高级英语写作：WritingParagraphs

高级英语写作：WritingParagraphs

Writing Paragraphs

1. Argumentative Essay

Definition: In this kind of essay, we not only give information

but also present an argument with the PROS (supporting ideas)

and CONS (opposing ideas) of an argumentative issue. We

should clearly take our stand and write as if we are trying to

persuade an opposing audience to adopt new beliefs or behavior.

The primary objective is to persuade people to change beliefs

that many of them do not want to change.

Argumentative or persuasive essays?

While some teachers consider persuasive and argument

papers to be basically the same thing, it’s usually safe to assume

that an argument paper presents a stronger claim—possibly to a

more resistant audience.

For example: while a persuasive paper might claim that cities

need to adopt recycling programs, an argument paper on the

same topic might be addressed to a particular town. The

argument paper would go further, suggesting specific ways that

a recycling program should be adopted and utilized in that

particular area.

议论文是一种议论说理的文章，以抽象的思维形式，通过运用概念、判断、推理等逻辑形式

论证和阐述作者的观点，表明作者赞成什么，反对什么。议论文的目的主要是说服别人接受

或支持某种观点、同意所提出的某项决策或采取所倡导的某种行动。

议论文写作必须做到论点明确、论据充分、论证严密。议论文强调准确性和逻辑性，注重篇 章结构，讲究修辞模式。另外，议论文常使用规范的书面语，更能增添文章的厚重感和读者

对文章的信任感。

2. When to use argumentative essays

●When you are agreeing or disagreeing with sth or sb.

●When you have an opinion and try to convince your readers

to accept your opinions.

3. Structure of argumentative essays

What are the features of an effective argumentative essay?

An effective argumentative essay needs to meet the

following specific requirements.

It introduces and explains the problem or issue, sometimes

tracing its causes,

In some cases it states the possible positions to be taken on

the problem.

It states the position that this essay will take.

It offers proof that the position taken in this essay is

reasonable to hold.

It anticipates objections to this specific position and refutes

them.

It affirms this position and makes a final appeal.

Before starting writing, it is imperative to make a list of these

ideas and choose the most suitable ones among them for

supporting and refuting.

Three possible organization patterns of an argumentative

essay:

Pattern 1 Pattern 2 Pattern 3

Thesis statement Thesis statement Thesis statement

PRO idea 1 CON(s) + Refutation(s) CON idea 1 ----->

Refutation PRO idea 2 PRO idea 1 CON idea 2 -----> Refutation

CON(s) + Refutation(s) PRO idea 2 CON idea 3 ----->

Refutation

Conclusion Conclusion Conclusion

Note 1: the typical 3-unit/part pattern.

Note 2: the olive-shaped structure.

A model of a good argumentative essay

The following suggestion takes the form of a model that

highlights what one might expect to find

in the three main parts of a good argumentative essay. In

trying to master the model, you should

not inadvertently become a slave to it. Otherwise, your

essays will become rigid and sterile. Instead, use this as a mental

checklist that you can build upon and even be playful with,

developing in the process a confident, independent and original

voice.

A. Introduction

1. Identify and state your

objects of analysis. The topic or question will often ask you

to discuss central texts, key ideas or concepts, issues, or a

combination of these.

2. Provide some background to

the thesis and reveal the

motive for arguing it. An effective description of the context,

situation or problem can demonstrate why the thesis is

interesting and worth arguing. Here is your chance to convince

your readers (including the marker) that your essay is worth

reading—something not to be taken for granted!

3. Formulate and state your

thesis. A thesis is a clearly articulated general idea that expresses the main point you want to argue in your essay. It

should be:

sufficiently focused and narrow so that it can be fully

discussed in your essay;

a position that is debatable, and dependent on the strength

of evidence and logical

development; not a simple statement of

fact, a declaration of belief that cannot be

reasonably substantiated, a tautological or

circular expression, an obvious point, and

so on;

B. Body

1. Construct your arguments. To develop your thesis, you will

need to construct a

series of smaller supporting arguments that are

relevant to the thesis. While every argument should

be directed to the thesis, the individual arguments should

not simply be linked together as a random chain of implicitly

related but distinct reasons. Instead, they should follow a

coherent and logical sequence that builds up, often dramatically,

to a convincing and satisfying restatement of the thesis in the