WRITING AN ESSAY I.

Structure Introduction Argument 1 Argument 2 Argument 3 (+4) Conclusion

Typical structure of an essay:

II. a)

Writing an introduction What do I include in my introduction? General introduction to the topic (neutral) Help: what? when? how? why? where? who? Statistics, undeniable facts, latest trend, hot topic do not write what you are going to do do not include I 3-4 sentences Thesis statement Clearly restate the topic / the purpose of the essay! 1-2 sentences

Step 1:

Step 2:

b)

Useful vocabulary for the general introduction

in recent years in our society it is common knowledge that there has been much controversial discussion recently as to whether many people are of the opinion nowadays it is generally assumed that it cannot be denied that every day we are confronted with Very often, we hear in the media More and more often, we hear reports about has become a hot topic of discussion. is still a very controversial subject. Recent statistics indicate / show thatthere is a strong tendency are the latest trend in our society Many experts argue that Recent developments indicate that which is often discussed in todays world. Today we are often confronted with (the problem of) We often read in newspapers that It is often stated that
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c)

Useful expressions for the thesis statement

This raises a fundamental question. What are the advantages and disadvantages of ? Is(or not) ? Example : Is the death penalty an effective law enforcement tool (or not)? What are the arguments for and against the ? In how far can we say that So is the death penalty really an effective law enforcement tool (or not) ? d) Samples Social networks and teenagers. A blessing or a curse? Discuss.

Topic:

Recent statistics indicate that the vast majority of teenagers accesses social networks on a daily basis. Internet sites like Facebook, Twitter or MySpace have millions of users worldwide and the number is constantly increasing. There has been much controversial discussion about these communitis and in how far they have an impact on the lives of teenagers. This raises a fundamental question. Are social networks a blessing or a curse? Topic: For and against the death penalty

Capital punishment is one of the oldest forms of punishment in the world. Nowadays, 88% of the executions take place in China, Iran, Saudia Arabia and the USA. The most common methods are the electric chair, shooting, the gas chamber and stoning. In many countries, like for example Luxembourg, Germany or France, the death penalty does not exist. Capital punishment has always been a very controversial subject. So what are the advantages and the disadvantages of the death penalty?

Task 1: Choose one of the following topics and write an introduction for it. 1. 2. 3. 4. For or against school uniforms Violent computer games provoke aggressive behaviour. Discuss. New technologies ruin the lives of teenagers. Discuss. For or against animal testing

III. a)

Writing an argument Types of essays

For and against essay You need to find arguments for and against even if you have a clear position on the subject. You are only allowed to express your opinion with I in the conclusion. Development essay You need to find arguments that express your opinion. So you can only write in favour of something or only against something or balance your arguments. However, you need to write the arguments from an objective perspective. It is the choice of arguments that explains your position. You are only allowed to express your opinion with I in the conclusion. Look back at the topic you chose for task 1. Which type of essay is it? b) How do I plan my arguments? Brainstorming: List all arguments you can find Clustering: Check which arguments are connected Selection: Decide which arguments you will use and develop

Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Task 2:

Stick with the topic you chose for task 1. Then: Brainstorm Cluster Select For and against essays: 2 arguments for / 2 arguments against Development essays: 3 arguments c) Typical structure of an argument Make a claim Develop your claim. Explain your claim. Give evidence for your claim. Use linkers to connect your ideas.

Step 1: Step 2: Tip: d)

Sample of one argument: Social networks: a blessing or a curse?

One disadvantage of social networks is the fact that people can become the victims of a new phenomenon referred to as cyber bullying. Since you can open a fake account for these communities, you can anonymously upload delicate material, share embarrassing photos or spread lies about other people onto the platform for the world to see. Most of the times it is very difficult to track down the person responsible for these actions. Moreover, the victims of cyber bullying frequently have problems recovering from the psychological damage that has been done to them. Task 3: Write one argument for your topic!
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IV. a)

Writing a conclusion What do I include in my conclusion?

You may begin with a brief restatement of your findings but only if you are able to do so with new words to avoid repetition. It's not enough just to restate your main ideas. You need to end your essay by saying something that will continue to simmer in the reader's minds. Try: giving a thought-provoking quotation describing a powerful image talking about consequences or implications stating what action needs to be done ending on an interesting twist of thought explaining why the topic is important

Sample of a conclusion: Social networks: a blessing or a curse? To sum up, it seems clear that social networks have a lot of advantages but they can also cause problems. In my opinion, these communities are useful for teenagers, but it is essential that they are used responsibly and with caution. Moreover, I believe that it is necessary for parents to supervise the virtual activities of their children and to regulate the frequency of their internet usage. Finally, internet crime needs to be taken seriously and strict laws should make it clear to irresponsible users that cyber bullying is not simply a game. Task 4: Write a conclusion for your essay.