Lsp404 How To Write An Argumentative Essay New

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 Argument essays seek to state a position

on an issue and give several reasons,


supported by evidence, for agreeing
with that position.

 Argumentative essays are, at their core,


pieces of writing that aim to convince
the reader of the writer’s own opinion.

 It is also known as Persuasive Writing.


 The 1st step in the process of writing.

 Extremely important because it provides the


ideas from which to write an essay

 There are three strategies which are commonly


used:
› Brainstorming or Stimulating Ideas
› Fishboning
› Straightforward Outline
 Focus
your mind on the topic
attempted.
 Write
down whatever enters your
head on the subject.
 Beabsolutely non-judgmental. No
ideas should be taken lightly or
discarded easily.
 Helps you to form connections between
your thoughts.

 Write the topic on the left of your page


and draw a horizontal line across. This line
is the backbone (represents the Thesis
Statement).
 From the backbone, you will represent
your ideas on the topic (called the Topic
Sentences) by drawing in line to
represent sub-topics.
 Question: Many fresh graduates think that
happiness means having a lot of money.
Do you agree?
› Example-

Agree
or XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Conclusion
Disagree

 Key:
XXXXXXX Thesis Statement
Topic Sentences
Supporting Ideas/Examples/Explanations
 Yes, I AGREE that many fresh graduates think that
happiness means having a lot of money because
…. (WHY YOU AGREE)

OR
 No, I DISAGREE that many fresh graduates think
that happiness means having a lot of money
because …. (WHY YOU DISAGREE)
Introduction

Body paragraphs

Conclusion
BODY
INTRODUCTION CONCLUSION
PARAGRAPHS
• Introduce the • Make a claim • Summarize
topic • Present topic the main
• State your sentences ideas
stand • Elaborate • Restate your
CLEARLY your ideas stand/thesis
• Present a • Provide and statement &
thesis explain topic
statement examples. sentences
 Theintroduction is usually one
paragraph that introduces the
topic to be discussed and the
central idea of the essay which is
the thesis statement.
 The essay is controlled by one
central idea and it is called the
thesis statement. The thesis
statement expresses the writer’s
attitude, opinion or idea about
the topic/question.
 Government surveillance is harmful.
Do you agree?

› Government surveillance programs,


such as PRISM, should be banned
because they invade civil liberties,
lead innocent people to suffer unfair
punishments, and ultimately fail to
protect the citizens that they are
designed to safeguard.
 China’s one-child policy led to
unintended and negative
consequences. Do you agree?

› China’s one-child policy was


intended to help control population
growth; however, it led to unintended
and negative consequences, such as
a diminishing labor force, an aging
population, and an unbalanced
gender population.
 The thesis statement should be
expressed in a complete sentence. It
shouldn’t be written as a question.

 What are the factors that contribute to


air pollution in our country?

 The increasing numbers of factories,


vehicles and agricultural activities have
greatly contributed to the air pollution
problem in our country.
A thesis statement should be clear
and specific.

 Homesickness is terrible.
Homesickness can lead to depression,
academic difficulties dan social behavioral
problems.
A thesis statement should express an
opinion, attitude or idea. It should not
express a fact.

 Electricity is a phenomenon arising from


the existence and interaction of electric
charge.

 Electricity is one of the greatest aids to


modern living.
A thesis statement is NOT an
announcement of the topic.

 I am going discuss the effects of


radiation.

 Exposure to very high levels of


radiation can cause severe health
effects such as acute radiation
syndrome, cancer and cardiovascular
disease.
Expressing opinions
In my opinion…
In my view…
As I see it…
I believe that…
I’d like to point out that…
I think…
As far as I’m concerned
1. Begin with a general
statement about the topic
and then work toward the
more specific thesis
statement at or near the end
of the introduction.
 General

Specific
(Thesis Statement)
2. Begin with a definition of a
term that is important to your
topic.

3. Begin with a question.

4. Begin with an interesting


fact or statistic.
5. Begin with a quotation or a
dialogue.

6. Begin with an incident.

7. Begin with an anecdote / tale


/ story.
 The body of your essay is where
your evidence is presented and
tied in to your argument. Each
body paragraph should seek to
further prove the central theme
you put forth in your thesis
statement.
 Thebody paragraphs should
each begin with A TOPIC
SENTENCE that drives the rest of
the paragraph, and relates
back to the thesis statement.

 Besure to include transition


words between paragraphs to
ensure a nice flow to your
writing.
 Sincebody paragraphs for an essay
should be centered around one main
idea that relates the thesis, creating a
clear topic sentence is helpful for both
the writer and the reader.

 Forthe writer, a topic sentence makes


it easier to stay on topic and develop
the main idea without getting off
track.
 Forthe reader, topic sentences
announce what the paragraph will
be about and demonstrate how
different paragraphs and ideas are
connected to each other.
A topic sentence generally appears
early in a body paragraph (often the
first or second sentence) and controls
the paragraph.
A topic sentence is like a mini thesis
sentence for each paragraph and
serves to unify the contents of the
paragraph.

 Everythingthat follows in the


paragraph needs to relate to the
topic sentence.
 Most beginning writers should learn
how to write effective topic sentences
early on in order to achieve
paragraph unity.

 Itis also important that all topic


sentences relate to the thesis
statement. This allows for the essay to
have greater unity and focus.
 Thesis Statement:
› In order to succeed in the
classroom, college students
need to utilize the resources
available to them throughout
their academic careers.
 Topic sentence 1:
› One important resource that all college students
should utilize for success is tutorial services.

 Topic Sentence 2:
› Another important resource for student success
is frequent use of the library.

 Topic Sentence 3:
› In addition to using tutoring services and the
library, college students should consult with their
advisor on a regular basis to monitor success
and make necessary changes when needed.
 This paragraph concludes the
thought developed in the essay. It
is the closing word.
 Your conclusion paragraph should
neatly wrap up your argument
and evidence, calling the reader
back to your original thesis
statement.
A good way to conclude your
writing is to restate your thesis
statement or central idea in a
different way, making sure to
include the main points you
made in your paper.

 Italso should be a summary of


the three main points from the
body of the paper.
 Make sure that your reader is left
with an impression or something to
think about in relation to your topic.
This a sign of a very strong
argumentative essay.

 Give your reader a final statement


that signals that the discussion has
come to an end. (This final
statement may be a "call to action"
in an persuasive paper.)
Paragraph 1: • Thesis Statement
• Agree OR Disagree
Introduction
Paragraph 2: • Topic Sentence 1 (Point 1)
• Supporting Details/Examples/Illustrations
Developing I
Paragraph 3: • Topic Sentence 2 (Point 2)
• Supporting Details/Examples/Illustrations
Developing II
Paragraph 4: • Topic Sentence 3 (Point 3)
• Supporting Details/Examples/Illustrations
Developing III
Paragraph 5: • Restate and rephrase Thesis Statement
• Restate and rephrase Topic Sentences 1, 2 & 3
Conclusion
 Discusswhat contributions
engineers can make to lessen the
effects of natural disasters such as
floods, earthquakes and tsunamis,
on the lives and properties of
people. In about 350 words, give
reasons and examples to support
your discussion.
 ‘Engineerstoday have to
increasingly work together with
professionals in other fields such as
computer scientists, planners,
designers and architects.’ In about
350 words, discuss the topic, and
support your discussion with reasons
and examples.
Many people think
that violent video
games are dangerous
to teenagers. Do you
agree?
Gay couples are
under the threat of
HIV more than
straight pairs. Do
you agree?
Convicted sexual
predators should
be sentenced to
death. Do you
agree?
Inestablishing a
relationship, age
matters. Do you
agree?
Can the
development of our
country be
improved if
companies hire
overseas engineers?
Childrenwith
special needs must
be home-schooled.
Do you agree?
Ahealthy mind is
more important
than a healthy
body. Do you
agree?
Abortionshould be
treated as a crime.
Do you agree?
Can human beings
still develop even
without the
internet?
Lack of education
is the leading cause
of poverty in
society. Do you
agree?
Can artificial
intelligence replace
teachers at school,
doctors in the hospital
and housewives at
home?
Many university graduates are unable to
find employment after graduation.
Reasons for this may range from
mismatched qualifications to poor
presentation of application letters and
resumes. It has been suggested that
technology be used to improve chances
of employment.
 Inyour opinion, how can university
graduates use technology to secure a
job?
 Do an OUTLINE on the question below:
› ‘MONEY IS KING. DO YOU AGREE?’

 Make sure you have your Thesis


Statement & Topic Sentences.

 Use the OUTLINE template from my


elearn.

 Submit your work via GD in Week 6

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