Usually you will be asked to argue FOR or AGAINST an issue. Your language should be quite official and strong, leaving no room for doubt.
Argumentative essays have three sections:
1. An opening paragraph
States the issue / question in your own words (pretend the title doesn't exist!). You can give your opinion on the subject here or at the end of your essay.
In my opinion… / In my view… / I would argue that… / It is my firm belief that… / I am convinced that...
2. A middle section
Give strong arguments, reasoning, examples for your views.
Your first arguments: To begin with… / First... / Clearly… / There can be no doubt that… / It is evident that…
Your second and third arguments: Second… / Besides… / What is more… / Moreover… /Additionally… /In addition…. /Furthermore...
Refer to data: scientists agree… / Research shows… / Statistics show... / According to… /With regard to…
You should also include some arguments for the other side, but state that they their arguments are not as good as yours:
While some may argue that … , the strong majority believes…
Despite the best efforts of the …., the evidence for… is overwhelming
Admittedly...
3. A final paragraph
Sum up your argument or come to a conclusion based on your arguments. State your opinion again (in different words). The last sentence is important and should state your opinion in a strong way.
Therefore... / In conclusion... / To conclude... / After all… / The only alternative… / The only reasonable solution… / The only viable option...
Each ingredient of the hamburger represents a different paragraph of the essay. It starts with an introduction paragraph and ends with a conclusion paragraph, represented by the top and bottom buns, respectively. Just like a real burger bun, these paragraphs frame the juicy contents inside – the body paragraphs – which are each represented by a different topping: lettuce, tomato, or patty.
Pay attention to the order of toppings in the hamburger essay. The lettuce comes first; it’s light and flimsy, representing one of the lighter arguments of the paper. The tomato is somewhat more robust (in terms of argument), while the patty at the end is the true “meat” of the essay. Just like the toppings of a hamburger in real-life, the body paragraphs build on one another to fill out the paper, giving it substance and flavour. source
SUDENKUOPAT:
koska tässä on klassinen puolesta-vastaan aine, suunnittelu on erittyisen tärkeä, jotta lopputulos on looginen ja johdonmukainen
muista se loppukappale, jossa EI saa olla enää uutta asiaa
Älä toista itseäsi . Sanoisin jopa, että toistoa on vältättävä. Toistoa on paha susi. Hyi toistoa!
OPTION 9
Spring 2023:
Opettajan huomio: OMA OTSIKKO E I S A A itse keksiä, ellei ohjeistuksessa pyydetään erikseen tekemään niin! Ei tarvitse kopioida valmis otsikko vastauslaatikkoon. KAIKKI, mitä on vastauslaatikossa, lasketaan mukaan merkkimäärään.
Opettajan huomio: tutkikaa hyvin otsikko ja ohjeistus. Siinä lukee selkeästi AT school(s).
IN tarkoittaa rakenuksessa. AT käytetään jos on tiettyyn paikkaan kiinteästi liittyvää toimintaa, kuten esimerkiksi työpaikalla työskentelyä (at work), kotona olemista (at home), koulussa opiskelemassa (at school) tai kampaajalla käyntiä (at the hairdresser's). I'm not at work, I'm at home.
OPTION 8
Spring 2021:
Opettajan huomio: lukekaa myös suomalaista mediaa - saatte siitä ideoita näihin aineisiin. Esim. Mikä on kirjastojen merkitys yhteiskunnalle? Aikakausmedia.fi
OPTION 7
Autumn 2017 Note - this is an ARGUMENTATIVE BLOG POST
Vaccinations – good or bad?
Vaccinations against life-threatening diseases are one of the greatest public health achievements in history. However, more and more parents in developed countries are choosing not to vaccinate their children. Are you for or against vaccinations? Write a blog post where you give reasons for your opinion.
Note from the teacher:
KORONA ei käytetä englanniksi
-> COVID-19 (ei artikkelia koska on kirjainlyhenne sanoista Coronavirus Disease 2019)
-> the coronavirus
-> the COVID-19 vaccine TAI vaccinations against COVID-19
-> Koronapassi = a EU Digital COVID Certificate, a COVID Safe Ticket, a corona passport, a coronavirus pass, a COVID pass, a COVID Certificate Pass
Autumn 2016
OPTION 6
Music to my ears
When it comes to discovering new music nothing beats the good old radio. That’s according to the results of an Edison Research survey which finds that 35% of Americans, who try to keep up with the latest music, consider FM/AM radio their number one source to keep up with the latest trends.
What are pros and cons of different music services in your opinion? Write your contribution to an American online music magazine.
Autumn 2015
OPTION 5
Is social media making us lonely and unhappy?
Recent studies have found that social media (facebook, twitter, instagram) may not simply bring people together but may do just the opposite. The Atlantic magazine asks for readers’ contributions on this topic to their online discussion forum. Write your input, drawing on your own experience and giving examples to back up your statements.
Spring 2015
OPTION 4
Does the end justify the means?
Extreme actions of environmental groups have become more and more common. Is direct resistance to environmental destruction acceptable? Write a posting to a blog The Green Agenda. Give your opinion and support it with facts.
Spring 2014
OPTION 3
Does Finland give back?
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) lists countries by the amount of money they give to development assistance as a percentage of their gross national product (see Table 1 below). Discuss the aid in light of these figures comparing Finland’s contribution with that of a few other countries. Is Finland giving enough to poor people in foreign countries? Give grounds for your opinions.
Spring 2013
OPTION 2
Climate change – reality or myth?
Some say there is enough evidence that climate change is rapidly taking place, others say it’s all natural alteration. What is your stand on this question? Give your reasons. Write to Popular Science, expressing your opinion.
Spring 2013
OPTION 1
Let bygones be bygones?
There have been numerous memoirs and recollections published on Finnish wars and politics lately. Do you think it is necessary to discuss the past of our nation or its citizens? Write your opinion for the Finnish Foreign Ministry website.