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How to Write Argument Essays Five StepsVocabularySpace ExplorationAre Zoos CruelIdeasEducation: Ideas For Education: Ideas AgainstDrugs; IdeasPhysical Punishment:IdeasLayoutThe 3773 LayoutThe 35553 LayoutShould Parents Pay -3773 LayoutDrugs: Problem & Solution LayoutTwo Sites How to Write an Argument Essay There are five main steps. Step 1: Read the essay Read the question. Decide what kind of essay it is - opinion,compare/contrast, problem and solution, cause and effect, or a mixture.The type of question will decide the layout and your ideas. Step 2: Underline Underline keyvocabularyin the question and write words with the sameor related meaning. This will really save you a lot of time later on. It willalso help to avoid repetition of words, and will show that you understandthe question. Step 3: Get Ideas Decide if you are for or against the idea. Usually it is best to givebothsides(for and against - one paragraph each) and then to give youropinion in the conclusion. However there are other ways of laying out your essay. Step 4: Decide Layout You should decide on a layout. The easiest is 3773. That means fourparagraphs:introduction(3 sentences) one side (7 sentences), the otherside (7 sentences) and theconclusion(3 sentences). This will give you 20sentences. An average of about 12 words each, that is 240 words.Perfect! Step 5: Write After you have written your plan, write your essay. Follow the steps inthis website for writing the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Vocabulary Step 1: Read and Underline Key Words Should governments spend money on space exploration

, or should they spend the money on problems here first? Step 2: Write Down Other Words with the Same Meaning (Move yourmouse over links) Should governments spend money onspaceexploration, or should they spend themoney on problems here first ? Governments = nations, countries, authorities, politicians

Spend = allocate, give, allot, provide, budget, make available, waste, award Space exploration = space program, trips to the moon, the internationalspace station, planets, planetary voyages Money = budgets, taxes, resources, Problems = concerns, issues, worries, disasters, threats, threatening, war,famine, poverty, education, homelessness, drugs, global warming Here = on earth, in our own countries, closer to home, in developingcountries, foreign aid,

Step 3: Use Your New Words in the Opening Sentences With many global concerns such as war, poverty, hunger and pollution,many people do not think that nations should waste money on exploringspace.

(One side) However, others are convinced that expenditure on space programs is justified. (Other side) Step 4: Add a Thesis With many global concerns such as war, poverty, hunger and pollution,many people question whether nations should waste money on exploringspace. However, others are convinced that expenditure on space programs is justified. This essay will examine some arguments for and against space exploration. Another example: Step 1: Read and Underline Key Words Are zoos cruel to wild animals? Step 2: Write Down Other Words with the Same Meaning (Move yourmouse over links) Are zoos cruel towild animals? Zoos = nature reserves, wildlife parks, animal sanctuaries, circuses,wilderness areas, tasteless exhibitions, stuffy, crowded, exciting, interesting,fascinating

Cruel = psychologically damaging, insulting, frightening, stressful, brutal,restricting, noisy, dirty, hot, overcrowded, unnatural, not normal, ( Opposite) conservation, kind, well-treated, saved from extinction, well looked after Wild = nature, natural, proud, free, endangered, not pets for man, should befree, in danger, habitat, ecosystem, environment, natural home Animals

= animals, plants, natural environment, birds, big cats, predators,extinct, in trouble, not enough land. Step 3: Use Your New Words in the Opening Sentences : Many people have had their first experience of animals from visiting zoosas children, and feel that they are important for education and conservation. However, others feel that zoos are unnatural and arestressful and cruel for animals. This essay will discuss the importanceof zoos and their essential role in conserving endangered wildlife

Ideas Many students worry about ideas. "I don't know what to say!" "I don't know anything about this topic! "However, you don't need too many ideas for an essay in an English exam.T he magic number is three. Three ideas means: 1. Three ideas for 2. Three ideas against 3. Three ideas for and Three ideas against Mainly for Introduction 3 Ideas against 3 ideas for conclusion Mainly against Introduction 3 ideas for 3 ideas against conclution 100% for Intoduction Ideas for(2) Ideas for(1) conclusion 100%against Introduction Ideas against(2) Ideas against (1) conclution

The best way to get ideas is tounderlinethe main words in the question,and then to write down any words with the same meaning or which arerelated. Pretend it is a vocabulary exercise.Make sure you write down the words. Don't try to keep them in yourhead.The more words you write down, the more ideas you will get. Spend fiveor six minutes just writing down words based on the question.Some people also use brainstorming, mind maps or other techniques.Let's look at some examples of ideas...

Q.1 Is education becoming worthless, now that everyone has degrees? Education is Valuable!Ideas

One of the best gifts is education. It is not possible to be over-educated. Education means getting to know and understand yourself and the world. Thus, the more people that are educated,the better place the world will be.

People with degrees and higher education have many more choicesthan people without qualifications. They have more opportunities.

A highly educated population is good for the economy of thecountry. Foreign investment is attracted by an educated workforce.

Educated workers are more productive. They are able to understandtheir role in their company or organization, and work out of interestrather than necessity. Uneducated workers, on the other hand, aredissatisfied and have low morale.

The culture of a country is enriched by having a highly educatedworkforce. The more participation in discussion, the more ideas andinformation are exchanged, the higher the participation in local andnational forums and groups and the better for the country.

Education is an investment in the future. People who spend moneyon education expect a better life for their children and more moneyfor themselves.

People in every country - rich and poor - are flocking to collegesand schools. Across the world, people see the value of education.

Colleges in most countries cannot keep up with the demand forplaces. Many schools are putting courses online to allow others toattend.

In many countries, a very high proportion of the government'sbudget is spent on education. This shows the importance thegovernment attaches to education. The world is changing rapidly. People need to learn new skills andnew courses in order to stay in the workforce. A further point is that Another point is that Additionally, Furthermore.Not only that, but Despite this,Many people claim that However, I think Some people say that I believe, however, that You only need three good ideas (for a35553essay) or 6 small ideas (3for and 3 against) for a3773essay. Tips Pick the biggest ideas

Pick ideas you can support with an example. No matter how strongor clear an idea or reason may seem to you, you need to be able tosupport it with an example sentence or two.

Pick the most world-wide ideas (don't pick an idea that is toospecific or only true in your hometow

Put the ideas in order - the main reason, another reason, a thirdreason

Eliminate ideas that might offend the reader - don't include humor,very political, or sexist remarks in an examination situation. They might be fine in other writing, but not here

Society is Losing Respect for Education: Ideas

Too much money is being spent on education, schools, and colleges. This money should be spent on other more important services

People are becoming over-specialized. They know more than is necessary for their jobs. They are not flexible enough to be useful in other areas.

The value of a degree is now lost. People don't have respect for university graduates anymore, since everybody has a degree. This undermines the whole purpose of going to college

People are now competing for jobs. The only difference is that they all the people looking for a job have degrees. The colleges raise expectations which are difficult for the government to meet.

People who have spent years studying are reluctant to work in many jobs or for low salaries. They want high-level jobs with high salaries. Sometimes this is unrealistic. Employers want people to start at the bottom in order to get to know the business

Put the ideas in order - the main reason, another reason, a third reason

Eliminate ideas that might offend the reader - don't include humor, very political, or sexist remarks in an examination situation. They might be fine in other writing, but not here. Why do you think drug abuse is becoming more of a problem in our society? Drug Abuse: Ideas Write your ideas down as they come to you - don't organize yet!

Increased individual freedom and choice

Cheap drugs available on street

Peer pressure to take drugs

Rebellion against parents, authority

People are looking for quick solutions to problem

Dealers are pushing drugs

Lack of police or customs control

Lack of parental control

Children and young people have money

Some people feel trapped in dead-end jobs or social problems

Poor relationship between parents and children

Poor relationship between children and other older family members or friends

Lack of role models

Insufficient punishment from police

Ordinary medications are widely available

Some drugs are highly addictive

Cultural aspects or leisure activities (music, dance etc) associated with drugs

Not enough alternative activities

Paranoia and incorrect information creates reaction in favor of drugs

Urge to experiment is greater

People are less conservative now than before Tips: Pick ideas you can support with an example. No matter how stronger clear an idea or reason may seem to you, you need to be able to support it with an example sentence or two.

Pick the most world-wide ideas (don't pick an idea that is too specific or only true in your hometown)

Put the ideas in order - the main reason, another reason, a third reason Is corporal punishment-beating, slapping, spanking, a good way to make children behave Physical punishment: ideas Arguments against using corporal (physical) punishment: 1.Can cause permanent, lifelong damage, such as poor schoolperformance, juvenile delinquency (misbehavior as a teenager),domestic violence, etc.2.Can cause physical injury to children, such as broken bones, bruises3.Is used more against children who live in poverty, with disabilities,or who are from minorities4.Teaches children that force is an acceptable way of making othersdo something, that it is acceptable to hit someone smaller orweaker when you are angry5.Damages the relationship between children and the parents6.Shows an emotional lack of control or resources on the part of theparen

Arguments for using corporal (physical) punishment: 1.It is immediate. The child can see the result of what he did and therelationship between the wrongdoing and the punishment.2.Other punishments can be even more psychologically damaging orhumiliating3.It is effective and easily remembered by the child. It isuncomplicated. Children can

understand physical punishment easily.4.Children cannot always understand punishment which is removedfrom the time or the scene of what they did wrong.5.Parents love their children. They have no intention of hurting them.They are punishing them for a misdeed, not injuring themphysically.6.We live a violent world. We cannot pretend that violence does notexist. Some companies reward employees for exceptional work bygiving them extra money.Is this a good way of encouraging employees to work hard? Money as a Motivator:Ideas You need at least three or four ideas to support whatever point of viewyou come up with. Money awards are effective; 1.Money motivates people, and extra money motivates people towork extra2.Employees compete to raise productivity or standards3.It is not always possible to promote people, so money is a simpleway to reward workers4.Money is acceptable for all workers - some may not appreciate aparticular present, or some gifts may be insulting Money is only sometimes effective, or sometimes does not work: 1.If employees are highly paid, money may not be sufficient. Theymay prefer other benefits, such as an award ceremony or dinner, aclub membership, a travel ticket, a car, a window office, etc2.Money may set employees against each other, leading to conflict inthe office3.It may be difficult to determine the standard or basis for thedecision to award the employee4.Employees may feel forced to compete Money is not effective: 1. Employees work for salaries don t want to work like a machine if paid more 2.Money trivializes work, which for many professional employeesshould be its own reward3.The amount may not bear relation to what the employee does4.If the employer finds it motivating to award money, perhaps thesalaries are too low5.There are many other ways to motivate employees

Men or Women - Who are thebetter parents?Ideas Men Earn money Stricter discipline Fulfill role of father Protect and defend

Active role, decision-making Society role: Religion role: Role model, esp for boys? (But also for girls, relations with men)Women Closer bond Often at home with children More forgiving, caring Emotional, feelings side of relationship Society role: Religion role:

Role model, esp for boys? (But also for girls, relations with men)

Complementary roles Men and women can exchange roles, but isthis desirable?

In divorce cases, courts often decide in favor of women, (butmaintain visits from men)

Layout of essay: 4 paragraph essay 5 paragraph essay

Introduction 3 Paragraph 1

Introduction 3 Paragraph 1 5 Paragraph 2 5

Paragraph 2 Paragraph 3 5 Conclusion Conclusion 2

When 5 paragraph essay is used :

3773 means a 3-sentence Intro a 7-sentence para a 7-sentence para a 3-sentence conclusion . 35553 means a 3-sentence Intro a 5-sentence para a 5-sentence para a 5-sentence para a 3-sentence conclusion

Introduction: Three sentences Present situation Both sides of Argument What you are going to do in this essay / Your opinion Paragraph 2 Seven/eightsentences Topic Sentence Argument 1 or Reason 1 Example, Explanation, orsupporting detail Argument 2 or Reason 2 Example, Explanation, orsupporting detail Argument 3 or Reason 3 Example, Explanation, orsupporting detail Summary sentence for Para 2nothing here Paragraph 3 Seven/eightsentences Topic Sentence Argument 1 or Reason 1 Example, Explanation, orsupporting detail Argument 1 or Reason 1 Example, Explanation, orsupporting detail Argument 2 or Reason 2 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail Argument 3 or Reason 3 Example, Explanation, supporting details (summary sentence for paragraph 3 Conclusion Summary Present situation and your opinion y Future statement

Solved example: Drugs: Organization of Essay The essay below, although it is a Problem Solution essay and not an argument essay, still follows the simple3773layout

Introduction Present situation: definition problems

Drug abuse is rife in many countries.Billions of dollars are spentinternationally preventing drug use,treating addicts, and fighting drug-related crime. Although drugs threaten many societies, their effects can also be combated successfully In my opnion drug abuse is a menace to the society and it is high time to take steps to curb this problem Drug abuse causes multiple problemsfor countries and communities. The medical and psychological effects are very obvious s.Addicts can function as normal members of society. They neglect or abuse their families, and eventually require expensive treatment or hospitalization. The second effect is on crime. Huge police resources are needed tofight smuggling and dealing. Criminal gangs and mafia underworlds develop with the money from drugs. However, menace of drugs can be fought. Education is the first battle Children need to be told at home andin school about drugs. People needto be aware of the effects so that they can make avoid this problem. A second approach is to increasepolice manpower and powers to stopdealers and to enforce the law.However the main target should bethe user. Families and counselorsneed to talk to children and peopleat risk. Parents need to look at theirchildren and help them to becomeresponsible. Jobs are needed to givepeople a role in society. In conclusion, although the problem of drugs mayseem impossible to eliminate, thereare

Present situation: solutions

your opinion

Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence Medical effects Medical example 1-2

Crime Crime example 1-2

Topic Sentence

Education: Education Examples 1Police Example 1

UserUser example 1 Example 2

Topic Sentence

concrete steps that can be takento weaken the hold of drugs onsociety. Summary of essay: problem:solutionFuture statemen

The danger from drugs is too greatto ignore.