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
argumentative writing. It is because language is a main tool in writing. Good writers are capable to use language appropriately and effectively in writing.
b. Background Knowledge
Knowledge is important in writing because the writer mostly write based on their background knowledge. Knowledge can be reached by reading book,
listening others‟ stories, writer‟ own experience and many other sources. More importantly, writers often write best when they have experience or knowledge
about the topic they are familiar with. As Angelove claimed that the quality of the written product seems to be affected mostly by the students
‟ knowledge and use of lexical cohesive devices, their metacognitive knowledge.
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c. Critical Thinking Skill
Argumentative writing is thinking process because the writer should analyze, evaluate the issue or problem, gives their ideas and argument and then,
presents it in logical text. Therefore, composing argumentative writing is not easy for some certain people. People who have high critical thinking skill, they tend to
have good argumentative writing. It is because argumentative writing is a manifestation of critical thinking skill. As Fahim and Mirzaii argue that the ability
to write argumentatively depends on t he students‟ critical thinking skill.
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in line with Fahim and Mirzai, Ruggiero adds that
“Critical thinking is needed to produce good ideas
— is unconcerned with correctness or reasonableness, which can stifle the flow of ideas; and it refuses to discriminate against any idea.
”
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d. Writer Culture or Social Life
Writers‟ culture and social life are also the factors influencing their argumentative writing. The ways they see the issue and the problem happened
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Maria Angelova, An exploratory study of factors affecting the process and product of writing in English as a Foreign Language, General - Arts and Humanities Language and
linguistics, 2013 Rretrived from: http:sunzi.lib.hku.hkERsubjecthkul400co1
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Fahim and Mirzai, loc. cit.
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Ruggiero, op. cit. p. 52.
