Argumentative essay format Argumentative Essay Argumentative essays are very common in English Language examinations.

They require one to give ones point of view on a certain matter. One can write either in support of or against the topic that is given. One can even adopt a neutral stand. To write this type of essay, it is very common to first write out all the points in support of the topic. Then the unfavourable points are given. In the final part of the essay, one gives ones point of view. It can be either in support of or against the topic or it can show a neutral stance. The pro\con or argumentative format is analytical. The thesis for this type of essay simply states, "This is better than that." One way to include the opposition even in the thesis statement is by relegating it to the status of subordinate clause. Despite their many advantages, welfare payments... Although dogs are fine pets, cats... The main clause of the thesis statement will state the main idea. Key Idea The thesis for this essay must have an argumentative edge; it must be opinion. Each body paragraph will begin with a transition to the thesis statement (of course). Then the writer should state the "con." The next item is another transition (a turn-itaround transition like but, nevertheless, or however). Finally the writer states her "pro" and supports it with reasons &/or examples. This format is very similar to the comparison/contrast paper, but it is not as fair. Each body paragraph would have this order: Transition to thesis Con Turn-round transition to the Pro Pro Example or illustration Example paragraph: There is a second reason that classes using guided discussion provide a superior learning environment. It is true that a lecture by a knowledgeable professor can convey a great deal of information quickly and efficiently. However, in a lecture setting the student is passive. She becomes a more active learner when she is required to explain her understanding or present her position on an issue. Studies have shown that the student who is using the new material to convince a peer or a group that her understanding of a process or a concept will remember it longer. Transition to thesis ...a second reason

Con It is true that a lecture by a knowledgeable professor can convey a great deal of information quickly and efficiently. Turn-around transition to the Pro However Pro She becomes a more active learner when she is required to explain her understanding or present her position on an issue. Example or illustration Studies have shown that the student who is using the new material to convince a peer or a group that her understanding of a process of a concept will remember it longer. The writer should VERY deliberately short-change the con side of the argument. The writer should NEVER give an example to back up a con statement. It is useful to set the essay up organizationally as an example essay and then add a con for each pro statement. This works better than making a list of pros and cons and trying to match them up; sometimes they simply dont match up. The trick with this format is not to be fairjust instead to give the appearance of being fair. Another way to organize an argumentative essay is to write one paragraph immediately after the introduction stating the con side of the argument. The remainder of the essay would look just like an example essay (an opinion thesis proved with factual topic sentence statements and supporting examples/illustrations). Formal Letters Or Informal Letters Formal Letters: The former includes letters of complaint, letters requesting permission, letters of enquiry and application letters.The formal letter can be quite problematic for some students. One reason is its format; another is the language used. To achieve the desired effect on the reader, a formal letter should be: Set out in the correct format. Short and to the point. Well presented. Polite, even if you are voicing your unhappiness or dissatisfaction. Format/layout Pay attention to the format/layout which varies, depending on the conventions used. In this lesson, only one format will be highlighted (see sample letter below). a. The name/position and address of the sender.

This should appear at the top left-hand corner. You need not write your name and position here as it appears at the bottom of the letter. b. c. A line across the page is mandatory in most letters. The position and address of the recipient.

The position and address of the person you are writing to should appear below the line, on the left-hand side. You can include the name of the recipient, if you know who he/she is. d. Date.

This is usually written on the right-hand side, on the same line as the last line of the recipients address. The month is usually written in words (not numbers) and in capital letters. e. The salutation/greeting.

Use Dear Sir or Madam if you do not know the name of the person you are writing to. If you do, use his or her title (e.g. Miss, Ms, Mr, Mrs or Dr) and the surname only. f. Subject heading.

The subject heading gives the reader an idea what the letter is about. Write the subject heading directly below the salutation; it should be in bold or underlined. g. The body of the letter.

The body of the letter refers to the content of your letter; it should be divided into short and clear paragraphs. The first paragraph should be short and state the purpose of writing (for example, to inform, complain, invite, etc). The rest of the paragraphs should contain the necessary information. Remember to organise the information in a clear and logical manner. Avoid lengthy paragraphs. The last paragraph should be precise. You should state the action you expect the recipient to take e.g. send a refund, give a reply, etc. It is quite common to end a formal letter with a phrase such as I look forward to hearing from you or I hope you will take immediate action to solve this problem. h. Closure. Most people usually include a note of thanks. i. Ending.

You can end the letter by writing Yours faithfully. Use Yours sincerely only if you know the name of the recipient. In other words, use Yours sincerely if you begin the letter with the name of the person, e.g. Dear Mr Tan. j. k. Senders signature. Name of the sender in capital letters.

Now, read the question and sample answer given below: The English Language Society of your school wants to organise a one-day English Language Fest. As the secretary, you have been asked to write a letter to the chairman of your schools Parent Teacher Association to ask for sponsorship of food and prizes. In your letter, include details of the one-day camp: Day, date, time, place. Objectives to encourage the usage of the English Language. To promote fun and exciting ways to learn English. Participation open to Forms One and Two students. Total: 75 students. Mention the activities that will be held. Request for sponsorship. Mention reasons for sponsorship. State the amount of money needed. Informal Letters: Format Address Date Dear ______, How ar.. you? I ho.. you..and your fam..are fine .As fo..me down here ,I am in the pink of heal.. Thank you for the letwhich I recei..yester. I do underst how you feel now but your pare ..love you .They want to give the best to you. Body 1. My advice to you is try to talk to your... Make it clear to her.

2. Tell your parto tryou in whatever you are doi.. and the circ..of friends that you mix wit.. 3. Rakesh, you ar.. their only child and your pare..and they also want.They do not want their child to get influence by social ills that is happening around us. 4. I do face some problems at home too. My parents do not allow me to use the pho.. and play comp.. games. I feel they have their good reasons for doing that. 5. I think I hav..to pen-off now. Pleasend my warmest rega.. to your family. Do reply soon. Your penfr.,