Argumentative Essay body paragraphs

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4,6

Argumentative Essay

Body paragraphs

Body paragraphs

This section is the core of the argumentative essay. 

Here you present your ideas that support the thesis statement in a clear and structured manner --> body par. 1+2(+3)

The body paragraphs are the most important paragraphs in your argumentative essay. They contain arguments to convince your reader to agree with you. If you do not offer plausible explanations, you are not likely to convince your reader.

POINT

The first sentence of the paragraph contains the POINT you want to make, (either in favour of or against the thesis statement. Starting with the point helps the reader understand what you are going to argue in that paragraph. 

"Helmets should be obligatory for cyclists in the Netherlands." - What POINT (argument) would fit this thesis statement?

POINT

Let’s have a look at an example of a sentence stating the point of a paragraph supporting the thesis statement Helmets should be obligatory for cyclists in the Netherlands.

First of all, a helmet will make sure fewer cyclists are killed or injured in traffic.

"First of all, a helmet will make sure fewer cyclists are killed or injured in traffic." - What EVIDENCE could you give to support this statement?

EVIDENCE

After the point you will present some EVIDENCE

First of all, a helmet will make sure fewer cyclists are killed or injured in traffic. A helmet is made of hard plastic on the outside and a few centimetres of polystyrene on the inside. Together, these layers protect the cyclist’s head in an accident. 

"First of all, a helmet will make sure fewer cyclists are killed or injured in traffic." What EXAMPLE could be used to support this argument?

Example

First of all, a helmet will make sure fewer cyclists are killed or injured in traffic. A helmet is made of hard plastic on the outside and a few centimetres of polystyrene on the inside. Together, these layers protect the cyclist’s head in an accident. For example, if the cyclist falls off the bike and hits the asphalt, the helmet will break the fall and reduce the risk of serious head injuries. 

To help structure your ideas for the reader, you make use of linking words.

First of all, a helmet will make sure fewer cyclists are killed or injured in traffic. A helmet is made of hard plastic on the outside and a few centimetres of polystyrene on the inside. Together, these layers protect the cyclist’s head in an accident. For example, if the cyclist falls off the bike and hits the asphalt, the helmet will break the fall and reduce the risk of serious head injuries. 

Another example

The thesis statement is: 

Public transport should be free in the Netherlands.

POINT

Most importantly, free public transport will reduce global warming.

EVIDENCE

Most importantly, free public transport will reduce global warming. Cars emit great amounts of CO2, which is a gas that is harmful for the environment. It increases the greenhouse effect and therefore contributes to global warming. 

Example

Most importantly, free public transport will reduce global warming. Cars emit great amounts of CO2, which is a gas that is harmful for the environment. It increases the greenhouse effect and therefore contributes to global warming. So, if more people take the train or go by bus to work, there will be fewer cars on the road and thus less CO2 and that is better for the environment.

Linking words

Most importantly, free public transport will reduce global warming. Cars emit great amounts of CO2, which is a gas that is harmful for the environment. It increases the greenhouse effect and therefore contributes to global warming. So, if more people take the train or go by bus to work, there will be fewer cars on the road and thus less CO2 and that is better for the environment.

ASSIGNMENT

Fill in the essay outline (bouwplan) then bring it to your teacher to check. Make sure to use full sentences, not just key-words.

Write your second essay alone during this lesson on paper. 

In the final 30-20 minutes you'll review each other's essay based on another lessonup.