General Remarks

ARGUMENTATIVE COMPOSITION

Writing

1. Composition is a piece of formal writing. There are several types of compositions. One of them is an argumentative composition.

2. General recommendations for writing an argumentative composition.

Argumentative composition is also a piece of formal writing:

a) before starting to write you should first make a plan;

b) you should use a different paragraph for each point you make;

c) begin each paragraph with a key sentence which sums up the point you are going to make;

d) give examples to support your point of view;

e) use quotations to add vitality to your composition.

3. Here is the plan for the advantage / disadvantage argumentative.

a) State topic – introduction

b) Advantages

c) Disadvantages

d) Balanced consideration – conclusion

The aim of your essay is to outline the advantages and disadvantages of something. You are not expected to express your own opinion.

4. Some useful tips.

a)     b)   c)   d) e) f) g)

Start by making general statement and then divide the advantages into 2 or 3 separate paragraphs. Use formal style and do not include colloquial English. Do not write short grammatical forms. Write well developed paragraphs. Avoid strong feelings. Use generalization. Use linking words.

h) i) j) k) l) m) n)

Use sequencing. Make references to other sources. Give examples. Abandon clichéd introduction. Use quotations. Use advanced level of vocabulary. If you are to express your opinion, use non-emotional words (e. g.: it seems that … it can be seen that).

Ex. 36. Study linking devices useful for writing an argumentative composition of advantages and disadvantages.

Purpose	Useful Words	Examples
To make contrasting points	although, yet, however, in spite of, but, despite, even though, at the same time	However, there are certain drawbacks to lifeoutside the city.
To list points	firstly, in the first place, first of all, to start with, secondly, thirdly, finally	First of all, there are a lot of interesting things to do and places to see.
To list points to the topic	furthermore, also, what is more, in addition to, moreover, besides, too, apart from that / this, not to mention the fact that	What is more public transport is sometimes crowded and dirty.
To list advantages / disadvantages	one, another, a further, the main, the first / the greatest (advantage / disadvan-tage)	One disadvantage is that you might lose you job.
Refer to other sources	according to, with the reference to	According to the Oxford English dictionaryEnglish accepts about 4000 new words (or new meanings) every year.
To conclude	finally, lastly, above all, on the whole, in conclusion, to sum up, as a result, all in all	To sum up there are strong arguments both for and against the use of computers.

Ex. 37. Read the two model texts and decide which argumentative composition is better. Justify your decision. List advantages and disadvantages enumerated in the texts. Study linking devices in the texts.

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