Argumentative essays

I. Debatable and non-debatable statements
An argumentative essay is built around a specific statement (or main premise) that is debatable within the field in which you are studying. In otherwords, at the centre of an argumentative essay is a statement with which your readers may disagree. Your essay will need to support that statement in a manner that convinces your readers of its truth.To begin this unit of work on argumentative essays we will learn the difference between debatable and non-debatable statements
Debatable statements = Statements with which other people might ormight not agree . These are sometimes called "arguments", "assertions", "propositions" or "premises".
eg. Solar energy is the best way of meeting Australia's energy needs in the 21st centuryNon-debatable statements = Statements with which no-one would normally disagree or argue. These are sometimes called "facts".
eg. Coal and oil are the main sources of energy in Australia in the 20thcentury
Task 1

Which of the following statements are debatable and which are non-debatable? If the statement is debatable, put a tick in the box next to the word "debatable". If the statement isnon-debatable, put a tick in the box next to the word "non-debatable". You will need to print out the page.
1. Computers and automation increase unemployment

debatable

non-debatable
2.Smoking is harmful to people's health

debatable

non-debatable
3. Plants produce oxygen that the world needs to sustain life


debatable

non-debatable
4. Australia has some of the mostvenomous snakes in the world

debatable

non-debatable
5. A good education is necessary for a successful and happy life

debatable

non-debatable
Task 2

Now write a debatable and anon-debatable statement about each of the following topics:
1. Alcohol
2. Television
3. Public transport
4. The Australian education system
5. The Prime Minister

II. Providing support for...