Pre Intensive Writing Task 2 - Lesson 2

RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


26
Content:
Introduction to discursive essays
Structure of argument-led essays
Writing the introduction paragraph
Language: Introductory phrases to argument-led essays





RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


27
DISCURSIVE ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. Some people argue that there is no point in persevering old buildings when land is so
valuable in our cities. Others believe that old buildings are important part of our heritage
and should be preserved.
Discuss both of these view and state your opinion.

2. In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between
finishing high school and starting university studies.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

3. In many countries, children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard
this as completely wrong, while others consider it as valuable work experience,
important for learning and taking responsibility.
Discuss both of these views. What are your opinions on this?

4. Some people believe that the arts should receive subsidies or sponsorship from
government and big companies. Others feel such spending is a luxury and that it would
be better if it were invested in scientific projects.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

5. Some people prefer to work for a large company. Others prefer to work for a small
company.
Discuss both choices. Which one would you prefer?
RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


28
ORGANISATION OF A DISCUSSION-TYPE ESSAY
IF YOU SUPPORT THE ADVANTAGES:
Paragraph 1 Introduction
.....................................................................
.....................................................................
.....................................................................
.....................................................................
Paragraph 2
(Body paragraph 1)

.......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................

Topic Sentence: ................................
Supporting sentence 1[SS1]: ...........
............................................................
Developing sentence 1[DS1.1]: .........
DS1.2: ................................................
SS2: ...................................................
DS2.1: ................................................
DS2.2: ................................................
Paragraph 3
(Body paragraph 2)
.......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................

TS: ............................................................
SS1: ..........................................................
DS1.1: .......................................................
SS2: ..........................................................
DS2.1: .......................................................
DS2.2: .......................................................

Paragraph 4 Conclusion
.....................................................................
.....................................................................
.....................................................................

IF YOU SUPPORT THE DISADVANTAGES:
Reserve the order of the body paragraph
Paragraph 2 (Body paragraph 1): Advantages | Agree | Arguments For
Paragraph 3 (Body paragraph 2): Disadvantages| Disagree| Arguments Against
RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11


29
ORGANISATION OF A DISCUSSION-TYPE ESSAY
IF YOU SUPPORT THE ADVANTAGES:
Paragraph 1 Introduction - Background Information to topic
- Statement of essay(thesis statement) :
State both sides of the topic
Paragraph 2
(Body paragraph 1)
Disadvantages
Disagree
Arguments against

Ts: 2 advantages/ 2 reasons for
Supporting sentence 1[SS1]:...........
............................................................
Developing sentence 1[DS1.1]: .........

DS1.2: ................................................
SS2: ...................................................
DS2.1: ................................................
DS2.2: ................................................
Paragraph 3
(Body paragraph 2)
Advantages
Agree
Argument for


TS: 2 disadvantages/ 2 reasons against
SS1: ...................................................
DS1.1: ................................................
SS2: ...................................................
DS2.1: ................................................
DS2.2: ................................................
Paragraph 4 Conclusion - Summary of the discussion
- State your opinion

IF YOU SUPPORT THE DISADVANTAGES:
Reserve the order of the body paragraph
Paragraph 2 (Body paragraph 1): Advantages | Agree | Arguments For
Paragraph 3 (Body paragraph 2): Disadvantages| Disagree| Arguments Against



RES_Relible English School
Hanoi: No 89/27 Dai Co Viet Street, Hai Ba Trung District, No 2/850 Lang Street, Dong Da District
Hochiminh: No 42 Nguyen Phi Khanh Street, District 1/ No 1/56 Lu Gia Street, District 11

30
INTRODUCTORY PHRASES
TO ARGUMENT-LED ESSAYS
 ………………………………………..

- There are those who
- Some people
argue
that+ clause
maintain
claim
say
contend
believe
feel

- It
is
has been
often argued
that+ clause widely said
generally claimed

 ………………………………………..

- While
others
believe

that+ clause - Whereas argue
- However claim




- On the other hand,
there are also those who
say
that+ clause
- By contrast, contend