An argumentative composition takes a side, proves it with reasons and examples, answers the other side fairly and closes by returning to the position. This cluster teaches the four skills one at a time within SPM Bahasa Cina.
The Chinese samples below are original and written for practice. The English explains what to look for.
How do the four skills connect?
Each skill answers a question a reader silently asks. Study them in this order.
| Step | Question the reader asks | Lesson |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What exactly do you think? | A clear position in response to the task |
| 2 | Why, and how do I know? | Reasons with concrete examples |
| 3 | What about people who disagree? | An alternative view, fairly |
| 4 | So what is the result? | A conclusion built from the argument |
One short example to see the difference
Task: 《学校应该设立回收箱吗？》Compare two short versions.
Version A: 我认为学校应该设立回收箱。回收很重要。大家都应该回收。环保很有意义。
Version B: 我认为学校应该设立回收箱，因为它能让学生养成分类的习惯。比如一个班级每周收集二十个饮料罐，三个月后就是两百多个，这些罐子可以送去回收站。
Version A repeats the same claim four times, so the reader learns nothing after the first sentence. Version B gives a reason (养成分类的习惯) and a checkable example (二十个罐子，每周，三个月), so it begins to argue. Note that 20 cans a week for about 12 weeks gives 240, which is why “两百多个” is an honest figure.
Who should start where?
- Compositions that feel like lists: begin with reasons and examples.
- Marker comments such as “position unclear”: begin with the position lesson.
- Arguments that ignore the other side: begin with the alternative view lesson.
- Endings that repeat the introduction or start a new point: begin with the conclusion lesson.
For a second route that works on judging evidence and combining sources, see Chinese argument and synthesis. When you have worked through the lessons, test them on the practice set, and plan your next composition with the Chinese composition structure planner.
For a teacher to read your paragraphs with you, see online one-to-one Chinese tuition.