Essay writing - introduction and thesis statement

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Essay writing - introduction and thesis statement

Argumentative Essays

Part 1: The structure of a good argumentative essay

Writing an introduction

Lesson goals

- I know what the structure of a good argumentative essay is.

.- I have practised writing an introduction with a good thesis statement..

Just to be clear: What is the purpose of an argumentative essay?

1. to compare and contrast two different or similar things.
2. to convince the reader by using logic and evidence
3. to answer a question through research of the relevant literature
4. to analyze a piece of literature from different angles

Argumentative Essay Structure

• Different structures are possible. Usually 4-5 paragraphs
  
•  Your exam will be a four or five paragraph essay.

Title

- Introduction

- Main argument 2

- Counterargument 1

- Conclusion

Introduction - Match

Kids with black eyes. Kids crying themselves to sleep. Kids afraid to go to school these are just some of the things that happen when kids are bullied. 

Millions of kids are bullied every month. They are bullied every month. They are bullied physically and emotionally, and made fun of and intimidated in person, online over phones, and almost everywhere. Not enough is being done. 

Bullying should be punished by a fine or jail time because it is too prevalent, it leaves long-lasting emotional and academic scars, and it can lead to suicide. In addition, fines and jail time will prevent further bullying. 

Hook

Background info

Thesis statement

§1 - The Introduction 

• Often general - broad view of topic.
• Hook =  a catchy sentence or paragraph in the introduction which serves as an attention-grabbing element.
• Background information (if necessary)
• Thesis statement. 

Suggestions on how to create a hook

• Start with an interesting fact
  
• Share an anecdote
  
• Write about a common misconception about your essay topic
  
• Start with a rhetorical question
  

Examples & Tips

https://www.academicwritingsuccess.com/7-sensational-essay-hooks/

Thesis statement

The thesis statement is that one sentence that contains the focus of your essay and tells your reader what the essay is going to be about.

Example:

There should be an absolute ban against smoking in public because second-hand smoke endangers the health of non-smokers.

Your thesis statement should be:

• clear, concrete

• without using first person singular (I).

• affirmative or negative sentence sentence. Not a question!!!

Why is (or isn't) this a good thesis statement:

Grades should be eliminated because they cause anxiety and put unnecessary pressure on students.

Writing Introduction

You read a text and watched a video about Navalny; a fighter for freedom in Russia. Or at least this is how we view him in the West. We believe that political freedom is necessary in a modern democracy, other countries, such as Russia, do not share this view.  Democracy is under threat in many different countries and the idea of 'strong leadership'is something that is taking hold in many European countries as well. 

Writing Introduction steps

1. Think about the topic as a whole. Make a list of arguments for and against the topic. 
2. Fill in the planning sheet. Do NOT start writing! Plan first.
3. Write your introduction. Make sure it adheres to the rules discussed earlier.