English First Additional Language - Term 2 - Week 7

Every day, South Africans debate issues like minibus taxi strikes, Eskom load-shedding, or whether the Springboks should play more matches in rural towns. Argumentative essays help us express opinions and persuade others. For example, Sipho might argue that load-shedding hurts small businesses in Soweto. He would use facts, like how many hours of electricity are lost, and opinions, like 'Eskom should be held accountable.' A strong essay balances both. Many learners think an argumentative essay is just sharing your feelings. Actually, you must support your view with evidence and address the other side. This skill is vital for NSC Paper 3, worth 50 marks, and helps you in real life—whether you’re convincing your family to let you go out or writing to your local councillor. When you master this, you become a more effective communicator, able to influence decisions in your community and beyond.

Think about how a soccer match is organised: there’s a kickoff, a middle game, and a final whistle. An argumentative essay also has a clear structure: introduction, body, and conclusion. In the introduction, you state your position, like 'The government should invest more in public transport in Durban.' The body paragraphs each give a reason, supported by facts or examples—maybe a statistic about late buses or a story about Ahmed missing a job interview. The conclusion sums up your argument and restates your main point. A common mistake is to mix reasons and examples randomly, which confuses the reader. Instead, each paragraph should focus on one main idea. This clarity is what markers look for in the NSC exam. If you follow this structure, your essay will be easy to follow, and your argument will be much more convincing to the examiner.

When arguing about youth unemployment in Polokwane, you might say, 'Most young people can’t find jobs.' But is this a fact or an opinion? Facts are statements that can be proven true, like 'The unemployment rate for youth in South Africa was 61% in 2023.' Opinions are beliefs or judgments, such as 'The government is not doing enough.' Strong essays use facts to support opinions. A common misconception is that opinions alone are enough to persuade. In reality, examiners want to see evidence. When writing, always ask: 'Can I prove this?' If not, find a fact or example to back it up. This approach earns higher marks in both comprehension and writing sections. By learning to separate fact from opinion, you can make your arguments more trustworthy and effective, both in exams and in real-world discussions.

Step 1: Read the paragraph: 'Load-shedding negatively affects students in Mthatha. Many learners cannot study at night due to power cuts. According to a 2022 survey, 70% of Grade 10s reported lower marks during frequent outages.' Step 2: Identify the claim. The main claim is that load-shedding harms students’ education. Step 3: Find supporting evidence. The paragraph uses a statistic (70% of Grade 10s) and a specific example (students can’t study at night). Step 4: Check for balance. The paragraph combines facts and examples, making the argument strong. Final answer: This is a well-structured argumentative paragraph. Sanity check: Does it persuade you? Yes, because it uses real data and relatable examples.

Step 1: Choose a topic. Example: 'Should uniforms be compulsory in South African schools?' Step 2: Decide your position. For example, 'Uniforms should be compulsory.' Step 3: Write a hook. 'Every morning, thousands of learners in Soweto put on their uniforms before catching a minibus taxi to school.' Step 4: State your position clearly. 'Uniforms promote equality and discipline.' Step 5: Briefly outline your main reasons. 'They reduce bullying and help learners focus on their studies.' Final answer: 'Every morning, thousands of learners in Soweto put on their uniforms before catching a minibus taxi to school. Uniforms should be compulsory because they promote equality and discipline. They reduce bullying and help learners focus on their studies.' Sanity check: Does it introduce the topic and your stance? Yes.

Question: 'Banyana Banyana inspires girls across South Africa. In 2023, they won 8 out of 10 matches.' Let’s think: Which part is fact? Which is opinion? The first sentence is an opinion—it cannot be measured or proven. The second is a fact—it can be checked in official match records and verified by looking up their results for 2023. Being able to spot the difference helps you write stronger essays and answer comprehension questions accurately. Now you try: 'Minibus taxis are the best way to travel in Durban. There are over 10,000 taxis in the city.' Answer: The first sentence is opinion. The second is fact. Always check if a statement can be proven or if it’s just someone’s belief.

Question: Write a body paragraph supporting the argument that public transport should be improved in Polokwane. Let’s model: Start with a topic sentence: 'Improved public transport will help job seekers.' Add evidence: 'Many residents spend over R500 a month on taxis.' Give an example: 'Sipho missed a job interview because the bus was late.' End with a link back to your main point: 'Reliable transport means more people can find and keep jobs.' Now you try: Write a paragraph supporting the argument that load-shedding should be reduced in schools. (Sample answer: 'Reducing load-shedding in schools will improve learning. Many learners cannot do homework during outages. Thandi’s marks dropped after frequent power cuts. With stable electricity, learners can study and achieve better results.')

1. List the three main parts of an argumentative essay: introduction, body, and conclusion. 2. Underline the facts in this sentence: 'In 2023, the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup. Many fans believe they are the best team.' 3. Write one opinion about public transport in your area. For example, 'Public transport is too expensive for most people.'

1. Write an introduction for an essay: 'Should social grants be increased in South Africa?' Remember to include a hook, your position, and a brief outline of your reasons. 2. Identify the counterargument in this paragraph: 'Some say free Wi-Fi is too expensive, but it helps learners succeed.' 3. Give two facts and two opinions about load-shedding. For example, facts: 'Load-shedding lasted 4 hours yesterday.' 'Eskom announced Stage 6 cuts.' Opinions: 'Load-shedding is unfair.' 'The government should fix it faster.'

1. Write a full argumentative paragraph on: 'Should school sports be compulsory?' Include a topic sentence, supporting evidence, an example, and a link back to your main point. 2. Analyse this claim: 'Youth unemployment is caused by poor education.' What evidence would strengthen this argument? Suggest at least two types of evidence, such as statistics or expert opinions. 3. Draft a conclusion for an essay on improving public transport in South Africa. Make sure to restate your main point and summarise your reasons.

• Load-shedding is the worst problem in South Africa.
• Many learners feel stressed during exams.
• In 2023, South Africa experienced over 200 days of load-shedding.
• Public transport is always unsafe.

Answer: In 2023, South Africa experienced over 200 days of load-shedding.

This is a verifiable statistic that can be checked in official records. The other options are opinions or generalisations that cannot be proven true or false. Many learners confuse strong-sounding opinions with facts, but only statements that can be checked are facts.

• Introduce a new argument
• Restate your main point and summarise your reasons
• Give only facts
• Repeat the introduction word for word

Answer: Restate your main point and summarise your reasons

A conclusion wraps up your essay by reinforcing your stance, not by adding new points or repeating content. It helps the reader remember your argument.

• Some people disagree, but they are wrong.
• While some say it’s too costly, evidence shows long-term benefits.
• I don’t care what others think.
• Nobody else has a good point.

Answer: While some say it’s too costly, evidence shows long-term benefits.

This sentence acknowledges the opposing view and provides evidence to refute it, showing you have considered both sides. Many learners ignore the other side or dismiss it, but engaging with counterarguments makes your essay stronger and more mature.

• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion
• Dialogue

Answer: Dialogue

Dialogue is not a standard part of an essay structure; the main parts are introduction, body, and conclusion. Dialogue is more common in narrative writing.

• Using only opinions
• Including facts and examples