13/4/15 Essay Structure 3

TP: Good writers write in a formal style and link their ideas well

Bell work: How can we link the paragraphs in a discursive essay?

Give some examples.

Do Do not use

Write in proper, complete sentences

Abbreviations (i.e./e.g./etc./UK/&)

Use complete words and expressions

Contractions (isn't/don't/won't)

Use proper, standard English

Slang (e.g. bloke/geezer etc)

Colloquial language (gonna/pop etc.)

Pair Activity

• Read the letter on the handout you’ve been given. It is written in an informal way but it should have been written in a formal style.• In pairs, rewrite the letter in a more

formal style, using the notes provided to help you.

Formal Style: ExampleDear Sir,Teenagers have just as much right to vote in the election as adults. As citizens of this country, many of us care deeply about what happens to it. Some people think teenagers are too irresponsible to make the important decisions involved in voting but many of us are far moremature than most adults. In conclusion, we should be given a chance to prove ourselves as the mature and responsible young people we are.

Yours faithfully,Andrew

We are going to read an example of a discursive essay.

You are then going to provide detailed answers to the following questions.

Questions:

1. What is the main idea the writer is arguing about?2. Each paragraph has a sub-topic which

contributes to the essay's main topic: what is the key argument of each paragraph?3. What evidence does the writer offer to

support the arguments?4. Does the writer link ideas clearly in the

essay? If yes, give examples of linking words/phrases he/she uses.

1.The writer is trying to argue that it is time to stop using animals for scientific experimentation.2.Paragraph 1 - the writer introduces the argument: experiments on animals should cease.Paragraph 2 - tests can now be done using modern technology.Paragraph 3 - animals are different: they do not respond to tests as humans do.Paragraph 4 - they cause animals too much pain.Paragraph 5 - death-rate in UK has remained constant: experiments have not improved things.Paragraph 6 - the other side of the argument: animal experiments have been useful.Paragraph 7 - secondary argument justifies experiments: test tube tissue research is limited; whole animal testing is still needed.Paragraph 8 - author re-states conviction that experiments are not necessary.Paragraph 9 - conclusion: new methods needed to replace current animal testing methods.

3.Paragraph 1 - not relevant: introduction.Paragraph 2 - use of test tube technology; computers.Paragraph 3 - aspirins affect animals badly, but not humans.Paragraph 4 - animals given no anaesthetic.Paragraph 5 - more long-term sickness, despite greater number of animal experiments.Paragraph 6 - alternative arguments: benefits to diabetics, even animals.Paragraph 7 - living tissue not as satisfactory as whole animal testing.Paragraph 8 - Dr. Hadwen Trust re. human cartilage; research into cancer and multiple sclerosis.Paragraph 9 - not relevant: conclusion.

4.There is clear evidence of good linkage in the essay:One of my main reasons...' (para 2)'Moreover...' (para 3) clearly continues argument'In addition...' (para 4) clearly moves argument on'On the other hand...' (para 6) signals clearly that the writer is moving on to arguments the opposing side would offer in support of experiments'In conclusion...' (para 9) clearly indicates argument drawing to a close

14/4/15 Essay Writing

TP: write our discursive essays

Bell work: Choose one of the linking words/phrases from the pack on your table. Write a sentence, using that word at the beginning. If you finish, choose another linking phrase and write a different sentence.

You are now ready to write your discursive essay!

Remember to use all of your notes and include the findings of your

research…

OPTIONS FOR ESSAY BODY

• 1st argument for/against• 2nd argument for/against• 3rd argument for/against• 4th argument for/against• 5th argument for/against• 1 paragraph summing

up some of the arguments for the other side

• 1st argument for• 1st argument against• 2nd argument for• 2nd argument against• 3rd argument for• 3rd argument against

STRONGLY FOR/AGAINST BALANCED

15/4/15 Essay Writing

TP: write our discursive essays

Bell work: Rewrite the following introduction with correct punctuation.

thirteen years of young peoples lives are spent in school and many say these are the best years of their lives however school brings rules and boundaries including the need to wear school uniform in my opinion this is completely unnecessary

Corrected Version

Thirteen years of young people’s lives are spent in school, and many say these are the best years of their lives. However, school brings rules and boundaries, including the need to wear school uniform. In my opinion, this is completely unnecessary.