Soal argumentative text sering muncul dalam ujian bahasa Inggris kelas 12, baik ujian sekolah maupun ujian nasional.
Kemampuan memahami struktur argumen dan mengidentifikasi thesis statement sangat penting untuk menjawab soal dengan benar.
Artikel ini akan memberikan kamu contoh soal argumentative text kelas 12 pilihan ganda dan jawaban lengkap dengan pembahasan.
Jenis-Jenis Soal Argumentative Text
Menurut Cambridge Assessment International Education (2024), soal argumentative text biasanya menguji beberapa aspek:
- Thesis Statement: Mengidentifikasi posisi atau pendapat penulis.
- Supporting Arguments: Memahami argumen pendukung yang digunakan.
- Evidence: Mengenali jenis bukti atau data yang mendukung argumen.
- Counterargument: Mengidentifikasi bantahan terhadap argumen lawan.
- Purpose: Memahami tujuan penulis dalam meyakinkan pembaca.
- Conclusion: Mengenali kesimpulan dan reiterasi thesis.
Text 1: Online Learning
Read the text carefully and answer questions 1-5.
Online learning has become increasingly popular, but many argue it is not as effective as traditional classroom education. However, I firmly believe that online learning is superior to traditional methods for several compelling reasons.
Firstly, online learning offers unmatched flexibility. Students can access materials anytime and learn at their own pace, unlike rigid classroom schedules. Research from Stanford University shows that self-paced learners retain 60% more information.
Secondly, online platforms provide personalized learning experiences through AI technology. These systems adapt to individual learning styles, something impossible in traditional classrooms with 30+ students per teacher.
Critics claim that online learning lacks social interaction. However, modern platforms include discussion forums, group projects, and video conferences that facilitate meaningful peer collaboration.
Therefore, schools should embrace online learning as the primary educational method. The flexibility, personalization, and technological advantages make it clearly superior to outdated classroom models.
Questions:
1. What is the writer’s thesis statement? A. Online learning is becoming popular B. Traditional classroom is outdated C. Online learning is superior to traditional methods D. Students need flexibility in learning E. Technology improves education
Jawaban: C Pembahasan: Thesis statement ada di kalimat kedua paragraf pertama: “I firmly believe that online learning is superior to traditional methods.”
2. How many main arguments does the writer present? A. One argument B. Two arguments C. Three arguments D. Four arguments E. Five arguments
Jawaban: B Pembahasan: Penulis menyajikan dua argumen utama: flexibility (paragraf 2) dan personalized learning (paragraf 3).
3. What evidence does the writer use to support the first argument? A. Personal experience B. Expert opinion C. Research data from Stanford University D. Government statistics E. Survey results
Jawaban: C Pembahasan: Argumen pertama didukung oleh “Research from Stanford University shows that self-paced learners retain 60% more information.”
4. The word “Critics” in paragraph 4 refers to… A. Teachers who support online learning B. Students who prefer online classes C. People who oppose online learning D. Education researchers E. School administrators
Jawaban: C Pembahasan: Critics adalah orang yang menentang atau mengkritik, dalam konteks ini mereka yang tidak setuju dengan online learning.
5. What type of argumentative text is this? A. Discussion text presenting both sides equally B. One-sided argument supporting online learning C. Analytical exposition explaining facts D. Hortatory exposition with recommendations E. Narrative text with opinion
Jawaban: B Pembahasan: Teks ini adalah argumentative text yang hanya mendukung satu sisi (online learning) meskipun mengakui counterargument.
Text 2: Junk Food Tax
Read the text and answer questions 6-10.
Governments worldwide are debating whether to implement special taxes on junk food. I strongly support this policy because it would reduce obesity rates, generate healthcare funding, and encourage healthier eating habits.
The obesity epidemic costs billions in healthcare expenses annually. According to the World Health Organization, obesity-related diseases account for 12% of total healthcare spending in developed nations. A junk food tax would create financial incentives for healthier choices while generating revenue to fund public health programs.
Furthermore, research from Mexico demonstrates effectiveness. After implementing a soda tax in 2014, consumption dropped by 12% within two years. This proves that financial disincentives successfully change consumer behavior.
Some argue that such taxes unfairly burden low-income families. However, these families suffer most from obesity-related health problems. The long-term health benefits far outweigh short-term price increases. Additionally, tax revenue can subsidize healthy food options for disadvantaged communities.
In conclusion, junk food taxes represent smart public policy. The evidence clearly shows they reduce consumption, improve health outcomes, and generate funds for healthcare programs. Governments should implement these taxes immediately to protect public health.
Questions:
6. What is the main purpose of this text? A. To explain what junk food is B. To persuade readers to support junk food taxes C. To describe obesity problems D. To inform about Mexican policies E. To discuss pros and cons of taxation
Jawaban: B Pembahasan: Tujuan utama adalah meyakinkan pembaca mendukung kebijakan pajak junk food, terlihat dari “I strongly support this policy.”
7. How many reasons does the writer give to support junk food tax? A. One reason B. Two reasons C. Three reasons D. Four reasons E. Five reasons
Jawaban: C Pembahasan: Tiga alasan: reduce obesity rates, generate healthcare funding, encourage healthier eating habits.
8. What counterargument does the writer address? A. Junk food taxes don’t work B. Taxes are too complicated to implement C. Taxes unfairly burden low-income families D. People won’t change their eating habits E. Tax revenue won’t be enough
Jawaban: C Pembahasan: Counterargument disebutkan di paragraf 4: “Some argue that such taxes unfairly burden low-income families.”
9. What example does the writer use to prove effectiveness? A. American soda ban B. Mexican soda tax C. European sugar restrictions D. Asian food regulations E. Australian health programs
Jawaban: B Pembahasan: Penulis menggunakan contoh Mexican soda tax yang mengurangi konsumsi 12% dalam dua tahun.
10. “…proves that financial disincentives successfully change consumer behavior.” The underlined word means… A. Encouragement to buy more B. Rewards for good choices C. Penalties or discouragements D. Government subsidies E. Free market principles
Jawaban: C Pembahasan: Disincentives berarti hal yang mengurangi motivasi atau menghalangi, dalam konteks ini berupa pajak yang membuat harga lebih mahal.
Baca Juga: Kursus Writing Bahasa Inggris Online Profesional
Text 3: Social Media Regulation
Read the text and answer questions 11-15.
Social media platforms have become integral to modern life, but they pose serious risks to mental health, privacy, and democracy. Therefore, governments must implement stricter regulations on these platforms to protect citizens, especially vulnerable youth.
Firstly, social media contributes significantly to rising mental health problems among teenagers. Studies show that adolescents spending over three hours daily on social media are twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety. The addictive algorithms deliberately keep users engaged, prioritizing profit over wellbeing.
Secondly, social media companies collect massive amounts of personal data without adequate transparency or consent. This data is sold to advertisers and potentially misused by malicious actors. The Cambridge Analytica scandal demonstrated how personal information can be weaponized to manipulate elections and undermine democracy.
Opponents argue that regulation violates free speech principles. However, we already regulate other media forms like television and radio without eliminating freedom. Smart regulation can protect users while preserving legitimate expression.
Thus, governments must act now to regulate social media platforms. Required measures include age verification systems, data protection laws, algorithmic transparency, and mental health warnings. The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that current self-regulation has failed.
Questions:
11. What is the writer’s position on social media regulation? A. Social media should be banned completely B. Governments should regulate social media more strictly C. Social media companies should self-regulate D. Regulation violates free speech E. Current regulations are sufficient
Jawaban: B Pembahasan: Posisi penulis jelas di thesis: “governments must implement stricter regulations on these platforms.”
12. According to the text, what percentage increase in depression risk do heavy social media users face? A. 50% increase B. 75% increase C. 100% increase (twice as likely) D. 150% increase E. 200% increase
Jawaban: C Pembahasan: Teks menyatakan “twice as likely” yang berarti 2x atau 100% lebih mungkin.
13. What scandal is mentioned as evidence of data misuse? A. Facebook data breach B. Twitter hack C. Cambridge Analytica scandal D. Instagram privacy issue E. TikTok security problem
Jawaban: C Pembahasan: Teks secara eksplisit menyebutkan “The Cambridge Analytica scandal.”
14. What regulations does the writer propose? A. Complete ban on social media B. Age verification, data protection, algorithmic transparency, mental health warnings C. Voluntary company commitments D. User education programs only E. International cooperation treaties
Jawaban: B Pembahasan: Paragraf terakhir mencantumkan empat regulasi spesifik yang diusulkan penulis.
15. The text structure follows which pattern? A. Problem-solution only B. Cause-effect only C. Thesis-arguments-counterargument-conclusion D. Chronological sequence E. Comparison-contrast
Jawaban: C Pembahasan: Struktur argumentative text standar: thesis (paragraf 1), arguments (2-3), counterargument (4), conclusion (5).
Tips Mengerjakan Soal Argumentative Text
1. Identifikasi Thesis Statement Terlebih Dahulu
Thesis biasanya ada di paragraf pembuka, sering di kalimat pertama atau kedua. Cari pernyataan yang menunjukkan posisi penulis dengan jelas.
2. Hitung Jumlah Argumen Utama
Argumen biasanya dimulai dengan signal words seperti “Firstly,” “Secondly,” “Furthermore,” “Moreover.” Setiap paragraf body umumnya berisi satu argumen.
3. Perhatikan Evidence yang Digunakan
Evidence bisa berupa research data, statistics, expert opinions, atau examples. Pahami jenis bukti untuk menjawab soal dengan tepat.
4. Kenali Counterargument
Counterargument biasanya dimulai dengan “Critics argue,” “Some say,” “Opponents claim.” Ini menunjukkan penulis mengakui argumen lawan.
5. Pahami Vocabulary dalam Konteks
Jangan hanya hafalkan arti kata. Pahami makna dalam konteks kalimat untuk soal vocabulary.
6. Baca Kesimpulan dengan Cermat
Conclusion merangkum argumen dan menegaskan kembali thesis, sering menambahkan call to action.
Pola Soal yang Sering Muncul
Menurut analisis Educational Testing Service (2023), berikut distribusi tipe soal:
Main Idea/Thesis (25%)
- What is the writer’s main argument?
- What is the thesis statement?
- What position does the writer take?
Supporting Details (30%)
- How many arguments are presented?
- What evidence supports the claim?
- Which example illustrates the point?
Text Organization (15%)
- What is the structure of the text?
- Which paragraph contains counterargument?
- How does the writer organize ideas?
Vocabulary in Context (15%)
- What does “…” mean in line X?
- The word “…” refers to…
- The synonym of “…” is…
Author’s Purpose (10%)
- Why did the writer write this text?
- What is the writer trying to achieve?
- Who is the intended audience?
Inference (5%)
- What can be inferred from the text?
- What would the writer likely support?
- What assumption underlies the argument?
Strategi Time Management
Per Text (7-8 menit total):
- 3 menit: baca dan pahami teks
- 4 menit: jawab semua soal
- 1 menit: review jawaban ragu-ragu
Urutan Pengerjaan:
- Baca soal dulu untuk tahu apa yang dicari
- Baca teks dengan fokus pada informasi yang ditanyakan
- Jawab soal detail/fakta terlebih dahulu
- Lanjut ke soal inference dan vocabulary
- Check kembali jawaban sebelum pindah ke teks berikutnya
Common Mistakes yang Harus Dihindari
Tidak Membedakan Thesis dan Topic: Thesis adalah posisi/pendapat penulis, sedangkan topic hanya subjek yang dibahas.
Mengabaikan Signal Words: Kata-kata seperti “however,” “therefore,” “moreover” memberikan petunjuk penting tentang struktur argumen.
Terburu-buru Membaca: Argumentative text padat informasi. Baca dengan cermat untuk tidak melewatkan detail penting.
Tidak Memahami Counterargument: Counterargument bukan pendapat penulis, melainkan argumen lawan yang kemudian dibantah.
Menebak tanpa Eliminasi: Gunakan metode eliminasi untuk soal yang ragu. Hilangkan jawaban yang jelas salah terlebih dahulu.
Kesimpulan
Menguasai soal argumentative text kelas 12 memerlukan pemahaman struktur argumen, kemampuan mengidentifikasi thesis dan supporting evidence, serta skill reading comprehension yang baik. Dengan mempelajari contoh soal argumentative text kelas 12 pilihan ganda dan jawaban di atas, kamu bisa:
- Mengenali pola soal yang sering muncul
- Memahami struktur argumentative text dengan baik
- Mengidentifikasi thesis, argumen, dan counterargument
- Meningkatkan kecepatan dan akurasi menjawab
Kunci sukses adalah latihan konsisten dengan berbagai topik argumentative text. Semakin banyak kamu berlatih, semakin familiar dengan question patterns dan semakin cepat menemukan jawaban yang benar.
Focus pada understanding logic di balik argumen, bukan hanya mencari jawaban. Skill ini berguna tidak hanya untuk ujian tetapi juga untuk critical thinking dalam kehidupan sehari-hari.
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