Image via WikipediaIn this post I'd like to dwell on the persuasive/argumentative essay which I find most interesting of all, because this type challenges the person's capacity to reason ... in other words, to convey their ideas in quite a sensible, sound and logical way.
The typical plan of such an essay includes the following stages:
1. Introduction (state the problem)
In the first paragraph we introduce the topic. In articles and compositions, we may use any of the following techniques to make the beginning more interesting to the reader:
- a reference to an imaginary scene or situation
- addressing the reader directly
- a rhetorical question
- a quotation
2. Arguments “for”
3. Arguments “against”
The main body usually consists of two paragraphs. One presents the points for the issue, along with our justifications or examples. The other presents the points against the issue with supporting sentences. (When we write about the pros and cons of an issue, we consider a topic from opposing points of view, outlining the advantages and disadvantages.)
4. Conclusion
In the final paragraph we give our opinion and/or a balanced summary of the topic. To make the ending of the composition more effective, we can use one of the following techniques:
- state a personal opinion
- give the reader something to consider
- use a quotation or rhetorical question
NB!!! 1) Do not include opinion words (I believe, I think, etc) in the introduction or the main body of compositions, reports and articles.
2)Pros and cons can be found in articles, compositions, reports or letters. The style of writing is usually semi-formal or formal.
2)Pros and cons can be found in articles, compositions, reports or letters. The style of writing is usually semi-formal or formal.
In a discursive composition, ideas should be linked with appropriate linking words and phrases. Examples of these include:
To list and add points:
Firstly/In the first place/To start/begin with ...; Secondly/In addition/Furthermore/Moreover/Besides...; Thirdly/Finally/Last; Last but not least; etc
To introduce or list advantages:
The first/main/most important advantage of...;
One/Another/An additional advantage of ...;
One point of view in favour of...; It is often suggested/believed/argued that...;
Some/Many people suggest/feel/argue that...; etc
To introduce or list disadvantages:
The main/most important disadvantage/drawback of...; One/Another/An additional disadvantage/negative effect of...; One point/argument against; etc
To introduce examples/reasons/results:
For example/instance; such as; like; in particular; therefore; for this reason; because; as; since; as a result; etc
To show contrast:
On the other hand; However; still; but; Nonetheless; Nevertheless; Although; Even though; Despite/ In spite of (the fact that); etc
To introduce a conclusion:
In conclusion; To conclude/sum up; All in all; Finally; Last; All things considered; Taking everything into account/ consideration; etc
Task1. Fill in the blanks with the following words:
• such as • In addition • Another negative effect
• To begin with • On the one hand • As a result
• On the other hand • All things considered • Finally
Can you imagine life without computers? Whether in the office, school or at home, computers have become an indispensable part of our everyday existence. Yet, have the changes they brought about really been for the better?
1) ....................................., the benefits of computers cannot be denied.
2) ....................................., they save valuable time and space. Time-consuming tasks,
3) ..................................... checking bank accounts, can now be done in a matter of minutes and large amounts of information are economically stored on tiny disks.
4) ....................................., with immediate access to the Internet, they allow us to explore the world from the comfort of our homes.
5) ....................................., we car keep up-to-date with global and current issues.
6) .............................., computers provide entertainment, for instance in the form of amusing games.
7) ....................................., there are also disadvantages with the computer age. Computer technology may progress rapidly, but machines still make mistakes. It is not uncommon for computers to suddenly crash, deleting whole files of essential information.
8) ..................................... of computers is that people easily become dependent on them. How often do we youngsters spending all their free time in front of the computer, isolating themselves from other people their age?
9) ....................................., it seems to me that computers are admirable tools that improve the quality of life, but only when used sensibly. No matter how advanced a machine is, it can never replace a human being.”
2) Answer the questions:
1 What are the topic sentences in the main body paragraphs? Underline them and suggest other appropriate ones.
2 What are the supporting sentences?
3 What technique is used to start/end the essay?
To list and add points:
Firstly/In the first place/To start/begin with ...; Secondly/In addition/Furthermore/Moreover/Besides...; Thirdly/Finally/Last; Last but not least; etc
To introduce or list advantages:
The first/main/most important advantage of...;
One/Another/An additional advantage of ...;
One point of view in favour of...; It is often suggested/believed/argued that...;
Some/Many people suggest/feel/argue that...; etc
To introduce or list disadvantages:
The main/most important disadvantage/drawback of...; One/Another/An additional disadvantage/negative effect of...; One point/argument against; etc
To introduce examples/reasons/results:
For example/instance; such as; like; in particular; therefore; for this reason; because; as; since; as a result; etc
To show contrast:
On the other hand; However; still; but; Nonetheless; Nevertheless; Although; Even though; Despite/ In spite of (the fact that); etc
To introduce a conclusion:
In conclusion; To conclude/sum up; All in all; Finally; Last; All things considered; Taking everything into account/ consideration; etc
Task1. Fill in the blanks with the following words:
• such as • In addition • Another negative effect
• To begin with • On the one hand • As a result
• On the other hand • All things considered • Finally
Can you imagine life without computers? Whether in the office, school or at home, computers have become an indispensable part of our everyday existence. Yet, have the changes they brought about really been for the better?
1) ....................................., the benefits of computers cannot be denied.
2) ....................................., they save valuable time and space. Time-consuming tasks,
3) ..................................... checking bank accounts, can now be done in a matter of minutes and large amounts of information are economically stored on tiny disks.
4) ....................................., with immediate access to the Internet, they allow us to explore the world from the comfort of our homes.
5) ....................................., we car keep up-to-date with global and current issues.
6) .............................., computers provide entertainment, for instance in the form of amusing games.
7) ....................................., there are also disadvantages with the computer age. Computer technology may progress rapidly, but machines still make mistakes. It is not uncommon for computers to suddenly crash, deleting whole files of essential information.
8) ..................................... of computers is that people easily become dependent on them. How often do we youngsters spending all their free time in front of the computer, isolating themselves from other people their age?
9) ....................................., it seems to me that computers are admirable tools that improve the quality of life, but only when used sensibly. No matter how advanced a machine is, it can never replace a human being.”
2) Answer the questions:
1 What are the topic sentences in the main body paragraphs? Underline them and suggest other appropriate ones.
2 What are the supporting sentences?
3 What technique is used to start/end the essay?
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