The journey to the center of the earth
ENGLISH ESSAY STUDY GUIDE
1. Argumentative Essay
DEFINITION
An argumentative essay tries to change the reader’s mind by convincing the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view.
CHARACTERISTICS
An argumentative essay attempts to be highly persuasive and logical. It usually assumes that the reader disagrees with the writer, but it should be noted that the reader is no less intelligent than the writer. Hence an argumentative essay should be written objectively, logically and respectfully.
When planning an argumentative essay, be aware that the essay should contain the following characteristics:
The argumentative essay introduces and explains the issue or case. The reader needs to know what the issue is going to be.
The essay offers reasons, and supports these reasons. The essay should
Prove its point.
The essay, at times, refutes (proves wrong) opposing arguments.
ORGANISATION
1. Introduction
The first paragraph is the introductory paragraph. It introduces the problem and gives the background information necessary for the argument and the thesis statement.
2. Body
The body paragraphs contain the reasons. Each paragraph talks about one reason. The reason is stated in the topic sentence and is supported by supporting details or materials. These supporting materials can be either examples, statistics, personal experiences, or quotations.
3. Conclusion
The conclusion restates the main claim and presents one or two general statements which accurately summarize the arguments which support the main premise.
A MODEL ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
Aggressive Driving Should be Avoided
(1)Aggressive driving is a phenomenon, which has only recently got the public worried. (2)The National Highway Traffic Safety Council (NHTSC) defines aggressive driving as “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property”. (3)Actions such as running red lights, improper passing, overtaking on the left,
1. Argumentative Essay
DEFINITION
An argumentative essay tries to change the reader’s mind by convincing the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view.
CHARACTERISTICS
An argumentative essay attempts to be highly persuasive and logical. It usually assumes that the reader disagrees with the writer, but it should be noted that the reader is no less intelligent than the writer. Hence an argumentative essay should be written objectively, logically and respectfully.
When planning an argumentative essay, be aware that the essay should contain the following characteristics:
The argumentative essay introduces and explains the issue or case. The reader needs to know what the issue is going to be.
The essay offers reasons, and supports these reasons. The essay should
Prove its point.
The essay, at times, refutes (proves wrong) opposing arguments.
ORGANISATION
1. Introduction
The first paragraph is the introductory paragraph. It introduces the problem and gives the background information necessary for the argument and the thesis statement.
2. Body
The body paragraphs contain the reasons. Each paragraph talks about one reason. The reason is stated in the topic sentence and is supported by supporting details or materials. These supporting materials can be either examples, statistics, personal experiences, or quotations.
3. Conclusion
The conclusion restates the main claim and presents one or two general statements which accurately summarize the arguments which support the main premise.
A MODEL ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
Aggressive Driving Should be Avoided
(1)Aggressive driving is a phenomenon, which has only recently got the public worried. (2)The National Highway Traffic Safety Council (NHTSC) defines aggressive driving as “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property”. (3)Actions such as running red lights, improper passing, overtaking on the left,