This document provides guidance on writing an argumentative essay. It explains that an argumentative essay considers a controversial topic from opposing viewpoints, giving advantages and disadvantages of each. It outlines a three paragraph structure: an introduction stating the topic without opinion, two main body paragraphs arguing different sides with justification, and a conclusion weighing both sides or stating an opinion. It also provides linking words and phrases to introduce, list, contrast, and conclude points. Finally, it includes two sample essay topics on the use of the internet and abolishing school exams.

2. DEFINITION

3. An argumentative essay
- it is usually about a topic which is
quite controversial
- It is a formal piece of writing in
which a topic is considered from
opposing points of view.
- it gives advantages and
disadvantages (for and against).

4. ESSAY PLAN

5. 1. An introductory paragraph in
which you state the topic. This
means that you talk generally about
the topic without giving your
opinion
The internet is something people are using
more and more. Young people especially are
spending more time surfing. However, is the
new technology a positive or negative thing?

6. 2. A main body in which the points
for with your justification, appear in
two separate paragraphs
points for
There are several arguments in support of the internet.
Firstly, chat rooms and e-mails are good ways to meet
new people and keep in touch. Secondly, educational
sites provide useful information for school projects.

7. the points against
However, there are also arguments against
the Internet. Some sites are unsuitables for
children and although chat rooms might be
fun, you don´t really know who you are
talking to.

8. 3. A closing paragraph in which you
give either your opinion or a
balanced consideration of the topic:
the Conclusion
To sum up, the internet has advantages and
disadvantages. On the one hand there are
lots of useful websites, but on the other
hand people need to choose the websites
they visit carefully

9. Linking words/phrases
To introduce points:
- one major advantage/disadvantage of
- one point of view in favour of/against

10. To list points:
- Firstly ,secondly, thirdly, finally
- in the first place
- first of all
- to start with

11. To add more points to the
same topic
 what is more
 furthermore
 also
 in addition to this/that
 besides
 apart from this/that
 not to mention the fact that

12. To make contrasting points:
on the other hand
however
in spite of
while
nevertheless
although

13. To introduce examples:
for example
for instance
like
especially
such as
in particular

14. To conclude:
to sum up
all in all
all things considered
in conclusion
on the whole
taking everything into account
as was previously stated

15. The use of the internet
The internet is something people are using more and more. Young
people especially are spending more time surfing. However, is the new
technology a positive or negative thing?
There are several arguments in support of the internet. Firstly, chat
rooms and e-mails are good ways to meet new people and keep in
touch. Secondly, educational sites provide useful information for
school projects.
However, there are also arguments against the Internet. Some sites
are unsuitables for children and although chat rooms might be fun,
you don´t really know who you are talking to.
To sum up, the internet has advantages and disadvantages. On the
one hand there are lots of useful websites, but on the other hand
people need to choose the websites they visit carefully

16. SCHOOL EXAMS SHOULD BE ABOLISHED
Most people agree that school exams are very unpopular with
students and also with the teachers who have to mark them! But
that means that shool exams should be abolish?
On the one hand very few students enjoy taking exams. Most of
them find them difficult. In addition, they usually find them
stressful. This means that students are not performing at their best.
. It might be better to give final marks for homework and essays
which students do during the year.
On the other hand, the exam system is generally fair. Students can´t
cheat or copy work. What´s more, exams don´t last very long so the
stress is soon over. Futhermore you have to revise for them which
helps you to remember what you have learnt.
On the whole, I think that exams are not enjoyable, but they are
probably necessary.

17. Write a composition.
Choose a topic
 Sexism in society. Is still the distribution
of power in society dominated by men?
 Are Women as capable as any man when
doing a job ?
 When should parents let teens make their
own decisions?
 Should the animals be used for
scientific research? Is it humanly?
 All hunting is wrong and should be
against the law