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Writing essays. Merike Luts. The types of argumentative essays. For and against Computers in every classroom Advantages and disadvantages Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in a foreign country Problem essay What can we do to reduce global litter? Opinion essay
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Writing essays Merike Luts
The types of argumentative essays • For and against Computers in every classroom • Advantages and disadvantages Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in a foreign country • Problem essay What can we do to reduce global litter? • Opinion essay Will life be better in future?
The types of essays • Discursive essay The role of marriage in today’s society Similar to the for and against essay, but within one paragraph for and against points are discussed: Take different viewpoints and discuss them together with the opposite opinion.
Useful tips for essays • Formal style • Do not use short forms (don’t, can’t ) • Avoid strong feelings • Use links ( in addition, furthermore....) • Use different paragraphs for each point you make • Begin each body paragraph with a key sentence • Give examples to support your point of view • Before you start - make a plan Three main ideas - three body paragraphs
The parts of an essay • Introduction ( I ) • Body ( II-III-IV ) • Conclusion ( V ) Your own opinion in the introduction or conclusion only
Introduction Attract reader’s attention: • Begin with attention grabber and thesis sentence • Attention grabber could be a quotation, saying or proverb, a question space exploration essay: ‘One small step for man, a giant step for mankind.’
Introduction • Thesis statement tells the reader what the essay will be about Thesis statement will have two parts: • the first part states the topic Building a model train set..... • the second part states the point of the essay ......takes time and patience.
Introduction: thesis sentence Public transportation ... ....can solve some of our city’s most pressing problems. Students take important exams.... which can decide their future.
Question as an attention grabber Every year thousands of students take important exams which can decide their future. However, are the exams a fair way of judging a student’s ability?
Body paragraphs • Each body paragraph will have the same basic structure • Write the main idea from your plan in a sentence form • Public transport reduces the traffic jams caused by cars • Next write down your supporting points for the main idea; give examples
Structure of a body paragraph Topic sentence 1. First supporting idea Elaboration for that point (further description or discussion) 2. Second supporting idea Elaboration for that point
Quote as an attention grabber • He who opens a school door, closes a prison.Victor Hugo This could follow up with the following body paragraphs’ plan: IEducation is important for personal growth. IISocial awareness develops from education. IIIEducation can reform a personality
Quote as an attention grabber • Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.Winston Churchill I Everybody fails. IIYou can overcome failure. III You can learn from failure.
Advantages/Disadvantages essay Paragraph plan I Introduction : state topic II Body : advantages III IV Body : disadvantages V Conclusion: balanced consideration/ opinion
Outline for for/ against essay Present both views in a fair way Paragraph plan I Introduction: state topic II Body: arguments for III Body : arguments against IV Conclusion : balanced consideration
Outline for a Discursive essay Discuss the subject as broadly as possible; different views and opinions Outline I Introduction: State topic II Body: First point of view (for/against) III Body : Second point of view (for/against) IV Body : Third point of view (for/against) V Conclusion : Give your opinion
Conclusion • Do not introduce new ideas or information. • Restate thesis in different words • Conclusion is summary of key points in different words.
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National Exam 2008 CHOICES AFTER SECONDARY SCHOOL • Many young people decide to go to university after secondary school, while others think that going towork is a better decision. What are the advantages of both options and which would you choose? • You should write 200 words.
Exam 2005 Task 2 12 points Write an essay (150-200 words) on the topic • If I were the Minister of Education in Estonia • Bring out 2–3 problems and suggest solutions.
Exam 2004 12 points Write an essay (150-200 words) on the topic • HAVING A JOB WHILE STUDYING • Discuss both positive and negative aspects (2-3).
References http://homeworktips.about.com/od/essaywriting/a/types.htm http://members.tripod.com/lklivingston/essay/sample.html