ESSAY ON 24 OCTOBER

WRITE AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY IN 250 WORDS ON A STATEMENT RELATED TO A TOPIC

COVERED IN CLASS

WRITE IN ACADEMIC STYLE (BASED ON THE GUIDE) AND INCLUDE EXAMPLES OF

(1)HEDGING,(2)NOMINALISATION,(3)GENDER-NEUTRAL LANGUAGE,(4)IN-TEXT REFERENCING.

(Sources will be provided)

Indicate all of the examples in superscript.

YOU HAVE 70 MINUTES FOR THIS TASK.

Clearly state your position on the comment.

Support your reasons with arguments (rather than just describing them).

Follow the 4-paragraph essay structure you were given.

An argumentative essay is structured to persuade the reader of a particular stance or viewpoint by

presenting evidence and logical reasoning. It typically contains several key elements and employs
specific phrases that help build a coherent argument. Here's a breakdown of the major components
and commonly used phrases in an argumentative essay:

1. Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for the argument, providing context and stating the thesis (main
argument).

• Elements:

o Hook: A sentence or question to grab the reader's attention.

o Background Information: Brief context or explanation of the topic.

o Thesis Statement: A clear, concise statement presenting the writer's position on the
issue.

• Common Phrases:

o "In today's society..."

o "This essay will argue that..."

o "The purpose of this essay is to..."

o "The issue of [topic] has become a matter of debate."

o "I believe that..."

 o "This paper argues that..."

o "It is clear that..."

2. Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph introduces a reason that supports the thesis, provides evidence, and explains
how the evidence backs the argument.

• Elements:

o Topic Sentence: States the main point of the paragraph, related to the thesis.

o Evidence: Facts, statistics, expert opinions, or real-life examples that support the
argument.

o Explanation: Clarifies how the evidence supports the claim.

o Counterargument (optional but common): Acknowledges opposing viewpoints, then

refutes them.

• Common Phrases:

o Presenting evidence:

▪ "According to [author/source],..."

▪ "Research shows that..."

▪ "For example,..."

o Explaining reasoning:

▪ "This suggests that..."

▪ "This evidence clearly demonstrates that..."

o Acknowledging a counterargument:

▪ "Some may argue that..."

▪ "Critics of this position claim that..."

▪ "While it is true that...,"

3. Counterargument and Rebuttal

Addressing opposing viewpoints is key to strengthening an argument. The writer presents a

counterargument, then refutes it to reinforce their stance.

• Elements:

o Counterargument: Introduces an opposing view.

o Refutation: Dismantles the opposing view with logic or evidence.

• Common Phrases:
 o Introducing a counterargument:

▪ "Opponents might say that..."

▪ "One could argue that..."

o Refuting the counterargument:

▪ "However, this viewpoint fails to consider..."

▪ "Nevertheless, evidence suggests..."

▪ "Although there is some truth to this claim, it is outweighed by..."

4. Conclusion

The conclusion summarizes the argument, reinforces the thesis, and leaves the reader with a final
impression.

• Elements:

o Restatement of the Thesis: A paraphrased version of the thesis.

o Summary of Main Points: Briefly highlights the key arguments made.

o Call to Action (optional): Encourages the reader to take action or rethink their
perspective on the issue.

• Common Phrases:

o "In conclusion..."

o "To summarize..."

o "Given the evidence presented..."

o "It is clear that..."

o "Thus, it is crucial to recognize that..."

General Transition Phrases

To ensure smooth flow and logical progression, transition words are often used between points:

• Adding information: "Furthermore," "Moreover," "Additionally,"

• Contrasting points: "However," "On the other hand," "Conversely,"

• Showing cause and effect: "As a result," "Therefore," "Consequently,"

• Clarifying or restating: "In other words," "To put it another way,"

These elements and phrases work together to construct a strong, cohesive argumentative essay that
logically presents a stance, supports it with evidence, and effectively persuades the reader.
FURTHER GUIDELINES:
1. OVERVIEW OF WRITING A COMMENT
2. OVERVIEW:DIAGRAM
3. TRANSITION SIGNALS
4. COMMENT WRITING EXPRESSIONS

1. OVERVIEW OF WRITING A COMMENT

The commentary is an argumentative piece of writing; it is not descriptive. The intention is to argue
in support of a specific position you take on a given topic.

PRE-WRITING: GATHER IDEAS

1. Decide on what position you will take

2. Think of some reasons to support your position
3. If you can think of examples to illustrate your points, this adds strength to your argument
WRITING THE COMMENT

NOTE: INDENT YOUR PARAGRAPHS

OPENING PARAGRAPH

1. Give some general background to the issue (general to more specific)

2. Last sentence (thesis) should clearly state your position in relation to the comment (ie. your
thesis. This should indicate whether you agree or disagree with the comment)

BODY OF COMMENT: 2 paragraphs

1. Present your best reason for taking your position. (One reason per paragraph)
2. Illustrate with examples to support what you say
3. You can acknowledge other arguments, but present the weaknesses they have and how your
points are stronger
4. Connect your paragraphs to each other

CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH (2-3 sentences)

1. Finish by restating your position (thesis)/main points in different words

2. Move out to some broader implications/recommendations
3. It’s nice to finish with a last sentence that gives the reader something to think about (eg. give
your prediction related to the overall topic)
2. COMMENT WRITING DIAGRAM
3.Writing phrases, transition signals List of transition signals in
writing
To introduce an additional idea
in addition also finally

moreover furthermore one can also say

and then further another

Clause connectors: both….and, either…or, neither….nor, not only…but also

To indicate sequence or to order information

first, second(ly) followed by at this point

next, last, finally previously subsequently

initially and then meanwhile

To give an example
for example to illustrate for instance

in this case to demonstrate take the case of

To introduce an opposite idea (contrast)

in contrast on the other hand alternatively

however on the contrary unlike

in spite of despite a different view is

Clause connectors:

but, yet, although, even though,

by/in comparison similar to
whereas, whilesimilarly

like, just like/as whereas in a similar fashion

To indicate a result or consequence

therefore consequently for this reason

as a result thus so, so then

To repeat (rewording a previous statement)

to put it differently in other words to reiterate

in view of this with this in mind in short

4. COMMENT WRITING – SOME ELEMENTS and EXPRESSIONS

The comment is an argumentative piece of writing. Its purpose is to convince the reader by arguing
in support of a specific position you take on a given topic. This position is called the thesis statement.

THESIS STATEMENT

A thesis summarises the position you will take in your essay. It is normally found at the beginning of
an essay. In the comment, however, the thesis should be the last sentence in the introduction.

Examples of thesis statements:

• Stem cell research must be allowed to continue because of the medical benefits it will bring.
• I will argue that it is vital for governments to tax big companies in proportion to their
earnings.

Note: Modal verbs like should, can, will, must are often used in thesis statements, sometimes with
connectors to expressing cause and effect.
PRESENTING AND SUPPORTING YOUR ARGUMENTS

Different ways you can begin:

The main/principal argument for/against….is (that)….

One of the main/principal arguments for /against…is (that)…

The first point to be considered/made is (that)

There is no doubt that…

It seems clear that…

It is obvious that…

• “One of the main arguments against car ownership is the sheer cost of purchasing, insuring,
and maintaining a vehicle”.
• “It is obvious that even if we improve methods of conserving energy, our overall energy costs
will rise”.

To support your points, you can use various verbs and nouns

This is shown/exemplified by/in…

It has been argued/maintained that….

An example of this is… Statistics indicate that…

For example, … Research demonstrates that…
A case in point is…. Studies have shown that…

• “The process of internationalization does not guarantee a uniform service. An

example of this/a case in point is Google, where governments have been able to
reach individual agreements with the company”.

PRESENTING COUNTER-ARGUMENTS

In making your case, it is useful to introduce, comment on, and evaluate counter-arguments

Clarkson argues/has argued that…

Clarkson believes/maintains/contends that….

In the view/opinion of Clarkson… In Clarkson’s view/opinion….

According to Clarkson….. Some people believe/think that…

Commenting on counter-arguments

You can used connectors that express contrast such as although, but, despite, however, and while.

• “Brexiteers maintain that by leaving the UK will be able improve its economy and take back
control of its own borders. While/although it may be true that the UK will have more say over
 its own affairs, it is quite clear that leaving the EU’s common customs union will have a
negative impact on the UK’s economy. For example….”

SUMMARY OF CAUSE AND EFFECT LANGUAGE

Cause → Effect Effect → cause

verbs verbs

cause result from

produce stem from

lead to be brought about by

result in be caused by

create be produced by

bring about be triggered by

give rise to

connectors connectors

As… …because of

Since… because…

so/such…that…

As a result,…

Consequently,…

Therefore, …

which/this means that…

which/this is why…

which/this explains why….

Due to….

As a result of…

Owing to…

As a consequence of…

On account of…

If…

‘effect’ nouns ‘cause’ nouns

effect of cause of

result of reason for

consequence of source of

outcome of