To get some practice using comparison/contrast as a rhetorical technique, prepare to write a comparison/contrast paragraph(s) based on one of the following topics (or come up with one you like better):
• High school and College
• Raising a pet and raising a child
• Two career choices or majors you're contemplating
• Two colleges you've considered attending
• Two jobs you've had
• Two books you've read, or two movies you've seen
• Two close friends
• Two stores
• Two sports teams
Once you decide on your subject, follow the three steps below to help you practice using this technique.
STEP 1: Establish categories to focus your analysis.
For example, if you're comparing colleges, your categories might be curriculum, price, location, and social life.
Brainstorm and then decide upon several appropriate categories for your topic which will focus how you look at each subject. List them below:
STEP 2: Brainstorm raw material by applying these categories to questions about your subject.
Based on the categories you arrived at above, ask what is similar and what is different about the two subjects. Write down everything you can think of—you can rearrange it later.
Comparisons (similarities) between___________________ and _______________________.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Contrasts (differences) between _____________________ and _______________________.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Step 3: Assemble your analysis.
Now examine the points you made and compile your raw material into paragraphs. Write a topic sentence to focus your comparison/contrast; it should state your subjects and the assertion you want to make about them as a result of your analysis. After you write your topic sentence, write the paragraph(s) below. Attach extra paper if you run out of room.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
~ Sample Practice Exercise: Comparison/Contrast ~
"Learning to write is like learning to play a musical instrument."
STEP 1: Establish categories to focus your analysis.
Brainstorm and then decide upon several appropriate categories for your topic which will focus how you look at each subject. List them below:
• The degree to which each one cam be an art form
• The kinds of skills each one requires
• The kinds of effects each can have on audiences
STEP 2: Brainstorm material by applying these categories to questions about your subject.
Ask what is similar and what is different about my two subjects based on the categories you arrived at above. Write down everything you can think of—you can rearrange it later.
Comparisons (similarities) between learning to write and learning to play an instrument
1. when you do it well, it's an art
2. it's a skill you acquire with time and patience. Process is as important as end-product when you are beginning to pick up the skill.
3. learning the scales is a lot like learning structure. It's what you personally do with these foundations that makes your writing stand out.
4. like music, good writing has "color" and "tone"-it can evoke emotion.
5. like music, good writing can be created collaboratively (though this is less common).
Contrasts (differences) between learning to write and learning to play an instrument
1. Unlike music, writing evokes thought as well as feeling.
2. Unlike music, it's usually created solo rather than as a group effort. The closest analogy is the singer/songwriter who's been traveling alone his or her whole career. Sometimes
3. Unless we are professional musicians, we don't need music skills on a daily basis; writing, however, is something we use in a variety of practical ways in a variety of environments other than leisure.
Step 3: Assemble your analysis.
Now examine the points you made and compile your raw material into paragraphs by using one or both of the methods described in Chapter Six (pp. 339-341). Write a topic sentence to focus your comparison/contrast; it should state your subjects and the assertion you want to make about them as a result of your analysis. After you write your topic sentence, write the paragraph(s) below. Attach extra paper if you run out of room.
Do you see where the paragraphs below use the subject-by-subject method and where it uses the point-by-point method?
Even if you've never tried to learn a musical instrument, you can probably relate to the way learning to write can be compared to learning a musical instrument. They both require a set of skills and both, when they're performed well, can be considered an art with power to greatly move audiences.
In the first place, learning any musical instrument can be a grueling process, but once you learn to play competently, you're rewarded by the beautiful sound of music at your fingertips. Once you gain control over the notes you're trying to reach, and the tones those notes create, you can consciously set a mood, create an atmosphere. You can make people dance for joy or make them weep. But you don't gain that control overnight. Learning an instrument requires a big time investment, a lot of patient practice. Your fingers have go over and over the same positions as you learn scales and practice exercises that increase dexterity. The sounds you produce may be ugly at first: discordant, disjointed, off rhythm. But through continued practice you'll begin to play more smoothly, with greater feeling, and with fewer mistakes. Pretty soon, you'll feel like you've arrived. You can play.
Similarly, writing well is an art in the sense that it has an "aesthetic" experience to offer us-when we're finished we may have created something truly beautiful. Reading a good piece of writing, we can experience its truth and beauty. It has the power to affect us intellectually, emotionally. But learning to write well is a skill we can acquire only through time and patience. In the beginning, "process" is as important as "product." While we're learning drafting, revising, and editing skills, our first attempts may be fumbling or unfocused, incoherent, and full of error, but if we keep practicing the fundamentals, before long we get the hang of it. Concepts like structure, unity, coherence, development, style, and syntax aid rather than intimidate us. They provide the solid foundation upon which we express new ideas.
Writing and making music aren't always similar. In a few key ways, these skills are more different than they are the same. First, whereas music and writing both have the power to evoke strong feeling, writing is probably better at making audiences think. Second, whereas music is often created collaboratively, writing is often created solo. Even when writing projects are collaborative, individual writers often work separately on unique tasks and then assemble the group's work into a whole. They rarely do the work of writing face to face with other group members, though they may seek advice and feedback from group members. Finally, the biggest difference between writing and making music is that, unless a person is a professional musician, we don't use music skills on a daily basis in the variety of environments that we use writing.
Given that learning to write and learning to play music can be so similar, it makes sense to evaluate a writer's skills at the end of a course rather than at the beginning. It isn't what students know when they start that counts, or even what you know along the way; it's what a student can do by the end that really matters.
STEP 1: Establish categories to focus your analysis.
Brainstorm and then decide upon several appropriate categories for your topic which will focus how you look at each subject. List them below:
• The degree to which each one cam be an art form
• The kinds of skills each one requires
• The kinds of effects each can have on audiences
STEP 2: Brainstorm material by applying these categories to questions about your subject.
Ask what is similar and what is different about my two subjects based on the categories you arrived at above. Write down everything you can think of—you can rearrange it later.
Comparisons (similarities) between learning to write and learning to play an instrument
1. when you do it well, it's an art
2. it's a skill you acquire with time and patience. Process is as important as end-product when you are beginning to pick up the skill.
3. learning the scales is a lot like learning structure. It's what you personally do with these foundations that makes your writing stand out.
4. like music, good writing has "color" and "tone"-it can evoke emotion.
5. like music, good writing can be created collaboratively (though this is less common).
Contrasts (differences) between learning to write and learning to play an instrument
1. Unlike music, writing evokes thought as well as feeling.
2. Unlike music, it's usually created solo rather than as a group effort. The closest analogy is the singer/songwriter who's been traveling alone his or her whole career. Sometimes
3. Unless we are professional musicians, we don't need music skills on a daily basis; writing, however, is something we use in a variety of practical ways in a variety of environments other than leisure.
Step 3: Assemble your analysis.
Now examine the points you made and compile your raw material into paragraphs by using one or both of the methods described in Chapter Six (pp. 339-341). Write a topic sentence to focus your comparison/contrast; it should state your subjects and the assertion you want to make about them as a result of your analysis. After you write your topic sentence, write the paragraph(s) below. Attach extra paper if you run out of room.
Do you see where the paragraphs below use the subject-by-subject method and where it uses the point-by-point method?
Even if you've never tried to learn a musical instrument, you can probably relate to the way learning to write can be compared to learning a musical instrument. They both require a set of skills and both, when they're performed well, can be considered an art with power to greatly move audiences.
In the first place, learning any musical instrument can be a grueling process, but once you learn to play competently, you're rewarded by the beautiful sound of music at your fingertips. Once you gain control over the notes you're trying to reach, and the tones those notes create, you can consciously set a mood, create an atmosphere. You can make people dance for joy or make them weep. But you don't gain that control overnight. Learning an instrument requires a big time investment, a lot of patient practice. Your fingers have go over and over the same positions as you learn scales and practice exercises that increase dexterity. The sounds you produce may be ugly at first: discordant, disjointed, off rhythm. But through continued practice you'll begin to play more smoothly, with greater feeling, and with fewer mistakes. Pretty soon, you'll feel like you've arrived. You can play.
Similarly, writing well is an art in the sense that it has an "aesthetic" experience to offer us-when we're finished we may have created something truly beautiful. Reading a good piece of writing, we can experience its truth and beauty. It has the power to affect us intellectually, emotionally. But learning to write well is a skill we can acquire only through time and patience. In the beginning, "process" is as important as "product." While we're learning drafting, revising, and editing skills, our first attempts may be fumbling or unfocused, incoherent, and full of error, but if we keep practicing the fundamentals, before long we get the hang of it. Concepts like structure, unity, coherence, development, style, and syntax aid rather than intimidate us. They provide the solid foundation upon which we express new ideas.
Writing and making music aren't always similar. In a few key ways, these skills are more different than they are the same. First, whereas music and writing both have the power to evoke strong feeling, writing is probably better at making audiences think. Second, whereas music is often created collaboratively, writing is often created solo. Even when writing projects are collaborative, individual writers often work separately on unique tasks and then assemble the group's work into a whole. They rarely do the work of writing face to face with other group members, though they may seek advice and feedback from group members. Finally, the biggest difference between writing and making music is that, unless a person is a professional musician, we don't use music skills on a daily basis in the variety of environments that we use writing.
Given that learning to write and learning to play music can be so similar, it makes sense to evaluate a writer's skills at the end of a course rather than at the beginning. It isn't what students know when they start that counts, or even what you know along the way; it's what a student can do by the end that really matters.
In-class writing assignment 11/10
Compare & Contrast Practice Topics
1. Compare and contrast the overall play of Brazil’s national football team with that of the UAE’s. Say which of these two teams you would rather watch and why.
2. Compare and contrast arranged versus love marriages. Say which one you would prefer if given the choice and why.
3. Single gender classes are the norm here in the UAE. Compare and contrast this kind of class with mixed classes. Say which on you would prefer and give the reasons for your choice.
4. Compare and contrast living in Dubai versus living in Abu Dhabi. Say which city you would prefer to live in and give the reasons for your choice.
5. Here at Abu Dhabi Men’s College we have a mixture of male and female instructors. Compare the two and say which of the two you would prefer. Explain the reasons for your choice.
6. Last semester you studied in the Foundations Program. Now you are studying in Higher Diploma. Compare the two programs. State which one you prefer and give the reasons.
7. Compare and contrast having a house maid versus the option of a stay at home mother. Say which you prefer and give reasons.
8. Fast-food fulfills a need for busy people. Compare and contrast fast food versus home-cooked meals. State your preference for one and say why.
1. Compare and contrast the overall play of Brazil’s national football team with that of the UAE’s. Say which of these two teams you would rather watch and why.
2. Compare and contrast arranged versus love marriages. Say which one you would prefer if given the choice and why.
3. Single gender classes are the norm here in the UAE. Compare and contrast this kind of class with mixed classes. Say which on you would prefer and give the reasons for your choice.
4. Compare and contrast living in Dubai versus living in Abu Dhabi. Say which city you would prefer to live in and give the reasons for your choice.
5. Here at Abu Dhabi Men’s College we have a mixture of male and female instructors. Compare the two and say which of the two you would prefer. Explain the reasons for your choice.
6. Last semester you studied in the Foundations Program. Now you are studying in Higher Diploma. Compare the two programs. State which one you prefer and give the reasons.
7. Compare and contrast having a house maid versus the option of a stay at home mother. Say which you prefer and give reasons.
8. Fast-food fulfills a need for busy people. Compare and contrast fast food versus home-cooked meals. State your preference for one and say why.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
How to write an argumentative essay?
The leading tone in an argumentative essay is the position of proving that the presented point of view is the correct one and possesses more truthful arguments than any other opinions. The author through proper reasoning, inducting and making conclusions, must prove the assertions or the theories of the argumentative essay. If the author fails to apply the reasons and conclusions to the topic of the essay such essay is considered to be an unsubstantiated opinion.
Argument essay writing requires the ability of the author to show that he makes conclusions according to definite facts and not on his personal assumptions only. The idea that a theory created on a base of some sort of argument answers the question “how to write an argumentative essay”. So in reality it is the best argument essay.
Argumentative essay Format
Any argumentative essay needs to be written according to the following form:
1. It must begin with a clear statement and reveal the significance of the presented opinion in terms of the analyzed phenomenon.
2. In order to make the argumentative essay professional a wide range of information concerning the phenomenon should be reviewed.
3. As the reader is to “agree” with the data listed in the essay must be as reliable as possible.
Structure of the argumentative essay
A good argumentative essay has several paragraphs that should be concentrated on different aspects of the essay
1. Introduction (The reader is introduced to the analyzed phenomenon and the opinion is revealed through a strong thesis statement).
2. Previous attempts to solve the argument ( Are provided from literature).
3. The consequences of the problem (its negative or positive impact).
4. Repercussion of the argument in case it is not finally solved(supported with sources).
5. Connecting the argument with the provided facts.
6. Summary (a conclusion including main ideas and the thesis restatement).
Argumentative essays topics and ideas.
Argumentative essays can be written on many different topics. Delicate approach to choice of a topic or keen understanding of the given topic is the key element of good essay writing. Here you can see some examples of argumentative essay topics:
1. argumentative essay on gender issues
2. argumentative essay on local produce and organic produce
3. argumentative essay on feminism
4. modern technology argumentative essay
5. hybrid cars argumentative essays
6. argumentative essay on obesity
7. argumentative essay on child obesity
8. from animal cruelty to serial murder argumentative essay
9. argumentative essay on drinking and driving
If you hesitate either on choosing the essay topic or the idea for argumentative essay please feel free to contact us and we gladly help you any time you need assistance.
A vast collection of argument essay examples is presented in our database. Each essay sample provided by our custom essay writing service is absolutely free.
Is The Idea of how to write an Argumentative essay not clear yet?
Custom essay is the best way of Argumentative essay writing :)
Argument essay writing requires the ability of the author to show that he makes conclusions according to definite facts and not on his personal assumptions only. The idea that a theory created on a base of some sort of argument answers the question “how to write an argumentative essay”. So in reality it is the best argument essay.
Argumentative essay Format
Any argumentative essay needs to be written according to the following form:
1. It must begin with a clear statement and reveal the significance of the presented opinion in terms of the analyzed phenomenon.
2. In order to make the argumentative essay professional a wide range of information concerning the phenomenon should be reviewed.
3. As the reader is to “agree” with the data listed in the essay must be as reliable as possible.
Structure of the argumentative essay
A good argumentative essay has several paragraphs that should be concentrated on different aspects of the essay
1. Introduction (The reader is introduced to the analyzed phenomenon and the opinion is revealed through a strong thesis statement).
2. Previous attempts to solve the argument ( Are provided from literature).
3. The consequences of the problem (its negative or positive impact).
4. Repercussion of the argument in case it is not finally solved(supported with sources).
5. Connecting the argument with the provided facts.
6. Summary (a conclusion including main ideas and the thesis restatement).
Argumentative essays topics and ideas.
Argumentative essays can be written on many different topics. Delicate approach to choice of a topic or keen understanding of the given topic is the key element of good essay writing. Here you can see some examples of argumentative essay topics:
1. argumentative essay on gender issues
2. argumentative essay on local produce and organic produce
3. argumentative essay on feminism
4. modern technology argumentative essay
5. hybrid cars argumentative essays
6. argumentative essay on obesity
7. argumentative essay on child obesity
8. from animal cruelty to serial murder argumentative essay
9. argumentative essay on drinking and driving
If you hesitate either on choosing the essay topic or the idea for argumentative essay please feel free to contact us and we gladly help you any time you need assistance.
A vast collection of argument essay examples is presented in our database. Each essay sample provided by our custom essay writing service is absolutely free.
Is The Idea of how to write an Argumentative essay not clear yet?
Custom essay is the best way of Argumentative essay writing :)
BASIC RULES FOR WRITING FORMAL ESSAYS
BASIC RULES FOR WRITING FORMAL ESSAYS
(adapted from a document written by Sharron Lawn)
1. If handwriting your essay, write on white, lined, regular-sized paper.
2. If handwriting your essay, write in blue or black ink only.
3. If handwriting your essay, write only on the front of each page—never on the back.
4. Center a title on the top line of the first page.
5. Capitalize the first, last, and important words in titles, including the second part of the hyphenated words.
6. MEMORIZE THIS RULE: The only words which are not capitalized in titles are:
(1) article adjectives (a, an, and the),
(2) short prepositions, and
(3) coordinating conjunctions, unless they begin or end a title.
7. Do not put a period after a title which makes a complete statement. You should, however, use a question mark or exclamation point after appropriate titles.
8. Do not put quotation marks around or underline your own title.
9. Double-space your essay; if handwriting, skip every other line.
10. Indent the first line of each paragraph at least one inch (or one pre-set tab).
11. If handwriting your essay, keep your left margin even with the red line down the left side of your paper.
12. In the upper right corner of your paper, number all pages, beginning with page two. Use simple Arabic numerals (i.e., 2, 3, etc.) to number your pages. Do not use Roman numerals or put a number sign before numerals. Do not circle the numerals. Your title will indicate your first page.
13. Do not use unnecessary abbreviations.
14. Spell out contractions.
15. In your title and sentences spell out numbers less than one hundred.
16. Hyphenate spelled-out compound numbers from twenty-one through ninety-nine.
17. Do not use "you" (second person) in any form unless you are either quoting or writing a process paper.
18. Try not to end a sentence with a preposition.
19. Try not to split an infinitive.
20. If you must divide a word at the end of a line, divide it between syllables only. Use your dictionary to verify syllable divisions. A monosyllabic (one-syllable) word cannot be divided. You should never put a one-letter syllable on a separate line.
21. Remember that personal pronouns never use apostrophes to show possession.
22. Look up in your dictionary any word which you are not sure how to spell or whether to capitalize or hyphenate.
23. Capitalize words of family relationship used as names and not preceded by possessive pronouns.
24. Remember: Cannot is spelled as one word, not two.
25. Remember: The phrase a lot is made up of two words, not one, and, due to its frequent overuse, should be avoided whenever possible.
26. Never use this, that, these, or those without a clear antecedent. Rather than use any of these words as vague pronoun references, either follow them with a specific noun or replace them with a specific noun.
27. Avoid beginning sentences with there is and there are whenever possible. These words often add to wordiness and delay your subject.
28. Use active voice verbs to add interest to your writing. Using too many linking verbs (such as is, are, was, and were) or passive voice verbs makes very dull reading.
29. Use appropriate transitional devices for clarity, coherence, and smoothness of movement. Otherwise, your writing will be choppy and your ideas hard to follow.
30. Last, but not least, if handwriting your essays, write legibly and neatly. Make sure each letter looks exactly like the letter it should be. Dot all i's and cross all t's. Make sure that only the letters you want capitalized are capitalized. Be certain there are no stray marks which could be interpreted as punctuation marks you do not intend to use. You will be asked to recopy—legibly—any paper which your instructor cannot read.
(adapted from a document written by Sharron Lawn)
1. If handwriting your essay, write on white, lined, regular-sized paper.
2. If handwriting your essay, write in blue or black ink only.
3. If handwriting your essay, write only on the front of each page—never on the back.
4. Center a title on the top line of the first page.
5. Capitalize the first, last, and important words in titles, including the second part of the hyphenated words.
6. MEMORIZE THIS RULE: The only words which are not capitalized in titles are:
(1) article adjectives (a, an, and the),
(2) short prepositions, and
(3) coordinating conjunctions, unless they begin or end a title.
7. Do not put a period after a title which makes a complete statement. You should, however, use a question mark or exclamation point after appropriate titles.
8. Do not put quotation marks around or underline your own title.
9. Double-space your essay; if handwriting, skip every other line.
10. Indent the first line of each paragraph at least one inch (or one pre-set tab).
11. If handwriting your essay, keep your left margin even with the red line down the left side of your paper.
12. In the upper right corner of your paper, number all pages, beginning with page two. Use simple Arabic numerals (i.e., 2, 3, etc.) to number your pages. Do not use Roman numerals or put a number sign before numerals. Do not circle the numerals. Your title will indicate your first page.
13. Do not use unnecessary abbreviations.
14. Spell out contractions.
15. In your title and sentences spell out numbers less than one hundred.
16. Hyphenate spelled-out compound numbers from twenty-one through ninety-nine.
17. Do not use "you" (second person) in any form unless you are either quoting or writing a process paper.
18. Try not to end a sentence with a preposition.
19. Try not to split an infinitive.
20. If you must divide a word at the end of a line, divide it between syllables only. Use your dictionary to verify syllable divisions. A monosyllabic (one-syllable) word cannot be divided. You should never put a one-letter syllable on a separate line.
21. Remember that personal pronouns never use apostrophes to show possession.
22. Look up in your dictionary any word which you are not sure how to spell or whether to capitalize or hyphenate.
23. Capitalize words of family relationship used as names and not preceded by possessive pronouns.
24. Remember: Cannot is spelled as one word, not two.
25. Remember: The phrase a lot is made up of two words, not one, and, due to its frequent overuse, should be avoided whenever possible.
26. Never use this, that, these, or those without a clear antecedent. Rather than use any of these words as vague pronoun references, either follow them with a specific noun or replace them with a specific noun.
27. Avoid beginning sentences with there is and there are whenever possible. These words often add to wordiness and delay your subject.
28. Use active voice verbs to add interest to your writing. Using too many linking verbs (such as is, are, was, and were) or passive voice verbs makes very dull reading.
29. Use appropriate transitional devices for clarity, coherence, and smoothness of movement. Otherwise, your writing will be choppy and your ideas hard to follow.
30. Last, but not least, if handwriting your essays, write legibly and neatly. Make sure each letter looks exactly like the letter it should be. Dot all i's and cross all t's. Make sure that only the letters you want capitalized are capitalized. Be certain there are no stray marks which could be interpreted as punctuation marks you do not intend to use. You will be asked to recopy—legibly—any paper which your instructor cannot read.
Book Review Essay
In order to write a review essay you need to study the whole available stuff or books, summarize it and solidify it with your views.
Book review essay writing can be an easy task if it is written with the help of these steps:
Introduce the subject: Title, author and publisher information would be a good inclusion. Be sure you mention the type of book i.e. whether it is a true story, fiction or an autobiography. To let the readers know about the book, you often need to include general problems it encompasses.
Follow the Methodology: The method for writing review essay for nonfiction and fiction books differs significantly.
- Non-Fiction: If the book is non-fiction, you need to give the readers a little summary about the book. This part of the essay should include quotations and paraphrases from the book.
- Fiction: While writing the book based on fiction, you ought to give the readers a very brief review of the book but you should be careful that the element of suspense does not get eliminated at any point of the story.
Craft Your Analysis: In this step, the writer needs to write his/her response on the book. You need to describe the book in your own words as whether it was interesting or boring, informative or instructive or it was complete entertaining.
- You also need to react on the author's overall opinion, like how do you agree or disagree with the authors viewpoint and why.
- Add your research on the issues the book arouses and how they can be resolved and also discuss about the problems the books has failed to evoke.
- Relate your arguments directly to the authors' arguments. You should support your arguments no matter it goes for or against. Also mention the references of other authors who agree with your viewpoint.
- Now mention in what ways the book inspires you and whether or not your thoughts on the topic have changed after reading it.
Conclude: In the final step, conclude all what has been mentioned in your book review essay. Give your comments about the book and rewrite the important points.
Book review essay writing can be an easy task if it is written with the help of these steps:
Introduce the subject: Title, author and publisher information would be a good inclusion. Be sure you mention the type of book i.e. whether it is a true story, fiction or an autobiography. To let the readers know about the book, you often need to include general problems it encompasses.
Follow the Methodology: The method for writing review essay for nonfiction and fiction books differs significantly.
- Non-Fiction: If the book is non-fiction, you need to give the readers a little summary about the book. This part of the essay should include quotations and paraphrases from the book.
- Fiction: While writing the book based on fiction, you ought to give the readers a very brief review of the book but you should be careful that the element of suspense does not get eliminated at any point of the story.
Craft Your Analysis: In this step, the writer needs to write his/her response on the book. You need to describe the book in your own words as whether it was interesting or boring, informative or instructive or it was complete entertaining.
- You also need to react on the author's overall opinion, like how do you agree or disagree with the authors viewpoint and why.
- Add your research on the issues the book arouses and how they can be resolved and also discuss about the problems the books has failed to evoke.
- Relate your arguments directly to the authors' arguments. You should support your arguments no matter it goes for or against. Also mention the references of other authors who agree with your viewpoint.
- Now mention in what ways the book inspires you and whether or not your thoughts on the topic have changed after reading it.
Conclude: In the final step, conclude all what has been mentioned in your book review essay. Give your comments about the book and rewrite the important points.
Arguementative Essay
1. So, what do you write about? Pick a well-defined, controversial issue. (Spend some time with the latest copies of several news magazines, watch 60 Minutes, or listen to National Public Radio to generate ideas.) Readers should understand what the issue is and what is at stake. The issue must be arguable, as noted above. After stating your thesis, you will need to discuss the issue in depth so that your reader will understand the problem fully.
2. A clear position taken by the writer. In your thesis sentence, state what your position is. You do not need to say: "I believe that we should financially support the space station." Using the first person weakens your argument. Say "Funding for the space station is imperative to maintain America's competitive edge in the global economy." The thesis can be modified elsewhere in the essay if you need to qualify your position, but avoid hedging in your thesis.
3. A convincing argument. An argumentative essay does not merely assert an opinion; it presents an argument, and that argument must be backed up by data that persuades readers that the opinion is valid. This data consists of facts, statistics, the testimony of others through personal interviews and questionnaires or through articles and books, and examples. The writer of an argumentative essay should seek to use educated sources that are nonbiased, and to use them fairly. It is therefore best to avoid using hate groups as a source, although you can use them briefly as an example of the seriousness of the problem. Talk shows fall into the same category as they are frequently opinionated or untrue.
4. A reasonable tone. Assume that your reader will disagree with you or be skeptical. It is important, therefore, that your tone be reasonable, professional, and trustworthy. By anticipating objections and making concessions, you inspire confidence and show your good will.
Steps of a Research Paper
1. Decide on a topic. Make sure it is one you are interested in and that it is not too broad or too narrow to analyze adequately.
2. Begin your library research. Start with the card catalogue or computer subject headings. Use the periodical index. Your best bet may be to find a few general books on the subject, and then study the bibliographies in the back of the books. Oftentimes, the very best sources are found this way. You may note, as you read, that one person may be quoted repeatedly in several articles. This should tell you that this person may be an authority. (See if their name is in the catalogue.) If you run across the mention of an article while reading another article or book, go find it. Use encyclopedias, reference books, newspapers, microfilm, the librarians, the World Wide Web, and other professors' advice. Research is a back-and-forth, in-and-out process, rather like the strategy of a good card game.
As you scan possible sources, make a list of sources you won't use, sources you might use, and sources you will definitely use. Make bibliography cards for the latter two right away. Photocopy all material that you might or will use--even pamphlets and personal books. This will save you time later, should you need to return to the library. If you conduct a good deal of research, the first list will help you keep up with sources you've already checked (unless you enjoy checking them three and four times).
3. After acquiring some knowledge of your subject matter, it is time to decide on your personal interview and/or questionnaire, should you choose to use one. Write the interview questions and prepare the survey. Be careful to word both objectively. Your research is only as valuable as the interview or questionnaire.
4. Write the outline, rough draft, and the final paper. Then rewrite it to make it sound as professional as possible.
To analyze something, divide it into parts. Since you are writing about a problem, the body of your paper might look something like this:
Paragraph 1: General introduction of the problem. Thesis statement which states your opinion.
Paragraph 2-3: History of the problem (including, perhaps, past attempts at a solution). Sources needed
Paragraph 4-6: Extent of the problem (who is affected; how bad is it, etc.). Sources needed
Paragraphs 7-8: Repercussion of the problem if not solved. Sources needed.
Paragraphs 9-10: You should have led up to a conclusion that your argument is sound. Pull it all together by connecting your argument with the facts. Anticipate objections and make concessions.
Paragraph 11: Conclusion: Restatement of thesis and summary of main ideas.
You are writing a full explanation of the problem and arguing for your viewpoint to be accepted. Work in your own interview and questionnaire in the body of the paper where they make the most sense.
5. Once your paper has been written, check every quotation in it for accuracy. Your instructor may require that every quotation should be photocopied and included with what you turn in. All quoted matter should be clearly marked on the photocopy.
2. A clear position taken by the writer. In your thesis sentence, state what your position is. You do not need to say: "I believe that we should financially support the space station." Using the first person weakens your argument. Say "Funding for the space station is imperative to maintain America's competitive edge in the global economy." The thesis can be modified elsewhere in the essay if you need to qualify your position, but avoid hedging in your thesis.
3. A convincing argument. An argumentative essay does not merely assert an opinion; it presents an argument, and that argument must be backed up by data that persuades readers that the opinion is valid. This data consists of facts, statistics, the testimony of others through personal interviews and questionnaires or through articles and books, and examples. The writer of an argumentative essay should seek to use educated sources that are nonbiased, and to use them fairly. It is therefore best to avoid using hate groups as a source, although you can use them briefly as an example of the seriousness of the problem. Talk shows fall into the same category as they are frequently opinionated or untrue.
4. A reasonable tone. Assume that your reader will disagree with you or be skeptical. It is important, therefore, that your tone be reasonable, professional, and trustworthy. By anticipating objections and making concessions, you inspire confidence and show your good will.
Steps of a Research Paper
1. Decide on a topic. Make sure it is one you are interested in and that it is not too broad or too narrow to analyze adequately.
2. Begin your library research. Start with the card catalogue or computer subject headings. Use the periodical index. Your best bet may be to find a few general books on the subject, and then study the bibliographies in the back of the books. Oftentimes, the very best sources are found this way. You may note, as you read, that one person may be quoted repeatedly in several articles. This should tell you that this person may be an authority. (See if their name is in the catalogue.) If you run across the mention of an article while reading another article or book, go find it. Use encyclopedias, reference books, newspapers, microfilm, the librarians, the World Wide Web, and other professors' advice. Research is a back-and-forth, in-and-out process, rather like the strategy of a good card game.
As you scan possible sources, make a list of sources you won't use, sources you might use, and sources you will definitely use. Make bibliography cards for the latter two right away. Photocopy all material that you might or will use--even pamphlets and personal books. This will save you time later, should you need to return to the library. If you conduct a good deal of research, the first list will help you keep up with sources you've already checked (unless you enjoy checking them three and four times).
3. After acquiring some knowledge of your subject matter, it is time to decide on your personal interview and/or questionnaire, should you choose to use one. Write the interview questions and prepare the survey. Be careful to word both objectively. Your research is only as valuable as the interview or questionnaire.
4. Write the outline, rough draft, and the final paper. Then rewrite it to make it sound as professional as possible.
To analyze something, divide it into parts. Since you are writing about a problem, the body of your paper might look something like this:
Paragraph 1: General introduction of the problem. Thesis statement which states your opinion.
Paragraph 2-3: History of the problem (including, perhaps, past attempts at a solution). Sources needed
Paragraph 4-6: Extent of the problem (who is affected; how bad is it, etc.). Sources needed
Paragraphs 7-8: Repercussion of the problem if not solved. Sources needed.
Paragraphs 9-10: You should have led up to a conclusion that your argument is sound. Pull it all together by connecting your argument with the facts. Anticipate objections and make concessions.
Paragraph 11: Conclusion: Restatement of thesis and summary of main ideas.
You are writing a full explanation of the problem and arguing for your viewpoint to be accepted. Work in your own interview and questionnaire in the body of the paper where they make the most sense.
5. Once your paper has been written, check every quotation in it for accuracy. Your instructor may require that every quotation should be photocopied and included with what you turn in. All quoted matter should be clearly marked on the photocopy.
Essay Writing Workshop Groups
Group 1: 11:00 AM:
Luqiao, Ramon, Xiaotong, Larry, Miyu, Yoji, Haiwen, Ran, Charles, Saemi
Group 2: 2:15 PM
Nile, Bill, Wakana, Yachao, Yuchen Tian, Mioko, Ted, Annie, Namia,
Luqiao, Ramon, Xiaotong, Larry, Miyu, Yoji, Haiwen, Ran, Charles, Saemi
Group 2: 2:15 PM
Nile, Bill, Wakana, Yachao, Yuchen Tian, Mioko, Ted, Annie, Namia,
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Examples of Persuasive Essays
http://www.exampleessays.com/essay_search/an_example_of_a_persuasive_essay.html
Examples of Persuasive Essays
http://www.exampleessays.com/essay_search/an_example_of_a_persuasive_essay.html
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