How to write an argumentative essay

How to write an essay

argumentative essay

What is an argumentative essay?

In this essay, the writer focuses on supporting an argument. Here, the writer has to convince the reader to agree to the writer’s side of the argument. On the other hand, the writer also has to compare both sides of the argument from logical standpoints paired with ample numbers of pieces of evidence to convince the reader.

Structure

Paragraph 1: introduction (stating the issue);

Paragraph 2: arguments for the statements;

Paragraph 3: arguments against the statement;

Paragraph 4: summary, your own opinion.

Introduction

Thesis statement/your main idea should be given in the introduction. Introduction should not be very long. Start with general information of environmental issues.

The production of single use cups is resource intensive and has various environmental impacts.

Read the title and brainstorm ideas that come to your mind.

Open Ended

The production of single-use cups is resource-intensive and has various environmental impacts. Brainstorm ideas.

Introduction

• The environmental issues in today’s world are growing more serious by the day. As a result, it is increasingly important for schools and colleges to teach good environmental habits. Have you ever seen a student or teacher take a sip of water and then throw a plastic cup away? This is no a good habit. Here at our college, we must start taking action to lessen our impacts on the environment. (background information) 

• One way is to stop making plastic cups available to the students. (thesis sentence)

Paragraph 2

Give your support/opinion/reasons to support your argument. Do not write general information but your personal examples and opinion/experience.

Open Ended

Why do we have to stop making plastic cups available to the students? (thesis sentence)

Paragraph 2

One main reason is that plastic cups are harmful to the environment. Firstly, making the cups creates dangerous greenhouse gases. For each cup the energy is required to both create the cups and transport the cups from the factory to schools or colleges. Moreover, the use of electricity to make the cups and the gasoline to move it, all comes from oil, which is number one contributor to greenhouse gasses. Subsequently, greenhouse gases cause global warming. Because many of the major greenhouse gases stay in the atmosphere for tens to hundreds of years after being released, their warming effects on the climate persist over a long time and can therefore affect present and future generations.

Paragraph 3

Choose the arguments the other people say against you. Give explanation why the are wrong.

Open Ended

What are the arguments against banning single-use cups?

Paragraph 4

Many will argue that it is unfair to get rid of the cups. After all, people need to drink water, right? However, instead of using the cups, the students can bring their own reusable water bottles, which cost very little. Others may argue that getting rid of the cups might have a negative effect on the economy. However, we must change our habits as a country looks forward to creating jobs that are eco-friendly. Green jobs benefit both the economy and the environment. Certainly, if we invest in earth-friendly jobs, we will all be better off in the future.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion you summarize the main ideas. Restate your thesis and concluding remarks. You can also use the same ideas as in introduction just using different words. Conclusion usually is short – it contains a few sentences.

Open Ended

Which key phrases can be used to start your conclusion?

Conclusion

In conclusion, even though cups are convenient to use, I think they must be banned because it is an old concept. We must change our ways and habits to make cleaner environment around us and respect the future generation.

Writing strategy

Use a variety of grammatical structures and vocabulary instead of simple sentences. This will make your essay more interesting and more effective. Let us look at some examples.

Variety of sentence structures

• Contrasting clauses with but and although:

• I like him. But he can be a bit mean.

• I like him, although he can be a bit mean.

Variety of sentence structures

• Passive structures. These can create a sense of objectivity and authority:

• People often say that...

• It is often said that ...

Variety of sentence structures

• Preparatory it. We can use it to emphasize a particular part of a sentence:

• Honesty is important.

• It is honesty that is important.

Exercise

• Online conversations are quick and easy. They are often superficial. (although)

• Although online conversations are quick and easy, they are often superficial.

• 
  

Exercise

• The non-verbal aspects of conversations are really important.

• It is the non-verbal aspects of conversations that are really important.

Exercise

• People are busy. They can still keep in touch using social media. (Even if ...)

• Even if people are busy, they can still keep in touch using social media.

Exam task 2

Essay (25 points)

You should spend about 45 minutes on this task.

Write between 200 – 250 words.

What are the most important skills needed to succeed in the 21st century workplace?

Write an essay in which you discuss at least two skills. Give reasons and arguments to support your viewpoint.

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR WRITING AN ESSAY:

• 1. An essay is considered to be formal writing therefore – no short forms are used and try to use the appropriate vocabulary – formal language.

• 2. There is a space provided for notes. Things you have written there will not be evaluated so we recommend using the space for an outline (ordering the ideas you are going to address in each paragraph).

• 3. You have to keep in mind the limit of words required in the task.

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR WRITING AN ESSAY:

• 4. Ensure that each point is written in a new paragraph. It will give you points for the outline.

• 5. Use linking words/phrases at the start of each paragraph. Make sure that you use linking words!

• 6. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly links the paragraph to the rest of the essay.

Poll

Will you be able to write an essay for the exam?

• Yes, sure!

• It will be a bit difficult.

• It will be very difficult for me.

• Impossible for me.