IGCSE English Language Argumentative Writing: A Complete Guide
- Argumentative Writing vs. Persuasive Writing in the CIE Exam
- What the CIE Examiner Is Actually Assessing
- How to Approach the Directed Writing Task Under Exam Conditions
- How to Structure Your Argument
- IGCSE Argumentative Writing Example
- Hone Your Argumentative Writing With a BartyED IGCSE English Tutor
As part of Paper 2 of the CIE English - First Language exam, students must complete a directed writing task. Here, candidates will ‘use, develop and evaluate’ information contained within the stimulus material(s) and compose a discursive, argumentative, or persuasive speech, letter, or article.
Today, we’ll focus on argumentative writing within the CIE English - First Language exam, covering the differences between it and persuasive writing, as well as what examiners are looking for, and what a strong piece of argumentative writing looks like.
Argumentative Writing vs. Persuasive Writing in the CIE Exam
CIE English - First Language students are often confused about the difference between argumentative and persuasive writing.
Put simply, argumentative writing makes use of reason and logic to convince the reader, while also acknowledging counterarguments; persuasive writing ignores counter-narratives and employs emotion to get the reader on side.
So, argumentative writing…
Presents both sides of the argument
Makes use of evidence and logic to convince the reader
Strives for a balanced and objective tone
While persuasive writing…
Typically presents one side of the argument only
Makes emotional appeals and employs rhetorical devices more liberally
More subjective in tone
What the CIE Examiner Is Actually Assessing
The directed writing portion of the CIE English - First Language exam is worth a total of 40 marks. The portion of the paper concerning argumentative writing is worth 35 of these 40 marks. In assessing student work, CIE examiners will be grading under what is referred to as ‘assessment objectives’. These assessment objectives (AO) are divided into two sections: reading and writing.
Reading AO (10 marks):
R1 demonstrate understanding of explicit meanings
R2 demonstrate understanding of implicit meanings and attitudes
R3 analyse, evaluate and develop facts, ideas and opinions, using appropriate support from the text
R5 select and use information for specific purposes.
Writing AO (25 marks):
W1 articulate experience and express what is thought, felt and imagined
W2 organise and structure facts, ideas and opinions for deliberate effect
W3 use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures appropriate to context
W4 use language appropriate to purpose and to engage the audience
W5 make accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
How to Approach the Directed Writing Task Under Exam Conditions
Paper 2 of the CIE English - First Language is a two hour exam with the paper itself split into two parts: Section A and Section B.
Section A is the directed writing task and presents candidates with source material(s) for analysis. First, students complete a short answer question—Question 1(a)—before moving on to the longer task—Question 1(b). Here, they are asked to produce a written response to the source material(s) in a specific format.
What this means, practically, is that CIE English - First Language candidates must read, annotate, and respond to two questions within 1 hour. While Question 1(a) is a necessary part of the exam, it requires less attention than Question 1(b) and, so, will not be of much focus in the coming paragraphs.
When tackling Question 1(b), it is necessary to make the most of the time available. It is recommended to read the question first and then the texts so that students know what they need to look for.
While reading, keep a pen in hand and annotate the sources, taking care to identify the core issue and the central arguments made on both sides.
Next, be sure to take a side in the argument. While it may seem more appealing to sit on the fence, such writing is typically less interesting. Be balanced, of course, but argumentative writing still means picking a side. From here, it is important to draft a plan before diving into any writing.
So, with one hour to answer two questions, CIE candidates can approach the task as follows:
Question 1(a) - 5 minutes to respond to the short answer question.
Question 1(b) - 10 minutes to read and annotate; 5 minutes to plan; 35 minutes to write; 5 minutes to proofread.
How to Structure Your Argument
The structure of a CIE English - First Language argumentative writing task follows that of any typical essay.
Work should begin with an introduction that contains a hook to draw the reader in, followed by some contextual information and a clear thesis statement.
The body paragraphs of the work should follow the standard PEEL structure: point, evidence from text, explain, and link to question/prompt. Additionally, a counterargument paragraph should be included to show balance. Here, CIE students should acknowledge the counterargument, and concede to any points deemed valid before challenging them with a stronger argument.
The text should then be brought to a close with a concluding paragraph. This can be short, in the style of the introduction. Though, students should be careful not to repeat their introduction verbatim.
IGCSE Argumentative Writing Example
Below is an example paragraph responding to the prompt, ‘Write a speech to be given in a school assembly, giving your views on whether or not students should participate in decisions made about the school.’
Some argue that our place is in the classroom and that we should focus on our learning rather than questioning how the school is run. There is some truth to this. After all, it is why we’re here, isn’t it? We, students, are gaining an education; we, students, are being prepared for the real world. Yet, this kind of argument doesn’t take into account the fact that we are a part of this school, as much as management, as much as the teaching staff, and what happens within its walls affects us. Not only that, but engaging in the decision making process helps to prepare us for the adult world. In the adult world there will be questions raised, meetings held, compromises made, and resolutions drafted. Why should we be denied this kind of education when it is so important? So, while some might say that our place is only in the classroom, to limit our involvement in school life and school decision making means limiting our education.
Here, we see a strong example of a counterargument paragraph. The student has acknowledged that an opposing viewpoint exists and conceded that there is some truth in it, thereby showing balance. Yet, they proceed to show the limits of this perspective. Additionally, the tone of the paragraphs strikes a balance between formal and informal, so as to appeal to the staff in attendance at an assembly, while also speaking directly to the student body.
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At BartyED, our team of expert IGCSE tutors work directly with students to develop a personalised model of learning that speaks to their unique strengths and weaknesses. Each lesson is tailored to the needs of the individual student so as to better develop their abilities. So, if you think that you or your child could benefit from the guidance of a BartyED IGCSE tutor, get in touch with us today by phone, email, WhatsApp, or via the form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It is worth 40 marks.
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Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 are two hours long.
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Make use of the CIE past papers and mark schemes can help with developing greater argumentative writing skills.
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