Essay
Essay structure
- Introduction
- Body Paragraph 1 - Argument
- Body Paragraph 2 - Argument
- Body Paragraph 3 - Refutation
- Conclusion
Introduction
背景描述，话题引入，描述观点
Background information【背景描述】
- It introduces the topic
- It states why the topic is important
Introduce the topics【话题引入】说明一个不同的观点
- It conveys that there is a difference of opinion about this topic
Thesis Statement【描述观点】
- It clearly states the writer’s principle claim.
Background Information
- Not too long, but no less than three sentences for background information. As long as necessary to present the essay’s importance and grab the reader’s attention.
- Hook the reader with a captivating statement
- Why should we care about the topic?
- What is the debate about? What are some current trends? What is your general opinion on the topic?
- Do NOT copy the prompt directly! It is okay to refer to it.
Example
Much has been written about marriage throughout history. The act of creating legal bonds between two people in a personal relationship is regarded as a goal in some cultures, a family obligation in others, and as an individual free choice in most. The advantages and disadvantages of this social institution have been analyzed by scholars in recent years, especially when it comes to marriage between young individuals.
写大，写广。
- 这是一个什么什么话题，以前也被研究过
- 以前是怎么怎么样认为的
- 我们为什么要关心
- 现在的趋势又是什么，大家又是怎么怎么认为的
Thesis Statement
最后一句话，只写一句话
- 观点
- 两个支撑的理由
- 相反的观点
注意：
- 不要写反问句
- 不要说我，要用第三人称来写
- 要清晰一点，在哪里喝酒，怎么喝，mechanism是什么
Example
Although marriage often puts young people in contact with a potentially dangerous mother-in-law, it is still highly beneficial because it gives the spouses the opportunity to share their lives with someone they love, and to improve their economic status.
Rewrite
- Although (con), (main point) because ( pro1 ), and ( pro2 )
- Those who disagree/ are against (marriage) may say/ assert that…
- Some people(Opponents of XX) may say/argue/claim that…however…
- Regardless/nonetheless/despite/nevertheless/while
Test
- Is it one sentence?
- Is it specific and clear?
- Can someone disagree with it?
- Is it a statement and not a question?
- Did you speak in the 3rd person?
- Can it be supported with other information?
If you answer “No” to any of these, then you need to revise your thesis statement.
Body paragraph
PEEL
Point/ Topic Sentence
- First sentence! Make sure it relates back to one of the points that you included in your thesis statement. Must be clear, concise, and relevant.
Explanation
- Help the reader better understand your thesis statement.
- Explain what you mean more clearly. Explain why something is true. Etc.
Evidence/Examples
- Select 2 good evidence/examples (specific information) to prove your point, and makes it more persuasive. Have a smooth transition between evidence/examples.
- Types of evidence: facts, experts’ opinions/authorities, research findings, personal experiences/testimonies, common knowledge
Link (Concluding Sentence)
- Last Sentence! Link back to the point you were making, and its relevance to the overall topic.
常用短语
Evidence Languages
Experts’ Opinions/Authorities
- argue, contend, point out, pinpoint, emphasize, acknowledge, maintain, highlight, refer to
Research Findings
- report, reveal, show, indicate, suggest, find
Personal Experiences
-
I have witnessed the fact, my personal observation, mental processes
-
simple Present, Present Perfect Tense
Examples
- for instance, for example, particularly, such as, including, in the case of, in particular
Example
An advantage of marriage for young people is that it is a reliable mechanism to strengthen the spouses economic status. This advantage has a particular impact when it comes to household economy and how much the couple can share the burden of daily domestic expenses. Anderson has demonstrated through a set of studies that the amount of money that is required to properly manage a home for a single person is just slightly less than what is needed to maintain a household for a small family. The difference is barely 8% more for the latter (Anderson, 2016). A more recent study in China revealed that 84% of newlyweds consider that they did much better in saving their money after they got married (Lee and Chang, 2018). Either by sharing the costs of daily life or putting their money together for common use, marriage undeniably helps to consolidate the spouses’ financial status.
Refutation
In argumentation, a refutation includes the following:
- An objection to a premise, an argument or a conclusion
- A counter-argument to such objection, often known as "rebuttal"
对前提，论点，总结的反驳
Definition
To refute(transitive vb)及物动词
- to prove (something) wrong by argument or evidence
- to deny the truth or accuracy of (of something)
Example
- The lawyer refuted the testimony of the witness.
- He refutes the notion that he's planning to retire soon.
- She will probably try to refute the allegations against her.
Refutation(n.) also -- rebuttal
the act or process of refuting (something)
Example
These are hard scientific facts against which there can be no reasonable refutation.
Why should us introduce a refutation
It strengthens your thesis.
- By considering all possible arguments against your thesis, you could certainly make it stronger.
It is a good tactic.
- It allows you to anticipate doubts and objections that a skeptical reader might have, address them and turn them in your favor.
It reflects good on you!
- It shows you weigh alternatives before (and while) arguing, for one.
Structure
PEEL
Refutation language
Counterargument Starters
- The opposing view is that…
- One might object here that…
- It might seem that…
- It is true that…
- Admittedly,…
- (Some) critics/opponents/people (may) argue/claim/contend/think/ say that…
- It is argued that…
Transitions
- However, …
- Nevertheless, …
- In contrast, …
- Although…
- Conversely,…
Example
There are those who claim that technology is making people less creative. They say that computers and cellphones make people lazy and people do not have to think or create for themselves. However, computers and cellphones offer multiple creative outlets that provides more opportunities for people to invent or create new things. Using technology one can design a webpage, create art, write a short story or even a novel (Compute, 2015). For example, Smith wrote a popular story on a registered webpage and finally got published. Therefore, technology brings positive changes to individuals.
Conclusion
- Suggestion: 3 - 5 sentences
- Restate your thesis statement WITHOUT repeating it. Be creative!
- Finish with a final push for your position or A quick suggestion
