ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

1. What is Argumentative 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.

Example:
Sample Argumentative Essay 1: 
Essay on Effects of Smoking  
More and more countries and cities around the world are banning smoking, in public places.
According to numerous medical studies, smoking not only causes innumerable health problems
for a person but also for every single non-smoker close by too. Even though people carry on
debating the pros and cons of smoking, the reality is that a ban is the most fitting and logical
decision in the case of smoking in public areas. Even though there are some arguments on both
sides, here are the solid reasons why the smoking ban is essential. First of all, smoking, even
outside, can cause many health problems, such as bronchial infections and asthmatic attacks even
in non-smokers. This point is predominantly crucial for nearly one million people in the US who
suffer from chronic sinusitis, asthma, bronchial infections, and additional conditions that have
something to do with breathing. Smoking harms our environment. That’s a fact. In addition to
the point that smoking is harmful to you and your family members, it damages our ecosystem
with all of its populaces.  
All the plastic filters, cigarette butts, and other elements of smoked cigarettes are most likely
to pollute waterways, soil, and beaches. The most recent lab studies demonstrate that such toxic
compounds of cigarettes as pesticide residues and nicotine are harmful to fish
and other microorganisms. In addition to some outward damage being done by smoking, it
is imperative to mention the cost of this dubious pleasure. The fact is that smoking is like
a fiscal trap for every individual addicted to nicotine.  
As reported by the CDC, the financial burden that smoking places on individuals keep on rising,
with approximately $193 billion spent yearly in the US. One of the vital things that many young
women are anxious about is aging. And this is the case where smoking and its side effects should
be mentioned as well. The reality is that one of the most substantial causes of premature aging is
nicotine & smoking. People who smoke regularly are more probable to face early skin vagaries.
As stated by the scientists of the American Academy of Dermatology, regular smoking causes a
variety of biochemical changes that push the course of aging. For example, if you’re a regular
smoker, you contribute to depriving the living skin tissue of valuable oxygen. As a consequence,
blood can’t reach your organs quickly and easily. In conclusion, it is clear from the whole
shebang discussed above that smoking should be branded illegal in all public places all over the
globe. As an effect, this would advance the state of the environment & the health of each person,
and that is more than enough. 
Sample Argumentative Essay 2: 
The Legalization of Gambling  
According to Korn & Shaffer, Gambling means jeopardizing something that is of value on an
outcome of an event when the likelihood of winning is less than assured. There is proof that it
existed during Ancient times; although under the rule of Caesar, the Romans took part in it; in
our day and age, we are encircled by it. Gambling has become a familiar truth in our society.
Playing the weekly lottery, betting on horses at the track, and daubing one’s bingo card at the
community hall are just a few of the many practices of gambling. Although it is considered to be
a harmless hobby to some people, it is an addiction to others. Despite the studies that specify that
gambling can have negative effects on the family, health, the law, and enforcement system, it is
the attractive income that gambling provides to governments, the inflow of tourism it can bring
to a city, or the concept of the state taking control away from the underworld that helps to
divulge that the benefits of the legalization of gambling are much greater than the costs.  
The most evident argument as to why the legalization of gambling has been so widespread is the
enormous revenue it generates for governments. With an enterprise that sums up over fifty
billion a year, many governments view gambling as a smart way of bringing in money. In a study
by Vaillancourt and Roy, the authors stated that the ban on gambling would result in a tax
increase between ten and fifteen percent to replace gambling revenues. Given the statistic that
82% of households took part in some form of gambling, taking this activity away followed by
increasing taxes would not reverberate well with the public. Such a high proportion of people
gambling illustrates how the attractiveness of legalized gambling can entice people to cities,
therefore giving a boost to the city’s tourism industry, one more sector that welcomes this source
of revenue.  
Cities, where gambling is permitted, are considered to be great tourist attractions. When a casino
opens, an influx of money enters the economy because of the increased number of tourists. Las
Vegas is a testimony to how tourists’ dollars are capable of transforming a barren desert into a
highly desired and preferred destination. This increase in the number of tourists results in an
upsurge in spending in the community, thus providing opportunities for employment and a boost
to the hospitality sector. One of the motives why many people have become keen to try to
gamble is because the majority of people no longer see the act as a sinful and dirty vice conjured
up by the corrupt underworld. The legalization of gambling has permitted the state to take
control away from the criminal underworld. This has weakened the influence of swindlers,
forgers, and thieves, all of whom use gambling as an arena for their work. Although placing bets
illegally through bookkeepers continues to exist, it is essential to realize that earlier to its
legalization, those in control of gambling entirely controlled the underworld.  
While it gives the impression that the legalization of gambling has delivered society with
positive results, one must also identify the negative effects that it has had on the family, health
sector, and law and enforcement. When scrutinizing the cost-benefit effects of the legalization of
gambling, one should also study the family. One problematic issue is that gambling has provided
everyone with an opportunity to take part in an act that can destroy people’s lives and the lives of
those closest to them. There is proof that gambling can have negative effects on one’s life, all of
which can take a toll on the family and community life. An analysis of the Florida lottery
revealed that a greater portion of the revenue made through the lottery came from low-income
families who bought lottery tickets in place of utilities. The increasing attraction between
children and gambling has resulted in several studies. 
Researchers have discovered that adolescents who get involved in gambling have a higher rate of
school failure, family struggle, sexual activity, psychiatric disorders, and felonies. Given the
problems in this area, parents and schools should take on greater responsibility for enlightening
children about the potential dangers of gambling. It is important to recognize the association
between gambling and numerous negative behaviors. Studies have confirmed that alcoholism
and depression are related, and it has also been discovered that approximately forty-four percent
of pathological gamblers are problem drinkers as well. Some studies similarly put forward the
theory that spouses of compulsive gamblers also have a high rate of mental diseases like
depression and psychosomatic ailments. In a country such as Canada, where there is universal
healthcare, researchers argue that all of these negative effects of gambling place stress on the
health sector. Just as it has been the government’s choice to legalize gambling, it has become the
government’s obligation to develop and fund treatment programs for illnesses caused by
gambling.  
Acknowledging that pathological gamblers do need support from the health system, it is
important to identify that only a minority of gamblers have problems. Therefore, the argument of
those opposing the legalization of gambling on the justification that it takes its toll on our health
care system does not carry much weight, because it has been seen that the strain on the health
sector is nominal. The law and enforcement system is another area of apprehension for
adversaries of the legalization of gambling. This is since many people who have become in debt
due to gambling route to committing crimes to rectify their financial situation. This in turn brings
the police into the balance, followed by a judicial system where there would be a trial. Once
again, this argument is not a robust one, as the ratio of people who gamble to the point where
they are forced to commit crimes is very small. Legalized gambling has provided governments
with a great source of revenue, it has also facilitated offering a tourist attraction to many cities,
and it has delivered a safer environment for people who relish gambling. However we cannot
dismiss the impending dangers of gambling; nevertheless, one must always accept the
responsibility for their actions. Family members, school systems, and any business profiting
from the gambling industry should do their share in helping to safeguard that gambling is
regarded as a stimulating social outing, a delightful activity, or in the case of the purchaser of a
weekly one-dollar lottery ticket, an enjoyable hobby. 

2. What are the kinds of figures of peech?

 SIMILE
 METAPHOR.
 PERSONIFICATION
 METONYMY
 APOSTROPHE.
 HYPERBOLE
 SYNECDOCHE
 TRANSFERRED EPITHETS

Simile - a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a
different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid.

Example: Life is like a box of chocolates

As slow as a sloth.
As proud as a peacock.
Metaphor - is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that
isn't literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison.

Example: Life is a highway.

Her eyes were diamonds.
The snow is a white blanket.

Personification - in which human characteristics are attributed to an abstract

quality, animal, or inanimate object.

Example: Lightning danced across the sky.

The car complained as the key was roughly turned in its ignition.
The wind howled in the night.

Metonymy - figure of speech in which the name of an object or concept is

replaced

Example: Crown. (For the power of a king.)

The White House. (Referring to the American administration.)
Dish. (To refer an entire plate of food.)

Apostrophe - are used to form the possessive form of a singular noun or a plural

noun not ending in s by adding ' and an s at the end.

Example: It's a nice day outside. ( contraction)

The cat is dirty. Its fur is matted. ( possession)
This is your book. ( possession)

Hyperbole - a figure of speech or literary device that uses deliberate and extreme

exaggeration to create a strong emotional response from the reader, emphasize
a statement, or add a sense of drama.
 Example: I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.
I died of embarrassment.
It's raining cats and dogs.

 Synecdoche - refers to a figure of speech in which the word for a part of

something is used to refer to the thing itself (as hired hand for “worker”), or less
commonly, the word for a thing itself is used to refer to part of that thing (as when
society denotes "high society").

Example: The phrase "hired hands" can be used to refer to workers.

The word "bread" can be used to represent food.
The word "wheels" refers to a vehicle.

Transferred epithet - is when an adjective usually used to describe one thing is

transferred to another.

Example: 'sleepless nights'

'a wonderful day'
'She looked at him through concerned eyes. '

Euphemism - we speak in agreeable and favorable terms of some person, object

or event which is ordinarily considered unpleasant and disagreeable.

Example: He's not a liar; he's “creative with the truth.”

She's not sick; she's “under the weather.
The car isn't used; it's “certified pre-owned.”

Irony or Sarcasm - In this mode of speech, the real meanings of the words used
are different from the intended meanings.

Example: A fire station burns down.

A post on Facebook complains about how useless Facebook is.
A pilot has a fear of heights.

Pun - This consists of a play on the various meanings of a word.

Example: First, we need to acknowledge the elephant in the room

 I always told you, Gwendolen, my name was Ernest, didn't I? Well,
it is Ernest after all. I mean it naturally is Ernest.
You wouldn't hit a guy with glasses, would you?

Epigram - is a short, interesting and insightful idea or thought about a specific
subject expressed in a witty, satirical and funny manner.

Example: There are no gains without pains

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
The Child is father of the Man.

Climax - It is an arrangement of a series of ideas in the order of increasing

importance.

Example: What a piece of work man! How noble in reason, how infinite in
faculties! In action, how like an angel!
If you think that's bad, it gets worse.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire!

Exclamation - It is used for strong expression of feelings.

Example: O lift me as a wave, a leaf, a cloud I fall upon the thorns of life; I
bleed!
Stop!” he yelled. “You've got two flat tires!
I've had it with your lies!
Interrogation - This is a rhetorical mode of affirming or denying something more
strongly than could be done in ordinary language.

Example: Who is here so base that would be a bondman?

Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman?
Who is here so vile that will not love his country?

Antithesis - In antithesis, a striking opposition or contrast of words is made in the

same sentence in order to secure emphasis.

Example: war is the antithesis of peace

wealth is the antithesis of poverty
love is the antithesis of hate

Oxymoron - It is a figure of speech which combines two seemingly contradictory

or incongruous words for sharp emphasis or effect.
Example: “darkness visible” (Milton);
“make haste slowly” (Suetonius)
“loving hate” (Romeo and Juliet)

Litotes - It is the opposite of hyperbole. Here an affirmative is conveyed by

negation of the opposite.

Example: He is no dullard.

I am not a little.
He is not a bad sort.