Debatable and non-debatable statements
An argumentative essay is built around a specific statement (or main premise) that is debatable within the field in which you are studying. In other words, at the centre of an argumentative essay is a statement with which your readers may disagree. Your essay will need to support that statement in a manner that convinces your readers of its truth.
To begin this unit of work on argumentative essays we will learn the difference between debatable and non-debatable statements
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Debatable statements
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Statements with which other people might or might not agree . These are sometimes called "arguments", "assertions", "propositions" or "premises".
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eg. Solar energy is the best way of meeting Australia's energy needs in the 21st century
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Non-debatable statements
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Statements with which no-one would normally disagree or argue. These are sometimes called "facts".
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eg. Coal and oil are the main sources of energy in Australia in the 20th century
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Task 1
Which of the following statements are debatable and which are non-debatable? If the statement is debatable, put a tick in the box next to the word "debatable". If the statement is non-debatable, put a tick in the box next to the word "non-debatable". You will need to print out the page.
1. | Computers and automation increase unemployment |
| debatable |
| non-debatable |
2. | Smoking is harmful to people's health |
| debatable |
| non-debatable |
3. | Plants produce oxygen that the world needs to sustain life |
| debatable |
| non-debatable |
4. | Australia has some of the most venomous snakes in the world |
| debatable |
| non-debatable |
5. | A good education is necessary for a successful and happy life |
| debatable |
| non-debatable |
Check your answer here
Task 2
Now write a debatable and a non-debatable statement about each of the following topics:
- Alcohol
- Television
- Public transport
- The Australian education system
- The Prime Minister
Click here to see some possible answers to this task.
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©Bill Daly, 1997
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Next: Providing support for debatable statements
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