Composition Argumentative Essay : Science does more harm to humanity than good 

English Language 

Composition For the week 3

Second Term Lesson Note

Week 3

Primary 6 

Learning Objectives

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

1. Define argumentative essay 
2. Develop an outline for an argumentative essay like the introductory paragraph, body paragraph, and the conclusion paragraph 
3. Write in favour of or against any given argumentative topic
4. Present an argument verbally 

Entry Behaviour

Pupils are familiar with various argumentative topics

Instructional Materials

• Audio Visual Resources 
• Flash cards 
• Online Dictionary 
• Recommended English Textbook 
• Chart 
• Hard copy dictionary 

Methods of Teaching

• Class Discussion
• Group Discussion
• Asking Questions
• Explanation
• Role Modelling
• Role Delegation

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Reference Materials 

• Scheme of Work
• Online Information
• Textbooks
• Workbooks
• 9 Year Basic Education Curriculum

Content 

Define argumentative essay

An argumentative essay is a type of writing that presents a clear position or claim and then provides evidence to support it. The main goal of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view by presenting a well-reasoned, logical argument and supporting it with evidence.

In an argumentative essay, the writer presents a thesis statement that clearly states their position on a particular issue or topic. The rest of the essay is then devoted to supporting this thesis through the use of evidence and logical reasoning. This can include the use of data, examples, and quotes from experts or other sources.

The purpose of an argumentative essay is not just to present information, but to persuade the reader to adopt the writer’s perspective. To do this effectively, the writer must present a well-constructed argument that considers multiple viewpoints and provides evidence to support their position. The writer must also anticipate and address counterarguments, providing rebuttals or alternative explanations to challenges to their argument.

Overall, an argumentative essay is a persuasive piece of writing that aims to convince the reader to agree with the writer’s perspective on a particular issue or topic.

1. What is the main goal of an argumentative essay?

A) To present information about a particular topic B) To persuade the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view C) To provide a comprehensive overview of a topic D) To explore the pros and cons of a particular issue

2. In an argumentative essay, the writer presents a thesis statement that:

A) Summarizes the main points of the essay B) Clearly states the writer’s position on a particular issue or topic C) Provides evidence to support the writer’s argument D) All of the above

3. An argumentative essay should include:

A) Evidence and examples to support the writer’s position B) A consideration of multiple viewpoints C) Rebuttals to counterarguments D) All of the above

4. The purpose of an argumentative essay is:

A) To provide a comprehensive overview of a topic B) To persuade the reader to adopt the writer’s perspective C) To present information about a particular topic D) To explore the pros and cons of a particular issue

5. An argumentative essay is a type of writing that:

A) Presents a clear position or claim and then provides evidence to support it B) Summarizes the main points of the essay C) Provides a comprehensive overview of a topic D) Explores the pros and cons of a particular issue

6. To effectively persuade the reader to adopt the writer’s perspective in an argumentative essay, the writer should:

A) Present a well-constructed argument that considers multiple viewpoints B) Provide evidence to support their position C) Anticipate and address counterarguments D) All of the above

7. An argumentative essay is not just intended to:

A) Present information about a particular topic B) Persuade the reader to adopt the writer’s perspective C) Provide a comprehensive overview of a topic D) Explore the pros and cons of a particular issue

8. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an argumentative essay?

A) The writer presents a clear position or claim B) The essay provides a comprehensive overview of a topic C) The essay presents evidence to support the writer’s argument D) The essay explores the pros and cons of a particular issue

9. An argumentative essay should:

A) Focus solely on the writer’s perspective B) Ignore counterarguments C) Present a well-constructed argument that considers multiple viewpoints and provides evidence to support the writer’s position D) None of the above

10. An argumentative essay is a persuasive piece of writing that aims to:

A) Provide a comprehensive overview of a topic B) Persuade the reader to adopt the writer’s perspective on a particular issue or topic C) Present information about a particular topic D) Explore the pros and cons of a particular issue

Answers

1. B
2. B
3. D
4. B
5. A
6. D
7. B
8. B
9. C
10. B

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An outline for an argumentative essay could include the following elements:

Introduction:

• Hook: An opening statement that captures the reader’s attention and introduces the topic
• Background information: A brief overview of the context or background of the issue being discussed
• Thesis statement: A clear, concise statement of the writer’s position on the issue

Body Paragraphs:

• Topic sentence: A statement that introduces the main idea of the paragraph
• Evidence: Examples, data, or quotes that support the writer’s argument
• Analysis: Explanation of how the evidence supports the writer’s argument and refutes counterarguments

Conclusion:

• Restate thesis: A rephrased version of the thesis statement that reflects the main points of the essay
• Summarize main points: A brief overview of the main points made in the essay
• Call to action: A statement that encourages the reader to take action or consider the implications of the argument
• Final thoughts: The writer’s final thoughts on the issue, including any potential future implications or considerations

Overall, the outline for an argumentative essay should provide a clear structure and organization for the writer to follow as they develop their argument and present their evidence to support it.

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An argumentative essay in favour of the fact that says that Science does more harm to humanity than good.

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Science has long been hailed as a force for good, a way to unlock the mysteries of the universe and improve the lives of people around the world. However, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that science may actually do more harm than good to humanity.

One of the main arguments in favor of this idea is the concept of unintended consequences. Many scientific advances have had unintended consequences that have caused harm to people or the environment. For example, the development of antibiotics has greatly improved the treatment of bacterial infections, but the overuse and misuse of these drugs has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are now a major public health threat. Similarly, the use of pesticides in agriculture has increased crop yields, but it has also led to environmental pollution and the decline of pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the health of ecosystems and agriculture.

Another argument in favor of the idea that science does more harm than good is the concept of the “technological fix.” This refers to the idea that technology can solve any problem, no matter how complex or difficult. However, this approach often ignores the social, cultural, and environmental contexts in which problems occur, and can lead to solutions that are short-sighted and do more harm than good in the long run. For example, the use of genetically modified crops has been promoted as a way to increase food production and feed a growing global population, but it has also led to the displacement of small farmers and the erosion of traditional farming practices, which can have negative impacts on local communities and the environment.

Finally, the pursuit of scientific knowledge and technological advancement is often driven by the profit motive, which can lead to a focus on short-term gains at the expense of long-term sustainability and social justice. For example, the pharmaceutical industry has been criticized for prioritizing the development of drugs that will generate the most profit, rather than those that are most needed by patients. This can result in a lack of access to essential medications for people in developing countries, and a focus on treatments rather than prevention, which can contribute to the ongoing global health crisis.

Overall, while science has undoubtedly brought many benefits to humanity, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that it may also do more harm than good. It is important for scientists, policymakers, and the public to consider the full range of impacts that scientific and technological advances may have, and to take a more holistic and sustainable approach to the pursuit of knowledge and progress.

Questions

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1. Which of the following is NOT an argument in favor of the idea that science does more harm than good to humanity?

A) The concept of unintended consequences B) The concept of the “technological fix” C) The focus on short-term gains at the expense of long-term sustainability and social justice D) The pursuit of scientific knowledge and technological advancement is always driven by the profit motive

2. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics has led to:

A) Increased crop yields B) The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria C) The decline of pollinators D) The displacement of small farmers

3. The use of genetically modified crops has been promoted as a way to:

A) Increase food production and feed a growing global population B) Protect the environment C) Improve the health of ecosystems D) Encourage traditional farming practices

4. The pharmaceutical industry has been criticized for:

A) Developing drugs that are most needed by patients B) Focusing on treatments rather than prevention C) Prioritizing the development of drugs that will generate the most profit D) Supporting the development of sustainable solutions to global health problems

5. The concept of the “technological fix” refers to:

A) The belief that technology can solve any problem, regardless of context B) The idea that science is always motivated by the profit motive C) The negative impacts of scientific and technological advancements on local communities and the environment D) The focus on short-term gains at the expense of long-term sustainability and social justice

6. Which of the following is NOT a potential negative impact of the use of pesticides in agriculture?

A) Environmental pollution B) Increased crop yields C) The decline of pollinators D) The erosion of traditional farming practices

7. Which of the following is NOT a potential unintended consequence of scientific advances?

A) Improved treatment of bacterial infections B) Environmental pollution C) The erosion of traditional farming practices D) Positive impacts on local communities

8. The pursuit of scientific knowledge and technological advancement is often driven by:

A) The desire to solve complex problems B) The profit motive C) A focus on long-term sustainability and social justice D) A concern for the health of ecosystems

9. Which of the following is NOT a potential negative impact of the concept of the “technological fix”?

A) It ignores the social, cultural, and environmental contexts in which problems occur B) It leads to short-sighted solutions that do more harm than good in the long run C) It encourages the development of sustainable solutions to global problems D) It promotes a focus on treatments rather than prevention

10. The idea that science does more harm than good to humanity is supported by evidence of: [the_ad id=”40090″]

A) The negative impacts of technological and scientific advancements on people and the environment B) The success of the “technological fix” in solving complex problems C) The focus on long-term sustainability and social justice in the pursuit of scientific knowledge and technological advancement D) The positive impacts of scientific and technological advancements on local communities and the environment.

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Answers

1. D
2. B
3. A
4. C
5. A
6. D
7. D
8. B
9. C
10. A

Presentation

The lesson presentation is done step by step. The class teacher or subject teacher does the following

1. Begin by introducing the concept of scientific and technological advances, and the ways in which they have improved our lives. This could involve discussing examples of scientific and technological advancements, such as the development of vaccines, the creation of new forms of energy, and the use of technology in communication and transportation.
2. Next, introduce the idea that some people believe that science may do more harm than good to humanity. This could involve discussing the concept of unintended consequences and the potential negative impacts of scientific and technological advances, such as environmental pollution, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and the displacement of small farmers.
3. Encourage students to consider different perspectives on the issue, and to think about the pros and cons of scientific and technological advances. This could involve having students brainstorm a list of the benefits and drawbacks of scientific and technological progress, and encouraging them to think about how these impacts might be different for different people and in different contexts.
4. Engage students in a class discussion about the topic, encouraging them to share their thoughts and ideas about whether science does more harm than good to humanity. Encourage students to listen to and respect the perspectives of their classmates, and to consider the evidence and arguments that are presented.
5. Provide students with additional information and resources to help them understand the topic more fully. This could include articles, videos, or other materials that explore the pros and cons of scientific and technological advancements in more depth.
6. Conclude the lesson by summarizing the main points that have been discussed, and encouraging students to think more critically about the topic. Encourage them to continue exploring the issue on their own, and to consider the ways in which science and technology can be used to benefit humanity in a responsible and sustainable way.

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Conclusion

To conclude the lesson, the class teacher or subject teacher does a brief review of what he or she has just taught the pupils. He ask you questions that are related to the topic to ascertain if the learners have actually assimilated and understood the new topic that has just been taught

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