[Grade 9 Japanese] Structuring Effective Writing: Writing and Argumentation

Hello, Grade 9 students! With high school entrance exams and graduation just around the corner, the ability to explain your opinions logically—known as "argumentative writing"—is becoming more and more important.
Many of you might feel like, "I'm not good at writing," or "I don't know where to start." But don't worry! There is a "formula" for argumentation. Once you grasp the basics, anyone can write a persuasive essay. Let's learn it together!

1. Learn the "Formula" for Logical Structure

To write a persuasive piece, it’s important to think about your structure before you start writing. For Grade 9, you want to master the three-part structure below.

① Introduction: State your opinion clearly

First, clearly state your position on the topic—whether you are "for" or "against" it, or what your general stance is.
Tip: Start with your conclusion, using phrases like "I believe that..." or "I am in favor of..."

② Body: Provide reasons and evidence

Explain *why* you think that way. It is crucial to support your reasoning with "evidence," such as specific personal experiences or data.
Examples: "This is because research shows that..." or "For example, in my own experience..."

③ Conclusion: Summarize at the end

Based on what you’ve written, restate and emphasize your opinion one more time.
Tip: Wrap up by using phrases like "For these reasons, I believe that..."

【Key Takeaway】
Argumentative writing is easiest for readers to understand when it follows the "sandwich" structure: Conclusion → Reasons/Evidence → Conclusion!

2. The Technique of "Concession" to Increase Persuasiveness

If you only push your own opinion, you might come across as a bit stubborn. This is where the "concession" technique comes in handy.

Use "Indeed, [A]. However, [B]."

By intentionally acknowledging an opposing view, you show that you are thinking about the topic from multiple perspectives.
(Example) "Indeed, some argue that using smartphones too much is bad. However, if used as a learning tool, they can help us study more efficiently."

【Pro-tip: Stand in the other person's shoes】
The phrase "Indeed" is a magic word that bridges the gap between you and your reader. When debating in person, if you start by saying "That's true," before stating your own opinion, the conversation will go much more smoothly!

3. Be Mindful of "Linking" Words

If sentences feel disconnected, your writing will be hard to follow. Use "conjunctions" correctly to bridge your ideas.

  • "Therefore / Thus" (Causal): Use when the previous content leads to the following result.
  • "However / But" (Contrast): Use when stating something that contradicts the previous content.
  • "For example" (Illustration): Use when providing specific examples.
  • "In short / In other words" (Summary): Use when restating content more concisely.

【Common Mistake!】
Be careful not to over-use "and" or "also"! It makes sentences run on and on. Try to keep each sentence short and use the appropriate conjunctions instead.

4. The Writing Process: 4 Steps

It might feel difficult at first, but if you follow these steps, you'll be able to write much more smoothly!

Step 1: Gather your materials

Jot down keywords or personal experiences related to the topic.

Step 2: Create an outline

Use a brief memo to organize what you plan to write in the "Introduction, Body, and Conclusion."

Step 3: Write the draft

In formal writing, it is standard to use the plain style (ending sentences with "da" or "dearu"). Be careful not to mix these with the polite style ("desu" or "masu").

Step 4: Review (Revision)

Once you finish writing, make sure to read it over.
・Are there any typos or missing characters?
・Do your subjects and predicates match up?
・Are there any parts that don't make sense?

【Tip: The secret to revision】
I recommend reading your draft out loud to yourself. If you stumble on a part, that's a sign the sentence is unnatural. Fixing just those spots will make your writing much easier to read!

5. Conclusion: To write is to "think"

Practicing argumentative writing helps organize your thoughts and improves your ability to convey your ideas to others. This is a "lifelong skill" that is useful not just for Japanese tests, but for any job you might have in the future.
Don't worry about being "perfect!" Just start by deciding on one opinion and providing one reason for it. I’m rooting for you!

【Today's Key Checkpoints】
1. Stick to the Introduction, Body, Conclusion structure!
2. Always include evidence (concrete examples)!
3. Use "Indeed... However..." to boost your persuasiveness!
4. Keep your sentence endings (da/dearu) consistent!