Crafting a Compelling Argument: Mastering the Art of Essay Writing

Crafting a Compelling Argument: 

Mastering the Art of Essay Writing

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to understand the requirements of writing a persuasive essay and apply effective writing strategies.

What do you already know about writing persuasive essays?

Understanding the Exam Task

Analyzing a recent Dutch newspaper article on a controversial topic as the basis for writing your essay.

Time management

20 mins. of planning (*)

50 minutes of writing

10 minutes re-reading

20 mins of re-writing

Structuring Your Essay

1. Introduction: engage the reader and provide context. 

2. Body paragraphs: develop each argument with supporting evidence. 

3. Counterarguments: address opposing views and refute them. 4. Conclusion: summarize key points and leave a lasting impression.

Writing Strategies

1. Use persuasive language and rhetoric devices

2. Provide credible sources and evidence

3. Use logical reasoning

4. Anticipate counterarguments

5. Revise and edit your essay

Apply the CAE Essay Tips

Check out the CAE Exam Tips website: https://www.caeexamtips.com/blog/how-to-write-c1-essay

And: 

https://www.caeexamtips.com/writing 

Writing Process (during the test!)

1. Read the article multiple times (take notes!)

2. Plan your essay: brainstorm ideas, outline the structure

3. Write the introduction 

4. Develop body paragraphs, also address counterarguments

5. Write the conclusion

6. Revise and edit

Write down 1 or 2 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 1 or 2 things you want to know more about or practice more with.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.