumentative writing that should not be ignored, namely:
1. Thesis Statement
Thesis statement is the most important part in argumentative writing. Thesis statement is usually in one sentence at the end of the introductory paragraph
that summarizes our argument. A thesis statement should be clear and direct, arguing for a specific action or point of view and presenting clear reasons to
support that argument. 2.
Organization Organization is crucial component in argumentative writing. The organization
of argumentative writing includes introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs and a conclusion.
3. Transition
Transition is important to connect and to oppose the arguments that appear in argumentative writing. Effective transitions connect ideas and evidence
without simply stating the contents of each paragraph.
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Those elements mentioned above are not the whole elements of argumentative writing, but those are the main elements that cannot be disregarded.
Thesis statement, organization and transition are needed in order to build good argumentative writing.
8. Factors Influencing Argumentative Writing
Argumentative writing is a complex process, which is influenced by a number of linguistic, cognitive, and social factors. The factors affecting the
process of argumentative writing are explained detail as follow: a.
Language Competencies Language competencies include mastery in grammar, vocabulary, word order,
article are the main factors affecting writers in writing, particularly in
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http:education.seattlepi.comimportant-elements-writing-argument-essays
