Essay Writing for

REC
Secondary School
How to write an Argumentative Essay
REC

Session Outline
 Identify the requirements of Argumentative Essay Writing
 Learn how to write the introduction
 Learn how to write the body section of the essay
 Learn how to end with a strong conclusion
 Learn how to apply the PEEL framework
 How to refute a claim
 Write better and higher-scoring essays
REC

Session I

Identify the requirements of an

Argumentative Essay Writing
REC

What is an Argumentative Essay?

 In this kind of essay, we not only give information but also present an
argument with the PROS (supporting ideas) and CONS (opposing ideas) of an
argumentative issue. We should clearly take our stand and write as if we are
trying to persuade an opposing audience to adopt new beliefs or behavior. The
primary objective is to persuade people to change beliefs that many of them do
not want to change.
 The big difference between a persuasive essay and an argumentative essay is that
an argumentative essay relies more heavily on evidence, while a persuasive essay
can argue from opinion or emotion.
 In an argumentative essay, you need to collect valid data and evidence to prove a
point.
 Persuasive Writing Argumentative Writing

Purpose The writer aims to get the reader to agree with him/his perspective. The writer aims to get the reader to accept his perspective/his side as truth.

General Opinions are blended with facts, all in an attempt to convince the reader Relevant reasons and credible data are blended to demonstrate the writer’s argument
Technique that the writer is “right.” as valid.

The writer needs an intended audience to address his request or need to. To write an argument, the writer doesn’t need an intended audience. The writer is
Audience
Who can give him what he wants? satisfied with simply “putting the truth out there.”

Since the writer is communicating directly to a person, group, or

Point of With no specific audience in mind, this more formal writing addresses the multiple
organization, it’s common to use first-person (i.e., I) and second-person
View sides of an issue using the more objective third-person point of view.
(i.e., you) point of view.

Persuasive writers “go after” their readers more aggressively. They consider
the emotional strategy that will work best on their audience (e.g., Argumentative writers maintain a tone of fairness and reasonableness. Their attitude
Attitude
manipulation, motivation, inspiration, etc.). Persuasive writing is personal, is respectful, tactful, and formal.
passionate, and emotional.

Persuasion has a single-minded goal— Get what the writer wants. It is Argumentative writing acknowledges opposing views within a pro/con piece. (See the
Perspective based on the writer’s personal conviction that his way of thinking is the more balanced scales above.) This demonstrates the writer as a fair-minded person
presented best. Consequently, the writer’s viewpoint is typically the only one and gives him the opportunity to counter these perspectives with more logic,
presented. (See the lopsided scales above.) reasoning, and proof.

1. Pick a topic of interest. (What do you want?) 1. Conduct initial research on a debatable topic.
Starting
2. Choose a side to “fight” for. 2. Align with the strongest side.
point
3. Start writing. 3. Continue gathering facts and research.

Persuasive pieces rely almost solely on opinions and feelings. The writer Arguments rely on logical reasons that are all substantiated by facts, data, expert
Support uses his own passion and/or plays off reader emotions to get what he wants. quotes, and evidence. The audience agrees with the writer because of the strong
The audience agrees with the writer because of strong emotional appeals. logical appeals.
REC

Group Activity

 Current practices of teaching argumentative essay in school.

 Share some of the approaches that you use to teach this kind of essay.
 Suggest some strategies to teach argumentative essay.
 Design a micro lesson to teach the essay.
 Share your works to the class.
REC

Examples of Argumentative essay questions

 To encourage Bhutanese farmers and local food factories, very high tax should be levied
on all imported food items.
 Most of the currently available foreign TV channels need to be removed as they are
detrimental to our culture.
 Ranking of schools produces the best of students and teachers.
 Is it necessary to obtain a college degree to succeed in life?
REC

Essay Outline
 Five Paragraph Essay Outline
REC
REC Argumentative Essay Pattern
Introduction (Thesis)

PRO-CON Pattern

Pro point 1 + support In this simple pattern for an argumentative essay, you discuss
two PRO points and one CON point.

Recommended for short essays on any topic.

Pro point 2 + support
This pattern contains five paragraphs: introduction,
conclusion, and three paragraphs, one for each PRO or CON
Con point + refutation point.

Conclusion
REC Argumentative Essay Pattern
Introduction (Thesis)

CON- PRO Pattern

CON point 1 + Refutation This pattern for an argumentative essay is very similar to the
previous one, but the CON point comes first.

Recommended for short essays on any topic.

PRO point 1 + support
The pattern contains five paragraphs: introduction, conclusion,
and three paragraphs, one for each PRO or CON point.
PRO point 2+ support

Conclusion
REC Argumentative Essay Pattern
Introduction (Thesis)

3 – CON Pattern

CON point 1 + Refutation In this pattern for an argumentative essay, you don’t explicitly
present any PRO point, but instead refute three CON points.

Recommended for school essays on any topic.

CON point 2 + Refutation
The pattern contains five paragraphs: introduction, conclusion,
and three paragraphs, one for each CON point.
CON point 3 + Refutation

Conclusion
REC

Session II

How to write an introduction

REC
The Importance of an Introduction

 GRABS THE ATTENTION OF THE READER

 States your stand
 Definition of terms
 State your boundaries
 Lead-in to your connecting body
REC

Example essay question for practice:

Example pattern: PRO-CON

 Some people argue that gambling should be legalized whereas other say it
will be have adverse effect on society.
REC 1. Provide Some Background Information

Offer 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?
 1. Provide Some Background Information
REC

Some people argue that gambling should be legalized whereas other say it will be have an
adverse effect on society.
Example:
Hook

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.

Background information and definition of the

controversy.
REC 2. State you points briefly (Thesis)
Just state your points briefly… touch and go.
You do not need to tell the readers all your examples or elaborate too much here. Save it for body paragraphs.

First part of the thesis: listing 3 negative aspects –

the cons of the argument.

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.

Second part of the thesis: listing 3 positive

aspects – the pros of the argument.
REC

The Introduction

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. 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.
REC

Session III

How to write the body

REC
PEEL framework

 What is PEEL and why is it so important?

P – Point

E – Example/Evidence

E – Elaboration
Learn to use PEEL wisely and you will find
that it helps you in all subjects that require
L - Link essay writing.
REC
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.
REC
P- Point (Topic sentence)
Some people argue that gambling should be legalized whereas other say it will be have adverse
effect on society.
Point 1 Example:

Topic sentence (Point 1)

The most prominent argument as to why the legalization of gambling has been so popular is
the enormous revenue it generates for governments.
REC

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.
REC E – Example or Evidence
Example to support topic
sentence
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.
Statistic/data

Specific evidence to support

topic sentence
REC
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?
REC E – 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.

Elaboration to support
the example
REC
L – Link
 A link is the last sentence of the paragraph
It is called a link because you can choose to:
1. Link it back to the original question
2. Link it back to the topic sentence
3. Link it to the next paragraph
REC L – 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.

Concluding sentence and

transition to next paragraph
REC
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.
 Con Point and Refutation Elaboration to support the
con point
Opposing viewpoint- con argument Statistic/data

In countries where there are universal healthcare, researchers argue that all of 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
Example/Evidence 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.

Elaboration to support Turning point

the example Refutation with example and
evidence
REC

Session IV

Conclusion
 Ending Strong
REC
How do I write my conclusion

For conclusion

 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
REC Conclusion

Main points summarized and restated (Thesis)

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.

Strong closing sentence painting the portrait of the future

REC

2nd Example essay question for practice:

Example pattern: 3 – CON Pattern

Question
It is popularly acknowledged that medicine is used to cure almost all the
illnesses. However, some argue that alternative healing method such as Reiki
(kind of yoga) is a better solution to live a healthy life.
 1. Provide Some Background Information
REC

Hook – Already showing bias and

making a clear stand

Throw out the bottles and boxes of drugs in your house. A new theory suggests that
medicine could be bad for your health, which should at least come as good news to people
who cannot afford to buy expensive medicine.

Background information and clue to the

controversy/issue.
 2. State you points briefly (Thesis)
REC
Just state your points briefly… touch and go.
You do not need to tell the readers all your examples or elaborate too much here. Save it for body paragraphs.

However, it is a blow to the medicine industry, and an even bigger blow to our confidence
in the progress of science. This new theory argues that healing is at our fingertips: we can
be healthy by doing Reiki on a regular basis as it is scientifically proven, economical and
an effective method.

Hints to the opposing

point

3 Sub points forming part of the thesis. Sub

points in the thesis help the reader know how
The thesis statement clearly
the essay will be organized.
states opinion and contains the
main idea that controls the essay.
REC

The Introduction

Throw out the bottles and boxes of drugs in your house. A new theory suggests that medicine
could be bad for your health, which should at least come as good news to people who cannot
afford to buy expensive medicine. However, it is a blow to the medicine industry, and an even
bigger blow to our confidence in the progress of science. This new theory argues that healing
is at our fingertips: we can be healthy by doing Reiki on a regular basis as it is scientifically
proven, economical and an effective method.
REC

Session III

How to write the body

REC
Con Point 1 + Refutation
Opposing viewpoint forming the topic
sentence (Counter claim)

Supporters of medical treatment argue that medicine should be trusted since it is effective and
scientifically proven. They say that there is no need for spiritual methods such as Reiki, Yoga,
Tai Chi. These waste our time, something which is quite precious in our material world. There
is medicine that can kill our pain, x-rays that show us our fractured bones or MRI that scans
our brain for tumors.

Example to support the topic sentence Specific evidence to support

(opposing viewpoint) topic sentence
 Con Point 1 + Refutation Continued
REC

(Refutation method: insufficient claim) Compromise - but prove

that their argument is not powerful enough.

We must admit that these methods are very effective in the examples that they provide.
However, there are some “every day complaints” such as back pains, headaches, insomnia,
which are treated currently with medicine. When you have a headache, you take an Aspirin, or
Vermidon, when you cannot sleep; you take Xanax without thinking of the side effects of these
medicine. When you use these pills for a long period, you become addicted to them; you
cannot sleep without them. We pay huge amounts of money and become addicted instead of
getting better. How about a safer and more economical way of healing? When doing Reiki to
yourself, you do not need anything except your energy so it is very economical.

Introducing PRO point to prove

your claim.
 Con Point 1 + Refutation Continued
REC

Evidence/Example to
support your claim

As for its history, it was discovered in Japan in the early 1900s and its popularity has spread
particularly throughout America and Western Europe. In quantum physics, energy is
recognized as the fundamental substance of which the universe is composed. Reiki depends on
the energy within our bodies. It is a simple and effective way of restoring the energy flow.
There are no side effects and it is scientifically explained.

Concluding sentence summarizes the

paragraph emphasizing the topic
sentence.
 Con Point 2 + Refutation Mainly
present
tense
3rd person

Opponents of alternative healing methods also claim that serious illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and
cancer cannot be treated without drugs. They think so because these patients spend the rest of their
lives in the hospital taking medicine. How can Reiki make these people healthy again? It is very
Opposing unfortunate that these patients have to live in the hospital losing their hair because of chemotherapy,
viewpoint
losing weight because of the side effects of the medicine they take. Actually, it is common knowledge
that except for when the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, drugs also cannot treat AIDS or cancer.
Most of the medicines these patients use are to ease their pain and their sufferings because of the
medical treatment they undergo. Instead of drugs which are expensive and have many side effects,
(refutation
you can use your energy to overcome the hardships of life, find an emotional balance, leave the stress
method:
opponents of everyday life and let go of the everyday worries. Most of the chronic conditions such as migraine
are partially are known to have causes such as poor diet and stress. Deep-rooted anger or other strong emotions
correct) can contribute to viral infections as well. Since balancing our emotions and controlling our thoughts
are very important for our well-being, we should definitely start learning Reiki and avoid illnesses
before it is too late.
Introducing PRO point to prove
your claim.
 Con Point 3 + Refutation
Some people may still maintain that in our material world, everything depends on time. It is
even “lacking time” that causes much of the stress that leads to the illnesses we mentioned.
How would it be possible to find time to do Reiki to ourselves and the people around us when
we cannot even find time to go to the theater? This is one good thing about Reiki; it does not
require more than 15 minutes of our time. There is no need for changing clothes or special
(refutation equipment. It is a wonderfully simple healing art, an effective method of relaxation and stress-
method: relief. Most important of all, it is less time consuming than medicine if we think of all the time
opponents we spend taking medicine for some complaints and taking some more for the side effects as
are partially well.
correct)

Introducing PRO point to prove

your claim.
Conclusion

Having said these, resistance to Reiki would be quite illogical. Reiki is natural and drug-free.
What is more, it is easy to learn by anyone, regardless of age and experience. It can be used
anywhere, anytime. It also enhances physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being and
the benefits last a lifetime. It is definitely high time to get away from the drug boxes we store
in our drug cabinet!

Conclusion restates thesis and ends

with a strong statement
REC

Language/Tone

Emotional/Biased Language - To use of not to use?

REC
Should I use Emotional/Biased language?

Example of Emotional language/Biased language

Extremely negative

- “Social media is a plague and a disease. There is never a greater scourge on Earth ever since
social media was invented.”

- “Social media is god-send and blessing for mankind. Social media is the best technology ever
invented.”

Extremely positive
That is too extreme!
REC
Should I use Emotional/Biased language?

Show which side of the argument you lean to but avoid using extreme emotional/biased
language as it may:

 Offend readers
 Readers may think you have not considered the other perspective
 Readers may think you are overly-emotional

Remain clear headed, logical and objective when writing.

REC
Should I use Emotional/Biased language?

Example of Emotional language/Biased language

Objective view

- “Social media has caused more harm than good. It may have eased communications but it
has worsen face-to-face interactions.”

- “Social media is vital and useful for mankind. It has given a voice to the everyday person to
speak out and share his or her thoughts.”

Objective view
Signposts

Signposts gain importance in the argumentative essay. They enable the readers to follow
arguments easily.

When pointing out opposing arguments (CONs)

 Opponents of this idea claim / maintain that …

 Those who disagree assert that …
 Those who are against these ideas may say that…
 Some people may disagree with this idea.
Signposts

When stating specifically why they think like that

 The put forward this idea because …

 They claim that … since …
Signposts

Reaching the turning point

 However,
 but
 On the other hand,
Signposts
When refuting the opposing idea, we may use the following strategies

 compromise but prove that their argument is not powerful enough:

They have a point in thinking like that.
To a certain extent they are right.

 completely disagree
After seeing this evidence, there is no way we can agree with what they say.

 say that their argument is irrelevant to the topic:

What we are discussing here is not what they are trying to prove.
Their argument is irrelevant.
Do’s and Don’ts of an Argumentative Essay

 
Write about the opposition’s ideas to show Do not attack people; attack ideas and
that you are not biased claims.

Refute your opposition’s claims by giving Do not use negative language to refer to
logical, strong evidence. your opponents.
Bring facts, statistics, strong evidence to Don’t say “I think” or “I believe”… .
support your claim.
REC

Thank You!