ESSAYS

ESSAYS
I.

How to Write an Argument Essay

There are five main steps in writing argument essays.

Step 1: Read the question

Read the question. Decide what kind of essay it is opinion, compare/contrast, problem and solution, cause
and effect, or a mixture. The type of question will decide the layout and your ideas, but if you are not sure
about which type of essay it is, dont worry too much about the type.

Step 2: Underline key words

Underline key vocabulary in the question and write words with the same or related meaning. This will really
save you a lot of time later on It will also help you to avoid repeating words and show that you understand the
question.

Step 3: Get Ideas

Decide if you are for or against the idea. Usually it is best to give both sides (for and against one paragraph
each) and then to give your opinion in the conclusion. However there are other ways of laying out your essay.

Step 4: Decide Layout

You should decide on a layout. The easiest is 3773. That means four paragraphs: introduction(3 sentences) one
side (7 sentences), the other side (7 sentences) and the conclusion (3 sentences). This will give you 20
sentences. An average of about 12 words each, that is 240 words. Perfect!

Step 5: Write!
After you have written your plan, write your essay. Follow the steps in this website for writing the introduction,
body, and conclusion. Check for fragments, run-ons and comma splices.

II.

Vocabulary

1: Read and Underline Key Words

Should governments spend money on space exploration, or should they spend the money on problems here
first?

2: Write Down Other Words with the Same Meaning

Governments = nations, countries, authorities, politicians

Spend = allocate, give, allot, provide, budget, make available, waste, award
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Space exploration = space program, trips to the moon, the international space station, planets, planetary
voyages
Money = budgets, taxes, resources,
Problems = concerns, issues, worries, disasters, threats, threatening, war, famine, poverty, education,
homelessness, drugs, global warming
Here = on earth, in our own countries, closer to home, in developing countries, foreign aid

3: Use Your New Words in the Introduction

With many global concerns such as war, poverty, hunger and pollution, many people do not think that nations
should waste money on exploring space. (One side) However, others are convinced that expenditure on space
programs is justified. (Other side)

4: Add a Thesis
With many global concerns such as war, poverty, hunger and pollution, many people question whether nations
should waste money on exploring space. However, others are convinced that expenditure on space programs is
justified. This essay will examine some arguments for and against space exploration. (Thesis)

III. Parts of an Essay

Essays, like sandwiches or burgers, are divided into different parts. These parts are the:
Introduction
Body
Conclusion

The Introduction
The introduction opens the essay. It is a short paragraph usually about THREE sentences. In an argument
essay, it usually describes or summarizes both sides of the present situation and says what you are going to do
in your essay.

The Body
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The Body is the main part of the essay. In an argument essay, it is divided into two or three paragraphs, giving
your opinion and reasons.
Each paragraph in the body is between FIVE and SEVEN sentences long.

Conclusion
The Conclusion is the end of the essay. It is a short paragraph about THREE sentences. It often has the same
idea as the Introduction, only in different words.
Some people think of the essay as a sandwich. The Introduction and Conclusion are the bread, and the Body is
the filling in the center. If the introduction looks good, people will carry on to the body. Hopefully, the
conclusion will leave them with a nice taste in their mouth

IV.

Essay Layout

There are basically two ways to layout or organize your paragraphs

3773 a four-paragraph essay
35553 a five-paragraph essay
3773 Layout 4 paragraphs
35553 Layout 5 paragraphs

The number refers to the number of sentences in each paragraph.

3773 means
a 3-sentence Intro
a 7-sentence para
a 7-sentence para
a 3-sentence conclusion

35553 means
a 3-sentence Intro
a 5-sentence para
a 5-sentence para
a 5-sentence para
a 3-sentence conclusion

The 3773 layout is a total of 20 sentences.

At about 12 words per sentence, this makes

The 35553 is a total of 21 sentences. At

about 12 words per sentence, this adds up
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240 words.

V.

to 252 words.

The Introduction

One easy way to write the introduction for an argument or opinion essay is to write THREE sentences:

two about the topic

one thesis sentence

You can write either Situation or Opinion introductions. Theres not much difference between them.

Situation Introductions
Write two sentences to describe the two sides of the present situation. The third sentence the Thesis
sentence will describe what you are going do in your essay.

Sentence 1: One side of the present situation

Sentence 2: The other side of the present situation

Sentence 3: Thesis: What you are going to do in your essay

Who should take care of our old people?

Sentence 1

In my country, most old people live happily with their children

Sentence 2

Increasingly, however, many families cannot take care of their

parents

Sentence 3
(Thesis)

This essay will describe some of the problems involved with

taking care of old people, and discuss who should be responsible.

Does Aid to Poor Countries Work?

Sentence 1

For the last fifty years, poor countries have been receiving huge
sums of money from rich donor countries.

Sentence 2

Some of this money has improved lives, while much of it has

disappeared or made no difference.

Sentence 3
(Thesis)

In this essay, I will discuss some arguments for and against

foreign aid.

Should dangerous sports be banned?

Sentence 1

Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in sports

such as boxing or motor-racing.

Sentence 2

Because of this, many people are opposed to such sports, and

want them to be stopped or controlled.

Sentence 3
(Thesis)

This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against
banning dangerous sports.
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Opinion Introductions
In this kind you give two opposite opinions in the first two sentences. The third sentence says what you are
going to do.

Does space exploration benefit mankind? (1)

Sentence
For

Many people are excited about space exploration.

Sentence
Against

However, others feel it is a massive waste of money

Sentence 3
(Thesis)

This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against
space exploration.

Does space exploration benefit mankind? (2)

Sentence
For

Space, for many people, really is the final frontier. They are
excited by the exploration and potential of space.

Sentence
Against

However, not everyone agrees that this money is well-spent.

Many people feel that we should solve problems here on earth
before beginning our journey to space

Sentence 3
(Thesis)

This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against
space exploration.

Do Athletes Deserve Their High Salaries?

Sentence 1

Everyday, we read about new record contracts and salaries

earned by sportsmen and women. Some people do not agree with
these huge payments

Sentence 2

Others believe that our sports heroes deserve every penny.

Sentence 3
(Thesis)

This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against the
high salaries of athletes.

As well as situation or opinion introductions, you can use the following variations:

Past and Present: One sentence about the situation in the past, one about the situation today.

Here and Elsewhere: One sentence about the situation in one place, one sentence about the situation or
problem in another place.

You and Other People: One sentence about what most people do or think, one sentence about what you
believe, or do, or feel.
Finally, if you are having problem thinking about an introduction, leave some space (enough for three or four
sentences) and write or type it later AFTER you write the body or conclusion.

VI.

The Body: Use Paragraphs!

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Two words: Use Paragraphs! Students who dont have paragraphs fail!
The body of the essay should ALWAYS be divided into paragraphs. Never write just one long paragraph. Why?

The white space makes your essay easier to read.

Having paragraphs shows that you have (probably) put related ideas together.
How many paragraphs in the body? Either two paragraphs (3773) or three (35553).

When do I use 3773 or 35553 layouts?

When do I use two paragraphs or three paragraphs in the body? When do I use 3773 or 35553? It depends on
your ideas.

Use TWO paragraphs (3773) if you are giving both sides of the argument or situation one paragraph
for, and one against (or the opposite).

Use THREE paragraphs if you are only giving one side.

So

Use TWO paragraphs (3773) to agree in one paragraph and then disagree in the second paragraph.

Use TWO paragraphs (3773) to disagree in one paragraph and then agree in the second paragraph.

Use THREE paragraphs (35553) if you are agreeing in all three paragraphs.

Use THREE paragraphs (35553) if you are disagreeing in all three paragraphs.
Finally, even if you are completely confused and your ideas are all mixed up, you should still make a
paragraph. Just skip a line somewhere. Your essay will be easier to read.

VII. Conclusions: Examples

Here are some examples of conclusions. A good conclusion will:

rephrase the question

summarize the main ideas

give your opinion, if you havent given it already

look to the future (say what will happen if the situation continues or changes)
but will NEVER add new information.

Should we test products on animals?

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I agree that we need to make sure that animals who are used for testing new products have the minimum of
suffering. However, I am convinced that animal testing is necessary, and that it will continue to benefit humans in
new and wonderful ways.

Should we beat children?

In conclusion, physical punishment can be a useful method of discipline. However it should be the last choice for
parents. If we want to build a world with less violence we must begin at home, and we must teach our children to be
responsible.

Who are the better parents men or women?

I think this is not an either/or question. Both men and women have strengths and skills that are important for
childrens psychological growth. We need to ensure that both parents play an important role in the family in order
to give children a good start in life.

Who learns quicker adults or children?

Finally, I feel that we cannot generalize about children or adults being better learners. It depends on the situation
and the motivation of the person, and the level of enthusiasm he or she has for learning.

Should dangerous sports be banned?

In summary, our society would be healthier if more people took part in sports of all kinds. We should continue to try
to prevent accidents and injuries. However, we should also ensure that sports are challenging, exciting, and, above
all, fun.