GLT1024: Proficiency in English III

LO2: Write clear, detailed texts on a wide range of subjects

Sample structure for the Argumentative body paragraph

• The refutation is the writer’s response to the counterargument. In the

refutation, the writer shows why the counterargument is weak and his/her
position strong.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) should be illegal

E-cigarettes should be banned. Smoking e-cigarettes, commonly known as vaping,

can lead to nicotine addiction, which in turn can be detrimental to a person. Many argue
that not only is the amount of nicotine, a highly addictive substance, in an e- cigarette
miniscule, but the e-liquid used for vaping is also non-addictive as it consists mainly of
vegetable glycerin. Although e-cigarettes do contain seemingly safe substances, in reality,
nicotine is the primary agent in e-cigarettes. In fact, people inhale more nicotine via e-
cigarettes than they would from a tobacco product — they can buy extra-strength
cartridges which have a higher concentration of nicotine or increase the e-cigarette’s
voltage to get a greater hit of nicotine, which research suggests may be as addictive as
heroin. Nicotine addiction can have a severe impact on the biological, mental, and the
overall quality of an individual’s life. For instance, the stigma associated with addiction
could lead to social withdrawal which could further worsen an individual’s psychological
wellbeing. Thus, e-cigarettes are not as harmless as they seem, and they can lead
countless people into long-term nicotine addiction.
(180 words)

Adapted from various sources