Essays

FORMAL texts: 

• full forms (do not use contractions) 

• try to avoid phrasal verbs

• do not use idioms

• formal grammar structures

• try to use formal vocabulary and collocations (rather than more conversational/informal options) 

EXAMPLES OF ARGUMENTATIVE & DISCURSIVE ESSAY PROMPTS: 

A. ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS (take sides, argue why your option is better): 

• Some people say that it’s better to work from home than work in an office. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. 

• Communication between people is much easier today than it was 100 years ago. Do you agree? 

• Argue for or against censorship in media.

• Take a position on whether technology enhances or hinders the educational experience.

• Take a stance on whether stringent climate change policies are necessary or overly restrictive.

• Share your views on whether animal testing should be banned or continued for scientific research.

• Argue whether the gig economy is beneficial or detrimental to workers and the economy.

• Argue whether globalization is more beneficial or harmful to global economies and cultures.

• Argue whether online education is a viable alternative to traditional classroom learning.

• Share your views on whether promoting work-life balance is beneficial or detrimental to productivity and employee satisfaction.

B. DISCURSIVE ESSAYS (Equal attention should be given to positive and negative points): 

• Evaluate the benefits and challenges of online education compared to traditional classroom learning.

• Discuss the positive and negative effects of social media on society.

• Examine both the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating technology into education.

• Debate whether climate change is predominantly caused by human activities or natural environmental cycles.

• Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of online learning compared to traditional classroom education.

• Discuss how globalization can both enrich and erode local cultures.

• Consider the positive and negative effects of advertising on consumer behaviour and society.

• Evaluate the effectiveness and possible downsides of stringent climate change policies.

• Discuss the potential risks and benefits of advancements in Artificial Intelligence.

• Discuss the positive effects and possible negative consequences of promoting work-life balance in the workplace.

STRUCTURE: 

Essays should have: 

•  a title (it is highly advisable to give essays a title)

• an introduction: 

  • • • a sentence/two sentences introducing the subject- introductory sentence(s)

      • a THESIS STATEMENT in the introduction: a sentence that clearly indicates what your essay is going to be about. You can see some ideas here or here ("introduction"). 

• body paragraphs: developing the arguments: each body paragraph should have 

  • • • • a "topic sentence": a sentence that summarises what each body paragraph is about

        • supporting sentence(s)- these should provide evidence/examples for your argument

        • a sentence that closes the paragraph- closing sentence

• conclusion

Ideas and supporting arguments should be clearly organised into paragraphs- in a logical manner.

• https://natalialzam.wordpress.com/2019/03/24/writing-useful-expressions-for-an-essay/ 

• https://natalialzam.wordpress.com/2019/11/30/signposting-language-for-essays/ 

• https://natalialzam.wordpress.com/2016/11/19/na2-writing-an-opinion-essay/ 

• https://natalialzam.wordpress.com/2021/10/12/ways-to-refer-to-data-in-studies-and-surveys/ 

• https://natalialzam.wordpress.com/2018/03/15/sample-topics-for-a-discursive-essay-topic-presentation/