Writing the Stand for an argumentative essay in O level English means that you have to make a definite choice.
Choose which side you want to take and then make your point assertively. Why should you do this? The stand is something you should write when you are certain of being able to have enough points for it.
One of the ways you may write for the Stand is to make sure that you can write with confidence.
You need to be sure that the side you choose is the one where you have at least 3 major points to support your views. Only choose your Stand if you have these 3 points. If not, you are better off choosing another essay in O level English.
What does the Stand mean?
Actually, the Stand means you are being compelled to take a side. When you write an argumentative essay in O level English, you are not allowed to sit on the fence. You will need to choose a side you prefer.
How do you find your preferred side?
Sometimes, it is really difficult deciding which side you want to take.
And the side you agree with may not have enough evidence. And we know that without supporting evidence, you will not be able to write anything of value.
I think the most practical method is to simply choose the side you have more points on.
The second method is to examine the question carefully. Sometimes the question is worded in such a way that you are expected to take the view it offers. If it says “People are often materialistic these days. Give your views.” This question may be argued with a rebuttal. You may say most people are materialistic and rebut by saying not all people are.
However, you should not take the opposite view. You may not say that most people are Not materialistic. Why? It goes against the grain of the question. You are expected to follow the trend of the question in O level English. It makes it easier to do so.
Whether you believe in that statement is irrelevant. You have to decide on the more practical course of whether you have enough points. I cannot emphasise this enough. Having enough points is the basis for your Stand in O level English.
How to write an effective Stand?
Most students think that this should be written in one sentence.
I am afraid that is not enough.
You need to write about 2 to 4 sentences if you want to show why you chose that stand. Then you need to explain it carefully.
Always substantiate your reasons for your choice and you may use some evidence when you do this.
The stand should be substantive and clear.
For an argumentative topic, the stand should also reflect your knowledge of a current trend in behaviour or action.
For world topics or topics on societal behaviour, infuse some of your observations in your stand. You may do this simply with just one or two observations just to show that you are not simply stating without support.
Make sure that you do not use too much supporting evidence in your stand or the introduction paragraph will be too long.
The Stand should inform the examiner if you agree or disagree.
Reveal the side you have taken and then write the rebuttal portion. You may say that you agree to a greater extent. This will leave you with the flexibility for the rebuttal point/s.
Remember to distinguish yourself when you write your Stand in O level English. You should impress with your knowledge of current affairs and your appraisal of the question. Be sure to write clearly and show that you have taken the side which is the better one. Then finish your statement before you move on to the next paragraph.
Writing the Stand reveals your view and how you wish to tackle the question in O level English. It is the first step in establishing a coherent argumentative essay.