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 Outlining advantages and disadvantages.

 Expressing opinions/providing solutions to problems
ARGUMENTATIVE  Expressing arguments for and against a topic
ESSAYS  Discursive Essays

GENERAL POINTS TO CONSIDER:

 An argumentative composition or essay is a piece of formal writing. There are quite a
few types of argumentative essays such as: outlining advantages and disadvantages of the
question under discussion; expressing the writer’s personal opinion with supporting
arguments; suggesting solutions to a problem; expressing for and against arguments and
discursive essays.
 You should use a different paragraph for each point you make. Begin each paragraph with
a key sentence which sums up the point you are going to make. Give examples to support
your point of view.
 Before starting to write your composition, you should first make a plan. You should
always make a list of the points you will present. Here are the plans for the four
types of argumentative essays:

Paragraphs Advantages / Expressing opinion / For and against Discursive essays.

Disadvantages Providing solutions
Introduction State topic State State topic State topic
1st parag
opinion/problem

Main body
Advantages Point 1 / Suggestion Arguments for One point of view (eg
2ndparag
1 scientific)

3rdparag
Disadvantages Point 2 / Suggestion Arguments against Another point of
2 view (eg moral)

4thparag A third point of view

(eg social)

Conclusion Balanced Restate opinion / Balanced Give your own opinion

5thparag
consideration/ Best option and consideration
opinion reason

 One way of adding vitality to your composition is by using quotations (giving the actual words
spoken) or by paragraphing (giving the meaning of what was said). In an argumentative essay,
quotations are particularly useful for the first or last sentence. For example, a space exploration
essay could end with: As Astronaut Neil Armstrong once said, “ One small step for man, a giant step
for mankind”. You can use a dictionary of quotations for this purpose.
 Do not use informal style (e.g. contracted forms, colloquial language, etc) or very strong language
(e.g. I know, I am sure...)
 Use appropriate linking word/phrases to show the links between paragraphs, as well as to link
sentences within paragraphs.
 Abandon cliched introductions. Write something more original. (Do not write: “This topic has
been important since ancient times”. When? Too vague)

 FORMAL STYLE: this means you should use:

+ Passive voice, impersonal constructions (e.g. it is argued that...; it is common belief
that...)
+ A range of advanced vocabulary [verbs, adjectives, abstract nouns, etc] (e.g . heated debate
concerning the controversial issue...)
+ Formal linking word or phrases (e.g. furthermore, however, nonetheless)
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+ Complex sentences with a variety of links, dependent or relative clauses, sequencing (e.g.
Firstly, Secondly, etc) etc.(e.g. Although it is widely accepted that compulsory military
service, which provides an army with abundant manpower, is beneficial to a country’s
ability to defend itself, closer analysis of military efficiency suggests that it is advanced
weaponry which plays a crucial role in...)
+ A topic sentence to introduce the subject of each paragraph.

 You should NOT USE:

- Short forms (e.g. I’m; It’s) except when these are part of a quotation
- Colloquial expressions, phrasal verbs, idioms. (E.g. lots of, put up with, be over the moon
about...)
- Simplistic vocabulary (e.g. experts say they think this is bad...)
- A series of short sentences (e.g. Many people think so. They are wrong)
- Simple linking words (e.g. and, but, or, so) except for variety.
- Very emotional language (e.g. I absolutely detest...) or personal opinions expressed too strongly
(e.g. I know...), instead use milder expressions (e.g. It seems to me that...)

 BEGINNING AND ENDING ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS: in the first paragraph, you should
state the topic and/or your opinion, and you may include one or more of the following techniques:
 Make reference to an unusual or striking idea/scene/situation; or to other sources (E.g.,
Imagine millions of people coming home from school or work every day to sit staring at a
wall for four hours.)
 Address the reader directly: (e.g. You may think this is an exaggeration)
 Start with a quotation or thought-provoking statement. (E.g. “Television is an invention
that permits you to be entertained in your living room by people you wouldn’t have in your
home”, David Frost once said.) , and/or a rhetorical question (question which expects no
answer): e.g. (Have you ever wondered what the world would be like without cars? )
In the last paragraph, you should state your opinion and/or give a balanced consideration of the
topic, and you may include one or more of the following techniques.
 Finish with a quotation
 Ask a rhetorical question (question which expects no answer)
 Give the reader something to consider (e.g. Perhaps then people will rediscover what it is
like to actually communicate with each other.)

USEFUL TIPS FOR ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING

 Giving Advantages and Disadvantages: If the aim of your essay is to outline the
advantages and disadvantages of something, you are not expected to express your own opinion by
using personal words or expressions. Star by making a general statement and then divide the
advantages and disadvantages into two separate paragraphs. To conclude, give a balanced
consideration of your points. An opinion can be expressed in a non-emotional way: e.g., it seems
that... it can be seen that...
OUTLINE: GIVING ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Introduction: general statement about the topic.
Main body: parag 2: advantages and statements to support your point of view.
parag 3: disadvantages and statements to support your point of view.
(Note: if you believe that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages
write them in the third paragraph so that it will be easier for you to lead the reader
to the conclusion.)
Conclusion: Give a balanced consideration or give your opinion without using personal words or
expressions. Keep it formal.

 Expressing Opinion: Use the introduction and conclusion to express your own personal
opinion. Use phrases such as “in my opinion” an “I believe” rather than the more emotional “I think”.
Remember to include examples and reasons in order to support your opinion. You should begin with
your weakest points, if necessary grouping two or three minor points in one paragraph. The last
paragraph should contain the most powerful argument. Make sure when expressing a conflicting
viewpoint to say why it is wrong.
OUTLINE: EXPRESSING OPINION.
Introduction: State your opinion clearly without using too many personal opinion words.
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Main Body: parag 2: Give the first point supporting your opinion.
Parag 3: Give the second point supporting your opinion.
Parag 4: give the last point supporting your opinion.
Conclusion: Re-state your opinion, using different words.

 Providing Solutions to Problems: After stating the problem and why it arose, mention
that there are also several possible solutions. Discuss each suggestion in turn and include any
expected results or consequences. Use the concluding paragraph to decide which option will give the
best result and explain why this is the case.
OUTLINE: PROVIDING SOLUTIONS/SUGGESTIONS TO PROBLEMS.
Introduction: state the problem, the main reasons for the problem and that there are several
solutions to it.
Main Body: parag 2: your first suggestion and why it would be a good idea.
parag 3: your second suggestion and why it would be a good idea.
Conclusion: conclude the essay by summarising your opinion –give your final suggestion and
explain why it would be a good idea.

 Expressing Arguments For and Against a Topic: when you are giving arguments
for and against a topic you should present both views in a fair way. Discuss them in equal details and
show no bias. Do not give your own opinion but end with a well-balanced consideration of the points
discussed.
OUTLINE: EXPRESSING ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST A TOPIC.
Introduction: introduce the subject of the essay. State why it is an important issue at the
present time.
Main Body: parag 2: give the arguments in favour of the statement.
parag 3: give the arguments against the statement.
Conclusion: conclude by giving a well-balanced consideration.

 Discursive Essays: In a discursive essay discuss the subject as broadly as possible without
losing direction or flow. Take different viewpoints and discuss them together with the opposite
opinion.
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- When
considering a
topic you may scientific
refer to the
discussion artistic
clock, which will Discursive
moral essays
help you think economic
of ideas when
planning your
educational
essay.
- Referring political
to the
discussion clock social
is a useful geographical
“brainstorming”
technique, as it
helps you
examine a topic
from various
viewpoints and
decide on
ideas/points to
include in your
essay.
- Keep in mind
that a topic
may not relate
to all aspect historica
presented in
the discussion
clock.
- Remember
that for each
viewpoint you
have thought
of, there is
usually an
opposing
argument.
Think of the
opposing
arguments when
planning your
essay.

DISCUSSIO
N CLOCK.
psychological

religious
personal