ESSAY WRITING
6 VWO
Teachers:
M. Velthausz
L. Bakker – de Vries
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Essay Writing
An argumentative essay
For your exam you will have to write an argumentative essay. The goal of such an
essay is to present your readers with a new, original way of looking at a concept and
to try and convince your readers of your point of view.
How do I start?
You do NOT start by writing sentences. You do start by …
1. Brainstorming
The first step towards writing a good essay is to brainstorm about the given topic.
Again, do NOT start by writing sentences. Start with a brainstorming session in which
you write down everything concerning the topic that pops into your mind. Don’t worry
that you might not use all of it. Take at least five minutes for this. For the
brainstorming session you can use the mind map or the spider diagram included in
this reader.
2. Organizing your thoughts
The next step is to decide which of the ideas you have written down during your
brainstorming session you want to use. You will also have to put them in a logical
order. It is usually best to have the pros (arguments that support your opinion)
immediately followed by the cons (counterarguments), but it is also possible to
mention the cons first. Place pros that are similar together. They may make up one
paragraph later.
3. Structure
Before you start writing sentences, let’s take a look at the structure of an essay and
at the language you should use when writing an essay.
Your essay should consist of four main parts:
1. Title
2. Introduction/thesis paragraph
3. Body paragraphs
4. Concluding paragraph
3.1. Title
The title should not be boring, but make people curious. You can either decide on a
suitable title for your essay now, or once you have finished writing. Most people find it
best to come up with a title after they have written their essay.
3.2. Introduction/thesis paragraph
Introductory paragraphs have two tasks:
1. They should get the reader's interest so that he or she will want to read more.
2. They should let the reader know what the writing is going to be about.
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The first paragraph is a kind of funnel, which draws readers into the discussion. This
paragraph ends with the thesis which focuses the reader’s attention to your opinion.
The second task can be accomplished by a well-designed thesis statement. Writing
thesis statements can be learned rather quickly. The first task — capturing the
reader's interest — is more difficult.
Try not to announce the thesis statement as a thesis statement. In other words, try
not to use phrases such as "The purpose of this paper is . . . . ". By doing this it
becomes clear that this paper is the work of an amateur. If necessary, write the thesis
statement that way the first time; it might help you to see what it is you are trying to
convince others of. But when you rewrite your paper, write an original statement.
3.3. Body paragraphs
You develop your argument in the body paragraphs of your paper. Try to have at
least three body paragraphs between your thesis paragraph and the conclusion.
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Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that is linked to the thesis
statement. The topic sentence should introduce new information but should also
always be connected to the first paragraph.
Within the paragraph you should use specific evidence/examples to support the
idea mentioned in your topic sentence.
Acknowledge contrasting opinions, but always refute them. Your arguments in
favour of your thesis should be stronger than any argument against it.
A paragraph should not contain two separate ideas unless it explains why they
are related to each other.
The ideas in your body paragraphs should come in a logical sequence. The
paragraphs should form an entity.
Transitional words help your reader to understand the way that you are
developing your main idea. Common transitional phrases are ‘furthermore’ , ‘in
contrast’ , ‘for example’ , ‘as a result’ , and ‘ in conclusion’ . You will find an
overview of these transitional words further on in this of this reader.
3.4. Concluding paragraph
The conclusion is the last paragraph of an essay. Although it is often short in
comparison with the other paragraphs, the conclusion has a number of very
important functions.
When you are writing a conclusion for your essay, it is helpful to keep the following
things in mind:
1. Your conclusion is the last paragraph that your reader will see.
2. Your conclusion should remind your reader about what you have been trying
to do, namely convince them of your opinion.
3. In most essays, therefore, your conclusion should restate the main idea of the
essay. So you restate your thesis statement, but in other words.
4. Your conclusion should also leave your reader interested in your topic and
idea.
5. For some essays, especially for persuasive or argumentative essays, it's very
effective to end your conclusion by directly addressing your reader with a
question or call for action.
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6. A strong conclusion is extremely important. It should make a real impact on
your reader. Therefore, be sure to spend a good deal of time planning and
writing your conclusion.
4. Register
Essays are supposed to be formal, so:
 Do not use colloquial expressions. Use “proper” English.
 Do not use abbreviations such as: “It’s”, “They’ve” etcetera.
 Be convincing and to the point. Do not seem hesitant.
5. Writing your first draft
Your first draft is meant to help you put everything in its place. Don’t worry about
writing correct English at this point. Leave spaces between the paragraphs. This will
allow you to move the paragraphs around later on (by using arrows for instance).
Write complete sentences. Try to use connecting words between the paragraphs to
show how they relate to each other. If you find this too difficult at this point, you can
do so later.
6. Your second draft
When you have finished (part of) your first draft, read it again. Reorganize your
paragraphs to make their order more logical. Reorganize the sentences within your
paragraphs to make your text more logical and easier to read. Cross out unnecessary
words and sentences and use arrows to rearrange parts of text. Use transitional
phrases to link the paragraphs together. Go over your text several times to improve it,
but make sure you leave enough time to write your final version. If you still have not
decided on a title, do this now.
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7. Your final version
When you have gone over your draft version several times and are happy with it (or
at least as happy as you can be within the time allowed for writing the essay), write
your final version. Make sure to leave margins left and right. Write neatly.
8. Tip1 !!!: Many good essay writing courses are available on the internet.
You can find a good one at:
http://members.tripod.com/~lklivingston/essay/index.html.
9. Tip2 !!!: A good five-paragraph essay including commentary can be found
at the following website:
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/five_par.htm
10. Useful vocabulary
Addition
Comparison
Concession
Contrast
Emphasis
Example or illustration
Summary
Time sequence
Again, also, and, and then, besides,
equally important, first, further,
furthermore, in addition, in the first place,
moreover, next, second, finally, still, too.
Also, in the same way, likewise, similarly.
Granted, naturally, of course.
Although, and yet, at the same time, but at
the same time, despite that, even so, even
though, for all that, however, in contrast, in
spite of, instead, nevertheless, on the
other hand, otherwise, still, though, yet.
Certainly, indeed, in fact, of course
After all, as an illustration, even, for
example, for instance, in fact, that is, to
illustrate.
All in all, altogether, finally, in brief, in
short, in conclusion, in summary, to
summarize.
After a while, afterward, and then, before,
besides, earlier, eventually, finally,
simultaneously, so far, still.
(from: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/GRAMMAR/transitions.htm)
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Mindmap
Topic:
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Spider diagram
Topic:
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Assignment 1
In the essay ‘Gun, Drugs, Murder’ the layout has been deleted. Read the essay and do the
following assignments:
1. Box every paragraph.
2. Highlight the thesis sentence in the first paragraph.
3. Highlight the topic sentence in each following paragraph.
4. Underline important transitional words.
Gun, Drugs, Murder
Since the days of the pioneers, firearms have been part of the American tradition as
protection and a means of hunting or sport. As we near the end of the 20th century the
use of guns has changed significantly. Because of fast and steady increase in crime
and the fight for the right to own a hand gun, the introduction of legislation for gun
control, to try to reduce the crime in the United States, has been a hotly debated issue
in recent years. Although many people feel that gun control violates the right of the
people, given in the second amendment "the right to bear arms", controlling
distribution and sales and the registration of guns and gun owners is necessary
because of the homicide rate involving guns and the violence by criminals using guns.
Many people feel that gun control violates the right of the people given in the second
amendment the right "to bear arms". Opponents of gun control, including the National
Rifle Association, better known as the NRA, argue that the "right to bear arms" is
guaranteed in the second amendment of the Constitution of the United States of
America and licensing restrictions penalize law-abiding citizens while in no way
preventing criminal use of handguns. It is also argued that by making it difficult for
guns to be bought and registered for the American public there is a threat to the
personal safety of American families everywhere. However controlling the sale and
distribution of firearms is necessary because of the homicide rate involving guns. In
1988 there were 9000 handgun related murders in America. Metropolitan centers and
some suburban communities of America are setting new records for homicides by
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handguns. Larger Metropolitan centers have ten times the murder rate of all Western
Europe. For example in Washington D.C. there was an estimated 400 homicides
including guns. In addition gun control has been seen as necessary because of the
violence by criminals using guns. Gun control is wrapped in a series of social issues
such as crime and drugs. Guns have become closely linked to drugs and murder in
the public mind. Drug dealing and high tech weaponry have escalated the warfare in
cities between long established loosely knit gangs. Guns are predominantly used by
gang members. Many police officers are killed every year due to drug and gang
related incidents involving guns. For example in 1988 on February 26 rookie New
York City police officer Edward Byre was sitting alone in his police car guarding the
house of a drug trial witness in South Jamaica, Queens where he was shot four times
in the head and killed. In conclusion there are valid reasons for why certain people feel
that gun control is unfair. People against gun control feel that it is a violation of the
Constitution to control the sale and distribution and the registration of guns and gun
owners. But it is necessary for there to be certain limits on the way that firearms are
handled in this country because of the homicide rate involving guns and because of
the violence created by criminals using guns. If gun control legislation were to go
through there would be a significant decline in gun related crimes and fatalities.
(from: http://www.123helpme.com/assets/17402.html)
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Assignment 2
Read the following essay and highlight the thesis sentence and topic sentences and
underline important transitional words.
Beauty pageants and competitions take place all over the world nowadays, even in
China. Some take place in small towns on a very small scale. Others, such as the
Miss World Contest, are huge events that bring lots of money to the nations that host
them. Last year this was China. These contests are watched by millions of people all
over the world. However, some people believe that contests like this should be
banned because they are degrading for women and promote sexual discrimination. I
do not agree with this opinion.
For many years beauty pageants and competitions were banned in my country,
China. Now the government has lifted this ban and many such events take place. I
believe that these competitions represent a new kind of freedom and openness in my
country. Hosting events such as the Miss World Contest, just like hosting the 2008
Beijing Olympics, is also proof of economic development and progress and gives
China prestige on the international stage.
I do not accept that beauty pageants degrade their participants because the girls who
compete in these pageants are not unwilling participants. No one forces them to get
involved. They do so of their own free will. Being crowned Miss China, Miss Beijing or
even Miss 'small town' must do great things for a girl's self-esteem.
I also do not believe that these competitions promote sexual discrimination. Girls who
enter these competitions are not judged only on their looks. These girls have grace
and intelligence, as well as beauty. They are artistic and refined. Why shouldn't they
show off their talents? Indeed, these young women are role models for other young
Chinese girls who are encouraged to improve themselves by watching these
competitions. Interestingly, most of the judges of beauty pageants in my country, as
well as the people in the audience, are women!
Finally, we must also remember that beauty pageants are just another form of
entertainment. I believe that there are many other forms of entertainment that do far
greater damage to women than beauty pageants. Think, for example, about some of
the images of violence against women in films or even comic books.
For the reasons mentioned above, I am strongly opposed to the idea of banning
beauty contests. Instead I hope that in my country they continue to gain in popularity
and we can continue to celebrate feminine beauty. (398 words)
(This essay is taken from the HIPPO site of the Language Centre at http://hippo.ust.hk/ originally
intended as a sample essay for argumentative writing in IELTS).
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Assignment 3
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Again, highlight the thesis sentence and topic sentences and underline the important
transitional words. Also highlight the evidence/examples that are used to support the
topic sentences
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After you have done that, fill in the outline on the following pages.
P1
It is no secret that today’s workforce no longer consists entirely of people. Rather, machines
are being developed to complete many of the tasks which humans have traditionally done.
This can greatly increase productivity and efficiency of simple, repetitive tasks. Many people
view this as a great positive and point out that it leads to a more uniform and less expensive
product which is better for everyone. However, some people are more wary of this popular
trend of automating the workforce and question whether this progress is truly positive. Their
concerns, though, are outweighed by the benefits these machines offer.
P2
It is the popular view among companies which are moving toward automation that robots can
do many tasks better than humans. For example, in the automotive industry, most of a car’s
individual components are manufactured by pre-programmed robots which have much
greater and more precise output than would be possible for a human. In addition, robots cut
down the cost of production by a considerable amount. If a company hires an employee to
complete a simple task for $50,000 per year but could instead buy a machine for a one time
purchase of $30,000, it is far more cost effective to buy the machine. Lower cost of
production means that the goods produced can now be sold at a lower pricepoint which
passes the savings on to the consumer. Companies producing goods rightly contend that the
use of machines to complete low-skill jobs has only positive impact for everyone.
P3
Beyond these benefits for industry, some believe that machines will shape the future for the
human race. Innovation and invention of new more intelligent machines can push us as
humans toward new, unimagined possibilities. For example, before the first airplane was
invented, people could only dream of human flight, but at the moment of takeoff, a whole new
world of unimaginable possibilities was suddenly within our grasp. Through even just that
one invention, an entire multi-billion dollar a year industry was born, and our lives improved
and advanced in a multitude of ways. Who can know what great advancements may be
brought about by a more intelligent machine than what we possess today? The possibilities
are endless.
P4
There are those who are less enthusiastic about all this progress and advancement. They
argue that by not having to interact with fellow humans, we no longer are required to be
courteous and have tolerance for others. While this may be true, this is a minor cost for a
major increase in efficiency. Take the example of self-checkout systems in grocery stores.
Self-checkout permits consumers to procure their goods and get out of the store quickly. This
might seem like a small time-saver, but considering how often this experience is repeated
reveals a cumulative effect. Across time, consumers end up saving hours, which improves
the efficiency of their daily lives, allowing them to spend time on things that are of greater
interest and meaning to them.
P5
Whether humans like it or not, machines are becoming more and popular in the workplace
and are decreasing the need for humans to work those jobs. This can lead to advancement
of society, a greater end product or service, and even a lower consumer cost of goods. Many
people are frightened of change, but unfortunately for them, the past is gone and now we
must look to the future.
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Outline
This essay is about:
.................................................................................................................................
The writer’s opinion on the subject is:
.................................................................................................................................
This essay is introduced by the following interesting information:
.................................................................................................................................
The essay’s thesis statement is:
.................................................................................................................................
The essay will argue the above idea by showing that:
(Topic sentence of paragraph 1)
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Argumentation:
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(Topic sentence of paragraph 2)
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Argumentation:
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(Topic sentence of paragraph 3)
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Argumentation:
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(Topic sentence of paragraph 4)
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Argumentation:
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To summarize, this essay has shown that:
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This essay is concluded by the following interesting statement/question:
.................................................................................................................................
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Now it’s time to start on an essay of your own.
Assignment 4
1) Brainstorm about the following topic:
The automobile has been harmful to our society.
2) Use the mind map and/or the spider diagram in this reader to jot down your ideas.
3) Look at the ideas again and cross out the ones you will not use in your essay.
Assignment 5
1) Put the ideas you have written into the mind map or spider diagram in a logical
order by giving each of them a number.
2) Now fill in the following outline.
This essay is about:
.................................................................................................................................
The writer’s opinion on the subject is:
.................................................................................................................................
This essay is introduced by the following interesting information:
.................................................................................................................................
The essay’s thesis statement is:
.................................................................................................................................
The essay will argue the above idea by showing that:
(Topic sentence of paragraph 1)
.................................................................................................................................
Argumentation:
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
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(Topic sentence of paragraph 2)
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Argumentation:
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(Topic sentence of paragraph 3)
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Argumentation:
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(Topic sentence of paragraph 4)
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Argumentation:
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(Topic sentence of paragraph 5)
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Argumentation:
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(Topic sentence of paragraph 6)
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Argumentation:
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To summarize, this essay has shown that:
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
This essay is concluded by the following interesting statement/question:
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
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Assignment 6
Write an introduction for your essay. Use at least 70 words.
Assignment 7
Write a first draft of your essay.
Assignment 8
Write the second draft of your essay. Make sure you use the correct transitional words.
Your essay should consist of at least 300 words.
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