English – I

Topics

1. Are we too dependent on computers?

2. Should animals be used for research?
3. Are cell phones dangerous?
4. Do violent video games cause behavior
problems?
5. Should English be the official language in
Pakistan?
6. Should schools require foreign language or
physical education?
An Argumentative
Paragraph/ Essay
How to...
 The aim of writing argumentative essays is to
convince or persuade the reader. One attempts
to change the reader’s mind and convince the
reader to agree with the point of view or claim
of the writer. So an argumentative essay needs
to be highly persuasive and logical.
What is an argumentative
paragraph/ essay?
The argumentative paragraph/
essay is a genre of writing that
requires the student to
investigate a topic; collect,
generate, and evaluate
evidence; and establish a
position on the topic in a
concise manner.
 Detailed research allows the student to
learn about the topic and to understand
different points of view regarding the topic
so that she/he may choose a position and
support it with the evidence collected
during research.
 Argumentative essays must establish a
clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.
 The structure of the argumentative essay is held together
by the following:
 A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that
occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.
 Clear and logical transitions between the introduction,
body, and conclusion.
 Body paragraphs that include evidential support.
 Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical,
or anecdotal/subjective).
 A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis,
but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.
 Before Writing...
 Brainstorm ideas on the subject.
 Identify the main topics.
 Use these topics as headings for organising
your notes.
 Decide which side you are on i.e. which
arguments are most convincing. Make sure
you choose the side that you can fully support.
 Plan and write an outline for your essay noting
down the information you will include in each
paragraph.
 Example Outline
Thesis Statement:
Because of its cost, risk and alternatives, the building of
nuclear reactors should not continue.
Topic Sentence 1:
The first problem with nuclear reactors is their cost.
Topic Sentence 2:
Another problem is the serious consequences of
accidents.
Refutation:
Some people might claim that there is no real alternative
to nuclear power.
Concluding Statement:
In short, although nuclear power is an attractive option, it
has too many disadvantages.
 Introductory Paragraph
Your introduction should:
 Introduce the topic with a general statement
 State why it is important
 State there is a difference of opinion about this
topic
 Thesis statement must state what YOUR claim
is and can include the “parts” of the argument
you are going to state.
Example Introductory Paragraph
There has been much discussion about the
use of nuclear power ever since the first
reactor was built. People who support nuclear
power think that it provides a cheap and
effective means of supplying energy needs.
However, in reality it is not cheap at all and the
dangers are well-known after the accidents at
Chernobyl (A city of northern Ukraine) and Three Mile Island
(Pennsylvania). The fact is that nuclear power is a

tried, tested and failed technology. Because of

its cost, risk and alternatives, the building of
nuclear reactors should not continue.
 Body Paragraphs
 Arguments for: The reasons “parts” of your thesis
statement will be in your body paragraphs.
 Give clear arguments for your claim with support
(examples, statistics, explanations, etc.)
 Use transition words as you move from paragraph to
paragraph (Firstly, secondly, furthermore, in addition,
moreover, finally).
 You can also use any of the transitions from the other
essay types as long as they are appropriate for your
argument. (You may want to compare/contrast things,
give reasons/results, descriptions, definitions etc.)
 Refutation Paragraph

 This is also used to support your claim.

 Use the counter arguments to show that
your idea is the stronger one.
 Do not focus only on the opposing ideas.
 Useful words and phrases

When you can think of the opposing

opinion but you have not seen it written
anywhere:

could be claimed
It may be asserted that... However,
might be argued
 Useful words and phrases contd.

When you have seen the opposing

opinion written in another text:

claimed
It has been asserted that... However,
argued
 Example Refutation
Some people might claim that there is no
real alternative to a new generation of
nuclear reactors. However, combined heat
and power units, which generate electricity,
are already economical for large houses or
blocks of flats and smaller units will be on
the market next year. Local generation of
electricity eliminates the enormous losses
of wasted heat in electricity generation by
fossil fuels or nuclear reactors. Wind
turbines and solar cells on the roof can
also provide home solutions and will
become more economical as costs come
down with mass production.
 Concluding paragraph

Your conclusion should:

 Restate the main claim
 Present one or two general sentences which
accurately summarise your arguments which
support the main premise
 Provide a general warning of the
consequences of not following the premise
that you put forward and/or a general
statement of how the community will benefit
from following that premise
 Your turn

Choose one of the topics below,

brainstorm and write a thesis statement.

 Using animals for scientific and medical

research
 Killing animals for food
Try it now…
 Thesis Statement: Censorship of the Internet would unfairly limit
free speech.
 Pro Argument: 1
……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………
 Pro Argument: 2
……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………
Try it now…
 Thesis Statement: If we are under the age of 30 and want a
healthy life, we should definitely get a bicycle instead of a car.
 Pro Argument:
……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………
 Con Argument:
……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………
 Refutation:
……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………
Try it now…
 Thesis Statement : Cheating helps students learn.
 Con Argument:
……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………
 Refutation :
……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………