Writing an essay

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Writing an Argumentative essay

Today

- Lesson objectives

- what is an essay?  

- what is an argumentative essay? 

- identifying different parts essay

- Writing an essay 

Lesson objectives

• Ik begrijp wat een essay is. 
• Ik begrijp wat een argumentative essay is. 
• Ik herken de verschillende delen van een essay. 

Writing test

• First test week (week 41) 
• 90 minutes
• Writing an argumentative essay 
• Digitally 
• You will prepare the information you need beforehand, and are allowed to bring notes
• Dictionary Dutch-English is allowed 

What is an essay?

What is an essay? 

An essay...

• is a short, formal piece of writing dealing with a single subject.
• is typically written to persuade the reader.
• consists out of three parts: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. 
• has a title, but does not have any subtitles.
• contains a thesis statement and topic sentences stating the main arguments. 

• Your essay will have to be around 500 words. 
• You will construct your paragraphs according to the TEXAS method.

Argumentative essay

You will have to write an argumentative essay. 

Meaning:

• You will have to discuss your point of view about a certain matter. 
• You will give arguments that support your opinion. 
• You will try to persuade your readers of your viewpoint. 

Argumentative essay

Example assignments: 

- Has the rise of the internet had a positive or negative impact on education? 

- What is the greatest challenge facing young people today?

Argumentative essay

Three parts: 

1. Introduction

2. Body

3. Conclusion 

Argumentative essay - introduction

The introduction is used:

• to capture the reader’s interest (the hook);
• provide background information;
• presents your thesis statement. 

Introduction example

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

hook

The first sentence acts as a “hook” to draw the reader’s attention. In this case, it does so by making a strong claim about the importance of the essay’s subject.

Background

The following sentences set the context for the debate this essay weighs in on.

Thesis

These sentences make up the thesis statement. This is the central argument of the essay—the claim(s) that the rest of the essay will work to back up with evidence and analysis.

Argumentative essay - body

• The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail. 
• Here you’ll present evidence, analysis, and reasoning to convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.
• Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence.
• Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don’t include irrelevant information.
  

Argumentative essay - conclusion

The conclusion summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body.

No new arguments or evidence appear here. 

Argumentative essay - to sum up

• Introduction: the paragraph that introduces the topic 
• Thesis statement: the sentence that indicates the point of view of the essay
• Body: the paragraphs discussing arguments and/or examples
• Topic sentences: the sentences that state the arguments supporting the thesis statement
• Conclusion: the final paragraph that summarizes the main points

Argumentative essay - schedule 

In the upcoming weeks we are going to discuss every part of essay writing seperately:

- writing a thesis statement

- writing an introduction

- writing topic sentences

- writing body paragraphs

- writing conclusions 

Introduction

Thesis statement

Body

Topic sentence

Conclusion

a beginning section which states the purpose and goals of the following writing

a sentence or two that summarizes the main point that an essay

the part of an essay that explains and develops the main idea

helps organize the paragraph by summarizing the information in the paragraph

the last paragraph of your essay summarizing its thesis and arguments

Writing

Argumentative essay

Essay Writing

Writing an argumentative essay

Essay topics 

• Should doctors be allowed to genetically modify unborn children at the parents' request?
•  Should social media platforms be banned from collecting their users' data?
• Has the internet made society better?
• Should everyone get the internet for free?

Today, we've...

... talked about the PTA

... learned what's in the writing test

... learned what the different parts of an essay are 

Next class

Writing a thesis statement and writing an introduction

Have a nice day!