Writing: Opinion, Argumentative and Persuasive Writing (B2) - Lesson 2: Supporting Arguments Effectively

Writing: Crafting Strong Arguments

B2 Lesson 2: Supporting Arguments Effectively

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to structure a paragraph using the P.E.E.L. method to support an argument with strong evidence and clear explanation.

Model Paragraph: The P.E.E.L. Structure ✍️

A strong paragraph gives a clear point and proves it. The P.E.E.L. method is a simple way to build a convincing paragraph.

P.E.E.L. Paragraph Example

P(Point) Investing in renewable energy is essential for Cambodia's sustainable development.

E(Evidence) For example, recent industry reports show that the cost of installing solar panels has decreased by over 50% in the past decade.

E(Explanation) This significant price reduction makes solar power a financially viable alternative to fossil fuels, allowing the country to expand its energy capacity for economic growth without increasing air pollution.

L(Link) Therefore, the economic accessibility of solar energy makes it a critical component of a modern, sustainable strategy.

Breaking Down the Model

Let's analyze the job of each part of the P.E.E.L. structure.

💡 P = Point: This is your topic sentence. It makes one clear claim that supports the essay's main thesis.

💡 E = Evidence: This is your proof. You provide a fact, statistic, or specific example to support your point.

💡 E = Explanation: This is the "So what?" test. You explain *how* and *why* your evidence proves your point. This is the most important part!

💡 L = Link: This is a concluding sentence that summarizes the paragraph and links it back to the main argument of your essay.

Your Writer's Toolkit 🛠️

Types of Strong Evidence

• Facts and Statistics: Verifiable information and data from reliable sources.
  (e.g., "According to the Ministry of Tourism, international arrivals increased by 15%...")
• Expert Opinion: Quoting an authority on the topic.
  (e.g., "Dr. Chan Sokha, a leading scientist, argues that...")
• Specific Examples: A real-world case that illustrates your point.
  (e.g., "For instance, the ecotourism project in Chi Phat has successfully created jobs...")

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B2 Argument Support Checklist

• Does my paragraph have a clear Point (topic sentence)?
• Have I provided strong and relevant Evidence?
• Have I Explained how my evidence proves my point?
• Is my evidence from a credible source?

Practice Your Skills 🎯

Quiz: Identify the Weakness

Topic Sentence: "Learning English is crucial for anyone wanting a career in Cambodia's tourism industry."

Supporting Sentence: "For example, my cousin speaks English and he is a doctor."

What is the weakness in this support?

→ The supporting sentence is not relevant. The cousin's job as a doctor does not provide evidence about the *tourism industry*. A better example would be about a tour guide or hotel manager.

Your Writing Mission ⭐

Writing Task: Build a Supported Paragraph

It's your turn to write a full P.E.E.L. paragraph in your notebook.

1. Start with a clear Point (a topic sentence).
2. Add a sentence with specific Evidence. (It is okay to invent a simple statistic for this practice, e.g., "According to a recent university study...")
3. Write 1-2 sentences of Explanation that analyze your evidence.
4. Write a Link sentence to conclude the paragraph.

Key Vocabulary

• To Support (Verb) | គាំទ្រ
  To provide facts and evidence to prove that an idea or claim is true.
• Evidence (Noun) | ភស្តុតាង
  Facts, information, or examples that show something is true or valid.
• Relevant (Adjective) | ពាក់ព័ន្ធ
  Closely connected or appropriate to the topic being discussed.
• Credible / Reliable (Adjective) | អាចទុកចិត្តបាន
  Able to be believed or trusted.