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Argumentative Essay 2 1210458799371081 8
Argumentative Essay 2 1210458799371081 8
p. 290.291
Tips
Avoid strong feelings (e.g. nobody does this, it is impossible to
disagree with me)
Use generalizations (e.g. people say/believe/consider)
Do not use generalization (e.g. everybody believes that…)
Do not use strong personal expressions (e.g. I think)
Use linking words (e.g. therefore, although, however etc.)
Use sequencing (e.g. firstly, secondly, lastly)
Make reference to other sources (e.g. The government claims
that…)
Give examples- not personal thoughts (e.g. products such as
sprayer can destroy the environment)
Give up banal (unoriginal, boring) introductions. Write
something more original (Don’t write: This topic has been
important since ancient times.)
example:
topic:
sharing of music files through the
Internet
Make an assertion about the
narrowed topic.
(indicates that the first major part of the essay will discuss the
obsolescence of the system, the second will argue how it is
unrepresentative and the third will talk about the political and
social conflicts caused by it)
argumentative thesis statement:
(assertion is implied)
Example Outline
Thesis Statement:
Because of its cost, risk and alternatives, the building of
nuclear reactors should not continue.
Topic Sentence 1:
The first problem with nuclear reactors is their cost.
Topic Sentence 2:
Another problem is the serious consequences of
accidents.
Refutation:
Some people might claim that there is no real alternative
to nuclear power.
Concluding Statement:
In short, although nuclear power is an attractive option, it
has too many disadvantages.
Example Introductory Paragraph
There has been much discussion about the
use of nuclear power ever since the first
reactor was built. People who support
nuclear power think that it provides a cheap
and effective means of supplying energy
needs. However, in reality it is not cheap at all
and the dangers are well-known after the
accidents at Chernobyl and Three Mile Island.
The fact is that nuclear power is a tried, tested
and failed technology. Because of its cost, risk
and alternatives, the building of nuclear
reactors should not continue.
Grab your readers attention
General Topic
Narrow Topic
Controlling Idea
Thesis
The introduction
Ex.
General Topic:
Social Networking Websites
Narrowed Topic:
Facebook
Controlling Idea:
Security on Facebook
Thesis:
We must put an end to Facebook because it compromises
personal, emotional, and financial security.
Body Paragraphs
Scholarly journals
Authorities or experts in the field
Well chosen examples
DON’T
Appeal to fear or make sweeping generalizations
Concluding paragraph
could be claimed
It may be asserted that... However,
might be argued
Useful words and phrases contd.
claimed
It has been asserted that... However,
argued
Example Refutation
Some people might claim that there is no
real alternative to a new generation of
nuclear reactors. However, combined heat
and power units, which generate electricity,
are already economical for large houses or
blocks of flats and smaller units will be on
the market next year. Local generation of
electricity eliminates the enormous losses
of wasted heat in electricity generation by
fossil fuels or nuclear reactors. Wind
turbines and solar cells on the roof can
also provide home solutions and will
become more economical as costs come
down with mass production.
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