AGAINST) 3 MAIN PARTS: 1. INTRODUCTION 2. BODY 3. CONCLUSION Argumentative essays present both sides of a problem or issue. They discuss the points for (advantages) and against (disadvantages) the particular subject. Each point must be supported by various examples or statistics. YOU as a writer should present your opinion in the final paragraph. 1. INTRODUCTION: - paragraph 1 - introducing the topic WITHOUT stating your opinion 2. BODY PARAGRAPHS: - PARAGRAPH 2 arguments FOR with justifications/reasons/examples - PARAGRAPH 3 arguments AGAINST with justifications/reasons/examples
-studying the topic from opposing points of view, presenting borth sides of an argument with the same objectivity and with appropriate and detailed justifications (examples, reasons) 3. CONCLUSION: - paragraph 4 - your opinion or balanced view of the topic TIPS FOR SUCCESFUL WRITING 1. make a list of points for and against BEFORE you start writing an essay 2. use a formal style 3. use appropriate transitional words/phrases (to list and add points, to introduce advantages, to introduce disadvantages, to introduce examples/reasons, to show contrast, to introduce a conclusion) 4. use opinion phrases ONLY in the concluding paragraph TRANSITIONAL WORDS AND PHRASES TO LIST POINTS: to begin/start with, in the first place, secondly, thirdly, finally... TO ADD MORE POINTS TO THE TOPIC: also, furthermore, what is more, in addition to, besides...l TO LIST ADVANTAGES: the first/main/most important advantage of/argument for; another/one/a further/an additional advantage of; it is often suggested/believed, thgoughts/argued that...; many/some people argue/believe/suggest/feel that... TO LIST DISADVANTAGES: the main/most important disadvantage/drawback of/argument against; another/an additional disadvantage of; some/many people are against... TO INTRODUCE EXAMPLES/REASONS: for example/instance, like, such as, because, since, therefore, for this reason... TO SHOW CONTRAST: however, although, even though, nevertheless, nonetheless, in spite of, despite, but... TO CONCLUDE: to conclude, in conclusion, to sum up, finally, lastly, all in all... GIVING OPINION: in my opinion/view...; my opinion is that...; it is my belief/opinion/view...; it seems/appears to me...; as far as I am concerned...; I think/feel/believe... BASIC CORRECTING CRITERIA 1. TASK COMPLETION to what extent did the student do the task (prompt development, structure)? 2. COHERENCE AND COHESION how easy is it to follow the writers flow of ideas, how well does the writer use cohesive devices, including paragraphing, to link his/her ideas? 3. VOCABULARY range and accuracy 4. GRAMMAR range and accuracy - 160 190 words 1 point - 130 159 words 2 points - 100 129 words 3 points - 50 99 words 4 points - short forms (contractions) are counted as one word -the word count does not include repetitions and enumerations - an essay should have 200 250 words - it should be completed and copied within 75 minutes MY CHECKLIST - I have written between 200 and 250 words. - I have clearly organized the text into paragraphs. - I have written and introduction, a body and a conclusion. - I have clearly stated the main idea of each body paragraph. - I have supported each main idea with explanations and/or examples. - Body paragraphs are of approximately the same length. - I have summarised the main point and/or given my opinion in the conclusion. - I have used linking words. - I have kept the question in mind.