1 UNIT II

Poem: Punishment in
Kindergarten
Kamala Das

Pre-reading Activity
Doyou remember your school days?
Do you have happy memories of your school days or unhapPy ones?
What was the best thing about your school life? What was the worst?
How was your relationship with your teachers?
Were youever punished by your teacher? How did you feel?
Were you ever rewarded or praised by your teacher? How did you feel?
Were you an introvert or an extrovert in school? What are you now?
Do you like being alone, in a small group, or among lot of people?
Do you recall any incident from your school picnics? Is it a happy memory or a
painful one?
Kindergarten is a school for young children below the age of five. Do you think the
teachers in general are adequately trained to deal with children of such atender age?
Justifyyour response.
Psychologists suggest that our childhood experiences shape our adulthood personality.
Do you think we can ever grow completely out of or forget our childhood?
About the Author
Born in the Malabar region of Kerala, the life of Kamala Das (1934-2009), like her work,
was marked by several twists and turns. She shot into popularity with her confessional
mode of poetry, hitherto considered the domain of Western poets like Svlvia Plath and
wrote candidly, making forays into the emotional lives of women. Her first book of poetry,

21
22 English in Use: ATextbook for College Students
Summer in Calcutta, came out in 1965, but it was her 1973 collection The Old Play House
and Other Pocms that brought her wide recognition. Her autobiographical work My Story
(I9/6) and her experiments with prose received great applause. She was deeply intluenced
by her mother, Balamani Amma, and she published many short
stories and
Malayalam under the pen name "Madhavikutty". Drawing upon religious and novels
in
domestic
imagery to explore a sense of identity, Das writes about intensely personal experiences,
including her growth into womanhood. "Punishment in Kindergartern" is one such poem
that dranmatises the traumathat she had
undergone in school.
About the Poem
Kamala Das reveals in her
a picnic to Victoria Gardensautobiography
that the poem is based on her experience during
in Calcutta. While she was alone near a hedge,
were playing. The insensitive teacher chided her for being alone. the other girls
childhood hurt with a sense of matured detachment. The poem She ruminates over the
the present, childhood innocence and adult juxtaposes the past and
experience, the sharp
blurred images of people. Although the poet declares that there ismemory of pain and the
that picnicday", the very fact that she recalls the "no need to remember
is far from experience vividly shows that the pain
so
forgotten.
Punishment in Kindergarten
Kamala Das

Today the world is a little more my own.

No need to remember the pain
Ablue-frocked woman
caused,
Words at me like pots and pans,throwing
to drain
That honey-coloured day of peace.
"Why don't you join the others, what
A peculiar child you are!
On the lawn, in clusters, sat my
schoolmates sipping
Sugarcane, they turned and laughed;
Children are funny things, they laugh
In mirth at others' tears, Iburied
My face in the sun-warmed hedge
Andsmelt the flowers and the pain.
 23
Pocm: Punishmentin Kindergarten

The words are muffled now, the laughing

Faces only a blur. The years have
Sped along, stopping briefly
Atbeloved halts and moving
Sadly on. My mind has found
An adult peace. No need to remember
That picnicday when Ilay hidden
By a hedge, watching the steel-white sun
Standing lonely in the sky.

Glossary
drain /drein/:To make something empty
peculiar /pi kju:liY(r/: Unusual; odd; strange; different from what is normal
cluster /klasta(r: A group of similar things or people appearing closely together; a bunch.
mirth m3:0/: Amusement; gladness (expressed in laughter)
hedge hedz/: A fence or boundary formed by bushes
of some
muffled /maf(Y) ld/: (Sound) made quieter, softer and difficult to hear because
obstruction; muted.
blur bl3:(r)/: Something that cannot be seen or heard clearly

Comprehension I
more my own". What does
1. The speaker of the poem says, "Today the world is a little
she mean?
did shedo?
2. Who was the "blue-frocked woman" and what
Find
3. The poet uses several expressions such as "blue-frocked" and "honey-coloured".
outwhat such hyphenated words are called and how they are used.
4. Why was the speaker clled a "peculiar" girl? What was peculiar about her behaviour?
How was she expected to behave?
5. The speaker says the "children...laugh in mirth at others' tears". Do you agree with
the statement? Justify your response.
6. Look at expressions such as "throwing words... like pots andpans", "smelt the flowers
and the pain". Can you really 'throw words' or 'smell pain'? Poetry often uses such
figurative language. Find out the difference between literal and figurative language.
7. The speaker says "'words are muffled" and "faces only ablur". What is she referring to?
What does she mean?
24
English in lUse: ATextbook for College Students

8. What do the lines "The years...Sadly on" mean? How is the

meaning of these lines
related to the "adult peace" that the speaker claims to have found?
9. The speaker says that there is "no nced to remember" in the first as
well as the last
Stanza of thepoem. Is she referring to the same things on both occasions or is there a
difference in the meaning?
10. In the last stanza, the sun is remembered as being
"lonely". Is it in any way related
to the speaker's owncondition described in the first stanza? Reflect on the difference
between being 'lonely' and being 'alone' and between 'loneliness' and 'solitude'.

Comprehension I
1. What is the central idea of the poem?
How does the poet express it?
2. Summarise the speaker's experience on apicnic
day when she was in kindergarten.
3. Discuss the larnguage arnd images used in the
poem to express the emotions of the
speaker.
4. The title of the poem is
"Punishment in Kindergarten". What was the 'punishment'
given to the girl? And whydid she consider it a punishment?
5. Explain the difference between the
speaker who is recounting the incident and the girl
who experienced it.
6. While recollecting the picnic day, the
speaker remembers some things clearly and
others only vaguely. What are the things she is able and unable to forget?
7. The speaker repeats that there is no need to
remember that picnicday. Do you think
she would ever be able to forget it? Discuss the
possibilities either way.
Post-reading Activity
Speak about yourself as a child and as an adult. Describe the
in your personality. differences and similarities
Recollect ahappy or unhappy incident from your school days. Write
why you still remember it. about it. Explain
Discuss how childhood experiences have a lasting effect on our
personality.
 2

Prose: Toasted English

RK Narayan

Pre-reading Activity
" What doyou usually toast?
What is toasting?
What happens to a slice of bread when you toast it?
How is toasting different from roasting?
How many words can you think of that rhyme with
toast?
What is 'proposing a toast?
What does it mean when someone is called The toast of... '?
What does a 'toastmaster' do?
What is a "Toastmaster's Club'?

About the Author

Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami, better known as RKNarayan (1906-2001),
is one of India's finest writers in English. Aprolific writer,
Narayan published nearly 60
books in his writing career spanning over 60years. Besides 15 novels, he wrote
short stories, essays and an autobiography. Most of his stories are set in numerousa
fictional, semi-urban South Indian town that he created. His writing is 'Malgudi',
characterised by
genial humour, gentle irony, and "compassionate realism". Some of his novels (Swani
and Friends, Mr Sampath, The Financial Expert, The Guide, The Vendor of Sweets) and short
stories have been adapted into films and television series. Narayan received
numerous
awards and honours, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, Padma Bhushan and Padma
Vibhushan, He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1989, and his tenure in the Upper
House is best remembered for his fervent appeal to make the school bag lighter and restore
to children the joys of childhood.

25
26
Englislh inLIse: ATextbook for College Students
About the Essay
"loasted English" is taken from Narayan's collection of essays titled Reluctant Guru (1974),.
In this essay, Narayan records some of his impressions of America during his stint as a
Visiting P'rofessor at an American university in 1969. He notices how Americans have
adapted the English language to suit their needs and how, as a result, American English
is different from its British counterpart. He concludes the essay by underlining a similar
need toevolve a form of Indian English that respects the norms of the language and yet
responds to our cultural context.

Toasted English
RK Narayan

In the American restaurants they call for "Toasted English', referring to English muffins
which, though being made in America, now retain English' as a sort of concession to their
origin. The same may be said of their language too. Americans too went through a phase
of throwing out the British but retaining their language and letting it flourish on American
soil: the resultant language is somewhat different from its British counterpart; it may be
said to have gone through a process of 'toasting.One noticeable result of this toasting is
that much of the formalism surrounding the use of English has been abandoned.
In America, they have freed the language from the stifling tyranny of
Voice. Where we would say ceremoniously "Trespassing Prohibited', their the Passive
noticed in the parks of Berkeley, merely say, Newly Planted, Don't Walk'.signboards, as I
No Parking' leaves no room for speculation, and no motorist need Or'Absolutely
spend too
peering out and studying the notice. In a similar situation our authorities aremuch time
plant a twenty-line inscription on the landscape to say, 'Under Municipal Act solikely to
this area has been reserved, etc. etc., and any vehicle stationed and so
thereon will be deemed to
havecontravened subsection soand so of the Motor
Vehicles Act, etc. etc.' I saw on many
American office doors just Do Not Enter. The traffic signs at
mince words; they just say 'Go' or Wait'. In a Hollywood studio, pedestrian crossings never
I
read 'Mark Stevens-Keep oue. Mark Stevens is a busy television was rather startled to
Iike to bedisturbed by visitors. Incidentally, it left me personality who did not
wondering why, if Mr Stevens does
not like interruptions, he shouldannounce his name at allon the door! But it is one of the
minor mnysteries that make travel through that country soengrossing.
The 'toasting' of English has been achieved through other means also.
evolved certain basic key words which may be used anywhere, anyhow, Americans have
words which
have universal, mutli-purp0se use. I may make my point clear if Imention the example
of the word 'check' which may safely be labelled the American National Expression
While British usage confines it to its bare dictionary definitions, the American uses it
 27
Prose: Toasted English

anywhere, this expression being so devised that one may blindly utter it and still hnd
that it is appropriate for the occasion. I'll check' means I'llfind out, investigate,examine,
SCrutinise, verify or probe. ^Your check' means your ticket, token or whatever you may
have to produce. 'Check room' is where you leave your possessions for a while. Check
girl is one who takes care of your coat, umbrella or anything else you may leave n
custody. Check in' and Check Out' (at first I heard it as 'Chuck Out and felt rather
disturbed) refer to one's arrival in a hotel and departure there from. And there are scores
of other incidental uses for the word. If you are ever hard-up for a noun or a verb you
may safely utter the word 'check' and feel confident that it will fit in. Fabulous' is another
word that is used in that country freely, without much premeditation. Of course everyone
knows what fabulous means, but the American usage has enlarged its sense. I found a
lady in Wisconsin declare 'Oh, those cats of mine are fabulous', meaning that they were
eccentric. "Oh, so and so, he is fabulous!' may mean anything from a sincere compliment
to an insinuation that so and so displays a mild form of charming lnacy.
'OK is another well-known example. It is the easiest sound that ever emanated from
the human vocal cords. Everyone knows how comprehensive its sense can be. 'Okay is a
self-sufficient word which needs no suffix to indicate any special respect for the listener; it
can stand byitself without a 'Sir'to conclude the sentence. In this respect, it is like Yeah'
which seals off asentence without further ado. Yes sir', or Yes, darling' is conceivable but
Yeah sir' or Yeah darling' is unthinkable. Yeah' is uttered in a short base-of-the-tongue
grunt, which almost snaps off any further continuation of a sentence. Yes' involves time
as the sibilant could not prolong.
The refinements of usage in countries where English has a bazaar status are worth
a study. On a London bus you will never hear the conductor cry, Ticket, Ticket'. He
approaches the passenger and says "Thank you' and on receiving the fare says Thank you,
sir', I found out that one could calculate the number of passengers in abus by halving
the total number of Thanks' heard. In any Western country if a receptionist asks 'Can I
help you?' it really means "Hlave you any business here, if so, state it. " Or it may mean,
'Evidently you have wandered off into awrong place, go away.' Aman who wants to pas
you always says' Excuse me',while he may with all justice burst out, What do you mean
by standing there gaping at the world while you block everybody's passage? Stand aside,
man!' When you send your card in, the busy-man's secretary appears and whispers in
your ear, "Would you like to wait? Though the tone is one of consultation, you have really
no choice in thematter. The thing to do isnot to answer the question but say 'Thanks' and
look for a comfortable seat in the waiting-room, although you may feel likesaying, No,I
wouldn't like to wait. Ihave other things to do'.
The time has come for us toconsider seriously the question of a Bharat brand of English.
.]So far English has had a comparatively confined existence in our country-chiefly in
the halls of learning,justice or administration.Now the timeis ripe for it to come to the
dusty street, market-place and under the banyan tree. English must adopt the complexion
28 English in Use: ATextbook for College Students
mongrelisation of the
of our life and assimilate its idiom, Iamn not suggesting here a we heard,
days when
language. Iam not recommending that we should go back to the willrespect the rule of law
particularly in the railway. "Wer Ugoin,man?" Bharat English stamp on it unmistakablv,
a Soadeshi
and maintain the dignity of grammar, but still have
like the Madras handloom check shirt or the Tirupati doll. [...J

Glossary
it refers to the changes in the
toasted /taust'ed/: Made brown and crisp by heating. Here,
English language.
muffin /mafin: Small, cup-shaped bread
formalism /fT:r.mYl.I.zm/: Strict attention to outward forms or rules
stifling / sta1fl1n: Suffocating;making one feel oppressed
tyranny /tirYni: Unjust or oppressive use of power
ceremonious /ser.i'mYu.ni.as/: Excessively formal or polite
not to mince words: To speak plainly and frankly
chuck /tfak/ out: To throw someone or something out
scores of other uses: A 'score' is 20 people or things (as a dozen is 12); the plural 'sCores
meanS many
insinuation hn's1njueit/: An indirect hint
vocal /vaUk'! cords : The two pairs of folds in the larynx that enable us to produce sounds
sibilant Isib. al.Ynt/: Having or making a hissing sound (e.g. 's, 'z, 'sh etc.)
where English has a bazaar status: Where English is the language of the common people
idiom /idiYm/: The language of a people, region etc.
mongrelImangr°Visation: Cross-breeding; mixing breeds or varieties indiscriminately
Comprehension I
1. "Americans too went through a phase...".Why does the author use too»? Which other
country is he referring to and what did the country do?
2. "...much of the formalism...has been abandoned".According to the author, in which
country does formalism surround the use of English? And in which country has it
been given up?
3. In the first paragraph, the author directly and indirectly refers to the use of English in
three different countries. Which are the three countries?
4. Howhas English changed in America asa result of 'toasting'?
5. "...America...freed the language from the stifling tyranny of the Passive Voice".
Where, according to the author, does the tyranny still persist?
 29
Prosc: Toasted English
exactly 20
6. "In asimilar situation...atwenty-line inscription". Does he actually mean
lines? If not, what does he really mcan?
7. In the second paragraph, the author contrasts the use of Englishin America
with that
of another country. Which is that country?
S. In all, how many American'key words' does the author mention in the third and
fourth paragraphs?
9, In thethird and fourth paragraphs, the author discusses the use of English in which
country/countries?
10."lna London bus...ticket, ticket".Where will youhear this andwhy?
11. What are expressions such as "Thank you" and "Excuse me" examples of?
12. Who, according to the author, has used English so far in India?

Comprehension I|
1. Naravan refers to muffins at the beginning of the essay. Does he say anything more
about them later in the essay?What is the real subject of the essay and how is the title
related to the subject?
2. What, according to Narayan, are the features of American English?
3. According to Narayan, what are the differences in theuse of English among America,
Britain and India?
4. Discuss Narayan's attitude towards American English.
5. Explain the various waysin which Narayan makes the essay humorous.
6. How and when, according to Narayan, will a Bharat brand of English emerge in India?
7. What, according to Narayan, should be the character of a Bharat brand of English and
how will it acquire that character?

Post-reading Activity
This essay was written in 1974. Do you think that we now have a Bharat brand of
English'? Write about your own views on Indian English, its features and its character.
Speak about your ownimpressions on the ditferent varieties of English that are spoken
in India.
Narayan says that Americans use certain keywords "anywhere" and anyhow".,
Discuss with others the use, misuse and abuse of "key words" (such as 'cool, chill',
'awesome,totally') by the Indian youth.
Conducta group discussion onthe status of English in India and its relation toother
Indian languages and to Indian life and culture.
1 UNIT III
Essay Writing: Discursive
Essay, Argumentative Essay
An essay is perhaps the most common form of writing that a student
encounters during
their academic life and later, in the process of securing
important for students to understand what an essay is and learnemploymernt. It is, therefore,
a well-balanced essay. Sometimes, even the technique of writing
well-written essays by students fail to meet the
expectationsof examiners because they seem to lack an awareness of the
the genre of essay that was assigned to them. requirements of
The word essay comes into the English language from
"to examine,try, test or weigh".This Latin through French, and it means
etymology helps us understand the essential quality
of an essay: that an essay is an attempt to test or examine one's ideas about a
subject. Essay writing involvesa number of skills: close particular
contrast, persuasion and exposition. Essays should be reading, analysis, comparison and
purpose and direction. There is no room in an essay for concise and should have clarity in
or stray from their purpose. the writer's thoughts to wander
There are four main types of essays:
expository) and argumentative (also known narrative, descriptive, discursive (also known as
essay genresare the discursiveand as persuasive). Of these, the
most common
these two types of essayS. argumentative essays. In this unit, we will learn about

Readthe following essay.

Discursive Essay
The English Advantage
English today is considered the world's leading
million people speak the language all over the international language. More than 400
language of international trade and world, and increasingly, it is also the
commerce, communication,
business, diplomacy,
38
 Essay Writing: Discursive Essay, Argumentative Essay 39

tourism and technology. However, despite English being the "subsidiary official language"
of India, agood command over the English language is still a major challenge for many
Indian students. Hence, it is necessary for students to realise the importance of Engisl
and strive to gain proficiency in it.
English has become the link language not only outside India, but also within the
cOuntry. Firstly, in an age of increasing globalisation and migration within the country
andoutside, English isalanguage ofempowerment. Prospective employers at home and
abroad also seem to prefer students who not only have subject knowledge and technical
Skills, but also agoodcommand over the English language.
Secondly. governments are increasingly using technology to reach citizens and make
services available to them online. With basic knowledge of technology and some farmiliarity
with English, citizenscan take advantageof these initiatives and save themselves from the
drudgery of spending long hours in queues at offices and payment counters. Avoiding
human interface will also drastically cut down the chances of corruption.
Thirdly, thanks to the revolution in inormation and communication technologies, an
ocean of information is nowavailable on the internet. With increased internet connectivity,
this information becomesaccessible to everyone. However, since most of this knowledge
is available in English, those with proficiency in the language enjoy aclear advantage.
The major beneficiaries of the ICT revolution would be students with acommand over the
English language as they could go well beyond their textbooks ard widen the horizons of
their knowledge.
The English language, thus, offers a window to the world'. It facilitates mobility both
within and outside the country. Greater proficiency in the English language helps one
gain access to the vast resources on the internet, which will, in turn, enhance knowledge
and create greater awareness. Moreover, proficiency in the English language will also help
people participate in the modernisation and digitalisation process. This will eventually
enable India to emerge as an advanced and developed country. Thus, one can conclude
that by gaining greater proficiency in English, students can not only help themselves, but
they can also contribute to the nation's progress.

Explanation
Youjust read an essay on the advantages of gainingproficiency in the English language. This
is an example of a 'discursive essay'. A discursive essay is one that involves discussion. A
discursive essay requires the writer to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on
theidea and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner. The
exposition can be accomplished through comparison and contrast, definition, example,
the analysis of cause and effect, and so on.
40
English in Use: A Textbook for College Students

The Writing Process

Any piece of writing involves three stages--pre-writing, writing and post-writing. Follow
this
pattern to write good and effective essays.

The Pre-writing Stage

This can be further split into various steps/sub-tasks:
Step 1: Think and brainstormn on the given/selected topic.
Step 2: Jot down the ideas that emerge from the
thinking/brainstorming.
Step 3: Make an outline of the structure and select the
conclusion. You may label the ideas jotted down as "Tableideasintroduction,
of Contents".
body, and
I. Introduction: Clearly state the topic to be
paragraph).
discussed, often with a topic sentence(one
I. Body: Clearly state points and
paragraphs. exemplify/justify them in(one or three) separate
II. Conclusion: Summarise or conclude by
restating your ideas(one paragraph).
Step 4: Check the following:
All the points you wanted to make have been
included.
There is no point that is not
There are no repetitive ideas.necessary/irrelevant.
Think again, cross-check, add/delete if
necessary.
The Writing Stage:The First Draft
The following are some useful tips for
Use astyle/tone appropriate to the
writing effective essays:
apresentation of ideas, facts in a kind of essay being written. (A discursive essay is
logical, neutral and balanced tone.)
Use an impersonal and formal style.
Avoidcontractions (e.g., 'aren't', 'he's' etc.),
and so on. short forms, idioms, colloquial
Avoid strong,emotional language (e-g., "T
expressions
Avoidover generalisations (e.g., "All love English", "Ihate exams" etc.).
Avoid clichés, proverbs etc. (e.g., students lack writing skills").
"Slow and steady wins the
Use reliable sources of information for race").
reference.
Be neutral and make gerneral statements even if one differs in opinion.
Use
linkers/connectives/discourse
sentences and paragraphs.
markers to bring out the logic, connect the
 Essay Writing: Discursive Essay, Argumentative Essay 41

Use, lf aPPropriate, a direct or thought-provoking question, a quotation or a striking

statement to begin the essay.
Post-writing Stage
After the first draft, do some basic
sentence construction, etc. editing-check spellings, grammar, vocabulary,
Check for topic sentence.
Check for cohesion and effectiveness through the
use of
Check against the outline prepared in Stage I and the draftconnectors.
of Stage II to check whether
all the points are covered.
Check the length, style, points covered and add or delete to make it
Write the final draft. effective.

Look at the writing process ofthe essay "TheEnglish Advantage".

Step 1 and 2: Brainstorming and jotting down ideas:
1. Access to the internet
2. Advantages of proficiency in English
3. Benefits of technology
4. Development of the nation
5. Digitalised India
6. Employment opportunities
7. English as the language of the internet
8. Globalisation
9. Information explosion
10. IT revolution
11. Knowledge and awareness
12. Language of empowerment
13. Link language
14. Mother tongue influence
15. Personal and national benefits
16. Problems of Indian users of English
17. Resources on the internet
18. Spread of English
19. Technology and corruption
20. Use of technology
42 English in Use: A Textbook for College Students

Step 3: Outline
Prepare an outline by identifying the ideas that go into each part of the essay. You may
TOlOW any method that vou are comfortable with. Here is one method as an examnple:
I. Introduction: Paragraph 1: Ideas 17, 20, 8
II. Main Part:
Paragraph 2: 13,9, 12, 6
Paragraph 3: 19, 3, 18,
Paragraph 4: 10, 1, 16, 7
III. Conclusion: Paragraph 5: 2, 11, 14, 5, 4, 15
Step 4: Post-writing
Check whether the topic sentence is clear and concise: "It is necessary for students
to realise the importance of English and strive to gain proficiency in it".
Check whether connectives ('firstly', 'secondly' etc.) and conjunctions (thus',
however', 'moreover',etc.) are used effectively. (To appreciate the importance of
connectives and conjunctions, try reading the essay by omitting them and note the
difference.)
Remember that by the end of the essay, the advantages of gaining proficiency in English
should become clear.

The Structure ofa Discursive Essay

The Five-paragraph Essay
The five-paragraph approach is perhaps the most common, but not the only, method for
writing a discursive essay. It consists of the following:
1. An introductory paragraph
2. Three body paragraphs (comprising supporting evidence)
3. A conclusion
Thestructure of a discursive essay
comprises the following comnponents:
1. Aclear and concise thesis
statement in the first
Thesis statement is ashort, direct sentence that paragraph of the essay.
point or the claimn of the essay. A thesis summarises the central idea, the main
gives direction to the essay and controls statement is not merely a statement of the topic. It
the ideas within the essay.Often, also reflects
it
the opinion or judgment of the writer and
expect in the body of the paper (e.g., "It is also functions inform the readers what to
to
of English and strive to gain necessary for students to realise the importance
andexplained in the body ofproficiency in it "). Athesis statement is
developed,
the essay by means of examples and evidence. supported
 Essay Writing: Discursive Essay,
Argumentative Essay 43

, Body paragraphs that include evidential support

Each paragraph of the essay should discuss only
one main idea. This will not only give
clarity arnd direction to the essay, but also enhance its
raph in the body of the essay must be logically readability. Please note that each
the opening paragraph. connected to the thesis statement in
Cince students are often required to write
test or an examination) that donot allowW discursive essays in situations (such as a
ba research findings or statisticaldata as referring tosources, they are not expected to
kor to obiective and verifiable sources ofevidence. However, it would help if students can
information to support their thesis statement.
. Aconclusion that does not simply restate the
thesis but readdresses it in the light of
the evidence provided.
The conclusion of the essay is as important as the
paragraph motivates the reader to read further, thebeginning because while the opening
reader is most likely to remember after completing theconcluding paragraph is what the
essay. Therefore, the conclusion
shouldbe strong and logical. No new information should be introduced in the
Instead, synthesise the information presented in the body of the essay and conclusion.
conclusion on the topic. arrive at a
While writing the discursive essay according to the preceding
the importance of logical transitions between the structure, keep in mind
introduction, body and conclusion.
Without logical transitions, the essay will appear like a list of ideas
instead of being a
coherent composition.
Exercisel
1. Define the termn 'essay', list the types of essays and
explain the features of a discursive
essay.
2. Explain the pre-writing, writing and
3. Describe the structure of a
post-writing stages of a discursive essay.
five-paragraph discursive essay.
Exercise ll
Write discursive essays on the
following topics.
Duties of a good citizen 7. India's plural culture
2. Education as
Privatisation empowerment
3. 8. Meaningful life
of education 9. India since independence
4. True friendship
10. Globalisation and its impact
D. Technology and human
6. Peaceful coexistence relationships 11. Protection of biodiversity
12. Nature and its
importance
44 English in Use: ATextbook for Colege Students

Argumentative Essay
The process of writing an argumentative essay, or any essay for that matter, is the same as
that of a discursiveessay. The basic structureintroduction, main body and conclusion
too remains the same. However, the purpose of writing an argumentativeessay is different
trom that of writing adiscursive essav. A discursive essay is a presentation of facts/1deas
On a subject in a balanced and objective way (even if the topic is a debatable/con troversial
one). An argumentative essay, on the other hand, requires the writer to take astand on an
1SSue. The purpose of the argumentative essay is to persuade the reader--by presenting
facts, statistics,evidence etc.-on a given topic. Hence,it is also called a 'persuasive essay'.
An argumentative essay involves research, investigation, collection, analysis and
evaluation of data, a literature survey (that is, a survey of the work done previously)
and so on. Thus, the basic difference between the discursive and the argumerntative essay
lies in the pre-writing tasks, that is, in the amount of information that is required to be
gathered beforewriting the actual essay. Only after an extensive study or research and
weighing the different points of view can the writer of an argumentative essay arrive at a
comprehensive understanding of the subject and take a clear stand on an issue. The data/
evidence collected during the study/research/survey will enable the writer to present
their argument forcefully and convincingly.
The following are some of the differences between discursive and argumentative essays:
Discursive Essay Argumentative Essay
The purpose is to 'inform' the reader of The purpose is to 'persuade' the reader
all the relevant issues related to a topic. about the writer'sstandpoint.
All sides of the argument are treated All sides of the argument are
equally and presented without bias. considered, but one side is favoured
more than the others.
The writer remains neutral, objective The writer is involved and has a
and detached from the subject. personal opinion on the subject.
Different points related to the subject Different points related to the subject of
of the essay are presented sequentially the essay are presented in a way that
and according to their importance. suits and supports the writer's line of
argument.
Keep the following points in mind while writing an argumentative essay:
Even while taking a stand on an issue, the writer needs to present both sides of
the argument. In fact, it is good to present as many differing views on the topic as
possible. Considering and presenting differing points of view on the topic shows
the writer's knowledge as well as maturity. Therefore, both pros and cons of an
issue/argument/point under debate should be included.
 45
Essoy Writing: Discursive Essay, ArgumentativeEssay
The conclusionof an argumentative essavis unlike that of a discursive essay. It 1s
not a restatementof ideas.After presenting ideas that are conflicting both tor and
against in the main body of the cssav, the writer re-addresses the topic/issue n
the final paragraplh and makes their position clear.
The Structureof an Argumentative Essay
Whilethe basic structure of an argumentative essay is similar tothat of adiscursive essay,
the following points need to be kept in mind:
In the introductory paragraph, the writer may start with a general statement on
the given topic, but by theend of the paragraph, the argument should be narrowed
down to ensure that the thesis /topic statement is in line with the writer's position.
In the body of the essay, from the second paragraph onwards, the writer can either
present all the cons in one paragraph and refute them with all the pros in the next
paragraph, or the other way round.
The role of linkers and cohesive markers is important in effecting a smooth
transition of ideas within the paragraph and among the paragraphs.
Conclusion should be logical and effective and should arise out of the arguments
provided in the preceding paragraphs.
Even though it is an argumentative essay, the writer 's tone should remain logical
and balanced. The writer should not use an emotional or personal tone, except for
expressing individual opinion orclarifying the stand taken.
Look at three possible structures of an argumentative essay.
Structure I
Para 1: Introduction
Para 2: Supporting argument1
Para 3: Supporting argument 2
Para 4: Opposing argument or arguments with refutations
Para 5: Conclusion
Structure II
Para1: Introduction
Para 2: Opposing argument or arguments with refutations
Para 3: Supporting argument 1
Para 4: Supporting argument 2
Para 5: Conclusion
Structure III
Para 1: Introduction
Para 2:Opposing argument l and refutation
Para 3: Opposing argument 2 and refutation
46
Engitshin Use: ATextbook for College Students
ara 4 Opposing argument 3 and retutation
Para 5: Conclusion
Ke2d the tollowing argumentative essav and observe the points mentioned.

Games and Violence

introduction: Computer games have seriously caught the attention of Mass Media and
now adavs every channel considers its dutv to remind people how much damage these
games caUse to children and adults. The increasing amount of games with violent scenes
SoCk the siet and makes it ver aware of them. It is already common knowledge that
v20lent gams cause iolence in people. This fact is not even doubted by the majoritv of
peopie. Every other person says that the reason lies in games being too cdose to reality.
Ihe opinion that games make violent actions normal for the plaver and therefore make
he plaver pitiless can be often heard. Ih this case, the game is the cause of violence and
the act oi violence br itseliis a consequence. And can real-life violence exist in the
realitv
of a game? Is the transfer of the definition of "violence" with all its
peculiarities from one
worid to another justifñed onlv according to the external similaritv of these two worlds?
Games originallv are entertainment. Contemporarv games are verv realistic and for
this
reason thev are asource of great experience for the plaver and develop the
Games are entertainment and even more than that. n addition, the imagination.
statistics of the New
York Lniversitv lead bv Green and Bavelier claim that the
get an improvement of some tvpes of brain activity, plaver preferring active games
related to the
information. In particular game plavers cope with problems of processing of visual
several moving objects at the average level of 30%. better simultaneouslv tracking
actirecomputer video games. The gaming iolent than people who do not play
violent behaviour in realitv. None of the plaving experience may not be the cause of
maxing important decisions conceming problems experierne will become the prioritv in
in ral life. A game is an
plavergets abstract tasks and acts abstraction. A
to be however a person wants to acconding to abstract rules. Games are also the possitbilitv
be and to st from the
what if aperson gets so much exited outside world tor some time. But
with the game scenes that he
reali? Then. it proves that the ganmes cause becomes violent in
moment. right at this point. Those who do not people to beome violent. Let us stop for a
make the conciusion ofpresene ot partiipate in this tvpe of activity usuallv
violene in the game-world.
Conclusion: Nob will ever this kind of
those who know the rules ot the hear statement from those who plav, trom
game and understand that it is just
pSvchologicallv healthv person will nevercontuse or onnet these a virtual world. A
two
Visual images rerv similar to human.dittenent
A game is 2 vintual world with worlds.
represent bv themselrs nothing but simple plaving These imas
give the opportunitr to destror the obstacles that obstacles Agame mav potentiall
mav not be destroved acodin to
 47
Essay Writing: Discursive Essay, Argumentative Essay
the rules but it ismore about personal choice- whether to doit or not. This leads us to the
Conclusion that violence is not a coonsequence but the cause. People who are originally
prone toviolence may get irritated by games and perform violence in the "real worla .
But m this case, violence in games is asimple justification of the violent nature or
the player.
(Source: http://custom-essays.org/samples/Games_ and_Violence.html)

In theabove sample essay, you can observe the following:

Para 1

Topic sentence/thesis statement in the introduction: "The increasing amount of games

with violent scenes socks the society and makes it very aware of them. It is already
common knowledge that violent games cause violence in people".
Para 2
Facts arnd arguments about games-entertainment, stimulus to the brain, New York
University research findings etc.
Para 3
Other arguments about reality versus virtual world and the clinching argument: "People
whoare originally prone to violence may get irritated by games and perform violence in
the real world".

Points to Remember
1. Choose an apt title for the essay if not provided. The title is important because it
conveysthe main idea of the essay.
2. Brainstorm, prepare an outline and develop the thesis statement. These are important
preliminary steps.
3. Use linkers to connect ideas within the essay.
4. Start and end, if you wish, with a quotation, statement or a rhetorical question to make
the essay impressive.
5. Remember the three stages of writing: pre-writing, writing, post-writing.
6. Get your facts right.
7. Be balanced /unemotional/ impersonal in tone.
8. Use simple language and appropriate vocabulary and eliminate grammatical errors.
9. Use separate paragraphs (generally, one paragraph for one idea) for different ideas
and link them.

10. Pay attention to editing in the post-writing stage.

48
English in Use: ATextbook for College Students
Exercise I
1. Explain the features of an argumentative essay.
2. Compare and contrast discursive and
argumentative essays.
3. Describe the structure of a three-paragraph
argumentative essay.
Exercise Il
Using either thethree-paragraph or thefive-paragraph method, develop the
hints into argumentative essays and give following
suitable titles.
1. Treating women as objects- -Patriarchy: women as
portrayal of women in popular cinema, media andproperty-Popular culture:
women as impure and inferiorViolence in society and advertisementsReligion:
Need for gender violence against women
sensitisationTeaching
stereotypes--Awareness through non-violent behaviour-Changing gender
education.
2. Lack of family time
devicesInternet, smartDistractions-Modern age communication technologies and
phones and selfie-mania-Sleep
Behavioural changes Radiation risks- Unrealistic disorders-Accidents
technological progress. aspirations-Increasing
Social cost of economicand crime
Exercise III
Using either the
three-paragraph
essays on the following or the
five-paragraph method, write
1. topics.
Should schools do away with argumnentative
2. Do ends always homework?
3. Can one use
justify means?
4. Is science
western gadgets but remain unaffected by
always right? western culture?
5. Should
government schools and hospitals be made
and politicians?
6. Is the right to
mandatory for government officials
7.
privacy
sacrosanct?
Should private coaching institutions be banned?
8. Is the law always
just?
9. Should religion play any
10.
role in publiclife?
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