How to Write an Argumentative Essay - Planning
Summary
TLDRThis 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
- đ The process involves writing an argumentative essay in five videos, focusing on a five-paragraph structure.
- đ The structure is often referred to as a 'hamburger essay', consisting of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- đ The first step is to analyze the essay question and plan the essay, which is crucial for effective argument progression and good marks.
- đ Look for clues in the essay question to understand what the task requires, such as the need to give reasons and express opinions.
- đ The essay should be between 300 to 500 words, balancing the length to meet the examiner's expectations.
- đ Write two paragraphs supporting your opinion and one paragraph presenting an opposing argument, as required by the task.
- đžïž Use a spider diagram to plan the essay, brainstorming main points for and against the argument, and deciding on your opinion.
- đĄ 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.
- đ Write topic sentences for each body paragraph that summarize the main idea, followed by more specific information and examples.
- đ€ Consider potential counterpoints to your opinion and prepare arguments to address these in your essay.
- đ 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.
Outlines
đ Writing an Argumentative Essay: Structure and Planning
This paragraph introduces the process of writing an argumentative essay, focusing on a five-paragraph structure commonly referred to as a 'hamburger essay.' It emphasizes the importance of planning the essay effectively to ensure a clear progression of arguments and to meet the requirements of an exam setting. The paragraph outlines the need to analyze the essay question for clues, such as the need to provide a reason ('why') and the subject ('study and history'). It also discusses the necessity of presenting both sides of the argument, with two paragraphs supporting the writer's view and one presenting an opposing argument. The method of planning using a spider diagram is introduced, where the writer is encouraged to brainstorm their opinion on the subject and decide on the main points to be made, including examples for each point. The goal is to choose the strongest ideas to support the writer's opinion and to consider potential counterarguments.
đ Continuing the Essay Writing Series: Thesis Statement and Paragraphs
The second paragraph serves as a transition, summarizing the previous discussion on essay structure and planning, and introducing the next topic in the video series. It briefly mentions the importance of always planning the essay and ensuring that the opinion and topic sentences are clear. The paragraph also provides a teaser for the upcoming video, which will focus on how to write a thesis statement and develop paragraphs effectively. Additionally, it invites viewers to visit the British Council website for more advice on learning English and information on related courses, highlighting the educational resources available for further learning.
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄArgumentative Essay
đĄFive-Paragraph Structure
đĄIntroduction
đĄBody Paragraphs
đĄConclusion
đĄQuestion Analysis
đĄClues
đĄPlanning
đĄSpider Diagram
đĄOpposing Argument
đĄTopic Sentence
Highlights
Introduction to the process of writing an argumentative essay in five short videos.
Explanation of the five-paragraph structure commonly used in essays.
Mention of alternative six-paragraph structure also used today.
Term 'hamburger essay' introduced to describe the essay structure.
Importance of planning the essay for effective argument progression and good marks.
Guidance on finding clues in the essay question to understand task requirements.
Emphasis on including both sides of an argument in the essay structure.
Instructions on creating a plan using a spider diagram for essay structure.
Advice on considering personal opinion and main points for the essay's brainstorm.
Selection of the two strongest ideas to support the writer's opinion.
Method for choosing additional points and examples to support main ideas.
Writing topic sentences that summarize the main ideas of each body paragraph.
Ensuring topic sentences are related to the essay question and writer's opinion.
Identifying a counterpoint to the writer's opinion for the opposing argument paragraph.
Summary of the video's content on layout, question analysis, and planning.
Advice on keeping the essay simple and structured.
Information on where to find more advice for learning English and details on courses.
Teaser for the next video in the series about writing thesis statements and paragraphs.
Transcripts
we are going to learn the process of
writing an argumentative essay in five
short videos we normally use a five
paragraph structure common in other
types of essay with two arguments
supporting our view and one against this
is not the only way to write an essay
six paragraphs are also often used today
we will use five which is also known as
a hamburger essay this is made up of an
introduction three body paragraphs and a
conclusion let's start at the beginning
in this section we're going to analyze
the question and plan our essay
effectively it's important to plan your
essay first this ensures your reader can
follow the progression of your argument
in an exam it will also mean you get
good marks for organization and
structure look for clues in the essay
question this will tell you what the
task requires find these and they will
help you answer it effectively the main
clues we can get from the texts are why
indicates that you need to give a reason
this is your purpose the keyword study
and history tell us a subject we are
writing about why study and history
should be underlined this is asking your
opinion so it requires your voice write
an essay of 300 to 500 words this shows
how many words you need to write
remember the examiner doesn't want to
read too much or too little we have to
give both sides of the argument in this
essay so that means we will write two
paragraphs supporting our opinion or and
and one paragraph presenting an opposing
argument
now we've analyzed the question we need
to do a plan we're going to write a five
paragraph essay consisting of an
introduction three body paragraphs two
explaining our opinion or stand and the
other the opposing argument and a
conclusion now we know our basic
structure we need to choose a method to
plan our essay there are several
different ways to do this such as a
spider diagram a positive and negative
table a flowchart today we're going to
use a spider diagram next consider what
the main points you want to make are
decide on your opinion or stand about
the question first you need to ask
yourself these questions and note down
your answers do you enjoy studying
history why or why not do you think that
there is any value in studying it why
why not this is the basis for your
brainstorm next consider the main points
you want to make decide your opinion
about the question is studying history a
good or bad thing to answer this essay
question we have decided that it is a
good thing put your question in a circle
in the center of the page then write as
many ideas as you can for and against
the argument decide which points are
positive and negative choose the two
strongest ideas to support your opinion
you will need to think of an additional
point connected to each followed by an
example so choose the point you have the
most to write about these will be your
main ideas for body paragraphs 1 & 2 now
write a topic sentence for each one this
should summarize the whole paragraph in
a short clear sentence
it will be a general point the sentences
that follow will give more specific
information about that point check that
they are related to the question and
your opinion yes they are now imagine
someone is arguing against your opinion
what would they say this is your
counterpoint now you have the main ideas
for each of your body paragraphs in this
video we have looked at layout question
analysis and planning don't forget to
keep it simple write a five paragraph
essay read the question and circle the
clues they will help you give a correct
answer always plan your essay your
opinion and your topic sentences for
more advice visitors are to learn
English teams and for more information
on our courses visit us at the British
Council website our next video in the
series is about how to write your thesis
statement and paragraphs
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