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CHAPTER II
CONTENTS
2.1 Definition of Argumentative Text
Argumentative writing is any writing that expresses someone's opinions or
arguments regarding a certain topic. Numerous writings and writings that we encounter
in various writing media, whether online (such as Kompasiana, Blog, Blogdetik, and
medium) or offline (such as koran and majalah), are provided in the form of opinions
expressed by authors. This type of writing is used in Indonesian language instruction,
including argumentative writing. Argumentative text is typically used to ensure that
readers have the same level of understanding as the author. Argumentative text is a
reading that contains paragraph development with the content of the reading aimed at
convincing or persuading the reader to have the same thoughts as the writer. Writing
argumentative text can be in the form of ideas, notions, opinions accompanied by
analogies, examples, explanations of strong arguments so that the reader is influenced by
the content in the reading. (Harahap, 2022).
We can get conclusions from the 2 definitions we have from harahap (2022) the
argumentative text writing is a type of writing that conveys the author's opinions or
arguments on a topic with the aim of convincing the reader. Argumentative texts are used
to influence readers to have the same understanding or viewpoint as the author, by
presenting ideas, opinions, and arguments supported by strong examples and
explanations. This type of text is commonly found in various media, both online and
offline, and is also used in Indonesian language instruction.
2.2 Purpose of Argumentative Text
Argumentative texts contain opinions, reviews about something and these texts
usually aim to influence readers to follow the author of the text. This type of text is
expected to provoke the reader's criticism, because even though this text is accompanied
by facts/evidence that supports the author's opinion, the reader must still be critical and
not accept the text rawly (Giyatmi, 2020).
2.3 Structure of Argumentative Text
Based on Harahap in 2022, Argumentative paragraphs or argumentative texts have 3
main structures that must exist. The three structures are the introduction, the body of the
argument, and the conclusion. Having 3 main structures does not mean that in one readin
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there are only 3 paragraphs. In one reading of the argumentative text, it is very possible to
have more than 3 paragraphs. Some paragraphs can represent the introduction, some
paragraphs represent the body of the argument, and some other paragraphs represent the
conclusion.
1) Introduction
The introduction of the argumentative text contains the arguments to be
conveyed or shows the basis of an argument to be conveyed by the author. This
section needs to be made very interesting in order to capture the reader's
attention.
2) Body of the argument
In the body of the argument, the content conveyed focuses on trying to
prove the opinion or idea that has been written in the introduction. Writing can
be in the form of logical reasons, facts, or data that support the opinion to be
conveyed. Papers that should be submitted should be analyzed, compiled, and
observed, by conducting observations, compiling facts, and logical ways of
thinking. So, later the right conclusion can be reached.
3) Conclusion
The structure of the last argumentative text is a conclusion or summary. The
purpose of this section is to show the reader that the ideas given are in
accordance with the truth. The writing in the conclusion section is conveyed
through a reasoning process that can be accepted as something logical. Covers
the entire content of the reading or argumentative text given from all sections.
2.4 Characteristic of Argumentative Text
In an argumentative text, the writer tries to build a strong point of view so that it can
influence the reader's perspective on a particular issue. Therefore, a deep understanding
of the characteristics of argumentative texts is very important to assess the effectiveness
of an argument presented. The following are some characteristics of argumentative texts,
namely:
1. Has the character of an opinion
in a problem, researchers or writers look at a problem from various types of
perspectives. then the researcher or writer collects these perspectives and develops
them into an opinion obtained from the researcher's or writer's point of view.
2. have reasons or factual evidence
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Researchers or writers cannot carelessly express opinions or opinions on a
problem. Researchers or writers still have to find out the truth or concrete evidence
regarding the problem, so that our opinions do not deviate and cause readers to get
incorrect information and this can be fatal.
3. Written objectively
Researchers or writers present information, data, or facts without bias or
influence from personal opinion. The focus is on presenting accurate and valid
evidence, so that readers can evaluate arguments based on the logic and facts
presented, not because the author is imposing a personal view.
Nursisto (1999: 43) suggests that the characteristics of argumentation are as follows.
1) Contains evidence and truth.
2) Strong reasons.
3) Using denotative language.
4) Rational analysis (based on facts).
5) Subjective and emotional elements are very limited (as far as possible
There is).
Argumentative texts have the main characteristics, namely conveying opinions or
arguments supported by logical reasons and facts. As with the characteristics mentioned
above, as a researcher you must be persuasive in creating an argumentative text with the
aim that the reader can accept or consider an opinion that has been made by the
researcher or writer. In writing argumentative texts, rational language is also needed so
that readers can receive an argument well and correctly.
2.5 Language Features of Argumentative Text
Argumentative text use language feature
1. Using modal auxaliaries such as may, should, and must
2. Using temporal connectives such as first of all, secondly, similarly, etc.
3. Using present tense such as, simple present tense, present continouse tense, present
perfect tense, and present continuous tense.
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Example of Argumentative Text
2.6 Definition of Expository Text
Expository text is a fundamental genre in both academic and everyday writing. It
serves the purpose of informing, explaining, and clarifying ideas for the reader in an
objective manner. Expository text is text that is built based on an opinion or idea.
Exposition is a text that outlines the writer'sopinion on a phenomanal problem without
persuading the reader to do something. this text will only convince the reader that
phenomental issues are important/deserve to be ignored by giving arguments / opinions
to support the topic. That the purpose of analytical exposition text to persuade the readers
or listeners by presenting the arguments which tell the fundamental reasons why
something is the case.” (Dahler and Toruan (2017, page.53) (Neneng Maelasari, 2020,
page 41-49).
Exposition according to Neneng Maelasari (2020, 41-49) Exposition text can be a
means of explaining how an object is related to other objects, or can be used by a writer
to explain how an object is related to other objects, or can be used by a writer to analyze
the structure of an item, analyzing the character of an individual, or a situation. An
exposition is an essay that attempts to explain a main idea that can expand the reader's
knowledge and thinking.
Expository texts are objective and usually written to broaden the reader's
understanding and influence the contents of the reader's mind based on data or arguments
presented scientifically and structured. Expository text is often used to explain
phenomena, process, or views of writers or researchers based on facts contained in the
data, and expository texts are created without any elements of persuasion or excessive
levels of emotion. The main characteristic of expository text is that it is informative and
non-subjective
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The concluded are the expository text is an important and professional form of
communication in its use because of its ability to convey information logically.
Understanding the features of expository text can help readers and writers alike engage more
effectively with informational material, making it easier to communicate complex ideas in an
accessible way. The use of this text in a scientific work allows the writer or researcher to
present a topic with structured arguments, supported by credible scientific evidence, so as to
provide broader insight and understanding for readers.
2.7 Purpose of Expository Text
The purpose of expository text is to explain and inform a topic in a systematic
and structured way. Writing information systematically makes exposition texts play an
important role in improving readers' understanding of various topics, such as social
issues, science, and technology.
This type of writing is often used in various contexts, such as articles, reports,
and textbooks, thus enabling readers to understand an issue or concept more clearly. This
makes exposition an effective tool for educating readers and developing critical thinking.
By understanding exposition, readers are not only informed, but also able to better
analyze and evaluate the information.
2.8 Structure of Expository Text
Before writing an exposition text, there are three structures that you should
learn and apply in your writing. These are:
1) Thesis: This section will contain an introduction to the topic or issue or problem
that will be raised. writers usually provide relevant background or context so that
readers understand the importance of the topic.
2) Argument: The section that contains the opinions or arguments that the writer
begins to present. In this structure, the writer can present facts, data, examples,
and supporting arguments to explain the topic more systematically for the reader
to understand.
3) Reitaration: This section contains a conclusion that summarizes the key points that
have been presented in the body. The writer can provide affirmations or
recommendations related to the topic discussed in this section. The conclusion
aims to leave a strong impression on the reader and reiterate the importance of the
information that has been conveyed.
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2.9 Characteristic of Expository Text
Each text has its own characteristics, and here are the characteristics of
expository text based on wikipedia :
1) The delivery of the text is straightforward and uses standardized language.
2) The writing provides understanding and knowledge, an exposition essay must
provide knowledge and understanding to its readers,
3) Impartial, meaning that it does not impose the author's attitude on its readers.
4) The discussion of the problem is objective and neutral.
5) The explanation is informative, accompanied by accurate and factual data.
6) Answering questions about what, why, when, how.
Example of Expository Text
2.10 Language Features of Expository Text
Language features for expository text
1. Use the present tense, but when discussing something in the past, you can use past
tense, but mostly people use the present tense
2. Use mental verbs (I believe, I prefer, I agree, I doubt, I disagree)
3. Use saying verbs (it is said, research indicates, people say, etc.)
4. Use connecting words (In addition, moreover, furthermore, besides, firstly, however,
etc)
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5. Use casual conjunction (because, due to, for that reason, consequently,etc)
2.11 The Difference of Argumentative and Expository Text
An expository essay aims to inform or explain a topic to the reader. It relies on
facts, research, and logical reasoning without expressing personal opinions. The writer
presents the information clearly and in an organized manner to provide understanding
about the subject, but generally does not present a thesis or point of view (Drew, 2023).
An argumentative essay presents a claim about a topic and supports it with
evidence and reisoning. The goal is to persuade the reader of the validity of the writer's
viewpoint. It often involves addressing counterarguments and refuting them, often
through analytical methods like compare and critical analysis (Drew, 2023).
Atribute Argumentative Expository
Definition A text that presents arguments and A text that explains,
supports a particular viewpoint or claim describes, or informs about a
specific topic.
Purpose To persuade the reader to agree with a To inform or explain a topic
specific viewpoint or take a particular in a clear and objective
action. manner.
Tone Persuasive, argumentative Objective, informative
Supporting Includes facts, statistics, examples, and Includes facts, examples,
Evidence expert opinions to support the argument. and evidence to explain or
describe the topic.
Language May include persuasive language, Uses clear, concise, and
emotional appeals, and rhetorical devices. objective language.
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