Agree/Disagree Essay:

Paragraph 1- Introduction
Step 1- Paraphrase Question
Step 2- Thesis Statement
Step 3- Outline Statement

Paragraph 2- Supporting Paragraph 1

Step 1- Topic Sentence
Step 2- Explain Topic Sentence
Step 3- Example

Paragraph 3- Supporting Paragraph 2

Step 1- Topic Sentence
Step 2- Explain Topic Sentence
Step 3- Example

Paragraph 4- Conclusion
Step 1- Summary and reiteration of your opinion.

How to plan

1. Question Analysis

First understand the question to know exactly what the examiner is looking for.

a- Find keywords: the words that tell us what the general topic is.

b- Find micro-keywords (specific topic) identify which part of the general

topic the examiner wants you to talk about.

c- Find instruction words (how to answer question) Action words tell us what
the examiner wants us to do.

Question

Global warming is one of the biggest threats humans face in the 21st Century
and sea levels are continuing to rise at alarming rates.
What problems are associated with this and what are some possible solutions

The keyword: ‘global warming‘.

The micro-keyword: ‘humans’ and ‘sea level rise’. If for example, we talked
about the problems affecting the ‘planet’ or ‘animals’ or the ‘atmosphere’, we
would not be answering the question.

The action words are problems and solutions. Our task is therefore to write about
that and only that. It does not ask our opinion or about the disadvantages and
advantages or about the causes, just the problems and solutions. If we talked about
the causes of sea level rise, then we would not be answering the question.

“If countries are serious about solving traffic problems, they should tax
private cars very heavily and use the money to provide free or very cheap rail
travel.”

To what extent do you agree with the above?

KEYWORD

MICRO-KEYWORD

ACTION WORDs

"EXERCISE"

“Too much education is dangerous. If people receive more education than

they need to function in their job, it only breeds dissatisfaction.
To what extent do you agree?”

KEYWORD

MICRO-KEYWORD

ACTION WORDs
“As most foreign aid often benefits the donor more than the receiver,
developing countries should refuse to repay their debts.
How far do you agree or disagree?”

KEYWORD

MICRO-KEYWORD

ACTION WORDs

“Women will play an increasingly important role in the work place of the
future.
To what extent do you agree with the above?”

KEYWORD

MICRO-KEYWORD

ACTION WORDs

"INTRODUCTION"

Many nations are facing massive traffic congestion in their cities. This both
makes travel difficult and causes environmental damage. In order to solve this
problem it is necessary to establish alternative transportation systems such as
railways.
In my opinion the best way to finance the development of public transport is
to tax car drivers.

Motor cars were invented at the end of the last century and have developed
greatly over the last 100 years. In many countries families have two cars and
sometimes even three. As there are so many cars on the road there are often
traffic jams on major roads. It can take many hours to complete a short
journey at peak times in some major cities. Many attempts have been made to
solve the problems of bad traffic. These include limiting the times cars are
allowed to drive in certain areas and making cars carry a certain number of
passengers. These schemes have met with varying degrees of success.

Many people say that if countries are serious about solving traffic problems,
they should tax private cars very heavily and use the money to provide free
rail travel.

"THESIS STATEMENT"

This essay agrees that……

This essay disagrees that…….

I would argue that….

I (firmly) believe that…….

It seems to me that…….

I tend to think that……….

1
Most countries have made some efforts to control the traffic in their
major cities.
These efforts have often failed.( however)
2
Floods are a major problem in the city.
The government seems to be making very little effort to improve the
situation. (but)
3
Many people say the space program is a waste of money.
Developing another planet could be the answer to overpopulation.
(although)
4
Rainforests are a valuable source of biodiversity and new drugs.
They could also be used to feed the poor and provide them with
farmland. (however)
5
Trees are useful for stopping erosion.
Logging companies provide jobs and wood product exports are a valuable
source of foreign exchange.(although)

"BODY"

For

1. Taxes on cars would discourage people from using cars

2. Good public transport would increase the mobility of the people

3. Save natural resources

Against

1. No door-to-door service

2. Unpopular with car owners so a vote loser

3. Takes time to develop the infrastructure

TOPIC SENTENCE

This is to say ……

In other words …..

Therefore

For example/ for instance

A good example of this is…..

In fact/ indeed

In my experience / let me illustrate

I’m unconvinced that…

I don’t believe that..

It’s hard to accept that…

CONCLUSION

ARE THESE STATEMENTS TRUE OR FALSE:

1. We can add some new ideas to the final Paragraph. (Conclusion)

2. It is not necessary to change the words.

You can repeat the same words in body and introduction.

3. It is not important to write a conclusion.

4. A good conclusion summarizes the ideas presented in the text.

5. The writer’s opinion should be restated.