Paper 2 · build an argumentative composition
Plan a clear position, develop reasons and address an alternative view in a 350–500-word persuasive composition.
Section W4 · Use spelling, punctuation and grammar accurately
Exam scope and assessment notes
This is an original online starter sequence, not the full approximately 130 guided learning hours, a complete timed specimen paper, an official Cambridge mark scheme, or a Cambridge grade. All Bahasa Indonesia teaching examples and task answers need review by a qualified Bahasa Indonesia teacher before publication. Writing self-checks are practice guidance, not calibrated marks. Speaking recordings stay in the open page and are not uploaded or scored; a centre teacher/examiner assesses Component 3 and Cambridge externally moderates it.
Before you begin
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which approach best supports this skill?
What you will learn
- Present and develop a clear viewpoint.
- Organise reasons for a particular audience and purpose.
- Edit grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary for accuracy and range.
Plan the position and reasons
Paper 2 Section 2 offers a choice of argumentative, descriptive or narrative composition. Candidates write 350–500 words; the 36 marks are split between Content and Structure (18) and Style and Accuracy (18). Choose the task that gives you enough relevant material.
Write a one-sentence position, then list two or three reasons. Add a concrete example to explain a reason rather than stacking unsupported claims.
Make persuasion fair and logical
A strong argument can recognise a reasonable concern, answer it with evidence and return to the main position. Use connectors to show cause, contrast and conclusion.
Original Indonesian linking phrases include «pertama» (first), «selain itu» (in addition), «namun» (however) and «oleh karena itu» (therefore). Use a phrase only if its relationship is accurate.
Sources for this lesson
Pause and explain
A paragraph states a reason but gives no example or explanation. What should be added?
Worked example
Prompt: Should schools provide a weekly reading period? Plan a position, two reasons, an alternative view and a response.
Show the worked solution
- State a position that directly answers the prompt.
- Choose reasons that can be explained with examples.
- Address the concern that a reading period reduces subject time, then give a balanced conclusion.
Answer Possible plan: support a weekly period; it builds a regular reading habit and gives students access to varied texts; some may worry about lost lesson time; a short, scheduled period can support language development while keeping the timetable balanced. This is a plan, not a full 350–500-word composition.
Try a topic test
Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Prompt: Should a school offer one screen-free lunch area? Write a one-sentence position and one developed reason.
Give me a hint
Choose a position, then explain a realistic effect.
Compare my reasoning
- Answer yes or no clearly.
- Give one reason.
- Explain who benefits and how.
Possible answer: A school should offer a screen-free lunch area because it gives students a place to talk without notifications competing for attention; students who prefer using devices can still eat elsewhere. The reason is explained and recognises choice.
Look for these in your work
- States a clear position
- Develops a reason
- Acknowledges different preferences
A prompt asks whether public parks should hold weekend events. One paragraph says «Events are good because they are good.» Diagnose the weakness and rewrite the reason with a supporting detail.
Give me a hint
Replace repetition with a specific benefit and example.
Compare my reasoning
- Identify the repeated, unsupported claim.
- Name a concrete benefit.
- Connect a relevant example to the claim.
The sentence repeats «good» without explaining why. A stronger version: Weekend events can make parks more useful to families; for example, a free book exchange gives visitors a shared activity without requiring an expensive ticket.
Look for these in your work
- Identifies lack of development
- Adds a specific benefit
- Links the example to the position
Your argument supports longer school-library hours, but readers may worry about staff costs. Write a fair counterargument and a response that does not invent a budget figure.
Give me a hint
Recognise the concern, then suggest a conditional or practical response.
Compare my reasoning
- State the cost concern fairly.
- Avoid claiming a specific saving.
- Propose a response linked to the concern.
Possible response: Longer opening hours may require extra staffing, which schools must plan for. A trial on selected days or a supervised rota could test demand before a wider change. This addresses cost without inventing figures.
Look for these in your work
- Represents the opposing concern fairly
- Does not fabricate evidence
- Gives a relevant response
Common mistakes
- Listing opinions without explaining why they matter
- Ignoring the audience and task wording
- Treating a counterargument as proof that the main position is wrong
What can you explain now?
A paragraph states a reason but gives no example or explanation. What should be added?
Compare with the explanation
A detail showing how the reason supports the position
Development makes the claim persuasive and helps the reader follow the logic.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
Your review choice appears on Today. Sign in to sync it across devices.
Make it stick
Explain one decision that helps you present and develop a clear viewpoint.
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.