Here are 3 sample essays arguing different perspectives on the statements: 1. TV is bad for children. I disagree that TV is always bad for children. In moderation and with parental guidance, TV can be educational and expose children to new ideas and cultures. Many educational TV programs teach important skills like reading, math, and science. Limiting screen time and choosing age-appropriate content allows TV to supplement a child's learning and development without causing harm. Banning TV entirely is unrealistic and deprives children of its potential benefits when enjoyed responsibly. 2. Lying is always wrong, no matter it is a big lie or white lie. I agree that lying is wrong even for small "white lies." Once lying

2. SPACE
EXPLORATION

3. GIVING YOUR OPINIONS ON THE FOLLOWING
QUESTION:
“Space exploration is
important and should be
funded by the government”

4. ARGUMENTS
 Yes  No

5. TYPES OF QUESTIONS
1. Should people marry before they are 25 years
old?
-> Should …….?
2. Testing on animals is common practice for
products such as cosmetics or drugs. Some
people regard testing on animals as completely
wrong and inhumane and they believe it should
not be allowed.
-> To what extent do you agree or disagree?

6. ORGANIZATION
Introduction
Body Arguments: SI 1, SI 2, SI 3
Counter – Argument
& Refutation (optional)
Conclusion

7. BODY: ARGUMENTS
 Opinion
E.g: Many of the advances in computer technology were
first invented to support space exploration.
 Fact
E.g: For example, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) has contributed to the creation
of software that people use every day in manufacturing
and design.
-> Facts support Opinions

8.  Opinion:
E.g: The Internet takes too much time away
from family life.
 Fact:
E.g: The average adult in the United States
spend six hours per week on the Internet.
 Interpretation:
E.g: Those six hours could be spent doing
family activities, such as gardening, helping
children with homework, or playing games.

9.  Authority
E.g: According to Ralph Nader, an expert on
automobile safety, the use of seatbelts together
with airbags can save thousands of lives each
year.
 Statistics
E.g: In 2003, an estimated 171,900 new cases of
lung cancer occurred and approximately
157,200 people died from lung cancer.

10. Some people say that space exploration
is an expensive luxury that takes
Counter – argument money away from important
programs such as health care
and education.
However, if they consider how space
Refutation technology has improved life on Earth,
they would see that space exploration
is actually important to civilization.

11. TOPIC: EACH FAMILY SHOULD HAVE ONLY
ONE CHILD
Many people think that a child is
Counter – argument unhappy without brothers or sister;
however, most only children would
disagree with this statement.
An only child receives more attention
Refutation from parents, gets into fewer fights,
and has plenty of social contact with
friends and classmates.

12. LANGUAGE FEATURES
1. Language Patterns
1.1. To state your opinion
 I propose that the killing of whales be stopped because ….
urge
recommend
suggest
insist
 I totally/ strongly agree with the idea that ….
am in favor of
 In my opinion, ……

13. 1.2. To cite a source or statistics as evidence
 According to information from the U.S government,
Based on Dr. Ralph Nader’s study, ….
1.3. To introduce the counter – argument
The opponents of this proposal might/ may argue that
Those who disagree with this opinion would assert
Verb list: argue, assert, declare, claim, take the
position

14. 1.4. To summarize
It is essential that the killing of whales be stopped.
important
necessary
vital
urgent
1.5 The use of “that”
That + Clause + Verb
E.g: That a nuclear war might end the world is
undeniable.

15. LANGUAGE FEATURES
2. Quantity Expressions
 Overgeneralization
E.g: Cats hate waters.
 Avoid overgeneralization
 Most, a lot of, some
 Much, a little, an amount of
 Many, several, a few, a/the number of

16. PRACTICE
Brainstorm ideas or write at least one essay to show
whether you agree or disagree with the following
statements?
1. TV is bad for children.
2. Lying is always wrong, no matter it is a big lie or
white lie.
3. Rich countries should help poor countries.