How to Write an Argumentative Essay - Planning

Summary

This video script outlines the process of writing an argumentative essay using a five-paragraph structure, often referred to as a 'hamburger essay.' It emphasizes the importance of analyzing the essay question for clues to effectively plan and organize the essay. The script introduces a spider diagram as a method for brainstorming main points and choosing the strongest arguments to support the writer's opinion, while also addressing an opposing viewpoint. The video aims to guide learners in crafting a concise and compelling argument within a 300-500 word limit.

Takeaways

• 📚 The process involves writing an argumentative essay in five videos, focusing on a five-paragraph structure.
• 🍔 The structure is often referred to as a 'hamburger essay', consisting of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• 📝 The first step is to analyze the essay question and plan the essay, which is crucial for effective argument progression and good marks.
• 🔍 Look for clues in the essay question to understand what the task requires, such as the need to give reasons and express opinions.
• 📈 The essay should be between 300 to 500 words, balancing the length to meet the examiner's expectations.
• 👍 Write two paragraphs supporting your opinion and one paragraph presenting an opposing argument, as required by the task.
• 🕸️ Use a spider diagram to plan the essay, brainstorming main points for and against the argument, and deciding on your opinion.
• 💡 Decide on your stance on the question (e.g., whether studying history is a good thing) and use this as the basis for your planning.
• 📋 Write topic sentences for each body paragraph that summarize the main idea, followed by more specific information and examples.
• 🤔 Consider potential counterpoints to your opinion and prepare arguments to address these in your essay.
• 📚 Keep the essay simple and well-structured, with clear topic sentences and a logical flow of ideas.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video series?

The main topic of the video series is to teach the process of writing an argumentative essay.

What is the structure of the argumentative essay discussed in the video?

The structure discussed is a five-paragraph essay, also known as a hamburger essay, which includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Why is it important to plan an essay before writing?

Planning an essay first ensures that the reader can follow the progression of the argument and helps in achieving good marks for organization and structure in an exam.

What does the term 'hamburger essay' refer to?

The term 'hamburger essay' refers to the five-paragraph structure of an essay, which visually resembles a hamburger with layers.

What are the clues in the essay question that can guide the writing process?

Clues in the essay question include keywords like 'why', which indicates the need to give a reason, and the subject of the essay, such as 'study' and 'history', which are underlined to emphasize their importance.

What is the word count range for the essay mentioned in the script?

The essay should be between 300 to 500 words.

How many arguments supporting the writer's view and how many against should be included in the essay?

The essay should include two body paragraphs supporting the writer's view and one body paragraph presenting an opposing argument.

What method for planning the essay is suggested in the video?

The video suggests using a spider diagram for planning the essay.

What is the purpose of creating a spider diagram when planning an essay?

The spider diagram helps in brainstorming the main points for and against the argument, deciding on the writer's opinion, and selecting the strongest points to support the opinion.

What should be the focus of the body paragraphs in the essay?

The body paragraphs should focus on the main ideas supporting the writer's opinion and an additional point connected to each, followed by an example.

What is the purpose of writing a topic sentence for each body paragraph?

The topic sentence summarizes the whole paragraph in a short, clear sentence, providing a general point that the more specific information in the paragraph will elaborate on.

How should the counterpoint be approached in the essay?

The counterpoint should be imagined as an argument against the writer's opinion, which helps in presenting a balanced view and addressing potential objections.

What advice does the video give for writing the essay?

The video advises to keep it simple, read the question carefully, circle the clues, and always plan the essay including the opinion and topic sentences.

Where can viewers find more information on English courses mentioned in the video?

Viewers can find more information on English courses by visiting the British Council website.