Argumentative Essay

Outline – Exact first sentence of each paragraph. (5 marks)

Title – Must relate to the topic – not “Argumentative Essay” (-2 marks if this is done)

Introduction

1. Introduce the topic

2. Give some brief background information

3. Explain why this topic is relevant/important

4. Thesis statement (list claims)

Body Paragraphs [2 needed]

Each body paragraph follows the same layout:

1. Topic sentence (claim)

- Explain it, go into detail

2. Counterclaim

- Briefly discuss

3. Refutation

- This is directly linked to the counterclaim – explaining why the counterclaim point
of view is wrong/weak

4. Evidence/ Facts/ Examples to back up the claim (can be made up but must be
realistic)

Conclusion

1. Reinforce the claim

2. Summarise the main ideas

3. Give a suggestion (how to help with the topic)

4. Rhetoric question

Students must also include at least 5 transition words such as: on one hand, on the contrary,
in comparison, but, however, also, moreover, furthermore, and so, as well as, to continue, for
example, for instance, therefore, thus, etc. (1 mark for each different transition word used
max 4/5 marks in total depending on marking scheme)
*Formal language – do not give opinions, use “I think..”, “I believe…”, etc. (-1 mark for
every time ‘I’ is used)

General Rules

no pencil, must include title, no skipping lines, must indent the first line in each paragraph,
neat handwriting – (10 marks in total)

Argumentative Sample
 (with transition words underlined and claims in bold, counterclaims in italics )

Tablets Replacing Books in Schools

Many people argue that tablets should replace books in schools. In recent years,
some schools have introduced the concept of E-books which means that students’
physical books are replaced by digital books on tablets. This topic is widely discussed.
There are many reasons for and against this topic. However, overall, it is clear that
tablets should replace books in schools; reasons for this include that tablets are lighter
to carry and also, using tablets helps improve students’ technology skills.

To begin with, tablets should replace books in schools because they are lighter.
Students take multiple subjects in school and have at least one textbook for each.
Having this huge number of books in their bags every day can cause huge strain to
students’ backs, while with a tablet they still have all the books but on one single device.
On the other hand, people argue that tablets should not replace books because tablets
break easily. People say that students are not careful with their tablets and throw them
around, therefore, resulting in many broken screens and so on. If the tablet breaks, then
no learning can take place. That said, this argument is not valid because of course
students will be responsible with their tablets if their parents and teachers explain to
them how important they are. Doctors have seen a significant decrease in teenage back
problems in schools where they use tablets instead of books.

To continue, schools should replace books with tablets in order to encourage

students to develop their technological skills. In today’s world, technology plays a key
role in many aspects of life. By encouraging students to use tablets every day, they are
improving these skills. However, on the other side of this argument is the fact that
tablets can damage eyesight. Looking at a bright screen all day can cause students’ vision
to weaken which would affect them greatly. This is not a reasonable argument because
screen covers can be bought for all tablets to prevent eye damage. 8/10 people who buy
tablets nowadays also purchase eye/screen protectors with them.

In conclusion, it is clear that tablets should replace books in schools. There are
numerous reasons for this, some include that tablets are lighter to carry also, using
tablets helps improve students’ technology skills. Perhaps, a compromise would be
that schools provide hard-copy textbooks, charging ports and screen protectors for all
students incase any problems do happen to arise. Doesn’t everybody want our future
generations to get the best education possible?

Simple Sample Structure

Introduction:
Many people argue that …. (the topic of essay)
This topic is widely discussed. (why this topic is relevant)
There are many reasons for and against this topic.
However, it is clear that …. (restate the topic and list the claims)

Body Paragraph 1 :
To begin with, ….. (state first claim)
On the other hand, …. (give counterclaim)
However, this argument is not valid because …. (state why counterclaim is weak/wrong)
A study conducted by Harvard university states/says 75% of ….. (restate claim)

Body Paragraph 2:
To continue…. (list second claim)
On the contrary, …. (give counterclaim to this claim)
This argument is irrelevant ….. ( state why counterclaim is weak)
Studies have shown that 80% ….. (restate claim)

Conclusion
In conclusion/ Finally …. (restate topic of essay)
There are numerous reasons for this …. (restate the two claims)
Give a suggestion
Rhetorical Question … ( Doesn’t everybody want…. The topic)