GED RLA - ARGU MENTATIVE ESSAY TIPS 1. Always choose the side with stronger evidence (not the side you personally agree with) The GED gives two opposing texts. A sk: Which author has: More facts? More specific examples? More reliable evidence? Better explanations? Do not write your personal opinion. The task is to explain which argument is better supported. 2. Use a simple 5 - paragraph structure Paragraph 1 - Introduction Goal: State your claim clearly. Template: Although both authors present arguments about ________, Author A’s argument is stronger because it provides more convincing evidence and better reasoning. P aragraph 2 - Body Paragraph 1: Strongest evidence from the winning author PEE structure: Point: Author A provides stronger evidence about ________. Evidence: The author states that ________. Explanation: This evidence is convincing because ________. It shows that ________. Paragraph 3 - Body Paragraph 2: Another reason the argument is stronger Use another piece of evidence. Example: Furthermore, Author A uses statistics/examples to support the claim that ________. This strengthens the argument because the evidence comes from ________. Paragraph 4 - Counterargument / Weakness of the other author Explain why the weaker argument is less convincing. Example: Although Author B argues that ________, this claim is weaker because the author provides limited evidence and relies more on opinions rather than facts. Paragraph 5 - Conclusion Restate your claim and summarise why the winning argument is stronger. Template: In conclusion, Author A’s argument is more persuasive than Author B’s because it is supported by stronger evidence, clearer reasoning, and more relevant examples. While Author B presents a different viewpoint, the lack of convincing support makes the argum ent less effective. 3 . Explain EVERY quote or example Weak: The author says, "Students perform better." Strong: The author says, "Students perform better." This evidence supports the argument because it shows that uniforms may have a positive effect on academic outcomes. Evidence without explanation = low score. 4 . Use comparison words Useful essay phrases: To compare: Similarly Both authors agree that... While Author B claims..., Author A argues... To show strength: This is more convincing because... This evidence is stronger because... The author provides specific evidence by... To criticise: However, this argument is less effective because... The author fails to provide evidence that... This claim is based more on opinion than facts. 5. W rite in an academic, objective tone. To state your argument: Instead of - I think Author A has a stronger argument. Write - Author A presents a stronger argument because... Author A’s argument is more convincing because... The evidence provided by Author A is stronger because... A closer analysis of both passages reveals that Author A’s argument is better supported. To introduce a point: Instead of - In my opinion, school uniforms are beneficial. Write - The evidence suggests that school uniforms are beneficial. The author effectively demonstrates that school uniforms are beneficial. The passage provides strong support for the idea that school uniforms are beneficial. To give a judgement: Instead of - I believe Author B is wrong. Write - Author B’s argument is less convincing because... Author B provides weaker evidence to support this claim. This argument is less effective due to the lack of specific evidence. To conclude: Instead of - I think Author A wins the argument. Write - Overall, Author A’s argument is more persuasive because it is supported by stronger evidence and reasoning.