Foundation English Writing – Argumentative Essays Ms.
Latifa Octavia
Objective: research a given topic and objectively argue and evaluate the different supporting and opposing ideas
supported by evidence coming to a justified stance on the matter.
Structure + Language
Introduction
1. Hook: introduces the topic - nowadays, there are people that believe that…whilst others feel that…
2. Topic sentence: state what the essay is about - This essay will consider/discuss/highlight/shed light on/illustrate/explore
some of the benefits and drawbacks of…
3. Background information + rationale: why this topic is of interest + any necessary definitions or relevant explanations –
this is a controversial topic of interest / this is currently a highly debated topic because…It is important to note that…
4. Thesis statement: your stance on the matter (impersonal statement) – However, despite the various arguments that
have been put forward for…, this essay will support the view that…
Body Paragraph 1 (FOR)
1. Topic sentence: state what the paragraph will be about – To begin with, there are many significant arguments for…
2. First argument to defend your point of view – many scholars/scientists/experts state/propose/argue/report that…
3. Evidence: quotations, examples, life experiences, statistics – for example, for instance, to illustrate/demonstrate,
according to…
4. Explanation + supporting evidence: impact of your example/argument – consequently, this means that, as a result,
leading to, thus, therefore, this allows, this overcomes the problems associated with…
5. Add on 2nd and 3rd arguments to defend the point of view with supporting evidence – Furthermore, other proponents
advocating for…believe that…
6. Concluding sentence: renew your support for thesis statement – undoubtedly, significantly, remarkable, huge, major,
substantial, essential – e.g. “Therefore, the congestion charge has made a remarkable/significant/huge/substantial
impact on the reduction of CO2 in the atmosphere.”, “Consequently, the use of renewable energy sources has
undoubtedly helped reduce pollution.”, “Thus, the use of renewable energy is considered essential to reduce the impact
of…”
Body Paragraph 2 (AGAINST)
1. Topic sentence: on the other hand, there are also a number of counterarguments to refute…
2. First counterargument: one major point of contention is…with some critics claiming that…
3. Evidence: quotations, examples, life experiences, statistics
4. Explanation: impact of your example/argument
5. Additional counterarguments with supporting evidence – Moreover, other opponents argue/note/point out that…
6. Concluding sentence: the issue with these counterarguments – the primary challenge these refutations face is…
Conclusion:
1. Summary: refer back to main ideas – To conclude/in conclusion, there are a multitude of reasons as to why there is so
much contradiction on this topic with some of the main arguments being…
2. Refer back to thesis statement: degree of agreement – overall/considering this, there is strong support for…due to…
3. It depends on factors: Although this depends on a number of factors such as… e.g. external factors, uptake of idea,
suggestions, recommendations.
Check your work for:
✓ Clear and ample points for and against
✓ Sufficient supporting evidence for each main point discussed
✓ Simple and complex grammar structures correctly used
✓ Correct spelling
✓ Appropriate punctuation
✓ Clear capitalisation where needed
✓ Cohesive language correctly used throughout the essay to connect and transition between ideas
✓ Paragraphs logically organised (intro – paragraph FOR – paragraph AGAINST – conclusion)
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Foundation English Writing – Argumentative Essays Ms. Latifa Octavia
Question 1:
A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income. Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of
problems if it is not managed correctly. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world. Do
you think that the benefits of tourism outweigh its drawbacks?
Arguments for Arguments against
- Increased influx of money through spending - Overcrowding in popular touristic areas
- Rise in job opportunities for residents - Pollution and damage to environment + habitats
- Better investment taken in infrastructure - Loss of cultural and traditions e.g. Dubai
Image referenced from: https://sl.bing.net/bQZGxq5TLZQ
Example of a body paragraph: To begin with, there are many arguments in favour of tourism with some experts claiming
that tourism significantly improves a country’s financial status allowing governments to support their local communities.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, it contributed 10.4% of the global gross domestic product and
supported 319 million jobs in 2018 (UNWTO World Tourism, 2018). This influx of foreign currency bolsters the host
country’s economy, leading to infrastructure development, job creation, and increased local business opportunities. This
is of significant importance in developing economies, such as Oman, who are using tourism to diversify and strengthen
their economy. In addition, other people point out that tourism has beneficial social effects. For instance, it opens a
plethora of opportunities for people to network and exchange knowledge and ideas about other cultures and traditions
with one such example being Qatar who hosted the Middle East’s first ever FIFA World Cup tournament in 2022
attracting over one million tourists into the country (FIFA, 2022). Therefore, tourism is said to strengthen understanding
and acceptance between people of different nations and backgrounds by promoting a more peaceful environment. Thus,
there is an abundance of support for tourism that some say outweighs the counterarguments.
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Foundation English Writing – Argumentative Essays Ms. Latifa Octavia
Question 2:
More and more students are choosing to study at colleges and universities in a foreign country. Do the benefits of
studying abroad outweigh the drawbacks?
Question 3:
