The structure of argumentative (for and against) essay

A good essay of this type should consist of: a) an introductory paragraph in which you state the topic. This means that you talk generally about the topic without giving your opinion; b) a main body in which the points for and the points against, along with your justification, appear in two separate paragraphs; and c) a closing paragraph in which you give either your opinion or a balanced consideration of the topic. Note: In this type of essay writing, you must not include opinion words (I believe, I think, etc.) in the introduction or the main body. Opinion words can only be used in the final paragraph, where you may state your opinion on the topic.

Introduction Paragraph 1 state topic (summary of the topic without giving your opinion) Main Body Paragraph 2 arguments for Paragraph 3 arguments against Conclusion Final Paragraph balanced consideration/opinion if you feel that there are more arguments for than against a topic, give them before the final paragraph to lead the reader to this conclusion.

The first paragraph may:

• make reference to a strange scene or situation, e.g. Some scientists believe that in the future everyone mil be genetically perfect.

• address the reader directly, e.g. Are you aware of my characteristics which you may haw inherited from your parents? or ask a rhetorical question (question to which no answer is expected), e.g. isn't if amazing how some children look so much like their parents?

• start with a quotation, e.g. "Genetics holds the key to the future"

The last paragraph may:

• state a personal opinion, e.g. in my opinion,Ii believe, In my view, I seems to me, The way I see it, I think, etc.

• give the reader something to consider, e.g. Perhaps the world would be a safer and more efficient place if everyone was genetically perfect

• end with a quotation, e.g. "Genetics holds the key to the future", or a rhetorical question, e.g. What will they think of next?

Useful Language for argumentative essay

Linking Words/Phrases

To introduce points: one major advantage/disadvantage of, a further

advantage, one point of view in favor of/against

To list points: in the first place, first of all, to start with, secondly, thirdly,finally, last but not least

To add more points to the same topic: what is more, furthermore, also, in addition to this/that, besides, apart from this/that, not to mention the fact that

To make contrasting points: on the other hand, however, in spite of, while,nevertheless, despite, even though, although, it can be argued that

To introduce examples: for example, for instance, like, especially, such as,in particular

To conclude: to sum up, all in all, all things considered, in conclusion, on the whole, taking everything into account, as was previously stated

PART II

COMMUNICATION

(Cambridge Advanced English by Leo Jones, Unit 13)

Pre-task: Highlight the words and phrases of the topic in appendix, check the meaning in a dictionary and complete thematic glossary.

Subtopic 1: A ‘typical’ English conversation.

COMPREHENSION

1 Listen to the tape “A ‘typical’ English conversation”, focus on the information, fill in the gabs at the flowchart (activity 13.2 A, B) with some of the examples given by the speaker.

2 Discuss these questions:

• How is a ‘typical conversation’ different in your country and in other countries you know?

• What examples of channel-opening remarks in your mothertongue can you think of? Compare them with the English ones.

• Give some examples of phrases to signal parting in the Ukrainian, Russia languages and in English. Are they approximately of equal content?

• Dwell in details on the distance of comfortable proximity. Is it different in any way in different countries? Does it depend upon the situation and interlocutors?

• How does a ‘typical conversation’ begin and end if the participants are complete strangers, boss and employee, very close friends or relations.

3. Do you know the rules of behaving in public settings? The table below demonstrates silent set of rules for bodily behaviour in an elevator.

When _____ people enter an elevator, they each...

one or two	...lean against the walls of the elevator.
Four	...occupy a corner.
five or six	...all turn to face the door.  ...get taller and thinner.  ...hands and purses and briefcases hang down in front of the body, or "fig leaf position."  ...must not touch each other in any way unless the elevator is crowded, and then only at the shoulder or lightly against the upper arm.  ...have a tendency to look upward at the illuminated floor indicator.

So, next time you walk on to a crowded elevator, don't turn around and face the door. Instead, just stand there, facing the others. If you want to create even more tension, grin. Very likely the other passengers will glare back, surprised, grim, and upset. Reason? You have broken the rules.

4.1 Look at the list of methods of communication in the box. Which of them do you use yourself in what circumstances and why in your personal life and for your work / studies?

letters and postcards fax machine a mobile phone an ordinary phone an answering machine e-mail notes and memos

4.2 Robert Emsworth has written a book about how communication technology has changed over the last 150 years. Listen to a radio interview with him and number the topics in the order that they are discussed¹. (One is not mentioned.)

A B C D E F G H

the advantages of e-mail why e-mail doesn't always work problems with telephone answering machines what the 'communication revolution' is the introduction of the telegraph video telephones the use and misuse of fax machines the global impact of the modern telecommunication system

1

4.3 Listen again. Summarise the ideas in the interview by completing the sentences:

The 'communication revolution' is having a profound effect on life in developed countries. But …………………………………………………. The great advantage of e-mail is that ........................................................... However, the problem can be that ............................................................... Telephone answering machines can be ........................................................ John Tawell had good reason to regret the introduction of the telegraph because ......................................................................................................... One prediction about telecommunications in the future which hasn't come true is that ....................................................................................................

4.4 Discuss the following questions in groups:

• How these changes in telecommunications affected your life?

• What changes do you expect to see in the future?

• How is a telephone conversation different from a ‘typical conversation’?

• Why videophones are not popular?