This document provides a template for writing argumentative essays that agree or disagree with a statement. It includes an introduction with a paraphrased question, thesis statement indicating agreement/disagreement, and outline of main points to discuss. The body includes two supporting paragraphs with topic sentences, explanations, and examples. The conclusion restates the thesis and main points without introducing new information. A similar template is provided for problem-solution essays, outlining an issue, stating the main problem and result, then proposing a solution.
This document provides a template for writing argumentative essays that agree or disagree with a statement. It includes an introduction with a paraphrased question, thesis statement indicating agreement/disagreement, and outline of main points to discuss. The body includes two supporting paragraphs with topic sentences, explanations, and examples. The conclusion restates the thesis and main points without introducing new information. A similar template is provided for problem-solution essays, outlining an issue, stating the main problem and result, then proposing a solution.
This document provides a template for writing argumentative essays that agree or disagree with a statement. It includes an introduction with a paraphrased question, thesis statement indicating agreement/disagreement, and outline of main points to discuss. The body includes two supporting paragraphs with topic sentences, explanations, and examples. The conclusion restates the thesis and main points without introducing new information. A similar template is provided for problem-solution essays, outlining an issue, stating the main problem and result, then proposing a solution.
In some countries an increasing number of people are suffering
from health problems as a result of eating too much fast food. It is therefore necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food. To what extent do you agree or disagree? With this type of essay we have two choices: Paragraph 1- Introduction 1. We agree with the statement or; It is argued that governments should levy a tariff on junk food 2. We disagree with the statement because the number of health risks associated with consuming this Sentence 1- Paraphrase Question kind of food is on the rise. This essay agrees that a higher rate of tax Sentence 2- Thesis Statement We should try to avoid using personal should be paid by fast food companies. Firstly, this essay will discuss the fact that alcohol and tobacco companies already pay higher taxes Sentence 3- Outline Statement pronouns like I and we therefore use This and secondly, discuss how higher taxes would raise prices and lower essay. instead. consumption. Paragraph 2- Supporting Paragraph 1 Introduction sample: Higher excise on liqueur and cigarettes has proven to be successful Sentence 1- Topic Sentence at curbing the harm caused by these substances. This revenue has Sentence 2/3- Explain Topic Sentence It is argued that (paraphrased question). been used to treat health problems associated with these products AGREE OR Sentence 3/4- Example This essay agrees/disagrees that... (thesis and has proven useful in advertising campaigns warning people about the dangers of alcohol and tobacco abuse. Tax from fast food DISAGREE ESSAY statement). Firstly, this essay will discuss the could be used in the same way. The United Kingdom is a prime (1st outline statement) and secondly, (2nd Paragraph 3- Supporting Paragraph 2 example, where money from smokers is used to treat lung cancer outline statement). and heart disease. Sentence 1- Topic Sentence Sentence 2/3- Explain Topic Sentence A good conclusion should include: Increasing taxes would raise prices and lower consumption. Fast food Sentence 3/4- Example Sentence 1- Summary of main points companies would pass on these taxes to consumers in the form of Sentence 2- Your opinion higher prices and this would lead to people not being able to afford junk food because it is too expensive. Junk food would soon become Paragraph 4- Conclusion a luxury item and it would only be consumed occasionally, which Dont write any new ideas in this paragraph. would be less harmful to the general publics health. For instance, Sentence 1- Summary and reiteration A good conclusion should just restate your the cost of organic food has proven prohibitively expensive for most of your opinion. thesis statement and your main supporting people and that is why only a small percentage of the population buy points. it regularly.
In conclusion, junk food should be taxed at a higher rate because of
the good precedent set by alcohol and tobacco and the fact that the increased cost should reduce the amount of fast food people buy.
Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans face in the
Introduction Introduction sample: 21st Century and sea levels are continuing to rise at alarming rates. Sentence 1- Paraphrase question What problems are associated with this and what are some Sentence 2- Outline sentence (say what Climate change is among the principal dangers possible solutions. facing people this century and ocean levels are you will discuss in the rest of the essay) increasing dramatically. This essay will first Climate change is among the principal dangers facing people this suggest that the biggest problem caused by century and ocean levels are increasing dramatically. This essay will PROBLEM AND first suggest that the biggest problem caused by this phenomenon is Problem this phenomenon is the (main problem) and SOLUTION ESSAY Sentence 3- State problem then submit (solution) as the most viable the flooding of homes and then submit building flood protection as the most viable solution. Sentence 4- Explain what problem is solution. The foremost problem caused by sea levels creeping up is the Sentence 5- What is the result of this flooding of peoples residences. Millions of people all over the world Thesis statement sample: problem live in coastal areas and if the sea rises by even a few feet, they will Sentence 6- Example This essay will analyse the principal be inundated with water and lose their property. Shelter is one of the most basic of human needs and widespread flooding would problem(s) and offer solutions to this issue. cause millions of people to become homeless, not to mention losing Solution all of their possessions. The devastation brought about by this was clear for all to see during the 2011 Tsunami in Japan, in which Sentence 7- State solution millions of people were displaced. Sentence 8- Explain how solution will solve problem A possible solution to this problem would be to build flood barriers. Flood defences, such as dikes, dams and floodgates, could Sentence 9- Example be built along coasts and waterways, thereby stopping the water reaching populated areas. The Netherlands is one of the most populated areas in the world and also one of the most vulnerable to Conclusion flooding and they have successfully employed various flood defence Sentence 10- Summary of main points systems. in paragraphs 2 and 3 To conclude, stemming the rising tides caused by increasing global Sentence 11- Prediction or temperatures is one of the foremost challenges we face and it will recommendation ultimately lead to many of the worlds cities being left underwater, but a possible solution could be to utilise the flood prevention techniques already used by countries like Holland. It is predicted that more and more countries will be forced to take such measures to avoid a watery catastrophe.
Computers are being used more and more in education. Some
Introduction people say that this is a positive trend, while others argue that it is Sentence 1- Paraphrase Question leading to negative consequences. Sentence 2- State Both Points of View Discuss both sides of this argument and then give your own Sentence 2- Thesis Statement opinion. Sentence 3- Outline Sentence There is an ever increasing use of technology, such as tablets and laptops, in the classroom. It is often argued that this is a positive Main Body Paragraph 1 development, whilst others disagree and think it will lead to adverse Sentence 1- State first viewpoint ramifications. This essay agrees that an increase in technology is Sentence 2- Discuss first viewpoint beneficial to students and teachers. This essay will discuss both points of view. Sentence 3- Reason why you agree or disagree with viewpoint It is clear that the internet has provided students with access to more information than ever before. Moreover, learners have the Sentence 4- Example to support your ability to research and learn about any subject at the touch of a DISCUSS BOTH view For a discussion (of two points of view) button. It is therefore agreed that technology is a very worthwhile VIEWS ESSAY essay you should state both points of view tool for education. Wikipedia is a prime example, where students clearly. can simply type in any keyword and gain access to in-depth Main Body Paragraph 2 knowledge quickly and easily. Sentence 1- State second viewpoint Sentence 2- Discuss second viewpoint However, many disagree and feel that technology deprives people of real human interaction. Human interaction teaches people valuable Sentence 3- Reason why you agree or skills such as discourse, debate and empathy. Despite this, human disagree with viewpoint interaction is still possible through the internet and this essay disagrees technology should be dismissed for this reason. For Sentence 4- Example to support your instance, Skype and Facebook make it possible for people to interact view in ways that were never before possible.
In conclusion, while the benefits of technology, particularly the
Conclusion internet, allow students to tap in to limitless sources of information, Sentence 1- Summary some still feel that people should be wary of this new phenomenon Sentence 2- State which one is better or and not allow it to curb face to face interaction. However, as long as we are careful to keep in mind the importance of human interaction more important in education, the educational benefits are clearly positive. Structure for Essay 1 Question 1 simply asks us to discuss the ESSAY 1: In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel advantages and disadvantages. It does not for a year between finishing high school and starting university Introduction ask for our opinion or say which side is studies. ADVANTAGES AND Sentence 1- Paraphrase question better or worse, so we should not include Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who DISADVANTAGES Sentence 2- Outline sentence this information in our answer. decided to do this. Supporting Paragraph 1 (Advantages) Before embarking on college many young people are advised that a These kinds of questions Sentence 3- Topic sentence (Advantage 1) This requires a simple structure in which year working or travelling may be a good option. This essay will normally give you a statement Sentence 4- Explain how this is an the student will look at the advantages in suggest that saving money is the biggest advantage of this and a and ask you to comment on the advantage one paragraph and the disadvantages in reduced motivation to study is the primary disadvantage. advantages and disadvantages of that statement. Sentence 5- Example the other. Third level education is very expensive and lots of students decide to Supporting Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages) work for 12 months and save up money before they begin their The problem is that there are 3 Sentence 6- Topic sentence (Disadvantage Question 2 is different because we have to studies. This allows them to pay for their living costs, tuition fees and different types of advantage and accommodation and focus on their studies, rather than struggle disadvantage question and they 1) say if the advantages are stronger than the financially or have to get a part time job on top of their academic each require a different Sentence 7- Explain how this is an disadvantages. work. The Times recently reported that the average student at a UK approach. disadvantage university requires over $12,000 per annum just to survive and many Sentence 8- Example Notice I didnt say if there are more drop out because they cannot afford to stay. Question 1 In some countries young people Conclusion advantages than disadvantages. The Despite these advantages, many students often get used to working are encouraged to work or Sentence 9- Summary of main points question is not asking you to talk about or travelling and dont want to return to a life of study after a year travel for a year between numbers, but comment on the overall off. This short term view can cause some to bypass university finishing high school and starting Structure for Essay 2 weight of the advantages or altogether and go straight into a job that is beneath their capabilities university studies. or may not offer the same prospects their future career might have disadvantages. For example, there are a done. For instance, a recent survey by the British Government found Discuss the advantages and Introduction huge number of advantages to travelling that 26% of students who take a gap-year never enter tertiary disadvantages for young people Sentence 1- Paraphrase question by private jet, but there is one huge education. who decided to do this. Sentence 2- Thesis statement (state which disadvantage (the cost) that stops most one outweighs the other) people from flying that way and therefore In conclusion, taking a break from studies can be advantageous if it Question 2 allows people to gather up savings, however, they should also be Some experts believe that it is Sentence 3- Outline sentence the disadvantages outweigh the careful that it does not lead to disillusionment with education better for children to begin Main Body Paragraph 1 (Stronger Side) advantages. altogether. learning a foreign language at Sentence 4- Topic Sentence primary schools rather than ESSAY 2: secondary school. Sentence 5- Explain why it is strong In this example we will have to decide Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning Sentence 6- Example which side (advantages or disadvantages) a foreign language at primary schools rather than secondary school. Do the advantages of this Sentence 7- Topic Sentence is stronger and this will affect our Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? outweigh the disadvantages? Sentence 8- Explain why it is strong structure. If you choose advantages then Sentence 9- Example you will have to say why these are much Some authorities think that it is more favorable for pupils to begin Question 3 studying languages at primary school instead of secondary school. Computers are becoming an Main Body Paragraph 2 (Weaker Side) stronger than the advantages and why the This essay will argue that the advantages of this outweigh the essential part of school lessons. Sentence 10- Topic Sentence disadvantages dont hold much weight. drawbacks. The essay will first demonstrate that the earlier someone Sentence 11- Explain why it is not strong You would also have to make this clear in learns an additional language the more likely they are to master it Discuss the advantages and and that it brings added cognitive benefits, followed by an analysis of disadvantages and give your Sentence 12- Example your thesis statement. how the primary disadvantage, namely confusion with their native own opinion. Conclusion tongue, is not valid. Sentence 13- Summary of main points and Question 3 is different again because it is restate position. more like an opinion essay and a The main reason to start kids off with foreign languages early is that discussion essay at the same time. Your this increases the likelihood they will achieve fluency in adulthood. That is to say that they will have far more years to perfect their skills structure will reflect this by having a and it will seem perfectly normal to speak bilingually. For example, in paragraph for advantages and countries such as Holland and Norway where English is taught from a Structure for Essay 3 disadvantages, but also having a clear very young age, more than 95% of adults speak it at an advanced level. Learning a second language also helps to improve overall position on the statement. cognitive abilities. In other words it benefits the overall development Introduction of a childs brain. A recent survey by Cambridge University found that Sentence 1- Paraphrase question children who studied a new language before the age of 5 were Sentence 2- Thesis statement (your significantly more likely to score higher in Mathematics and Science. opinion) Those opposed to this say that it causes the child to become Sentence 3- Outline sentence confused between their mother tongue and the other language. Main Body Paragraph 1 (Advantages) However, there is actually no evidence to support this view and Sentence 4- Topic Sentence children from bilingual families do just as well in both languages. My own son was brought up speaking both Vietnamese and English and Sentence 5- Explain outperforms most of his classmates in both. Sentence 6- Example Main Body Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages) On balance the fact that early foreign language learning leads to Sentence 7- Topic Sentence higher fluency and improved brain function clearly outweighs the flawed argument that it impairs uptake of native languages. Sentence 8- Explain Sentence 9- Example ESSAY 3: Main Body Paragraph 3 (Opinion) Computers are becoming an essential part of education. Sentence 10- Explain opinion Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your own opinion. Sentence 11- Explain or give example Conclusion Information technology is becoming a ubiquitous part of learning. Sentence 12 Summary of main points This essay will show that this is a welcome development and can enhance educational practice. It will first suggest that the instant availability of huge amounts of information is the primary advantage, followed by a discussion of how it can sometimes lead to plagiarism.
The main benefit computers bring to learners is easy access to vast
amounts resources. Learners were once limited to the books they had and the knowledge of their teacher, now they can learn about anything they choose at the touch of a button. Google is a prime example, because it allows people to easily search for whatever they are looking for quickly and accurately.
One possible drawback is that using the internet to complete
academic work can sometimes lead to pupils copying articles from the internet. As a result, students do not have to think about their tasks and learn very little. The Sunday Times recently reported that 72% of college graduates in the UK admitted to copying and pasting Wikipedia articles at least once.
Overall, it is a very positive development because most students will
take advantage of the power of the information superhighway to enhance their studies, rather than using it to cheat. For example, in 2005 Cambridge University found that students who regularly used a computer were 26% more likely to get a first-class degree than those who did not.
In conclusion, the web has provided a gateway to knowledge unlike
anything seen before and although it can sometimes lead to a few taking the easy route and plagiarising, it is a very positive step in the evolution of education.