Writing An Academic Essay 2010

WRITING A CAUSE-EFFECT
ANALYSIS ESSAY

GUIDELINES FOR CONCLUSION

Conclusion:
Causes again

- Restate the thesis:

mention

the

There are normally two formats of cause-effect

analysis essays: Single Cause Multi Effects and
Single Effect Multi Causes. The following guidelines
are to be applied for Single Effect Multi Causes. For
the other format, just make an opposite.

- Final thoughts:
suggestions for solution

GUIDELINES
PARAGRAPH

Transition signals: since, due to, thanks to, because,

because of, so, thus, then, therefore, consequently, for
this reason, as a result, and that is why, as a
consequence, as an effect of, on account of the fact
that, due to the fact that, in view of the fact that, owing
to the fact that, account for.

FOR

THE

INTRODUCTORY

Background information:
- mention the Effect
e.g.
Are you aware that 20 million people in Mexico
live on less than two dollars a day? Sixty million
people, half the Mexican population, live in poverty,
and 20 million of them live in extreme poverty. Most of
the time, garbage is their food, and some days, they
dont even eat anything.
Hook: say that the situation (effect) is resulted from
several causes.
e.g.
This critical situation in Mexico is caused by
individual, geographic and political factors.
Thesis statement:
-mention the Causes you are to clarify in the essay.
e.g.
The purpose of this essay is to analyze these
three main causes of poverty in Mexico.
___________________________________________

state

LANGUAGE ITEMS:

Sentence patterns for topic sentences:

There are several (causes of, reasons for, effects
of).[There are several causes of this type of
culture shock]
There are main reasons why .[There are four
main reasons why people in Dalat are tending to own a
land in the suburb of the city]
..has had (many, several, a few) important effects
on[My parents divorce has had several important
effects on my life].
.can (occur, happen, appear) for many
reasons, some (the three most prominent ) of which
are.[Teen drug abuse can occur for many
reasons, some of which are low self-esteem, lack of
parental guidance, and peer pressure.]

THE OUTLINE FORMAT

Introduction
Thesis statement
Body:
Paragraph 1:
Topic sentence 1:
mention the first Cause
Supporting sentences:
say how the cause affects.
say why the cause affects
say how to solve
present examples
Paragraph 2:
Topic sentence 2:
..
Paragraph 3:
Topic sentence 3:
..

your

mention the second Cause

mention the third Cause

Conclusion:
___________________________________________

University of Dalat, Department of Foreign Languages | Tran Thanh Hung, M.A.

Writing An Academic Essay 2010

ILLUSTRATION A:
The full essay:
The Causes of Poverty in Mexico

Topic:

The Causes of Poverty

in Mexico
Outlining
INTRODUCTION:
Thesis statement
The purpose of this essay is to analyze these three
main causes of poverty in Mexico.
BODY:
Paragraph 1: The first and immediate cause of
poverty in Mexico is the individual condition.
1.This cause refers to circumstances and
characteristics of poor people.
2. The lack of education is one of the most significant
factors that contributes to poverty.
Paragraph 2: The second cause of poverty has to
do with geography.
1. people who live in rural areas far away from the
cities are poorer.
Paragraph 3: The third and most significant cause of
poverty in Mexico is the political economy of the
country.
1. The government doesnt carry out enough policies
to encourage successful development.
2. The IMF and World Bank programs are supposed to
reduce poverty, but actually they are increasing it.
CONCLUSION:

Are you aware that 20 million people in Mexico live on

less than two dollars a day? Sixty million people, half
the Mexican population, live in poverty, and 20 million
of them live in extreme poverty. Most of the time,
garbage is their food, and some days, they dont even
eat anything. This critical situation in Mexico is caused
by individual, geographic and political factors. The
purpose of this essay is to analyze these three
main causes of poverty in Mexico.
The first and immediate cause of poverty in Mexico
is the individual condition. This cause refers to
circumstances and characteristics of poor people. For
example, the amount of education, skill, intelligence,
health, and prejudice all have an influence on poverty.
The lack of education is one of the most significant
factors that contributes to poverty. There is no access
to jobs for non-educated people.
The second cause of poverty has to do with
geography. For example, statistics show that people
who live in rural areas far away from the cities are
poorer. This is caused by the lack of communication
and transportation in remote rural areas. Because of
this, governments cant provide essential services
such as potable water, affordable food, primary health
care, and education. People who live there are totally
isolated from the rest of the society.
The third and most significant cause of poverty in
Mexico is the political economy of the country. The
International Monetary Fund and World Bankprescribed structural adjustment policies have been
applied in Mexico because the government doesnt
carry out enough policies to encourage successful
development. They cannot, for these international
institutions lend money to Mexico on the condition that
the nation open up its economy and cut social
expenditures to repay the loans. The IMF and World
Bank programs are supposed to reduce poverty, but
actually they are increasing it.
Unless the Mexican government works on the
causes of the poverty which are the individual
condition, the geographic factor, and the political
economy of the country, the problem is going to
get worse. Nobody likes to see poor children eating
out of garbage cans. Mexico needs a new political
economy designed by Mexican economists and
politicians, people who are committed to Mexico and to
the future of its society.

University of Dalat, Department of Foreign Languages | Tran Thanh Hung, M.A.

Writing An Academic Essay 2010

ILLUSTRATION B:

ILLUSTRATION C:

The full essay

The full essay

Over the past forty years, television sets have become

standard pieces of equipment in most homes, and
watching television has become a standard activity for
most families. Children on our culture grow up
watching television in the morning, in the afternoon,
and often in the evening as well. Although there are
many excellent programs for children, many people
feel that television may not be good for children. In
fact, television may be a bad influence on children
for three main reasons.
First of all, some programs are not good for
children to see. For example, there are many police
stories on television. People are killed with guns,
knives, and even cars. Some children might think that
these things could happen to them at any time.
Therefore, they can become frightened. In addition,
some youngsters might begin to think that violence is
a normal part of life because they see it so often on
television. They may begin to act out the violence they
see and hurt themselves or their playmates.
Second, television can affect childrens reading
ability. Reading requires skills and brain processes
that watching television does not. If children watch
television too many hours each day, they dont practice
the skills they need to learn how to read.
Finally,
television
may
affect
childrens
schoolwork in other ways. If they spend too much
time watching television, they may get behind in their
homework. Also, if they stay up to watch a late movie,
they may fall asleep in class the next day.
Consequently, they will not learn their lessons, and
they could even fail in school.
In conclusion, if children watch too much
television or watch the wrong programs, their
personalities can be harmed. Furthermore, their
progress in school can be affected. Therefore, parents
should know what programs their children are
watching. They should also turn off the television so
that their children will study.

Effects of Overpopulation in Mexico

By Luisa Moad
ITESM, Campus Queretaro

It's a fact that day by day population in Mexico is

increasing, and this causes many social, economic,
and pollution problems. The main purpose of this
essay is to discuss the three main effects of
overpopulation in Mexico.
The first major effect of overpopulation in Mexico
is unemployment. First of all, there aren't enough
sources of jobs in Mexico, so only the most prepared
people get a job. This is a great social and economic
problem because people who don't work get frustrated
and can't support their families.
The second effect of overpopulation in Mexico is
the low quality of public services. Natural
resources, like water or food, aren't enough for so
many people, so there is a lot of thirst and hunger in
the country. Also, the level of education is quite low
because there are a lot of children or young people
who must study, and there are not enough schools or
teachers. The same happens with health; hospitals
aren't capable of giving attention to all the people who
need it, so there are a lot of diseases.
The most significant effect of overpopulation in
Mexico is the high level of pollution. Because a
great number of people must go by car to their jobs at
the same time, amazing traffic jams are caused. This,
together with the noise caused by cars and people,
causes a great amount of pollution. Also, every day
people generate a lot of trash, and this pollutes both
water and ground.
All the effects of over population that I have said
make a cycle. For example, pollution causes
diseases, and these diseases can't be attended
because of the insufficient hospitals. That's why I think
that we must find a way to organize all the people who
live in this country, so we could live in a better
environment and have a better quality of life. We must
also learn to take care of the natural resources and
think of those who are coming. If we don't stop
spending our resources and polluting, the next
generations will have a huge problem. Finally, I think
that Mexico needs to generate more sources of jobs,
so everybody can work and satisfy their needs.

University of Dalat, Department of Foreign Languages | Tran Thanh Hung, M.A.

Writing An Academic Essay 2010

Given topics for cause-effect essays:
1-What are some effects of drinking caffeine products
such as cola and coffee?
2-Have you ever witnessed a disaster, such as an
earthquake, a hurricane, or a severe storm? What
were some effects of that disaster?
3-Give the causes for pollution in a particular area or
city.
4-Give the causes for your particular fear of
something.
5-Select a bad habit you have. Why do you have that
bad habit? (Just give the reasons why you have that
habit.)
6-What are some effects of smoking cigarettes?
7-Analyze the effects of a change in your life. For
instance, how has living away from home for the first
time affected you?
8-What are some effects of childrens viewing violence
on TV?
9-Choose a social problem like alcoholism, poverty, or
divorce, reasons why people like singing karaoke.
10-Discuss the effects of watching TV.
11-What are the negative effects of cigarettes?
12-What causes marriages to fail in our society?

University of Dalat, Department of Foreign Languages | Tran Thanh Hung, M.A.

Writing An Academic Essay 2010

WRITING COMPARISON
CONTRAST ESSAYS
1-Comparison Essays
2-Contrast Essays
3-Comparison & Contrast Essays
1-COMPARISON ESSAYS

Paragraph 2:
Topic sentence 2:
..
Paragraph 3:

the second similarity

Topic sentence 3:

the third similarity

Conclusion:
___________________________________________

(Discussion of the similarities only!)

GUIDELINES FOR CONCLUSION
GUIDELINES
PARAGRAPH

FOR

THE

INTRODUCTORY
Conclusion:

Background information:

- Restate the similarities

- Give your comments or say what you
have learnt from the similarities.

+ mention the entities you are going to compare.

e.g.

Recently, my husband, Marshall, discovered that

he had a half-sister named Jodi, who had been a family
secret over thirty years, was born and raised in Ohio.

+ summarize some of the contrasting

points.

(different)

e.g.
Some may think that because Brazil and the
United States are in different hemisphere, these two
nations have nothing in common.

Thesis statement:
mention the similarities.
e.g.

Although my husband and his sister have only

known each other for two years, they share mannerisms
and personalities.
On the contrary, they share many similarities.

___________________________________________
THE OUTLINE FORMAT
Introduction
Thesis statement
Body:
Paragraph 1:
Topic sentence 1:
the first similarity
+ mention the first entity (give examples)
+ use a comparing transitional device:
similarly, likewise, like, also, this can also be found
in ,in the same way as ., Ais also just as .as
B.
+ mention the second entity (give examples)

University of Dalat, Department of Foreign Languages | Tran Thanh Hung, M.A.

Writing An Academic Essay 2010

ILLUSTRATION A:

The full essay:

Marshall and Jodi: Nature versus Nurture.

Topic:
Comparisons of two persons of your acquaintance
Outlining
INTRODUCTION:
Thesis statement
Although my husband and his sister have only known
each other for two years, they share mannerisms and
personalities.
BODY
Paragraph 1:
Many of Marshalls mannerisms are the same as
Jodis.
+ When they speak, they both gain attention by using
hands and bodies to help express themselves.
+ Both of them show confidence and ability to control.
Paragraph 2:
The most obvious comparison between Marshall and
Jodi is their personalities.
+ They are both well-known for their wits, their pranks.
+ They are funny, outgoing and energetic.
CONCLUSION:
Outlining the Introductory Paragraph
Background information
- My husband is Marshall
- Jodi, who had been a family secret over thirty years,
is my husbands half-sister.
Thesis statement
Although my husband and his sister have only known
each other for two years, they share mannerisms and
personalities.

Recently, my husband, Marshall, discovered that he

had a half-sister named Jodi, who had been a family
secret over thirty years, was born and raised in Ohio.
After Jodi was introduced to the family, she decided to
move with her three children to our hometown so she
could get to know her father and half-sister siblings.
Although my husband and his sister have only
known each other for two years, they share
mannerisms and personalities.
Many of Marshalls mannerisms are the same as
Jodis. For example, when Marshall speaks, he gains
attention by using his hands and body to express
himself. Marshall, also has certain facial expressions
that I catch at a certain moment. Another of Marshalls
mannerisms is his confidence and control in his
movements. When Marshall enters a room, he has a
certain boldness about him and exudes confidence.
Jodi shows these same traits. For instance, when
Jodi speaks or wants to emphasize something, she,
has a devilish grin as if she is up to some mischief-the
same expression I see on Marshalls face. In the same
way as Marshall, Jodi moves with a confident and
carefree attitude. When they enter a room, everyone
knows it. They would make great politicians or
evangelists because they would have no problem
gaining millions of followers.
The most obvious comparison between Marshall
and Jodi is their personalities. Marshall is known for
his wit. He can be so funny at times that is great
entertainment. He is also known for his pranks.
Everyone in the Jones family knows to be aware. For
example, he will call his two sisters and mother on the
phone and disguise his voice as an irritating or
irrational person. Furthermore, he has an outgoing,
energetic disposition. He seems to know somebody
everywhere he goes. One time on a cruise to the
Bahamas, he ran into an old friend. I am convinced he
could go halfway around the world and see someone
he knows. Jodi can be just as witty as Marshall. She
also pulls pranks on family and friends. One time at a
barbecue Jodi left an old, gross-looking can of baked
beans on the counter for me to find. She knows how
important cleanliness is to me. When I gasped, What
are these for? she said, To bake tonight for diner.
Jodi is also just as outgoing as her half-brother. In the
past two years I have noticed that she has more
friends and knows more people than I do, and I was
born and raised in Florida. When Marshall and Jodi are
together, there is never a dull moment.
After observing Marshall and Jodi for the past two
years, their similarities are remarkable. My husband is
more like his half-sister than his full siblings. The
influence of genetics is unmistakable and amazing.

University of Dalat, Department of Foreign Languages | Tran Thanh Hung, M.A.

Writing An Academic Essay 2010

ILLUSTRATION B:

Nevertheless, it is important to remember that people

as a whole have more in common than they generally
think they do.

The full essay

Not As Different As You Think
All countries in the world are unique. They are different
from one another in location, size, culture,
government, climate, and lifestyles. However, many
countries share similarities. Some may think that
because Brazil and the United States are in different
hemisphere, these two nations have nothing in
common. On the contrary, they share many
similarities.
One important similarity is their size. Both Brazil
and the United States are large countries. Brazil
covers almost half of the South American continent.
Few Brazilians can say that they have traveled
extensively within its borders. Because of Brazils large
size, its weather varies greatly from one area to
another. Like Brazil, the United States takes up a
significant portion of its continent (North America), so
most Americans have visited only a few of the fifty
states. In addition, the United States has a wide range
of climates. While the Northeast is experiencing
snowstorms, cities like Miami, Florida, can have
temperatures over 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another similarity between Brazil and the United
States is the diversity of ethnic groups. Brazil was
colonies by Europeans, and its culture has been
greatly influenced by this fact. However, the identity of
the Brazilian people is not solely a product of Western
civilization. Brazil is a melting pot of many ethnic
groups that immigrated there and mixed with the native
people. The United States also has a diversity of
ethnic representing the early colonists from northern
Europe as well as groups from Africa, the
Mediterranean, Asia, and South America. The Mixture
of cultures and customs has worked to form ethnically
rich cultures in both countries.
Finally, individualism is an important value for
both Brazilians and Americans. Brazil works hard to
defend the concept of freedom of choice. Citizens
believe that they have the right to do and be whatever
they desire as long as they dont hurt others.
Individualism and freedom of choice also exits in the
United States, where freedom is perhaps the highest
value of the people. Some may believe that the desire
for individual expression is divisive and can make a
country weak. However, the ability of people to be
whatever they want makes both countries strong.
In conclusion, although Brazil and the United
States are unique countries, there are remarkable
similarities in their size, ethnic groups, and
personal values. Some people tend to believe that
their culture and country are without equal.

University of Dalat, Department of Foreign Languages | Tran Thanh Hung, M.A.

Writing An Academic Essay 2010

II-CONTRAST ESSAYS
(Discussion of the differences only!)
Just make an opposite of the comparisons format!
While in a comparison essay, similarities are
discussed, in a contrast essay, differences are to be
talked about.

+ The real focus of every Taiwanese school is passing

the university admission exam.
+ American educational institutions consider the
development of social and interpersonal skills as
important as the development of intellectual skills.
CONCLUSION:
The whole essay:

[Transitional devices: On the contrary, On the other

hand, In contrast, Unlike A, To an opposite extent,
However, Nevertheless, Otherwise, etc]
ILLUSTRATION:
Topic:

Education in the East and the West.

Outlining
INTRODUCTION:
Thesis statement
Because I have studied in both The USA and Taiwan,
I have seen several areas in which education in
Taiwan and education in the United States are
different.
BODY
Paragraph 1:
Students expectation in the classroom in Taiwan are
different from those in the United States.
+ In Taiwan, students are quieter and participate less
in class.
+ In the United States, students are encouraged to ask
questions, express their own opinions, and think for
themselves.
Paragraph 2:
There is a great disparity in the educational goals of
Taiwanese and American schools.
+ Taiwanese culture puts a strong emphasis on
university admission because getting into the right
university can guarantee future success.
+ The goals of the American educational system
include teaching students how to learn and helping
them reach their maximum potential.
Paragraph 3:
The last obvious difference between the two countries
educational systems is the role of extracurricular
activities such as sports programs and special interest
clubs.

Education in the East and the West

American have often asked me why I came from
Taiwan to study in the united States. They expect me
to say something like to learn English. However, to
me, coming here to study involves more than just
learning English. It involves an opportunity to
experience a completely different educational system.
Because I have studied in both countries, I have
seen several areas in which education in Taiwan
and education in the United States are different.
Students expectations in the classroom in Taiwan
are different from those in the United States.
Generally speaking, Taiwanese students are quieter
and participate less in class. They are not encouraged
to express their ideas unless asked. They are taught
that asking teachers a question is seen as a challenge
to the teachers authority. There is little emphasis on
developing student creative and thinking skills.
Students are expected to memorize everything they
are assigned. However, in the United States the
curriculum emphasizes individual thinking, group
discussion, and self-expression. Unlike their Taiwan
counterparts, American students are encouraged to
ask questions, express their own opinions, and think of
themselves.
In addition, there is a great disparity in the
educational goals of Taiwanese and American
schools. After twelve years of compulsory education.
Taiwanese students have to pass an entrance exam in
order to get into a university. The higher students
score on this test, the better the university they can
enter. Taiwanese culture puts a strong emphasis on
university admission because getting into the right
university can guarantee future success. As a result,
schools often teach to the test instead of providing
more moral, social, and physical education. In
contrast, the goals of the American educational
system include teaching students how to learn and
helping them reach their maximum potential. American
teachers give their students the freedom to think and
solve problems on their own; they do not merely
prepare students to answer questions for an entrance
exam.
The last obvious difference between the two
countries educational systems is the role of
extracurricular activities such as sports programs

University of Dalat, Department of Foreign Languages | Tran Thanh Hung, M.A.

Writing An Academic Essay 2010

and special interest clubs. Even though every
Taiwanese school claims that it pays equal attention to
moral, intellectual, and physical education, the real
focus is on passing the university admission exam.
Little emphasis is placed on activities outside of the
classroom. Teachers can even borrow time from
extracurricular activities to give students more practice
in the areas where they have weaknesses. On the
other hand, American educational institutions
consider the development of social and interpersonal
skills as important as the development of intellectual
skills . It is believed that by participating in these
outside activities, students can demonstrate their
special talents, level of maturity, and leadership
qualities.
In conclusion, education is vital to everyones future
success. While it may take ten years to grow a tree, a
sound educational system may take twice as long as
to take root. Although Taiwan and the United States
have different educational systems, both countries
have the same ultimate goal: to educate their citizens
as well as they can. This goal can be reached only if
people take advantage of all the educational
opportunities given to them. That is why I came to the
United States to study, grow and become a better
person.

University of Dalat, Department of Foreign Languages | Tran Thanh Hung, M.A.

Writing An Academic Essay 2010

III-COMPARISON & COMPARISON ESSAYS
(Discussion of both the similarities and the
differences!)
*********************************
There are two formats of this type:
If you get more similarities than differences, apply the
D-S-S format. (differences similarity similarity)
If you get more differences than similarities, apply the
S-D-D format. (similarities differences
differences)
The following guidelines are to be applied for the S-DD format, so for the D-S-S format, just take an
opposite.
*********************************
GUIDELINES
PARAGRAPH

FOR

THE

INTRODUCTORY

e.g. : On the contrary, we can see a lot of

differences .. / However, It is easy to recognize that
these two differ from each other in several aspects. /
On the other hand, the two ..differ from each other in
.,., . ]
Topic sentence:
the first difference
e.g. On the other hand, there are some great
differences between the traditional family and the
modern family The first important difference is in the
mans role.
Paragraph 3:
Topic sentence:

the second difference.

CONCLUSION:
___________________________________________
GUIDELINES FOR CONCLUSION
- Mention again both similarities and differences.
- Say clearly that the differences are more important.
- Give your own remarks, opinions. (not always
necessary!)

Background information:
+ mention the two entities
+ mention both similarities and differences.
Thesis statement:
declare clearly that you are to focus on the
differences.
[One way to do is to use a subordinate clause to
summarize the similarities followed by an independent
clause in which you present the differences.
e.g.
Although there are several similarities between
the traditional and the modern family, there are also
some very important differences.
While Myakka River and Hillsborough River
State Parks have much in common, they differ in size
and topography.]
___________________________________________
THE OUTLINE FORMAT
INTRODUCTION
Thesis statement
BODY:
Paragraph 1:
Topic sentence 1:
mention the similarities.
(List several similarities in this paragraph!)
Paragraph 2:
Transitional sentence
[Begin the transitional sentence with a transitional
device.

University of Dalat, Department of Foreign Languages | Tran Thanh Hung, M.A.

10

Writing An Academic Essay 2010

ILLUSTRATION:
Topic:

Outlining the Introductory Paragraph

The Changing American Family

Outlining

Background information
A generation or two ago, the traditional family, in
which the father was boss, was customary.
Now, the modern family, in which both the father and
the mother are equal partners, is more common.

INTRODUCTION:
Thesis statement
Although there are several similarities between the
traditional and the modern family, there are also some
very important differences.

Thesis statement
Although there are several similarities between the
traditional and the modern family, there are also some
very important differences.

BODY:
Paragraph 1: The traditional family of yesterday and
the modern family of today have several similarities.
- The traditional family was a nuclear family, and the
modern family is, too.
- The role of the father in both the traditional and
modern families was to provide for his family.
- The mother in the traditional family took care of the
childrens physical and emotional needs just as the
modern mother does.
Paragraph 2: (On the other hand, there are some
great differences between the traditional family and the
modern family.) The first important difference is in the
mans role.
- The traditional husband was the head of the
household.
- In modern family, both husband and wife share the
role of head of household.
- The traditional husband did not help his wife with the
housework or meal preparation.
- The modern husband helps in working wife at home.
Paragraph 3: The second difference is in the womans
role.
- In the traditional family, the woman may have worked
for pay during her first years of marriage.
- In many families today, the modern woman works
outside the home even after she has children.
Paragraph 4:
children.

The final difference is in the role of the

- In the traditional family, the children were taken care

of by the mother because she did not work outside the
home.
- Today preschool children may go to a child care
center or to a babysitter regularly because the mother
works.
CONCLUSION:

University of Dalat, Department of Foreign Languages | Tran Thanh Hung, M.A.

11

Writing An Academic Essay 2010

The full essay

The Changing American Family

The family is important to people all over the world
although the structure of the family is quite different
from one country to another. In the United States, as in
many countries in the world, the family is changing. A
generation or two ago, the traditional family, in which
the father was boss, was customary. Now, the modern
family, in which both the father and the mother are
equal partners, is more common. Although there are
several similarities between the traditional and the
modern family, there are also some very important
differences.
The traditional family of yesterday and the modern
family of today have several similarities. The
traditional family was a nuclear family, and the modern
family is, too. The role of the father in the traditional
family was to provide for his family. Similarly, the father
in the modern family is expected to do so, also. The
mother in the traditional family took care of the
childrens physical and emotional needs just as the
modern mother does.

The final difference is in the role of the children. In

the traditional family, the children were taken care of
by the mother because she did not work outside the
home. However, today preschool children may go to a
child care center or to a babysitter regularly because
the mother works. The school-age children of a
traditional family were more dependent. Their mother
was there to help them to get ready for school and to
make their breakfast. In contrast, modern children are
more independent. They have to get up early in the
morning and get ready for school. Their mother is busy
getting ready for work, so they may even have to make
their own breakfast.
In conclusion, the American family of today is
different from the family of fifty years ago. In the
modern family, the roles of the father, mother, and
children have changed as more and more women work
outside the home. The next century may bring more
important changes to the American family structure. It
should be interesting to see.

On the other hand, there are some great differences

between the traditional family and the modern family.
The first important difference is in the mans role.
The traditional husband was the head of the household
because he was the only one who worked outside the
home. If the wife worked for pay, then the husband
was not considered a good provider. In many families
today, both husband and wife work for pay. Therefore,
they share the role of head of household. In addition,
the traditional husband usually made the big decision
about spending money. However, the modern
husband shares these decisions with his working wife.
Also, the traditional husband did not help his wife with
the housework or meal preparation. Dinner was ready
when he came home. In contrast, the modern
husband helps in working wife at home. He may do
some of the household jobs, and it is not unusual for
him to cook.
The second difference is in the womans role. In
the traditional family, the woman may have worked for
pay during her first years of marriage. However, after
she became pregnant, she would usually quit her job.
Her primary role was to take care of her family and
home. In contrast, in many families today, the modern
woman works outside the home even after she has
children. She is doing two jobs instead of one, so she
is busier than the traditional mother was. The
traditional wife learned to live within her husbands
income. On the other hand, the modern wife does not
have to because the family has two incomes.

University of Dalat, Department of Foreign Languages | Tran Thanh Hung, M.A.

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Writing An Academic Essay 2010

Given topics for your own essays
1- Write an essay comparing and contrasting the city
dwellers and the country dwellers
2- Choose two people of your acquaintance; write an
essay about their similarities and differences. (Dont
write about two of your teachers at the University of
Dalat!)
3- Have you ever visited a place you had left a long
time ago and found it had changed considerably?
Write an essay comparing and contrasting the way it
was with the way it is now. Try to formulate a
controlling idea about the change. Have things
changed for the better? The worse?
4- Write an essay comparing-contrasting your parents
attitude toward something with your attitude toward it.
5-Write an essay comparing or contrasting two cities.
6-Write an essay comparing or contrasting two famous
persons (film stars, singers, sports players, politicians,
scientists, etc,)
7- Write an essay comparing-contrasting two products.
You may choose two cars, two cameras, two stereo
systems, two motorcycles, two mobiles, etc.

University of Dalat, Department of Foreign Languages | Tran Thanh Hung, M.A.

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Writing An Academic Essay 2010

WRITING AN
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
GUIDELINES
PARAGRAPH

FOR

THE

INTRODUCTORY

+ mention the issue you are going to defend.

+ summarize the opposing arguments (pros)
- Thesis statement:
+ say clearly that you are for or against.
One way to do is to use a subordinate clause to
summarize the opposing arguments (pros) followed by
an independent clause in which you assert your
position (cons)
e.g.: Although (Even though, Despite the fact
that) many people would argue that the military draft
should be required for all 18-year-olds in order to
toughen our young peoples bodies and minds as well
as to make for a strong defense, it should be
abolished because the tax money could be better
spent elsewhere than in setting up the expensive
draft and maintaining a peace-time army.
e. g. Although many young people would
argue that those who are old enough to vote, fight, and
die for their country are old enough to drive
responsibly, the drinking age should remain twentyone because of the dangers of alcohol-related
accidents and the lack of alcohol education
programs.
The pros and cons may also be stated in two
or more separate sentences.
e.g.: This issue of school uniforms is coming
under fire in the public school classroom as more and
more people believe that students have the right to
express their individuality through the clothes they
wear. Should public school students be allowed to
make individual decisions about clothing, or should
students be required to wear a uniform? School
uniforms are the better choice for three reasons.
___________________________________________
THE OUTLINE FORMAT
Introduction
Thesis statement
Body:
Paragraph 1:
Topic sentence 1:
The first argument (the first reasons why you say
should or should not)
-say WHY and HOW
-give at least an example to illustrate.
Paragraph 2:
Topic sentence 2:
The second argument (the second reason)

Paragraph 3:
Topic sentence 3:
The third argument (the third reason)
Paragraph 4:
(The step of acknowledging and opposing point and
refuting it!)
Topic sentence 4:
ideas.

mention

your

opponents

Conclusion:
___________________________________________
GUIDELINES FOR PARAGRAPH 4
[REFUTING STEP]
In the topic sentence,
opponents ideas:

you

mention

your

+say that the opponents ideas are not

completely correct.
[Use the modals: may, might, could, can,
would to weaken the opponents idea.
e.g.:

Opponents of gun ownership would say that.

The opponents of capital punishment might
say that..
Opponents of mandatory school uniforms may
say that.
Those who are against .. (opposing,
opposed) to a drinking age of twenty-one may
cite that
My opponents may argue that.]

then, use: However, Nevertheless to prove that

your opponents are not persuasive.
[ e. g: The opponents of capital punishment might
say that no one has the right to decide who should die,
including the government. However, when the
government sends soldiers to war, it is deciding
the fate of those soldiers who will die. As long as
the government has a right to send its citizens to a
battlefield, it has a right to put criminals to death.
Opponents of mandatory school uniforms say
that students who wear school uniforms cannot
express their individuality. This point has some merit
on the surface. However, as stated previously,
school is a place to learn, not to flaunt wealth and
fashion.]
GUIDELINES FOR CONCLUSION
Conclusion: - Restate the importance of the issue
you are discussing.
- Restate the arguments.
- Confirm your choice again (For or Against)

University of Dalat, Department of Foreign Languages | Tran Thanh Hung, M.A.

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Writing An Academic Essay 2010

ILLUSTRATION:
Topic:
Narrowing:

The full essay:

School Uniform
School uniforms should be or should
not be mandatory?
Should!

Outlining
INTRODUCTION:
School uniforms are better choice for
three reasons.
BODY:
Paragraph 1: Wearing school uniforms certainly
make students live simpler.
1.They would not waste time to choose what
to wear every morning.
2. Uniforms eliminate the stress of choosing
clothes.
Paragraph 2: School uniforms influence students to
act responsibly in groups and as individuals.
1. S.U helps students understand that school
is a special place for learning.
2.SU creates a feeling of being in a group.
3.SU have positive effects on violence and
truancy.
Paragraph 3: School uniforms make all the students
feel equal.
1. All students will look the same.
2. Students of weak financial situation can
gain self-esteem.
Paragraph 4: Opponents of mandatory uniforms
may say that students who wear school uniforms
cannot express their individuality.
1. School is a place to learn.
2. Students can express their individuality in
the way they dress outside of the classroom.
CONCLUSION:
(There are many benefits of implementing mandatory
school uniforms.)
Outlining the Introductory Paragraph
Background information
The issue of school uniforms is under fire in public
school classrooms.
Transitional Hook
Should public school students be
uniforms or not?

required to wear

Thesis Statement
School uniforms are better choice for three reasons.

The School Uniform Question

Individualism is a fundamental value in the United
States. All Americans believe in the right to express
their own opinion without fear of punishment. This
value, however, is coming under fire in an unlikely
place the public school classroom. The issue is
about school uniform. Should public school students
be allowed to make individual decisions about clothing,
or should all students be required to wear a uniform?
School uniforms are the better choice for three
reasons.
First, wearing school uniforms would help make
students lives simpler. They would no longer have to
decide what to wear every morning, sometimes trying
on outfit after outfit in an effort to chose. Uniforms
would not only save time but also would eliminate the
stress often associated with this chore.
Second, school uniforms influence students to act
responsibly in groups and as individuals. Uniforms
give students he message that school is a special
place for learning. In addition, uniforms create a feeling
of unity among students. For example, when students
do something as a group, such as attend meetings in
the auditorium or eat lunch in the cafeteria, the fact
that they all wear the same uniform would create a
sense of community. Even more important, statistics
show the possible effects that school uniforms have on
violence and truancy. According to a recent survey in
Hillsborough County, Florida, incidents of school
violence dropped by 50 percent, attendance and test
scores improved, and student suspensions declined
approximately 30 percent after school uniforms were
introduced.
Finally, school uniforms would help make all the
students feel equal. Peoples standards of
living
differ greatly, and some people are well-off while
others are not. People sometimes forgets that school
is a place to get an education, not to promote a
fashion show. Implementing mandatory school
uniforms would make all the students look the same
regardless of their financial status. School uniforms
would promote pride and help to raise the self-esteem
of students who cannot afford to wear stylish clothing.
Opponents of mandatory uniforms may say that
students who wear school uniforms cannot
express their individuality. This point has some merit
on the surface. However, as stated previously, school
is a place to learn, not to flaunt wealth and fashion.
Society must decide if individual expression through
clothing is more valuable than improved educational
performance. Its important to remember that school
uniforms would be worn only during school hours.

University of Dalat, Department of Foreign Languages | Tran Thanh Hung, M.A.

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Writing An Academic Essay 2010

Students can express their individuality in the way
they dress outside of the classroom.
In conclusion, there are many well-documented
benefits to implementing mandatory school
uniforms for students. Studies show that students
learn better and act more responsibly when they wear
uniforms. Public schools should require uniforms in
order to benefit both the students and society as well.
Given topics for your own essays:
1- Some people prefer large weddings with lots of
people, while others prefer small weddings with only
very close friends and family. Indicate which you prefer
and why.
2 What type of novel do you enjoy reading most? Use
reasons and examples to support your response.
3-Some students prefer to study alone, while other
students prefer to study with others. Indicate which you
prefer and why.
4-Some people work better during the day, while other
people work better at night. Which kind of persons are
you, and why? Use reasons and examples to support
your response.
5-Some people live for today, while other people live
for the future. Which type of person are you? Use
reasons and examples to support your response.
6-Some people like to visit new and different places,
while others prefer to remain in places they know.
Which type of person are you? Support your response
with reasons and examples.
7-Some people prefer to marry when they are young,
while others prefer to wait until they are older to marry.
Indicate which you think is better and why.
8-Some people believe that students should study
hard at college. Time spent playing sport is time
wasted. Others believe that sports have a part in
preparing students for future careers. Which point of
view do you agree with?

University of Dalat, Department of Foreign Languages | Tran Thanh Hung, M.A.

16