how to write argumentative essay o level

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How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay in O Level: 5 Tips and Techniques

Updated: Mar 21

In the realm of O Level English exams, crafting an effective argumentative essay is not only a requirement but a skill that can set you apart. This article explores key tips and techniques to elevate your argumentative essay writing skills for O Level, ensuring that your essays meet the exam criteria and engage and persuade the reader.

1. Crafting an Attention-Grabbing Introduction

The introduction of your argumentative essay is the gateway to capturing the reader's attention. It will set the tone and determine whether your audience is inclined to continue reading. There are various ways to achieve this, and one effective approach is to start with a question that piques the reader's curiosity. Alternatively, you can begin with an experience your audience can relate to.

From scrolling through Facebook while waiting your turn at the cashier to posting photographs on Instagram during mealtimes, social media has grown to play a significant role in our everyday lives.

2. Ensuring a Clear Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement serves as the anchor for your argumentative essay. It comprises your stance and the main points you will address throughout the essay. A clear and well-articulated thesis statement sets the context for your essay and provides a concise overview of your argument.

For the majority of users, it is a way of keeping in touch with our growing social networks. Social media has also evolved to become a key medium for sharing important news or stories. Of course, it can also act as a distraction from more important activities. Not all the time that we spend on social media can be considered productive, but it would be a mistake to simply pass it off as a complete waste of time.

3. Utilizing the PEEL Framework for Body Paragraphs

The PEEL framework is a valuable tool for structuring your essay's body paragraphs. This framework helps you present your arguments in a clear and organised manner, facilitating easy understanding for the reader. The components of the PEEL framework are:

P (Point) : State your main point or argument.

E (Evidence) : Provide supporting evidence for your point.

E (Explanation) : Explain how the evidence supports your point.

L (Link) : Connect your point to the thesis statement or the next paragraph.

In discussing the positive aspects of social media, the point is made that it keeps users connected with their social networks. This is substantiated by the evidence of frequent interactions and updates. The explanation further elaborates on how these interactions strengthen relationships. Finally, the link ties back to the thesis, reinforcing the idea that social media serves as a valuable tool for connection.

4. Developing a Convincing Tone

Maintaining a confident and persuasive tone throughout your essay is crucial. Be assertive in presenting your arguments, but avoid being overly aggressive. Use language that is clear, concise, and respectful. Strive for a tone that instils confidence in your perspective.

❌ I think that social media is a good way to spread important news and messages.

✅ Furthermore, beyond just connecting people, social media has also evolved to become a means of spreading important news and messages.

5. Concluding the Essay Thoughtfully

Your conclusion is not just a summary; it's an opportunity to leave a lasting impression. Apart from reiterating your stance, provide your reader with something to contemplate. Consider how the situation may change in the future or encourage your readers to reflect on the broader implications of your argument.

Ultimately, social media is merely a tool – whether we use it productively or mindlessly is an individual choice.

In mastering the art of writing effective argumentative essay samples for O Level, incorporating these tips and techniques will not only meet the exam requirements but also enhance your ability to articulate and defend your perspectives. With these tools at your disposal, you can confidently navigate the demands of O Level English exams and produce compelling, well-structured essays.

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Argumentative Essays

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What is an argumentative essay?

The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.

Please note : Some confusion may occur between the argumentative essay and the expository essay. These two genres are similar, but the argumentative essay differs from the expository essay in the amount of pre-writing (invention) and research involved. The argumentative essay is commonly assigned as a capstone or final project in first year writing or advanced composition courses and involves lengthy, detailed research. Expository essays involve less research and are shorter in length. Expository essays are often used for in-class writing exercises or tests, such as the GED or GRE.

Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or previously published material. Argumentative assignments may also require empirical research where the student collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Detailed research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand different points of view regarding the topic so that she/he may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during research. Regardless of the amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.

The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the following.

• A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.

In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by reviewing the topic in a general way. Next the author should explain why the topic is important ( exigence ) or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly, students should present the thesis statement. It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.

• Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section.

• Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Some paragraphs will directly support the thesis statement with evidence collected during research. It is also important to explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis ( warrant ).

However, argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view regarding the topic. Depending on the length of the assignment, students should dedicate one or two paragraphs of an argumentative essay to discussing conflicting opinions on the topic. Rather than explaining how these differing opinions are wrong outright, students should note how opinions that do not align with their thesis might not be well informed or how they might be out of date.

• Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However, students must consider multiple points of view when collecting evidence. As noted in the paragraph above, a successful and well-rounded argumentative essay will also discuss opinions not aligning with the thesis. It is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the thesis. It is not the student’s job to point out how other positions are wrong outright, but rather to explain how other positions may not be well informed or up to date on the topic.

• A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

It is at this point of the essay that students may begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize the information presented in the body of the essay. Restate why the topic is important, review the main points, and review your thesis. You may also want to include a short discussion of more research that should be completed in light of your work.

A complete argument

Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of World War II and its current effect on those who lived through the tumultuous time, there would be a beginning, middle, and end to the conversation. In fact, if I were to end the argument in the middle of my second point, questions would arise concerning the current effects on those who lived through the conflict. Therefore, the argumentative essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument.

The five-paragraph essay

A common method for writing an argumentative essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of (a) an introductory paragraph (b) three evidentiary body paragraphs that may include discussion of opposing views and (c) a conclusion.

Longer argumentative essays

Complex issues and detailed research call for complex and detailed essays. Argumentative essays discussing a number of research sources or empirical research will most certainly be longer than five paragraphs. Authors may have to discuss the context surrounding the topic, sources of information and their credibility, as well as a number of different opinions on the issue before concluding the essay. Many of these factors will be determined by the assignment.