An Investigation into the Development of Structure and Evidence Use in Argumentative Writing

Abstract

This study aims to investigate EFL learners’ argumentative writing based on structural elements in Toulmin model (1953, 2008). It also explores the overall use of evidence in supporting claims. It was found that claim and data were the basic structural elements used by Chinese EFL learners in constructing argumentative writing. The respective use of counterargument data and rebuttal was significantly correlated with the quality of argumentation. In argumentative reasoning, the types of evidence and the number of evidence used by participants were very limited. Logical analysis was found to be the most frequently used data to support claims. Less proficient learners’ use of evidence was not effective or persuasive to produce valid argument. The findings provide useful insights into the instruction of argumentative writing for EFL teachers.