Discussion Essay

• Engels
• Voortgezet speciaal onderwijs
• Leerroute 5

Discussion Essay

5VWO

Lesson Objective

 At the end of the lesson: 

* Students know the structure of a discussion essay. 

* Students have corrected their first discussion essay and handed in a final version. 

What is a discussion essay called in Dutch?

Betoog

Beschouwing

Purpose of a Discussion Essay

To explore different sides of an issue, present arguments for and against, and (possibly) conclude with the writer's opinion.

Structure

1. Title

2. Introduction

3. Body paragraph 1: two arguments in favor

4. Body paragraph 2: two arguments against

5. Conclusion - balancing both sides and giving your own opinion.

Title

Introduction

Body Paragraph 1

Body Paragraph 2

Conclusion (own opinion)

1.

2.

3.

4

5

Language in a discussion essay

The language you use is semi-formal, which means:

- no contractions! 

- no use of "wanna, gonna, CU, kids, bro, bru, skibidi etc."

- be mindful of punctuation

Use linking words!

Linking Words

What is the correct structure of a discussion essay?

Assignment

Write a discussion essay of about 300-400 words about Romeo and Juliet. Choose one of the following thesis statements or think of your own. 

• Romeo and Juliet are typical teenagers.
  
• Romeo and Juliet is a true love story.
  
• Friar Lawrence is responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s death.
  
• Today’s teenagers can learn from Romeo and Juliet.
  
• Romeo and Juliet can be read as a feminist play.
  
• Romeo’s love language is different from Juliet’s.
  
• If Romeo and Juliet were set in today’s day and age, …
  

You have this lesson to start, next Wednesday you need to hand your essay in for feedback.