How to Write an Argumentative Essay
How to Write an Argument Essay There are five main steps.
Step 1: Read the essay Read the question. Decide what kind of essay it is - opinion, compare/contrast, problem and solution, cause and effect, or a mixture. The type of question will decide the layout and your ideas.
Step 2: Underline Underline key vocabulary in the question and write words with the same or related meaning. This will really save you a lot of time later on. It will also help to avoid repetition of words, and will show that you understand the question.
Step 3: Get Ideas Decide if you are for or against the idea. Usually it is best to give both sides (for and against - one paragraph each) and then to give your opinion in the conclusion. However there are other ways of laying out your essay.
Step 4: Decide Layout You should decide on a layout. The easiest is 3773. That means four paragraphs: introduction (3 sentences) one side (7 sentences), the other side (7 sentences) and the conclusion (3 sentences). This will give you 20 sentences. An average of about 12 words each, that is 240 words. Perfect!
Step 5: Write After you have written your plan, write your essay.
Vocabulary Step 1: Read and Underline Key Words Should governments spend money on space exploration, or should they spend the money on problems here first?
Step 2: Write Down Other Words with the Same Meaning (Move your mouse over links)
Should governments spend money on space exploration, or should they spend the money on problems here first? Governments = nations, countries, authorities, politicians Spend = allocate, give, allot, provide, budget, make available, waste, award Space exploration = space program, trips to the moon, the international space station, planets, planetary voyages Money = budgets, taxes, resources, Problems = concerns, issues, worries, disasters, threats, threatening, war, famine, poverty, education, homelessness, drugs, global warming Here = on earth, in our own countries, closer to home, in developing countries, foreign aid,
Step 3: Use Your New Words in the Opening Sentences With many global concerns such as war, poverty, hunger and pollution, many people do not think that nations should waste money on exploring space. (One side) However, others are convinced that expenditure on space programs is justified. (Other side)
Step 4: Add a Thesis With many global concerns such as war, poverty, hunger and pollution, many people question whether nations should waste money on exploring space. However, others are convinced that expenditure on space programs is justified. This essay will examine some arguments for and against space exploration.
Ideas Many students worry about ideas. "I don't know what to say!" "I don't know anything about this topic!" However, you don't need too many ideas for an essay in an English exam. The magic number is three. Mainly against
Mainly for
100% for
100% against
3773 layout
3773 layout
35553 layout
35553 layout
Introduction
Introduction
Introduction
Introduction
3 ideas for
3 ideas against
Idea for
Idea against
3 ideas against
3 ideas for
Idea for
Idea against
Conclusion
Conclusion
Idea for
Idea against
Conclusion
Conclusion
The best way to get ideas is to underline the main words in the question, and then to write down any words with the same meaning or which are related. Pretend it is a vocabulary exercise. Make sure you write down the words. Don't try to keep them in your head. The more words you write down, the more ideas you will get. Spend five or six minutes just writing down words based on the question. Some people also use brainstorming, mind maps or other techniques.
Layout of your essay There are basically two ways to layout your paragraphs • •
3773 - a four-paragraph essay 35553 - a five-paragraph essay 3773 Layout - 4 paragraphs
35553 Layout - 5 paragraphs
The number refers to the number of sentences in each paragraph. 3773 means • • • •
a 3-sentence Intro a 7-sentence para a 7-sentence para a 3-sentence conclusion
. 35553 means • • • • •
a 3-sentence Intro a 5-sentence para a 5-sentence para a 5-sentence para a 3-sentence conclusion
The 3773 Layout The number 3773 just means three sentences in the introduction, seven in the second paragraph, seven in the third paragraph and three in the conclusion. Or
Either • •
•
Introduction Body: § Paragraph For § Paragraph Against Conclusion
Introduction: Three sentences
• • •
• •
•
Introduction Body: § Paragraph Against § Paragraph For Conclusion
Present situation Both sides of Argument What you are going to do in this essay / Your opinion (Thesis sentence)
nothing here Paragraph 2 Seven/eight sentences
• • •
Topic Sentence Argument 1 or Reason 1 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail
• •
Argument 2 or Reason 2 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail
• •
Argument 3 or Reason 3 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail
Summary sentence for Para 2 nothing here Paragraph 3 Seven/eight sentences
• • •
Topic Sentence Argument 1 or Reason 1 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail
• •
Argument 1 or Reason 1 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail
• •
Argument 2 or Reason 2 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail
• •
Argument 3 or Reason 3 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail
Summary sentence for Para 3 . Conclusion
• • •
Summary Present situation and your opinion Future statement
Layout 35553 The number 35553 just means a five-paragraph essay with three sentences in the introduction, five sentences in the second, third and fourth paragraphs, and three in the conclusion. There are three paragraphs in the body because you should have three ideas (three is a magic number.) In each of the three body paragraphs you need about two or three examples and supporting information to back those ideas up. Or
Either • • • • •
Introduction For For For Conclusion
• • • • •
Introduction Against Against Against Conclusion
The example below could be for or against. Present situation and/or Both sides of Argument (12 sentences) What you are going to do in this essay / Your opinion (Thesis sentence)
Introduction:
•
Three sentences
•
Paragraph 2
• •
Topic Sentence: Argument 1 or Reason 1 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail (2-4 sentences)
• •
Topic Sentence: Argument 2 or Reason 2 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail (2-4 sentences)
• •
Topic Sentence: Argument 3 or Reason 3 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail (2-4
Five Sentences
Paragraph 3 Five Sentences
Paragraph 4 Five
sentences)
Sentences
. Conclusion Three Sentences
• • •
Summary Present situation and your opinion Future statement
Below are two practice argumentive essays to that need to be written. You may choose the layout. Money - A Good Motivator? Layout You can 35553 Layouts A. Disagree only and give three or four very full reasons with examples and/or supporting information in three paragraphs B. Agree only and give three or four very full reasons with examples and/or supporting information in three paragraphs 3773 Layouts C. Agree in one paragraph and disagree in another, or vice versa. You need three reasons and examples in each in each paragraph (two long paragraphs) D. Look at the problem from two or three perspectives: the employer's, the workers', the moral aspects, the productivity concerns, etc. (two or three paragraphs) E. Examine the effects of cash awards in half of your essay, and other types of motivation in the second half, or vice versa (two long paragraphs)
Topic Write 250 words on the following topic Drugs are becoming more and more common in many countries. What are some of the problems associated with drug abuse, and what are some of the possible solutions?
Layout Intro 3 sentences Problems 7 sentences Solutions 7 sentences Conclusion 3 sentences Total: 20 sentences
Today... Present situation 1-2 sentences Intro Thesis
Problems
Topic Problem 1 Example Problem 2 Example Problem 3 Example Summary
Solutions
Topic Solution 1 More Info
This essay will look at
Solution 2 More Info Solution 3 More info Conclusion Summary sentences Future
Two sides of an argument Give the other side's opinion, and then give YOUR opinion
Give the other side • • • •
Some people think that… Although many people feel that… It is claimed that… Some people feel that…
One sentence (While, although) • • • •
While it is true that… … I believe… Despite the fact that millions of people die every year from lung cancer, many people think it is cool to smoke. Although many people think that…., I feel that Although it is often said that…, in fact the opposite is true
Two sentences • • • •
It is undoubtedly true that… …However… It is often argued that… However, it is Some people say that… They claim… However, I feel… Supporters of this viewpoint say that… However, it is
One sentence (While, although) • • • •
While it is true that… … I believe… Despite the fact that millions of people die every year from lung cancer, many people think it is cool to smoke. Although many people think that…., I feel that Although it is often said that…, in fact the opposite is true
Conclusion The conclusion is the end of the essay. It is the last part of the essay and it is the part that the reader may remember most. It should be clear and avoid confusing the reader. The reader expects the conclusion to do some or all of the following • • • •
rephrase the question summarize the main ideas give your opinion, if you haven't given it already look to the future (say what will happen if the situation continues or changes)
The reader DOES NOT expect new information in the conclusion. Never add a new idea just because you have thought of it at the end! You must do all of this in just three or four sentences!
Vocabulary is Important The conclusion is very similar to the introduction. However, you should avoid repeating the same words. This is why a few minutes spent at the start of the exam writing down synonyms (words with the same meaning) and related words is very helpful. After all, if you only have a 250-word essay but use the same word 10 times, this will not show the examiner what you know
Wrapping Paper Another way to look at the Introduction and the Conclusion is to think about gift wrapping paper. Your intro and conclusion wrap around your essay like a piece of bright paper "wraps" a present. They are not the main part of the essay, but they do make your essay look good. Your conclusion 'wraps' up the essay. We don't put something valuable, like money or gold, hidden in the wrapping paper, so don't put new information or important ideas in the conclusion. A good conclusion will • • • •
rephrase the question summarize the main ideas give your opinion, if you haven't given it already look to the future (say what will happen if the situation continues or changes)
but will •
NEVER add new information
Should we test products on animals? I agree that we need to make sure that animals who are used for testing new products have the minimum of suffering. However, I am convinced that animal testing is necessary, and that it will continue to benefit humans in new and wonderful ways. Should we beat children? In conclusion, physical punishment can be a useful method of discipline. However it should be the last choice for parents. If we want to build a world with less violence we must begin at home, and we must teach our children to be responsible. Is education important? In conclusion, although there are undoubtedly some problems with increased levels of education, I feel strongly that the country can only progress if all its people are educated to the maximum of their ability. Who are the better parents - men or women? I think this is not an either/or question. Both men and women have strengths and skills that are important for children's psychological growth. We need to ensure that both parents play an important role in the family in order to give children a good start in life. Who learns quicker - adults or children? Finally, I feel that we cannot generalize about children or adults being better learners. It depends on the situation and the motivation of the person, and the level of enthusiasm he or she has for learning. Should dangerous sports be banned? In summary, our society would be healthier if more people took part in sports of all kinds. We should continue to try to prevent accidents and injuries. However, we should also ensure that sports are challenging, exciting, and, above all, fun.
Dominoes - Keep Playing! Many students lose marks in writing because they don't develop ideas. They have good ideas, but don't write enough about each one In the game of dominoes, you keep playing until you cannot continue.
Keep writing until you can't continue! (And then start a new paragraph!) Take a paragraph like: Many people think that the Internet will replace books and newspapers because it is cheaper and quicker. As well as that, it is easier to use. Bad! The writer put two ideas together - "cheaper" and "quicker." He or she didn't explain how the Internet is cheaper and quicker. And is the Internet really "easier to use"? The ideas are good , but the development is weak.
Develop Your Ideas Let's develop the sentences. The Internet is cheaper than newspapers, because you can read many newspapers for free on their websites. The Internet is quicker to bring news and information out. It can take years for a book to be published and reach the bookstore. The information is often out of date. For me, the Internet is easier to use, because you can find information more quickly and easily than in a big library or in a big set of encyclopedias. You just use a search engine and the results come instantly.
Add a Topic Now all you need is a topic sentence. Many people think that the Internet will replace books and newspapers because it is cheaper, quicker and easier to use. The Internet is cheaper than newspapers, because you can read many newspapers for free on their websites. The Internet is quicker to bring news and information out. It can take years for a book to be published and reach the bookstore. The information is often out of date. For me, the Internet is easier to use, because you can find information more quickly and easily than in a big library or in a big set of encyclopedias. You just use a search engine and the results come instantly.
Transitions and Markers Finally, lets add some transition words and markers like "First", "Another point is that..," "Furthermore,.." etc. Let's also not repeat "The Internet" every time. Many people think that the Internet will replace books and newspapers because it is cheaper, quicker and easier to use. First of all, the Internet is cheaper than newspapers, because you can read many newspapers for free on their websites. Secondly, it is also much quicker to bring news and information out. It can take years for a book to be published and reach the bookstore. The information is often out of date. Another important point is that the Internet is easier to use, because you can find information more quickly and easily than in a big library or in a big set of encyclopedias. You just use a search engine and the results come instantly.
Identify and avoid these common errors.
Fragments, Commas Splices, and Run-Ons Fragments Fragments are incomplete sentences. They are missing a verb or a subject or both. •
First, the lack of exercise.
•
Furthermore, the huge development of the country, easy life and transportation.
•
Although the number falling.
•
Also the different kinds of entertainment such as videos and television.
•
For example, fast food, sweet things and oily food.
How can you fix them? Add a subject, or verb, or both. Try adding a phrase. •
First, the lack of exercise has led to a big increase in the number of overweight people.
•
Furthermore, the huge development of the country, an easier life and luxury cars have meant that many people do not have to work hard.
•
Although the number is falling, many students still do not finish high school.
•
Different kinds media such as video and television can provide good family entertainment.
•
For example, fast food, sweet things and oily food can all lead to obesity.
Comma Splices Comma splices are sentences that should be separate, but are joined with a comma Run-Ons Run-Ons are sentences that should be separate, but are joined anyway. •
In the past people did not have cars they used to walk. (Run-On)
•
Heart disease is a big problem it kills thousands of people (Run-On)
•
Our modern life is very easy, jobs are easier than they were 50 years ago. (Comma Splice)
•
The streets are full of fast food restaurants, people eat there very often. (Comma Splice)
How can you fix them? Make them into two sentences. Keep your sentences short. Watch out if you find yourself using commas. Ask "Would a full stop be better?" •
In the past, people did not have cars. They used to walk.
•
Heart disease is a big problem. It kills thousands of people.
•
Our modern life is very easy. Jobs are easier than they were 50 years ago.
•
The streets are full of fast food restaurants. People eat there very often.
(This last sentence might better be rewritten as "The streets are lined with crowded restaurants" or "People enjoy eating in the busy restaurants")