Argumentative Essays

Persuasive Writing
 Techniques to make Writing Formal/ Academic

1. DON’T use contractions

Don’t -> do not; isn’t -> is not; can’t -> cannot;

It’s -> It is; There’re -> There are

2. Avoid slang and idioms.

Ex:- He finished the task like a duck to water.

-> He accomplished the task with little effort.

 Identifying formal and informal sentences
1. The technician repaired the fault on 12th June. So, it’s your turn to pay him.
2. The company laid him off because he didn't work much.
3. Any loss of this document should be reported immediately.
4. He withdrew the amount of money from an ATM.
5. They can assist in the resolution of this matter.
6. They can help you to solve this problem.
7. This is important because I think it’s necessary.
8. Should students require any assistance, they can contact their counselor.
 Identifying formal and informal sentences
1. The technician repaired the fault on 12th June. So, it’s your turn to pay him. Inf
2. The company laid him off because he didn't work much. Inf
3. Any loss of this document should be reported immediately. F
4. He withdrew the amount of money from an ATM. F
5. They can assist in the resolution of this matter. F
6. They can help you to solve this problem. Inf
7. This is important because I think it’s necessary. Inf
8. Should students require any assistance, they can contact their counselor. F
 What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a piece of academic writing where you must expose

clear opinion and support it by providing persuasive facts and logical reasons to
convince the readers of a certain point.

E.g. 1) Computers are being used more and more in education and some people believe there will
soon be no role for the teacher in education.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

2) Students perform better in school when they are rewarded rather than punished.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

 Two Types of Argumentative Essays
Opinion Essay Discussion Essay

● Make a claim based on opinion ● Make claims based on the fact

● May not take opposing ideas into
account
● Persuade readers by appealing to
the audience’s emotion
(Emotion-based)
● Investigate an argument by offering two
opposing perspectives
● Persuade readers by exploring the
evidence and reasons for each points
of view (Logic-based)
Opinion Essay
Persuasive Writing
 Opinion Essay: Things-to-do List

● Must choose one side of the argument.

● Giving arguments for ONE view.
● Supporting your opinion with clear reasons.
 Step 1: Brainstorming ideas (3’)

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Computers are a necessity. Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

Agree? Or Disagree? Why? 2-3 reasons? 2-3 Examples?

Computers are a necessity. Agree - Why?Examples?

1.
Computers are a necessity. Disagree - Why?Examples?
 Writing the Introduction
*** The introduction serves 2 important purposes:

1. Attracting reader’s interest

2. Giving readers a roadmap of what they’re going to read in the body paragraphs.

*** The introduction has 3 parts:

1. The hook: capturing the reader's interest by a general statement.

2. Background information: introducing the specific topic = paraphrase the topic
(Don’t copy exactly)
3. Thesis statement: Giving your opinion/ a roadmap of the body paragraphs.
 Introduction Example
Q: The internet is probably the most significant invention of the last 30
years. Without it, our lives would be completely different.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the internet?

These days, the internet has become more and more popular all over the
world and is an integral part of the modern society. It is considered a key factor
changing people’s lives. Therefore, it is necessary to assess whether the internet
can be seen as beneficial or harmful effects.
 HOW TO WRITE A HOOK?
“What regulations should the government implement to end identity theft?”

1. Begin with Background/Historical Information: Identity theft

is not a new crime. Throughout history, unscrupulous individuals
have pretended to be people they are not, with the goal of
political, social, or financial gain.
2. Begin with a Question: How would you feel if you knew, at this moment, that a
criminal is writing your name, address, and identity number on credit card
applications and plans to charge thousands of dollars on those credit cards?
3. Begin with a Definition of an Important Term: Our identity is what makes us
unique. It is "the distinguishing character of an individual," and when one is a victim
of identity theft, this "distinguishing character" including name, address, identity
number, and more is stolen.
How to write a thesis statement?
● Think about what you want to write in the body paragraphs
● Your thesis statement should be clear and specific.

“What regulations should the government implement to end identity theft?”

A.Identity theft must be controlled by the government.
B. The government should apply some following authoritative rules to prevent
identity theft.
C. The regulations executed by the government are necessary.
D. Imposing criminal penalties and educating residents about protecting their
personal information are effective orders that should be done by the authority.