ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY WRITING STRUCTURE & CONTENT INTRODUCTION Normally one single paragraph. a) Make reference to the title, not repeating it, but rephrasing it by giving an example or defining it. (“It is often said/claimed that… Over recent years, there has been a debate about….) b) Show whether you agree or disagree with the topic in question (title). Avoid expressing your opinion in the first person singular (better use “we”).
DEVELOPMENT Normally about 2-3 paragraphs. (again try to avoid using 1 st person singular) a) First Paragraph: briefly present the opposite view to the one expressed in the introduction. b) The rest of the paragraphs (normally 1-2): express your opinion by giving arguments to support your views, and introduce each paragraph or each opinion with connectors such as: “ However, Nevertheless, On the contrary, Yet.” Others like: “Furthermore, And what´s more, Besides, Likewise, On the one hand,….on the other hand, etc.” You should also give examples to support your views.
CONCLUSION Normally one single paragraph. a) Restate your attitude: summarise your view starting with “To sum up, In conclusion, Finally, As a result, To finish with, etc.”, or simply other closing connectors. b) Include a proverb or an idiom: It is usually nice to finish your conclusion by giving a proverb, idiom or, if not, a kind of strong resonant assertion or conclusive moral.