Writing an argumentative essay ISE I & ISE II

Also known as “topic essay”, in an argumentative essay you give your opinions about a subject. You only need to
support one point of view.
The title: brief and clear.
Smoking should be completely banned
1st paragraph: explain
In Europe, several countries and cities have banned smoking in public background to the situation and
places. However, in my opinion, politicians should do more to stop state your opinion.
smoking. Personally, I believe that they should make it completely
illegal.
2nd paragraph: give your main
Firstly, it is well known that smoking is bad for your health. It can cause point, adding a fact or an
many serious illnesses, as well as shortening people’s lives. If smoking example to support your opinion.
was banned, people would have longer, healthier lives. It would also
help hospitals and doctors, because they would not have spent so much 3rd paragraph: give another
time and money helping people with diseases caused by smoking. opinion keeping your
sentences simple and clear.
Secondly, smoking can pollute environment. For example, smoky places
can be unpleasant, and cigarettes can cause rooms, clothes, and hair to
smell. What is more, people create extra litter when they throw the Conclusion: summarize your
ends of their cigarettes away. opinion and give a conclusion.
Try not to repeat the words
To sum up, I think smoking is a very unhealthy and antisocial activity you have used in the previous
which should be banned immediately. paragraphs.

Giving opinions: Sequencing ideas: Adding arguments:

 Personally, I think / believe that…  Firstly,  also  what is more

 I strongly feel…  First of all,  as well  My main reason is…
 In my opinion / view, …  Secondly,  besides  Another reason is…
 I (dis)agree with…  Thirdly,  furthermore  One reason for.. is…
 I partly agree that…  Finally,  in addition  A final point is…
 I am (not) convinced that…  Last of all,  moreover
 I would argue / say that…  too
 It seems clear to me that…
 as I see it, …
 As far as I am concerned, …

Giving evidence: Making recommendations: Summing up:

 According to…
 It is clear that…
 It is well-known that…
 Research has shown that…
 It has been proven that…
 We (do not) have (any)
evidence that…
 It would be a good idea to…  On balance, I would say that…
 It would be better to… than…  To sum up,
 Instead of… , we should / ought  all in all,
to / could…  In conclusion,
 I suggest / recommend…  To conclude