Argumentative: Unpacking Keywords
Writing Practice
Complete your revision by reading this together with our 2022 Issue 4/5 print issue or as a standalone guide.
UNPACKING KEYWORDS
The way you engage with the keywords in an argumentative essay will determine how well you are able to develop a robust argument. To give your essay a boost, spend more time on the question to unpack the keywords and brainstorm!
Minimal Unpacking of Keywords
You engage superficially with the question and so your argument remains underdeveloped.
Good Unpacking of Keywords
You take the time to understand the different aspects of the keywords to plan out more developed points.
Tip: Don’t stop at the “what”. Using the 5W1Hs can help you better engage with the question.
Example:
Games should be a key part of education. Do you agree?
Minimal Unpacking of Keywords
Education
What?- to study and learn
Games
What?- to entertain, educational games
Yes, there are many educational games that are very effective in helping people learn new concepts and skills.
Good Unpacking of Keywords
Education
How?- Formal: the curriculum taught in school
- Informal: what we learn from friends, family, our life experiences and from what goes on around the world (current affairs)
Why?
- Learn how to contribute meaningfully to our community
- Help us better appreciate the world around us
Games
How?- Goal-oriented games require strategy
- Team games
- Many simulate real-world situations
Yes, games have a high education value. They simulate real-world scenarios and effectively help students learn important lessons about relating to others and thriving in society.
