No one can deny that writing an essay in a language that is not yours is difficult and even challenging. This document includes effective tips to write essays in English, namely descriptive sand argumentative. You will find important information about each kind of essay, clear and easy method. Enjoy reading and why not applying this method in your writings!

1. Tips to Write Argumentative, Descriptive and For and
Against essays in an effective way
Prepared by
Imane Jaabouk
An English high school teacher
In Morocco
2013-2014
Descriptive essay
In the descriptive essay, we describe people, places, memories, events, objects,
experiences, etc…

2. To describe a person, you should tell the reader about the following information( see
the chart below):
Height
-Tall
- Short
- Medium
Build
Age
Face
Eyes
-Frail
-young
Round
Green
-Stocky
-teenager Oval
Black
-Skinny
-old
Wrinkled
Brown
-Slim
MiddleSkin-fair
Big
-Plump
aged
Small
-Fat
narrow
-well-built
To describe a person’s abilities and attitudes:
Intellectual abilities
Attitudes towards life
Intelligent, bright, clever, smart,
able, gifted, talented, brainy…
Optimistic , pessimistic
Extraverted, introverted
Relaxed, tense, sensible,
senstitive, practical,
professional…
Hair
Curly
Wavy
Spiky
Bald
straight
Clothes
Elegant
Good –looking
Shabby
Tidy
Messy
Casual
Attitudes towards other
people
Sociable, quarrelsome,
argumentative, easy-going,
Honest, trustworthy, reliable,
sincere….
Elements of the descriptive essay:
o Introduction:
 Present the person you will describe ( name, job, you relationship with him
or her, etc…)
o The body:
 Start the body by the topic sentence ( the leading sentencs that gives the
reader an idea about the content of the body. For example, Charoukhan is a
handsome Indian actor)
 After the topic sentence, you describe the person ( see the chart above). For
example, Sharoukan has brown eyes. He is medium. Besides, his clothes are
tidy.
 Use linking words of addition
o The conclusion:
 Say that the person you ‘re describing is loved by his fans all over the world.
For example. Just like Indians, Moroccans love Sharoukhan. His movies are
appreciated and loved all over the world
Example of a descriptive essay

3. A Moroccan popular comedian
Said Naciri is one of the most popular actors in Morocco. Whenever he appears on TV,
on the theater or in films, people can’t help applauding and feeling excited. What is his
secret? He is a gifted comedian. He can play any role in plays, in films or in TV programmes.
He is also an excellent film director. Moreover, he excels at the one man show. What makes
him even more popular is his being flexible, sociable and reliable. He is medium, round faced.
He is black and usually wears tidy clothes. What people appreciate in him is his political
involvement and his criticism of politicians. Most of his fans and journalists think he is an
outstanding comedian who participates in the development of the cinema industry.
Task n°1:
Following the structure above of the descriptive essay, choose a person you love and
describe him or her
Argumentative essay

4. In the argumentative essay, students should give arguments of both sides ( for examples,
advantages and disadvantages)
o Just like any other type of essay, it includes the introduction, the body and
conclusion
The introduction includes:
o
o
o
The general idea of the topic you are writing about
The problematic
The question or you can say ( hence, the purpose of this essay is to discuss both the
advantages and the disadvantages of technology )
The body includes :
o The 1st paragraph deals with the advantages ( positive things)
o The 2nd paragraph discusses the disadvantages ( negative things)
o Remember to start each paragraph with a topic sentence (For example, the use of
technology has many advantages)
o
After the topic sentence, give supporting ideas (for example. First if all, technology
facilitates communication)
o Use linking words of addition, cause and effect
o Start the 2nd paragraph with a topic sentence
o To move to the 2nd paragraph, start by a topic sentence and use linking word of
contrast of concession( Despite the advantages of technology , it has many
disadvantages). Give supporting ideas
The conclusion includes:
o A short summary of the body
o Your opinion ( use expression of expressing opinion)
Or you can suggest solutions
Or you can be neutral.
Example of an argumentative essay
Topic :
Technology has been widespread in all societies. Everyone is using it for many reasons. Yet,
the use of technology has advantages and disadvantages. Write an article to your school magazine
about the advantages and the disadvantages of the use of technology.
Introduction( some useful expressions):
We all agree on the fact that technology has become common for the 21 st century
generation.
No one can deny the importance of technology in our life.
Yet. It has benefits and drawbacks
So, what are the advantages and the disadvantes of the use of technology?
The body

5. The 1st paragraph ( advantages):
Topic sentence :
computers have many advantages
First of all, we can
communicate with people
from different countries.
Besides, computers can help us to
keep up with the latest news that
happen in the world
In addition, people can
entertain themselves. For
example, they listen to music
or play games in their free
time
The 2nd paragraph( disadvantages) :
Topic sentence :
Despite the benefits of technology ; it
got several points
To begin with, the fact that
information have become
accessible makes people
dependent on the internet.
What is more, most people spend
too much time in front of the
computer. They neglect their work
or studies. As a result, they become
addicted
Moreover, some websites
spread a wrong ideas. People
believe in these ideas.
The conclusion:
To sum up/ to conclude/ in brief, technology is a double-edged sword; it has benefits and
drawbacks.
In my point of view, ….
In the next page, you will find a sample of an argumentative essay about the advantages and the
drawbacks of computers:

6. Computers are important means of communication and information. On the other
hand, they have some negative effects on its users. So, what are the advantages and the
disadvantages of computers?
Computers have many advantages. First of all, we can communication with
people from different countries. Besides, computers help us to keep up with the latest
events that happen in the world. Thanks to the internet, everyone can know what happens
in Iraq or Syria without watching TV. In addition to that, computers are means of
entertainment. We can listen to music or play games in our free time.
On the other hand, computers have some drawbacks. To begin with, the fact
that information have become accessible makes people dependent on the internet. What
is more, most people spend too much time in front of the computer. They neglect their
work or studies. As a result, they become addicted. Moreover, some websites spread
wrong ideas. Consequently, people believe in these ideas.
To sum up, computers are double-edged sword. They have benefits and
drawbacks. In my opinion, people should use computers positively and not negatively.

7. Now, it you turn to write an argumentative essay
Topic :
o
Are you for or against the use of humor at schools?
Introduction
The general idea
The problematic
The body
The 1st paragraph ( the advantages):
Topic sentence :
The 2nd paragraph ( drawbacks)
Topic sentence :
The question

8. The Conclusion
1. Summary of the body
2. Express your opinion
Now you write the essay:

9. For and against essay
Introduction:
State the general idea ( or thesis statement)
State the problematic ( some people are for the use of humour at work
while others are against)
Ask a question about the topic ( for eg: what are advantages of the
disadvantages of using humor at work? .
The body:
1. Topic sentence: there are many arguments for using humor at work
a. Argument 1: first of all, people who work are less stressed
b. Argument 2: besides, using humor at work make workers energetic and
active
c. Argument 3: another advantage is that humour is healthy and have a
positive impact on our emotions
2. Arguments against using humour at work
a. To begin with, people who use humor waste their time. As a result, they
don’t produce
b. Moreover, humor results in neglecting of duties.
c. Furthermore, when the employee uses humor excessively, he or she can
lose his job.
3. The conclusion:
a. A balanced conclusion: humor at work is a double-edged sword. Some
people are for while others against.
b. Personal point of view: in my opinion/ as far as I am concerned, …….