Writing Argumentative Essay: Science does more harm to Humanity Primary 6 (Basic 6) Second Term Week 3 English Studies

WRITING ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY: SCIENCE DOES MORE HARM TO HUMANITY SECOND TERM WEEK 3 ENGLISH STUDIES

ENGLISH STUDIES

SECOND TERM

WEEK 3

PRIMARY 6 (BASIC 6) 

THEME – WRITING 

PREVIOUS LESSON – 

TOPIC – ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY 

LEARNING AREA

1. Introduction

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

By the end of the lesson, most pupils should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of an argumentative essay.

2. identify the features of an argumentative essay.

3. state arguments for and against a given topic.

4. express their opinions clearly and confidently on issues affecting society.

5. organize ideas logically into introduction, body, and conclusion.

6. present facts and reasons to support their arguments.

7. use appropriate linking words such as firstly, secondly, however, therefore, and in conclusion.

8. write simple argumentative essays on topics such as “Science Does More Harm to Humanity” and “Corporal Punishment Does More Harm Than Good.”

9. draw logical conclusions based on the arguments presented.

10. develop critical thinking and effective writing skills through argumentative essay writing.

ENTRY BEHAVIOUR

The pupils already know how to express their ideas in writing. This lesson builds on that knowledge by teaching them how to present arguments for and against a topic and support their opinions with reasons in an argumentative essay.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The teacher will teach the lesson with the aid of:

1. English Language textbook.

2. Charts showing the structure of an argumentative essay.

3. Sample argumentative essays.

4. Flashcards containing argumentative topics and key points.

5. Writing materials (exercise books, pens, pencils).

6. Sentence strips containing linking words such as firstly, secondly, however, therefore, and in conclusion.

7. Vocabulary charts containing useful words for argumentative writing.

METHOD OF TEACHING

Choose a suitable and appropriate methods for the lessons.

Note – Irrespective of choosing methods of teaching, always introduce an activities that will arouse pupil’s interest or lead them to the lessons. 

REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Scheme of Work

2. 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum

3. Course Book

4. All Relevant Material

5. Online Information

CONTENT OF THE LESSON

1. ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY: SCIENCE DOES MORE HARM TO HUMANITY THAN GOOD

Science has brought many changes to the world. It has helped people in transportation, communication, medicine, and education. However, some people believe that science does more harm to humanity than good.

Firstly, science has led to the production of dangerous weapons such as bombs and missiles. These weapons can destroy lives and property during wars. Many innocent people suffer because of the misuse of scientific inventions.

Secondly, some machines and factories pollute the environment. Smoke from industries and waste materials can cause air and water pollution. Pollution affects human health and damages plants and animals.

Another problem is that many people have become too dependent on technology. Some children spend too much time on electronic devices instead of studying or exercising. This can affect their health and academic performance.

On the other hand, science has helped doctors treat diseases and save lives. It has also made communication and transportation easier. Therefore, science itself is not harmful; the problem comes when people misuse it.

In conclusion, although science has some negative effects, its benefits are greater when used wisely. People should use scientific inventions responsibly for the good of humanity.

2. ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY: CORPORAL PUNISHMENT DOES MORE HARM THAN GOD

Corporal punishment is the use of physical punishment, such as caning, to correct children. Some people believe it helps to discipline children, while others believe it does more harm than good.

Firstly, corporal punishment can cause pain and injury to children. When children are beaten too harshly, they may become afraid, unhappy, or even get hurt.

Secondly, corporal punishment can make children angry and resentful. Instead of learning from their mistakes, they may develop fear and lose confidence in themselves.

Furthermore, children can be taught good behaviour through counselling, guidance, and positive discipline. Talking to children about their mistakes often helps them understand why their behaviour is wrong.

However, some people argue that corporal punishment helps to maintain discipline and obedience. They believe that children may behave better when they know there are consequences for their actions.

In my opinion, corporal punishment does more harm than good because it can affect a child’s feelings and well-being. Parents and teachers should use better ways of correcting children.

In conclusion, while corporal punishment may sometimes control behaviour, guidance, counselling, and positive discipline are more effective methods of teaching children good behaviour.

PRESENTATION

To deliver the lesson, the teacher adopts the following steps:

1. The teacher revises the previous lesson on essay writing and asks pupils to mention topics on which people may have different opinions.

Pupils’ Activities: The pupils respond to the questions and mention issues they can argue about.

2. The teacher explains the meaning and features of an argumentative essay, emphasizing that it presents different viewpoints on a topic before reaching a conclusion.

Pupils’ Activities: The pupils listen attentively and take notes.

3. The teacher introduces the topics “Science Does More Harm to Humanity” and “Corporal Punishment Does More Harm Than Good.”

Pupils’ Activities: The pupils discuss the topics and share their opinions.

4. The teacher guides pupils to identify arguments for and against each topic and writes their responses on the board.

Pupils’ Activities: The pupils suggest reasons and examples to support different viewpoints.

5. The teacher explains how to organize an argumentative essay into: Introduction, Body Paragraphs (arguments and supporting reasons) and Conclusion.

Pupils’ Activities: The pupils identify these parts in sample essays.

6. The teacher guides pupils to write short argumentative essays using appropriate linking words such as firstly, secondly, however, therefore, and in conclusion.

Pupils’ Activities: The pupils write essays individually or in groups and present them to the class.

7. The teacher reviews pupils’ work, corrects errors, summarizes the lesson, and asks evaluation questions.

Pupils’ Activities: The pupils make corrections, participate in the summary, and answer evaluation questions correctly.

CONCLUSION

To conclude the lesson for the week, the teacher revises the entire lesson and links it to the following week’s lesson.

LESSON EVALUATION 

Teacher asks pupils,

1. Write a short argumentative essay on “Science Does More Harm to Humanity.”

2. Write a short argumentative essay on “Corporal Punishment Does More Harm Than Good.”

PRACTICE EXERCISE

Objective Questions

1. An argumentative essay is a type of essay that:

A. Tells a story

B. Describes a person

C. Presents arguments on a topic

D. Gives instructions

2. Which of these is a feature of an argumentative essay?

A. Dialogue

B. Arguments and reasons

C. Stage directions

D. Characters

3. Which of the following linking words is commonly used in argumentative essays?

A. Firstly

B. Suddenly

C. Yesterday

D. Tomorrow

4. The first part of an argumentative essay is the:

A. Conclusion

B. Body

C. Summary

D. Introduction

5. The last part of an argumentative essay is the:

A. Introduction

B. Conclusion

C. Heading

D. Salutation

Theory Questions

6. What is an argumentative essay?

7. Mention three features of an argumentative essay.

8. State two arguments that support the topic “Science Does More Harm to Humanity.”

9. State two arguments that support the topic “Corporal Punishment Does More Harm Than Good.”

10. Mention three linking words used in argumentative essays.

Essay Writing

11. Write a short argumentative essay on “Science Does More Harm to Humanity.”

12. Write a short argumentative essay on “Corporal Punishment Does More Harm Than Good.”

13. Give two advantages and two disadvantages of science.

14. Explain why some people support corporal punishment.

15. Write the introduction of an argumentative essay on any topic of your choice.

Answers

1. C

2. B

3. A

4. D

5. B

6. An argumentative essay is an essay that presents arguments for or against a topic and supports them with reasons.

7. Features: Introduction, Body paragraphs with arguments and Conclusion

8. Examples:

• Science has produced dangerous weapons.

• Some technologies cause pollution.

9. Examples:

• It can cause pain and injury.

• It may make children fearful and unhappy.

10. Firstly, secondly, however, therefore, in conclusion.

11–15. Teacher should assess pupils’ responses based on content, organization, grammar, and relevance.