Skip to main content

Back to the full dot-point answer

SingaporeEnglish LanguageQuick questions

Continuous Writing (Essays)

Quick questions on Argumentative and discursive essays explained: O-Level English

6short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.

What is develop each point fully?
Show answer
A point is not an argument until it is developed. The reliable pattern is point, reason, example:
What is address the other side?
Show answer
A fair argument acknowledges that the other view has something to it, then explains why your position still holds. This is the difference between persuasion and ranting. In a discursive essay you might give a full paragraph to each side; in an argumentative essay you might concede one point briefly before rebutting it. Either way, showing you have considered the opposing view makes your argument look balanced and considered, which markers reward.
What is assertion without development?
Show answer
Stating opinions ("Exams are bad. Phones are distracting.") with no reasons or examples scores poorly.
What is q1?
Show answer
What three elements develop a single argumentative point? [2 marks]
What is q2?
Show answer
Explain why acknowledging the opposing view strengthens an argument. [2 marks]
What is q3?
Show answer
Turn this assertion into a developed point: "Reading is good for you." [3 marks]

Have a question we have not covered?

This dot-point answer is short enough that we have not extracted many short questions yet. Read the full dot-point answer or ask Mo, our study assistant, in the chat for follow ups.

All English LanguageQ&A pages