4-paragraph essay 5HAVO 2022/2023 Name:

Teacher:

An essay is:

o a formal piece of structured writing

o usually written to convince or inform someone
o it has a basic recipe you need to know well: introduction (1x), body (2x),
conclusion (1x)

each of these three parts has its own recipe:

 introduction: hook - background - thesis statement

 body: topic sentence, rest of the paragraph
 conclusion: paraphrased restatement of thesis statement, summary of
body, personal opinion

people usually organise their ideas before they start writing, by means of a mind map and/or
an outline

Each of the underlined aspects represent course goals and will be dealt with in the coming
lessons, so at the end you will understand them perfectly. For now, we will start with an activity
about the structure of essays.

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Structure

Title
Introduction

 Background about the topic

 Thesis statement (stelling)

Body

 2 paragraphs
 each paragraph has a topic sentence

Conclusion

 Thesis statement, summary, own opinion

What’s important for the structure of your essay?

 A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.
In the first paragraph of your essay, you should set the context by reviewing the topic in a general
way. Next you explain why the topic is important or why readers should care about the issue.
Lastly, you present the thesis statement.

 Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.
Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical
progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will
collapse. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that
is to follow in the next section.

 Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow for clarity
and direction throughout the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates an ease of readability
for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have
some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Some paragraphs will
directly support the thesis statement with evidence collected during research. It is also important to
explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis.

 Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis.

 A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence
provided.
This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the
reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the
conclusion; rather, synthesize the information presented in the body of the essay. Restate why the
topic is important, review the main points, and review your thesis.

Make sure you have a clear plan or outline before you start writing your essay.

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A 4-paragraph essay – characteristics
 There is a statement, one-sided or controversial, which you have to discuss. An example: The
world would be a better place without cars.
 You have to agree or disagree with the statement and justify the position you take. You should
give good reasons for your point of view.
 It’s important that the reader (your teacher) gets an idea of what you think about the topic and why
you think that
 You need to show that you are able to use appropriate phrases and vocabulary (linking words).
 Each paragraph has more or less the same length and contains at least 3 or 4 sentences.
 The introduction may contain an example, to draw the attention of the reader.
 You will need at least 220 words and a maximum of 275 words to write your composition.

Transitional devices
Transitional devices are like bridges between parts of your paper. They are cues that help the reader to
interpret ideas a paper develops. Transitional devices are words or phrases that help carry a thought from
one sentence to another, from one idea to another, or from one paragraph to another. And finally,
transitional devices link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or
breaks between ideas.
There are several types of transitional devices, and each category leads readers to make certain
connections or assumptions. Some lead readers forward and imply the building of an idea or thought,
while others make readers compare ideas or draw conclusions from the preceding thoughts.
Here is a list of some common transitional devices that can be used to cue readers in a given way. Make
your own shortlist.

To Add:
and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore, nor, too, next, lastly, what's
more, moreover, in addition, first (second, etc.),

To Compare:
whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by comparison, where,
compared to, up against, balanced against, but, although, conversely, meanwhile, after all, in contrast,
although this may be true

To Prove:
because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, furthermore, moreover, besides, indeed, in
fact, in addition, in any case, that is

To Show Exception:
yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course, once in a while, sometimes

To Show Time:
immediately, thereafter, soon, after a few hours, finally, then, later, previously, formerly, first (second,
etc.), next, and then

To Repeat:
in brief, as I have said, as I have noted, as has been noted

To Emphasize:
definitely, extremely, obviously, in fact, indeed, in any case, absolutely, positively, naturally, surprisingly,
always, forever, perennially, eternally, never, emphatically, unquestionably, without a doubt, certainly,
undeniably, without reservation

To Show Sequence:
first, second, third, and so forth. A, B, C, and so forth. next, then, following this, at this time, now, at this
point, after, afterward, subsequently, finally, consequently, previously, before this, simultaneously,
concurrently, thus, therefore, hence, next, and then, soon, In the first place, to start with, to begin with,
first of all, secondly, thirdly,

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To Give an Example:
for example, for instance, in this case, in another case, on this occasion, in this situation, take the case of,
to demonstrate, to illustrate, as an illustration, to illustrate

To Summarize or Conclude:
in brief, on the whole, summing up, to conclude, in conclusion, as I have shown, as I have said, hence,
therefore, accordingly, thus, as a result, consequently

How to make a point, or express an opinion or reason

First of all...
One advantage/ disadvantage of (...) is ...
Another point in favour of / against (...) is ...
A further argument in favour of / against (...) is ...
The biggest advantage/disadvantage is ...
One objection to this argument is ...
No doubt ..., however ...
This is not always the case ...
Take for instance (to present an example) ...
In my opinion, ... (only in paragraph 5)
I think ... (only in paragraph 5)
I believe … (only in paragraph 5)
If ...., then ...
It’s important/true/necessary to remember/ to point out that ...
Bearing this in mind/ considering this, I think ...
It’s worth remembering that ...
To sum up/In conclusion I would say that ...

How to link the points or opinions, or reasons together

On the one hand ..., on the other hand (the second part can be used alone to introduce an
opposite point)

On the one hand travelling by air is very fast; on the other hand, it has several disadvantages.

But
There are many advantages in owning a dog, but there are one or two disadvantages too.

In contrast
Cats are rather independent. Dogs, in contrast, provide real companionship (much more usual is “on the
other hand”)

Besides
Besides this problem, there is the question of exercise for dogs.

Besides providing financial help for old people, the government should build more special houses.

Moreover (used to add another point)

Air travel is easy, comfortable and quick. Moreover, it is relatively cheap.

Whereas; while
Dogs are fairly expensive to keep, whereas/while cats cost very little.

Dogs must be taken for walks, while/whereas cats can look after themselves.

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Exercise
Using the ways of linking points, expressing opinions or reasons complete the following:

football/exciting; Cricket/ more relaxing

Football is an exciting game. Cricket, in contrast, _____________________

living in a foreign country/difficult/ rather exciting

People say that living in a foreign country is difficult. On the other hand, it __________

northern countries/rather reserved-Mediterranean countries/extrovert

People from northern countries tend to be rather reserved. Those from Mediterranean
countries, on the other hand, __________________________

England/monarchy-Portugal/republic
England has a monarchy, whereas __________________________________

England/ drive left-rest of Europe/right

In England people drive on the left, while _______________________________

England pounds sterling/ most European countries/euro

Our currency is pounds sterling, whereas _____________________________

England/non-compulsory military service – efficient armed forces

England has no compulsory military service, however _______________________

no high mountains in England – Switzerland very mountainous country

There are no really high mountains in England, whereas _________________

television kills conversation, makes people dumber

Besides killing conversation, television ______________________________

gardens- place for children to play- beautify the houses

Gardens provide a place for children to play. Moreover, they _____________

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 EXERCISE 1: Classify the following linking words / phrases according to list below.

in the first place such as because

also therefore while
for example on the other hand taking everything into account
to sum up however furthermore
moreover apart from this for one thing
firstly in other words since
although in particular lastly
to begin with for instance secondly
all things considered in addition

1. To list points: in the first place, ________

2. To add more points: _______
3. To introduce opposing viewpoints: _______
4. To introduce examples / reasons: _______
5. To conclude: _______

EXERCISE 2: Fill in the blanks with one of the given words.

First of all - Firstly

In addition - Moreover - Furthermore
So- As a result – Therefore
However – On the other hand – In contrast
In conclusion – To sum up – On the whole – Overall

THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF LIVING IN THE COUNTRY.

Living in the country is often the secret dream of certain city-dwellers. ……………(1), in reality it has both
its advantages and disadvantages.

There are many advantages to living in the country. ……………….(2), you are much closer to nature and
can enjoy more peace and quiet. …………(3), life in the country is much slower and people tend to be
more open and friendly. A further advantage is that there is much less traffic, and as a result it is much
safer place to bring up young children.

……………….(4), there are certain drawbacks to life outside the city. ……………….(5), because there are
fewer people, one has a smaller number of friends. ……………….(6) entertainment, particularly in the
evening, is difficult to find. Furthermore, the fact that there are fewer shops and services often means that
there are fewer employment opportunities. ……………….(7), one may have to travel long distances to
work elsewhere, and this can be extremely expensive.

……………….(8), it can be seen that the country is more suitable for some than others. ……………….(9),
it is often the best place for those who are retired or who have young children, ……………….(10), young,
single people who are following a career and who want some excitement are better provided for by life in
the city.
(Success at First Certificate-Robert O’Neill)

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EXERCISE 3: Replace the words underlined with one of the following. Some may have more than
one alternative.

In spite of pros and cons

Another point is that one advantage is that
All things considered for instance
To sum up In my opinion
Moreover especially
One disadvantage is that finally
On the other hand additionally
In addition lastly
However

LIVING in the CITY

Living in a big or small city is usually a hidden dream of certain village-dwellers. 1. Nevertheless,
it has both its 2. advantages and disadvantages /___________.
3. On the plus side/___________, it is often easier to find work, and there is usually a choice of
public transport, so you do not need to own a car. 4. Also______________, there are a lot of interesting
things to do and places to see. 5. For example, /___________ you can eat in a good restaurant, visit
museums, and go to the theatres and to concerts. 6. What is more/___________, when you want relax,
you can usually find a park where you can feed the ducks or just sit on a park bench and read a book. 7.
All in all/___________, city life is full of bustle (hurry, haste) and variety and you need never feel bored.
8. However/___________, for every ever plus there is a minus. 9. For one thing/___________,
you might have a job, but unless it is very well paid, you will not be able to afford many of the things that
there are to do, because living in a city is often very expensive. It is particularly difficult to find food and
cheap accommodation.
10. What is more, /___________ public transport is sometimes crowded and dirty, 11.
particularly/___________ in the rush hour, and even the parks can become very crowded, especially on
Sundays when it seems that every city-dweller is looking for some open space and green grass. 12. Last
of all, despite all the crowds, it is still possible to feel very lonely in a city.
13. In conclusion/___________, I think that city life can be particularly appealing to (attract,
interest) young people, who like the excitement of the city and do not mind the noise and pollution.
However, many people, when they get older, and particularly when they have young children, often prefer
the peace and fresh air of the countryside. (Success at First Certificate-Robert O’Neill)

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 EXERCISE 4: –Transitions- Complete the composition by using given transitions.

Some countries still have the death penalty …1… it no longer exists in Britain. ……2……, after a
particularly violent murder, British people sometimes call for it to be brought back. …….3…….my opinion,
the death penalty cannot be defended for a number of reason.

………4…… and most important reason is that one can never be entirely certain that the accused
person is guilty. In the ………5…, people have been sentenced to death and later it is discovered that
they were completely innocent.

It is often ……6…… that the death penalty prevents crime and that the risk of death acts as
a deterrent. ……7…, many serious crimes are caused by a sudden and very powerful emotion. In these
cases, the individual is not thinking sensibly and does not stop to consider the risks.

One final ……8……… against the death penalty is that it sets a bad example. The laws of society
should reflect its values. If it is wrong for one individual to murder another …9…… it is also wrong for the
state to execute an individual.

………10…. I believe the death penalty cannot defended. There are other ways of punishing
criminals and these ways should always be tried.

A.
1- A and B despite C although D moreover
2- A In addition B also C Nevertheless D In contrast
3 A In B for C About D With
4- A Firstly B The first C The one D Initially
5- A future B present C beginning D past
6- A told B heard C spoken D suggested
7- A Therefore B However C Moreover D Despite
8- A Reason B view C argument D opinion
9- A then B as C and D too
10- A In contrast B To sum up C At last D Fourthly

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Writing Four Paragraph PERSUASIVE ESSAYS
Persuade means to move by argument

A persuasive essay is written to make the reader agree with your point of view. When you write this kind
of essay you must decide if you are for or against an issue. For example, on the issue of abortion you
would be either for legal abortions or against legal abortions.
You should NOT show both sides of an issue.

Your essay must follow the format below:

TITLE = catchy and informative

PARAGRAPH 1 = Introduction
INCLUDES:
 “THESIS STATEMENT” (your point of view) (often ‘should’ is used in the thesis statement)
 It clarifies what the essay is about. Don’t use I / my here, except in an example/anecdote.

PARAGRAPH 2 = A Body Paragraph

INCLUDES:
 Transitional words (To begin with, First, The first reason)
 REASON #1 for supporting your point of view
 At least 2 supporting details* for reason #1

PARAGRAPH 3 = A Body Paragraph

INCLUDES:
 Transitional words (Next, In addition, Furthermore, Another Reason)
 REASON #2 for supporting your point of view
 At least 2 supporting details* for reason #2

PARAGRAPH 4 = Conclusion
INCLUDES:
 Transitional words (In conclusion,)
 REITERATION OF POINT OF VIEW (restate viewpoint again)
 Brief summary of the three reasons listed in the body paragraphs
 Your own opinion clearly and elaborately stated
 CALL TO ACTION (tell reader to do something to support your view)

* SUPPORTING DETAILS may include: facts, personal observations, expert’s opinion, and statistics.
They should NOT include EMOTIONAL APPEALS or the opinion of someone who is not an expert.

NB: Your own opinion is only given in paragraph 4! So, no I or my in paragraphs 1-3!.

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Example of 4 –paragraph essay

Why you should prefer cats over dogs.

"A dog is man's best friend." That common saying may contain some truth, but
dogs are not the only animal friend whose companionship people enjoy. For many
people, a cat is their best friend. Despite what dog lovers may believe, cats make
excellent house pets.

Firstly, cats are wonderful house pets because people enjoy the companionship of
cats. Many cats are affectionate. They will snuggle up and ask to be petted, or
scratched under the chin. Who can resist a purring cat? If they are not feeling
affectionate, cats are generally quite playful. They love to chase balls and feathers,
or just about anything dangling from a string. They especially enjoy playing when
their owners are participating in the game.

Secondly, cats are great house pets because they are civilized members of the
household. Unlike dogs, cats do not bark or make other loud noises. Most cats do
not even meow very often. They generally lead a quiet existence. Cats also do not
often have "accidents." Mother cats train their kittens to use the litter box, and most
cats will use it without fail from that time on. Even stray cats usually understand the
concept when shown the box and will use it regularly.

In conclusion, cats make excellent house pets as they are wonderful company
and civilized companions. I have always enjoyed spending time with my cat,
cuddling and playing chase. Also, my cat is quiet and uses the litter box
appropriately. In many ways, cats are the ideal house pets.

Number of words: 259 (rule: 220-260 words)

(For more essay examples see pages 15 & 16)

Assignment 1: Example essay into writing plan

In this exercise, to make the organization clearer, try to work backwards and fill in
the grid below to make a writing plan.

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Topic:

Thesis:

Main arguments (paragraphs) Sub

arguments/explanation/examples:
1. I
ii
2. I
ii

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Assignment 2: Practise essay about eating meat
Title: ______________________

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
___________________________It should be forbidden for people to eat meat.

Firstly, eating meat should no longer be permitted for the sake of the animals.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Finally, the meat production should stop entirely, since it is very

environmentally unfriendly.
_______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

To conclude, people should stop eating meat altogether, because

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

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Hokje 1: Bedenk een goede anekdote of goede achtergrondinformatie. Zorg ervoor dat de
Thesis Statement een logisch vervolg hierop is! Let op: geen argumenten in de
inleiding!
Hokje 2: Argument 1. Werk deze uit d.m.v. uitleg en/of voorbeelden.
Hokje 3: Argument 2. Werk deze uit d.m.v. uitleg en/of voorbeelden.
Hokje 4: Conclusie. Deze begint met de Thesis statement (rephrase) en wordt aangevuld
met de twee argumenten. Probeer deze zo kort mogelijk te formuleren en net
anders geformuleerd t.o.v. alinea’s 2 en 3. Na deze beknopte samenvatting sluit je
af met een pakkende slotzin waarin je mening duidelijk wordt: I think/I believe/in my
opinion
Titel: Deze bedenk je pas wanneer je hele essay af is. Je titel mag geen hele zin of de
Thesis Statement zijn!
Let op:
 Zoals je ziet komt de TS terug in de eerste zin van elke body paragraph en de conclusie,
maar is deze steeds anders verwoord. Dit moet je ook doen in de toets!
 Maak gebruik van voegwoorden (Also, furthermore, however, nevertheless, yet, moreover,
for example/instance, despite, etc.) Gebruik nooit de woorden ‘and’, ‘so’ en ‘but’ aan het
begin van een zin! Deze woorden kunnen alleen in het midden van een zin staan!
 Gebruik geen contractions (samentrekkingen) zoals ‘don’t, shouldn’t, I’m, can’t’, maar
schrijf alle woorden uit, dus ‘do not, should not, I am, cannot.’
 Maak gebruik van je woordenboek! Niet alleen om woorden te vertalen, maar ook om
voorbeeldzinnen te vinden. Hieruit leer je namelijk hoe dit woord grammaticaal gebruikt
moet worden. Voorbeeld: je zoekt op ‘feliciteren’ in je woordenboek Ne-En. Hierin staat
niet alleen de vertaling ‘congratulate’, maar ook de grammaticale regel dat je het
voorzetsel ‘on’ moet gebruiken, en niet ‘with’: She congratulated him on his new job.
 Gebruik ca. 55 - 65 woorden per alinea!

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Assignment 3: Practise essay assignment about mobile phones

Do you think mobile phones should be allowed in school? Compose an essay to

persuade the school community of your opinion. You can use the example writing
plan or make your own. If you use the example writing plan, make sure you come
up with your own specific examples of the sub arguments!

Example writing plan:

Topic: Mobile phones in school

Thesis: Mobile phones should be allowed in the classroom

Main Arguments: Sub

arguments/explanation/examples:
1. students stay connected with 1. students connect with
family and friends parents
2. parents keep track of kids

2. they are a learning resource 1. can use tools (calculator,

etc.)
2. can find educational
websites

Assignment 4&5: Practise essay writing with your own topic

-Your teacher is going to give you a couple of topics to choose from to write your
own practise essay.
-Make sure to hand in a writing plan (see above) before you write the actual essay.
-You need to get your teacher’s approval on writing BEFORE you can begin!

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Example essay: Gun Laws

No Second Amendment

The history of the United States is riddled with violent skirmishes in which arms had
a prominent role. In the Wild West, the only way of protection for settlers was to
employ firearms. However, nowadays gun violence has turned out to be a serious
problem in society. Therefore, gun laws in the USA should be reformed.

First of all, gun laws in the USA should be reformed because the current legislation
allows mentally unstable people to carry arms and to cause unnecessary
damage to public life. The countless examples of gun violence in malls and school
are a good example. Furthermore, last year around 10,000 people died of gun
violence in the US alone, while the rest of the world saw fatalities ranging in the
numbers of 5,000 in total. This is a shocking discrepancy.

Lastly, gun laws in the USA should be reformed as the US police forces are more
than capable of defending the citizens. Undeniably, ever since the unification of the
US, police forces have been provided with ample means to protect and defend the
population. Consequently, they have no need for guns anymore.

In conclusion, stricter firearm legislation must be introduced, preventing

psychiatrically ill people from abusing their power. Moreover, law enforcement is
more than capable of protecting society. In my opinion, gun laws could indeed be
made stricter, so weapons will not be as ubiquitous as they are now. Let us act as
soon as possible.

Words: 245

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Example essay: Homework in Schools

Unnecessary Homework

All over the world, teachers set assignments for students, to reinforce the learning
process. However, after primary school, the onset of puberty has a strong negative
effect on independent learning. Hence, setting homework tasks in secondary
education should be abolished for two reasons.

First of all, homework should be abolished because students do not study

effectively without adult supervision. Research suggests that doing independent
tasks at home is ineffective, even when parents police their offspring. For instance,
when pupils are working on a task in the comfort of their own room, they are
constantly provided with distractions, such as phones, computers and/or TV.

Lastly, homework should be forbidden because the time that students spend in
school is long enough for all necessary learning to occur. Starting at 08:30 and
ending at 17:00 on average, the learning days are long and intensive, and, indeed,
many schoolchildren are tired at the end of a long school day. Consequently, it is
unfair to demand even more of these hard-working teenagers, as they also deserve
play time.

In conclusion, the secondary-school practice of setting homework tasks should

end, because it is unproductive. Moreover, an unreasonable amount of free time
must be spent on education. In my opinion, the no-homework revolution cannot
start quickly enough, as children are now treated very unfairly.

Words: 220

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