Argumentative Essay Question: Some people argue that gambling should be legalized whereas other say it will

be have adverse effect on society.

(1. Provide Some Background Information about the topic. What’s this topic/issue about? Can you provide a
brief history? Who are the parties affected? What is the scope/parameter of the discussion/argument? )
Para 1
Gambling has become an accepted reality of society. Playing the weekly lottery, betting on horses at the track, and
dabbing one’s bingo card at the community hall are just a few of the many forms of gambling. Although it is
considered to be a harmless hobby to some people, it is an illness to others.
2. State your points briefly (Thesis) Despite the studies that indicate that gambling can have negative effects on the
family, health sector, and the law and enforcement system, it is the attractive revenue that gambling provides to
governments, the influx of tourism it can bring to a city, or the notion of the state taking control away from the
underworld that help to reveal that the benefits of the legalization of gambling are greater than the costs.
(How to write the body ----PEEL framework ( P – Point E – Example/Evidence E – Elaboration L – Link)
 (P – Point Stick to one point per paragraph ; Students sometimes try to squeeze in 2-3 points in an
paragraph. Do that and you will realize that your essay has NO POINTS! This point is called the
Topic Sentence . As a guideline, the topic sentence usually appears as either the first or second sentence
in your paragraph. The topic sentence clearly dictates or states what this whole paragraph is about. )

Para 2 P- Point (Topic sentence 1) Point 1 Example:

The most prominent argument as to why the legalization of gambling has been so popular is the enormous revenue it
generates for governments.
E – Example or Evidence
 (Give specific examples or evidence to support your topic sentence .Statistics, numbers, facts, studies
data . Do not be vague! Be as specific as possible. )
With a venture that grosses over billion a year, many governments view gambling as an attractive way of bringing in
money to the country. Research shows that the prohibition of gambling would result in a tax increase between ten
and fifteen per cent to replace gambling. Given the fact that more than fifty percent of people in cities took part in
some form of gambling, taking this activity away followed by increasing taxes would not resonate well with the
public. Such a high percentage of people gambling illustrate how the popularity of legalized gambling can attract
people to cities, therefore providing a boost to the city’s tourism industry, another sector that welcomes this source of
revenue.

E – Elaboration
 Many students fail to elaborate properly Elaboration helps to: Further explain your topic sentence or thesis
 Further explain your examples or evidence Cement your thesis, evidence or examples together into one
comprehensive paragraph. After all, you cannot just write 1 topic sentence and 1 example then expect the
reader to understand your thesis, right?
Elaboration
With a venture that grosses over billion a year, many governments view gambling as an attractive way of bringing in
money to the country. Research shows that the prohibition of gambling would result in a tax increase between ten
and fifteen per cent to replace gambling. Given the fact that more than fifty percent of people in cities took part in
some form of gambling, taking this activity away followed by increasing taxes would not resonate well with the
public. Such a high percentage of people gambling illustrate how the popularity of legalized gambling can attract
people to cities, therefore providing a boost to the city’s tourism industry, another sector that welcomes this source of
revenue.
(L – Link
 A link is the last sentence of the paragraph. It is called a link because you can choose to: Link it back to the
original question;Link it back to the topic sentence; Link it to the next paragraph
(Can be Para 3 )Link
With a venture that grosses over billion a year, many governments view gambling as an attractive way of bringing in
money to the country. Research shows that the prohibition of gambling would result in a tax increase between ten
and fifteen per cent to replace gambling. Given the fact that more than fifty percent of people in cities took part in
some form of gambling, taking this activity away followed by increasing taxes would not resonate well with the
public. Such a high percentage of people gambling illustrate how the popularity of legalized gambling can attract
people to cities, therefore providing a boost to the city’s tourism industry, another sector that welcomes this source of
revenue.

(Refute a Claim: See from the opposite perspective ; Understand the anti-thesis ; Understand common
arguments that could be made against your stand ;Then provide a counter-argument to DEFEND your
stand or thesis. )
Para 4 --Con Point and Refutation
These negative effects of gambling place a strain on the health sector. It is important to recognize the correlation
between gambling and a number of negative behaviors. Studies have proven that alcoholism and depression are
related, and reports indicate that approximately forty- four per cent of pathological gamblers are problem drinkers.
These studies similarly suggest that spouses of pathological gamblers also have a high rate of depression and
psychosomatic disorders. Just as it has been the government’s decision to legalize gambling, it has become the
government’s responsibility to develop and fund treatment programs for illnesses caused by gambling. On the other
hand, many country recognizes gambling as a public health issue. Understanding that pathological gamblers do
require help from the health system, studies indicate that it is important to recognize that only a minority of
gamblers have problems. Therefore, the argument of those opposing the legalization of gambling on the rationale
that it takes its toll on our health care system does not carry much weight, as the strain on the health sector is
minimal.

Para 5 (Conclusion Ending Strong

Re-emphasize your stance on the whole topic/issue ; Summarize and restate your points ; End with a strong
closing sentence to leave an impression on your readers ; Do not repeat phrases or sentences used earlier ;
Rephrase your sentence)
Conclusion
Legalized gambling has provided governments with a great source of revenue, it has helped to provide a tourist
attraction to many cities, and it has provided a safer environment for people who enjoy gambling. One cannot
dismiss the potential dangers of gambling; however, one must always accept the responsibility for their actions.
Family members, school systems, and any business profiting from the gambling industry should do their part in
helping to ensure that gambling is regarded as an exciting social outing, a thrilling activity, or in the case of the
purchaser of a weekly one dollar lottery ticket, a fun hobby.

(Joytshna Gurung/TR/YHSS/Eng/Counselling)