Argumentative essays

Argumentative essays

• Do you agree or disagree?

• How far do you agree?
• To what extent do you agree?
 Types of Argumentative essays
Type 1
The topic has 1 opinion
Example:
Advertising should be
banned because it brings
negative effects on
people’s lives. Do you
agree or disagree?
Type 2
The topic has 2 differe
opinions (main opinio
and secondary opinio
Example:
Some people say that th
government should not
money on building
theatres and sports
stadiums. They should
spend more money on
medical care and
education. Do you agre
or disagree?
 TYPE 1: ONE OPINION - INTRODUCTION
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory part of
school programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighborhoo
teaching to younger children). To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many people claim that……(introduce the topic)… . While it is true

that……(agreeing)……., I believe that…(disagreeing)…./ I disagree
with the idea that….

Introduction
Many people claim that unpaid voluntary work should be obligatory in hig
school curriculum. While it is true that this type of work can be beneficial
students to some extent, I believe that it should NOT be compulsory/ I
disagree with the idea that it should be compulsory.
 TYPE 1: ONE OPINION - BODY
Some people believe that unpaid community service should be compulsory part of
school programmes (for example working for a charity, improving the neighbourho
or teaching to younger children). To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Body 1:: To begin with, there are several reasons why/ advantages of ..(agre
Body 2:: However, I would argue that ……(disagreeing)…….

Body 1 (Agree):: unpaid community service is beneficial to students

Body 2 (Disagree):: it should not be compulsory

Body 1 – To begin with, there are several advantages of unpaid commun

service
Body 2 – However, I do not think high school students should be forced t
take part in unpaid community service
 TYPE 1: ONE OPINION - INTRODUCTION
2. Individuals should be allowed to carry guns. To what extent do you agree or
disagree with this statement?

Many people claim that……(introduce the topic)… . While it is true

that……(agreeing)……., I believe that…(disagreeing)…./ I disagree
with the idea that….
2. Individuals should be allowed to carry guns. To what extent do
you agree or disagree with this statement?

Introduction
Many people claim that citizens should be permitted to bring guns. While
it is true that carrying guns might have some advantages, I disagree with
the idea that individuals should be allowed to do so for some reasons.
Body 1
To begin with, there can be some benefits of carrying guns.
Body 2
However, I believe individuals should NOT have the right to carry guns
due to some reasons
3. Whether or not someone achieves their aims is mostly by a
question of luck. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Whether or not someone achieve their aims is mostly by a question of luck. To wha
extent do you agree or disagree?
Many people claim that luck is the most crucial element contributing to a person's success. While I a
that luck does have an important role in helping people reach their targets, I would argue that hard w
and determination are much more crucial factors leading to the achievement of an individual.
On the one hand, I agree that luck can be an important factor. First, some people are fortunate enou
be born in a wealthy family, which allows them to have better education or to easily start their own
business without having to borrow money from someone else. As a result, these people tend to hav
better opportunities to succeed than those coming from poor families. Furthermore, some individual
lucky to be given great talents which others do not have. For example, Mozart was able to play mus
when he was very young, or Lionel Messi already had great football skills when he was born.
However, I would argue that although luck can be necessary, it is not the most crucial factor leading
success. Firstly, people need to work really hard and put much effort into their jobs if they want to be
successful. For instance, before becoming one of the best football players in the world, Cristiano Ro
had to go through intense training hours every day for many years. Secondly, a person is less likely
reach his targets if he does not have determination. On the way leading to success, there might be
difficulties, and people need to keep moving forward to overcome those challenges.
In conclusion, while I agree that luck is important to some extent in helping people become success
believe that hard work and determination are the most important elements.
(291 words)
3. Whether or not someone achieves their aims is mostly by a question of luck. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?

Concession/Counter –argumentation
-People only get short-term achievement  it does not exist in the long-run
long  prevent individuals
from reaching long -life aims
Ex:
TYPE 2: TWO OPINIONS
Some people say the Government should not put money into buildin
theaters and sports stadiums. They should spend more money on
medical care and education.

Quan điểm phụ: building theaters Shouldn't

and sports stadiums

Quan điểm chính: spend

more money on medical care and Should
education
Some people say the Government should not put money into buildin
theaters and sports stadiums. They should spend more money on
medical care and education.

Quan điểm chính: spend more money on

Should
medical care and education

Quan điểm phụ: building theaters and Shouldn't

sports stadiums

Method
- Đồng ý quan điểm Chính là đúng.
- Tuy nhiên, cho rằng quan điểm Phụ cũng đúng hoặc đúng h
 INTRODUCTION
Some people say the Government should not put money into building
theaters and sports stadiums. They should spend more money on
medical care and education.

Many people claim that……(introduce the topic)… . While it is true

that……(quan điểm chính)…….,
)……., I believe that …(quan
…( điểm phụ)….

Many people claim that the government should invest in healt

care and education instead of constructing theatres and stadium
While it is true that the authorities should put money on health
care and education, I believe that it is also necessary to build
theatres and sports stadiums.
 INTRODUCTION
Some people say the Government should not put money into building
theaters and sports stadiums. They should spend more money on
medical care and education.

Many people claim that……(introduce the topic)… . While it is true

that……(quan điểm chính)…….,
)……., I believe that …(quan
…( điểm phụ)….

Many people claim that the government should invest in healt

care and education instead of constructing theatres and stadium
While it is true that the authorities should put money on health
care and education, I believe that it is also necessary to build
theatres and sports stadiums.
 INTRODUCTION
Some people say the Government should not put money into building
theaters and sports stadiums. They should spend more money on
medical care and education.

Many people claim that……(introduce the topic)… . While it is true

that……(quan điểm chính)…….,
)……., I believe that …(quan
…( điểm phụ)….

Many people claim that the government should invest in healt

care and education instead of constructing theatres and stadium
While it is true that the authorities should put money on health
care and education, I believe that it is also necessary to build
theatres and sports stadiums.
 INTRODUCTION
Some people say the Government should not put money into building
theaters and sports stadiums.. They should spend more money on
medical care and education.

Many people claim that……(introduce the topic)… . While it is true

that……(quan điểm chính)…….,
)……., I believe that …(quan
…( điểm phụ)….

Many people claim that the government should invest in healt

care and education instead of constructing theatres and stadium
While it is true that the authorities should put money on health
care and education, I believe that it is also necessary to build
theatres and sports stadiums.
BODY AND CONCLUSION
Body 1:: To begin with, there are several reasons why……(quan
why……(
điểm chính)……..
Body 2:: However, I would argue that ……(quan
……( điểm phụ)…….

Conclusion: Paraphrase the thesis statement

1. It is impossible to help all people in the world, so government
should only focus on people in their own countries. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
2. Sending criminals to prison is not the best method of dealing
with them. Education and job training are better ways to help
them. Do you agree or disagree?
3. It is not necessary to travel to other places to learn the culture
of other people. We can learn just as much from books, films
and the internet. Do you agree or disagree?
1. It is impossible to help all people in the world,
world so government
should only focus on people in their own countries. To what
extent do you agree or disagree?
2. Sending criminals to prison is not the best method of dealing
with them. Education and job training are better ways to help
them.. Do you agree or disagree?
3. It is not necessary to travel to other places to learn the culture
of other people. We can learn just as much from books, films
and the internet.. Do you agree or disagree?
1. It is impossible to help all people in the world, so governments
should only focus on people in their own countries. To what extent
do you agree or disagree?

Introduction
Some people claim that governments should only support their local
citizens instead of helping residents in other countries. While it is true th
the government need to focus on their own people, I believe that it is als
possible to provide support for others around the world.
Body 1: To begin with, there are several reasons why governments should
help people in their own nations.
Body 2: However, I would argue that we can also support individuals com
from other parts of the world.
2. It is impossible to help all people in the world, so governments should only focus on peop
in their own countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Body 1: The government should help people in their own countries

1. The government need to improve the living standard of their own citizens
Example: spend money on helping poor people to reduce poverty
->
> reduce crime rates, make their countries safer, which leads to stable development
2. citizens pay tax for the government ->
> it is the government's responsibility to help people
their own countries.
If the government do not support their citizens, people might feel disappointed and lose trust in
government.
Body 2: However, Governments can also help people in other countries
1. When there are serious diseases, rich countries can send doctors and equipment to h
poorer countries cope with diseases
Example: Ebola in African countries  prevent the spread of diseases
2. Rich countries can invest in companies/ organisations in poorer nations
 create jobs, help poor nations develop their economy
2. Sending criminals to prison is not the best method of dealing with
them. Education and job training are better ways to help them. Do
you agree or disagree?

Introduction
Some people claim that we should only provide criminals with education
and vocational training instead of putting them into prison. While it is tru
that education and job training are good methods, I believe that sending
offenders to prison is the best way to punish them.
Body 1: To begin with, there are several reasons why governments should
give education and job training to criminals.
Body 2: However, I would argue that the most effective way is to send all
criminals to prison.
2. Sending criminals to prison is not the best method of dealing with them. Education and
training are better ways to help them. Do you agree or disagree?

Body 1: Education and Job training are good methods

1. Education can help to provide criminals with knowledge about laws
 they will be able to distinguish between legal and illegal actions
 they would avoid making the same mistakes in the future
2. Job training equips offenders with vocational skills
 they can easily find jobs and earn a living, and do not have to commit crimes to get money
 reduce crime rates
Body 2: However, sending criminals to prison is the best method
1. imprisonment is a good way to punish criminals for what they have done
 other people would be afraid and would be less likely to commit offences
If criminals are not put in prisons, many others will continue to take part in unlawful actions
2. criminals are put into prison  they are kept away from the community  make society safer
If criminals are not jailed  other people's lives might be in danger
3. It is not necessary to travel to other places to learn the culture of other people. We
can learn just as much from books, films and the Internet. Do you agree or disagree?
3. It is not necessary to travel to other places to learn the culture
of other people. We can learn just as much from books, films and
Internet. Do you agree or disagree?

Introduction
Some people claim that we can learn other cultures through books, films
and the Internet instead of visiting other places. While it is true that there
are much information we can acquire from books, movies and the intern
I believe that it is essential for us to go to different destinations in order
learn about cultures.
Body 1: To begin with, books, films, and the Internet are useful sources fo
people to obtain information about cultures.
Body 2: However, I would argue that we need to travel if we want to learn
about the culture of other people around the world.
 3. It is not necessary to travel to other places to learn the culture of other people. We
can learn just as much from books, films and the Internet. Do you agree or disagree?
Body 1: It is true that books, films and the Internet can help individuals learn about other cultu
1. the Internet provides a huge source of information
 Individals can easily acquire knowledge about different cultures in a short time without having
anywhere
Example: I can stay at home and still be able to learn about how American people celebrate Chri
2. Books and films are interesting
 it is a fun way to entertain and learn about cultures at the same time
Example: reading Sherlock Holmes ->
> learn about traditions in England
 it is easy to learn and easy to remember things
Body 2: However, we need to travel to learn about cultures
1. When travelling, people can actually visit tourist attractions and have real experiences
Example: we can visit the Effel Tower when coming to France
If we only learn through books, films and the Internet -> we can never know how these destinatio
actually look like in real life
2. Visitors can take part in festivals/events
Example: Western people can take part in Lunar New Year celebrations when visiting Vietnam
 learn much more knowledge about the habits and customs of different people than only sitting
 Another approach

I. Introduction
• Background information
• Thesis statement
• Outline
II. Body
• Argument 1 + supporting information
• Argument 2 + supporting information
• Refutation of counter argument
III. Conclusion
• Repeat your thesis statement and best argument
• Give a prediction, a warning, or other type of comments
 Another approach - Suggested Template
1. Introductory paragraph
Disagree: As SVO, it is becoming more evident that… This can be clearly seen through…
is a spreading belief that … However, I believe there is no evidence to support…, and this
tackles the most important justifications for my view.
Agree:: As SVO, it is becoming more evident that…This can be clearly seen through… The
spreading belief that … I firmly believe in the truth of this assertion, and to support my vie
several reasons are outlined in this essay.
2. Supporting Paragraph 1
First and foremost, it is undeniable that… + Explanation sentence. … is a case in point. Lin
example-topic. Link topic-thesis.
3. Supporting Paragraph 2
Another point worth noting is … Explanation sentence. This is exemplified by … Link exa
topic. Link topic-thesis.
4. Concession/Counter –argumentation
It appears to be the case that… However, this does not necessary mean that.. Therefore, it i
my belief that…
5. Concluding Paragraph
All in all, regardless of any points to the contrary, it can be concluded that… + prediction/
recommendation.
 Do you agree or disagree?
How far do you agree?
To what extent do you agree?

A counter-argument
• More personal:: I do appreciate why some people think differently, sa
that … However, I still believe that it is a potentially unwise view point
especially when we consider …
• More impersonal:: It is understandable/ It is obvious that some peopl
have a different thought/think differently/ hold an opposing viewpoint,
which is … However, it is a potentially/possibly unwise/inappropriate
viewpoint/opinion,, especially when …
• Sentence 1: state the opposing point of view
Many people [believe/argue/feel/think/suppose/etc.] that [state the counter
argument here]
It is often [thought/imagined/supposed/etc.] that [state the counter-argume
counter
here]
[It would be easy to/One could easily] [think/believe/imagine/suppose/etc.]
[state the counter-argument here]
It might [seem/appear/look/etc.] as if [state the counter-argument
counter here]
• Sentence 2: give reasons why the opposing view doesn’t make sen
What this argument [overlooks/fails to consider/does not take into account
This view [seems/looks/sounds/etc.] [convincing/plausible/persuasive/etc.]
first, but ...
While this position is popular, it is [not supported by the facts/not
logical/impractical/etc.]
Although the core of this claim is valid, it suffers from a flaw in its
[reasoning/application/etc.]
 Should marine mammals be kept in captivity in marine parks?
Marine mammals are a part of nature and should not be bought, sold or thrown in an aquarium.
believe that they have the right to be kept in their natural environment.
I have many convincing reasons to support my opinion. Captivity causes many health problems
marine mammals. Many tanks have water full of chemicals and bacteria; this results in blindness an
many skin problems in dolphins and other marine mammals. Marine mammals in captivity die from
pneumonia, ulcers and other stress-related
related diseases. Most of these helpless creatures suffer from
boredom. Dolphins in the wild can swim up to 40--100 miles per day but in pools they go around swim
repetitive patterns. Due to boredom and limited space many dolphins abuse themselves; they often
their heads against tank and aquarium walls.
Marine mammals breed very poorly in captivity with very high infant death rates. For this reason
when a baby dolphin is born into captivity, its birth is usually kept a secret from its mother until it sho
signs of survival. Marine mammals do breed in captivity, but the birth rate in captivity is not as succe
as in the wild.
Many people think that marine mammals should remain in captivity. the truth is that captivity sh
animal life spans. Wild dolphins can live 40 years in the wild and orcas can live 90 years, but when
captivity they rarely survive their teens. Twenty-three
three out of 25 orcas have died in captivity. Some pe
think that holding animals in captivity helps in study and research. But in fact, scientists prefer to lea
about animals in their natural environment so they get firsthand knowledge.

In conclusion, I think humans should let these beautiful marine mammals free to increase their
longevity as well as promote better health for them.
 Argument 1
Body
I have many convincing reasons to support my opinion. Captivity causes many health problems in m
mammals. Many tanks have water full of chemicals and bacteria; this results in blindness and many
problems in dolphins and other marine mammals. Marine mammals in captivity die from pneumonia,
and other stress-related
related diseases. Most of these helpless creatures suffer from boredom. Dolphins in
wild can swim up to40-100
100 miles per day but in pools they go around swimming repetitive patterns. D
boredom and limited space many dolphins abuse themselves; they often bang their heads against ta
and aquarium walls.

Marine mammals breed very poorly in captivity with very high infant death rates. For this reason, wh
baby dolphin is born into captivity, its birth is usually kept a secret from its mother until it shows signs
survival. Marine mammals do breed in captivity, but the birth rate in captivity is not as successful as
wild.
Many people think that marine mammals should remain in captivity. the truth is that captivity sho
animal life spans. Wild dolphins can live 40 years in the wild and orcas can live 90 years, but when h
captivity they rarely survive their teens. Twenty-three
three out of 25 orcas have died in captivity.
captivity Some pe
think that holding animals in captivity helps in study and research. But in fact, scientists prefer to lear
about animals in their natural environment so they get firsthand knowledge.
 Argument 1
Body
I have many convincing reasons to support my opinion. Captivity causes many hea
problems in marine mammals. Many tanks have water full of chemicals and bacteri
nce, results in blindness and many skin problems in dolphins and other marine mamma
ation, Marine mammals in captivity die from pneumonia, ulcers and other stress-related
stress
le to diseases. Most of these helpless creatures suffer from boredom. Dolphins in the wil
ort
ent 1
swim up to40-100100 miles per day but in pools they go around swimming repetitive
patterns. Due to boredom and limited space many dolphins abuse themselves; they
bang their heads against tank and aquarium walls.
walls

Some of these poor innocent creatures face abusive treatment by their caretakers,
shortening their life span. In fact Keiko, the killer whale, the star of Free Willy, was a
victim of this type of abuse. It was known to be said that he was1000 pounds
underweight and developed a wartlike disease. His teeth were ground down from
chewing the sides of the pool due to boredom and he had a problem with his dorsa

Marine mammals breed very poorly in captivity with very high infant death rates. Fo
reason, when a baby dolphin is born into captivity, its birth is usually kept a secret fr
mother until it shows signs of survival. Marine mammals do breed in captivity, but th
birth rate in captivity is not as successful as in the wild.
 Body

I have many convincing reasons to support my opinion. Captivity causes many he

problems in marine mammals. Many tanks have water full of chemicals and bacte
this results in blindness and many skin problems in dolphins and other marine
mammals. Marine mammals in captivity die from pneumonia, ulcers and other stre
related diseases. Most of these helpless creatures suffer from boredom. Dolphins
the wild can swim up to 40-100 100 miles per day but in pools they go around swimmin
repetitive patterns. Due to boredom and limited space many dolphins abuse
themselves; they often bang their heads against tank and aquarium walls.
ment Marine mammals breed very poorly in captivity with very high infant death rate
For this reason, when a baby dolphin is born into captivity, its birth is usually kept
secret from its mother until it shows signs of survival. Marine mammals do breed in
captivity, but the birth rate in captivity is not as successful as in the wild.
Many people think that marine mammals should remain in captivity. the truth is
captivity shortens animal life spans. Wild dolphins can live 40 years in the wild and
orcas can live 90 years, but when held in captivity they rarely survive their teens.
Twenty-three
three out of 25 orcas have died in captivity. Some people think that holding
animals in captivity helps in study and research. But in fact, scientists prefer to lea
about animals in their natural environment so they get firsthand knowledge.
 Does this paragraph introduce Argument 3 to support the
writer’s opinion?
Many people think that marine mammals should remain in cap
The truth is that captivity shortens animal life spans. Wild dolph
sing can live 40 years in the wild and orcas can live 90 years, but w
ment held in captivity they rarely survive their teens. Twenty-three ou
25 orcas have died in captivity.
captivity Some people think that holding
animals in captivity helps in study and research. But in fact,
scientists prefer to learn about animals in their natural environm
so they get firsthand knowledge.

What is the point of an opposing argument?

Why oppose your own opinion?

To show that you do have a balance view of the topic

 Many people think that marine mammals should remai
in captivity. The truth is that captivity shortens animal li
spans. Wild dolphins can live 40 years in the wild and
orcas can live 90 years, but when held in captivity they
Counter
rgument
rarely survive their teens.
teens Twenty-three out of 25 orcas
to the have died in captivity.
captivity Some people think that holding
pposing animals in captivity helps in study and research. But in
rgument fact, scientists prefer to learn about animals in their
natural environment so they get firsthand knowledge.

Counter argument = facts you see to show

that the opposing argument is not valid
 Exercise 3 (p131)

1.R
2.C
3.C
4.R
5.C
6.R
1. Internet access must be limited to students

2. Using technology in education

3. Education should be free for everyone

4. Production and sales of tobacco must be made i