Argumentative essay writing
STUDENTS, IN this week’s lesson, we will begin our focus on Section D of the English A paper. The format for your response may change from year to year, which means you can get a speech, letter to the editor or argumentative essay. The length of your essay should be 250-300 words and you will get 40 minutes to write it.
Please note that you will only be getting one question in this section. Therefore, it is very important for you to have knowledge of a wide range of topics or issues. You are encouraged to read the newspaper, watch the news, listen to the radio and browse the Internet so you can keep current. You do not know which topic will form the stimulus, so the more you know, the better.
According to the English A syllabus, this section will assess your ability ‘to communicate personal opinion clearly and cogently in language which effectively persuades or dissuades’. It is, therefore, important for you to engage in meaningful discussion and use the relevant persuasive techniques to enhance your information. We all have opinions, but we must be able to communicate them effectively. As a reminder, here is a list of some key persuasive techniques: Rhetorical question Repetition Quotes Evidence/statistics/facts Expert/reliable source Anecdotes Analogy
As long as these persuasive techniques are incorporated strategically in your written response, you will be awarded superior marks.
Now, let’s explore the parts of the argumentative essay. In other lessons we will focus on the letter to the editor and speech writing.
WHAT IS THE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY?
This essay provides the writer’s position on a particular topic. This position is usually taken on a controversial issue and requires the writer to present sound arguments in support of a position.
In the English A examination, you may be asked to write an argumentative essay on topics or issues like:
Global warming Social media Free healthcare Free education Cellular phones in schools Corporal punishment Capital punishment Parenting School rules Privacy for teenagers Vigilante justice The impact of technology Physical education CARICOM
As I stated earlier, please get to know as much as you can about a range of topics or issues. Also, pay attention to what is trending. You never know what you will be asked to do.
PARTS OF THE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
Since you are expected to write between 250-300 words, it is recommended that you use the five-paragraph essay format. Below, I have provided an outline of this format.
INTRODUCTION
The introduction is the first paragraph. Here, the reader gains a general understanding of what stance has been taken and its supporting points. It has a/an:
Opening statement/hook which is usually in the form of an attention grabber, such as a definition, a proverb, quote or rhetorical question.
Thesis statement (a declaration of the position to be taken, whether you agree or disagree with the topic to be discussed.)
Summary of supporting points – This includes briefly mentioning the points that will be elaborated on.
EXAMPLE OF AN INTRODUCTION
Every year during the Easter season, carnival revellers are seen on the street gyrating their sweaty, barely covered bodies. (Opening statements) This should not be. Carnival is a waste of time and money for varying reasons.(Thesis) One, it exposes children to sexually suggestive moves; two, it causes people to spend money they need; and three, it encourages promiscuity. (Summary of supporting points)
BODY
The body of the essay is where each of the supporting points is developed/discussed in a separate paragraph. In other words, more information is offered in the form of explanation, examples, statistics or quotes.
The body should provide counterarguments. This is where you anticipate objections to your points, but you counter them by providing evidence/arguments of your own.
The body is also held together by the use of link/transitional words. Here are some basic examples: firstly, secondly, thirdly. Each paragraph in the body begins with what is called a TOPIC sentence. This sentence indicates the point that will be elaborated on in that specific paragraph. Note the example below. The topic sentence is underlined.
Firstly, during Carnival, people spend money that they need. This event can be quite expensive as costumes, clothes and liquor are up for sale. In addition, there are different parties that have to be attended. While some people may say carnival is an activity that is saved for, research shows that 60% of the participants do not and are quite impulsive in their spending habits during the carnival season. People usually indulge in what this event has to offer and use money they might need for their household expenses or for their children’s education. When the fun stops, these persons will have to face these bills – without the money.
The conclusion brings the essay to a close by restating the stance and the supporting points in a fresh way. It serves as a reinforcement of the argument that has been presented.
Example: In conclusion, an activity such as carnival that facilitates casual sex, the wasting of much-needed money and the exposure of children to sexually explicit dances is unnecessary. The society is already challenged by other forms of immorality and one less is one step closer to a better life.
Here are some essay topics that have come on the English A exam in previous years.
1. Using drugs is fine as long as it’s done in the privacy of one’s home.
2. Homework should be removed from the school system.
3. Bullies have no place in the school system. They should be placed in special institutions.
4. Dancehall music is to be blamed for the indiscipline amongst students.
5. Individuals who refuse to evacuate during a natural disaster should be fined.
You are usually asked to agree/disagree with or express your views on the given topic. Remember, as you prepare for the topic that may come in Section C, do more to know more.