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THE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

1. NAME: For and Against essay/ Argumentative essay/ Opinion essay* 2. DEFINITIONS: The argumentative essay is in many ways similar to an abstract one as it is concerned with ideas; it is a formal piece of writing in which a topic is considered from opposing points of view. It tests the writers ability to prove the verity, validity, and efficacy of a point of view, a belief, an interpretation, a condition, a principle. The opinion essay is a formal piece of writing which requires the authors opinion on the topic under discussion. If the author attempts to win assent to a belief or opinion through arguments presented as prods for some proposed action the essay is persuasive argumentative, with a more vigorous, more dramatic, more emotional style. 3. Type of TITLE: a) Advantages and disadvantages of being famous/living in a big town/ b) Advertising promotes excessive consumerism / The position of women in society has improved 4. Types of ARGUMENTATIVE essays: - for and against: both sides are discussed in a fair way with justifications and reasons in separate paragraphs; - argumentative opinion essay: the writer expresses different viewpoints on the topic, each supported by reasons; the opposing viewpoint with reasons/example is also presented. 5. STRUCTURE Introduction For and against The introductory paragraph clearly states the topic of discussion, it introduces the two main sides with the respective views. It includes the separate positions on each side with their respective arguments, examples, general knowledge. Both sides should be presented without commitment of the author. The closing paragraph gives a balanced consideration of the topic; it may also include the opinion of the writer. The personal opinion can be given directly or indirectly. Opinion essay The introductory paragraph states the topic of discussion and it also introduces the reader to the authors opinion. The main body consists of several paragraphs, in which the author presents separately his/her viewpoints supported by reasons, examples. There should be a paragraph that presents the opposing point of view with arguments to demonstrate that it is an unconvincing standpoint The conclusion restates the authors opinion using different words.

Body

Conclusion

6. DEVICES Illustration/examples Contrast Humour

Necessary to support the arguments Knowledge of FACTS is more convincing than imagination Necessary to highlight the differences between sides/arguments/ apparently similar situations A touch of humour/light tone may show humility and have a better effect on the reader than affected superiority .

7. STYLE suitability the style should be adequate to the topic of discussion ( e.g. a light tone would not be appropriate in an essay discussing child abuse in modern society; par contre, a discussion of public display of affection would be more lively if presented with a bit of irony. Personal/impersonal a for/against essay should be in the 3rd person, except for the paragraph stating the personal view. The opinion essay gains credibility if the arguments rely on personal knowledge and experience. Consequently, the 1st person should be more frequently used, except the paragraph that states the opposite view. (* fictitious characters opinion)

8. LENGTH: 350 words


9. EVALUATION THE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY Marking scheme Frequent mistakes A. Task achievement irrelevant arguments or imagined situations some viewpoints presented without arguments to support mixing the two types of essay (e.g. argumentative abounding in I think, My opinion.. and the opinion essay abounding in It depends, Some people say) presenting the evolution of the issue rather than discussing it (Hundreds of years ago, women accepted their position as housewives as a fact of life, but gradually they rebelled against such social limitations???????????? B. Language accuracy See standards for each level C. Register & 1st person when the task says: Discuss the following idea - Censorship is Vocabulary necessary in modern society. {!!it loses points for task achievement too} colloquial style with contracted forms long winded sentences ( Other people think that it depends on the personal feeling over the matter!?!?!?!? A series of short sentences.. Highly emotional language in a for/against or opinion essay or abstract reasoning in a persuasive argumentative essay D. Organization, Incorrect organization of arguments and supports related to the type of essay cohesion, layout requested by the instructions (discuss vs. what you think) Very short paragraphs The body is one paragraph Arguments listed (1st, 2nd, 3rd???) E. Overall effect Trite arguments (e.g. Women have a special role in society because they are different from men

Tasks: 2010: Education is an idivisible part of the prosperity of a nation. The more educated and cultured people there are in the country, the more flourishing and thriving the country is. Comment on this issue in 350 words and argument your decision. 2009 Art is much less important than life but what a poor life without it. (Aldoux Huxley) Write a 350-word argumentative essay using well-rounded and well-grounded illustrations and justifications. 2008 Give arguments for and against the saying A mans wealth is his enemy in 350 words. 2007 Write a 350-word essay in which you give your opinion on the statement: Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts. 2006 Write a 350-word essay in which you bring arguments in favour and against the statement: The primary responsibility of national governments is to promote globalization. 2005 Build a 350-word argumentation to prove that Any fool can save money: it takes a wise man to spend it. 2

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