https://libguides.reading.ac.uk/essays/planning#:~:text=Planning%20your%20essay%20makes%20it,argument%20before%20you%20start%20writing.

Click on the video link below to find out:

How to outline and plan your essay:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWtnPfbRpFA

[2.16min]

a) What is the Topic/ Issue/ Subject Matter?
This does NOT change.

b) What are the Key Words in the essay question?
-  These are the words you use to do your elaboration of your ‘Ps’ and explanation of your examples THROUGHOUT the essay.

- If you do NOT understand what the key words meant, then you shouldn't be doing this question. 

c) What are the Direction Words/ Command Words?
This tells you the question/ essay type.

NOTES [Refer to 1a]

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YhzccSdrogw3TQuhcg1U-LjWD4ArZcbV

* Decide which side has stronger points. This will help you to choose your stand.

* You will also be able to elaborate and write more sound and convincing arguments.

NOTES [Refer to 1b]

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YhzccSdrogw3TQuhcg1U-LjWD4ArZcbV 

[4.37min]

What kind of supporting details?

NOTES [Refer to 3c to find out.]

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YhzccSdrogw3TQuhcg1U-LjWD4ArZcbV

*** NO 'I' examples in argumentative essays!

• Definition: Data and statistics that provide numerical support to your argument.

• Example: "According to a recent study, 70% of students reported feeling stressed due to academic pressure."

  
  

2. Anecdotal Evidence (no 'I' examples)

• Definition: Personal stories or individual cases that illustrate a point.

• Example: "Many teenagers report that the pressure to achieve high grades often leads to increased anxiety levels, affecting their overall well-being."

  
  

3. Expert Testimony

• Definition: Quotations or insights from professionals or experts in the field.

• Example: "Dr. Smith, a psychologist, notes that 'regular exercise can significantly reduce stress levels among students.'"

  
  

4. Historical Evidence

• Definition: References to historical events or figures that support your argument.

• Example: "The Great Depression showed how economic downturns can lead to widespread mental health issues."

  
  

5. Logical Reasoning

• Definition: Using reason and logic to connect your claims to the conclusion.

• Example: "If we reduce homework loads, students will have more time to engage in extracurricular activities, leading to a more balanced life."

  
  

6. Comparative Evidence

• Definition: Comparing two or more cases to highlight similarities or differences.

• Example: "In countries with a shorter school week, students report higher levels of satisfaction and lower stress levels compared to those in traditional systems."

  
  

7. Scenario-based Evidence

• Definition: Hypothetical situations that illustrate the potential outcomes of a particular argument.

• Example: "Imagine a student who, after a long day of school, is expected to complete three hours of homework. This could lead to burnout."

* Pick a valid argument to argue against.

USEFUL RESOURCES:

Read

https://ilovereading.sg/how-to-write-a-counterargument-and-rebuttal/

OR

Watch a video on 'Writing Effective Counterarguments and Rebuttals'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQXUIOCW6SU

[8.46min]

There are SIX argumentative writing templates/ formats.

Choose EITHER

2 [Template 1] OR

2a [Template 2] OR

2b [Template 3] OR

2c [Template 4] OR

2d [Template 5] OR

2e [Template 6].

DECIDE on the one that you are MOST comfortable using.

TEMPLATE 1 [Refer to 2]:

5-6 paragraphs

Introduction: GIST/ GOTS [1 para]

Body Paragraphs: PEEL [2/3 para]

Counterargument/ Rebuttal: PEE/ PEEL [1 para]

Conclusion: RRI [1 para]

Refer to 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e for alternative argumentative writing templates/ formats [Template 2 to Template 6].

British Council videos

1) How to plan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAUKxr946SI&t=5s

[5.49min]

2) How to write a thesis statement and a paragraph

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2I6N5tsKhc&t=185s

[6.11min]

3) How to write an introduction and a conclusion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WknKWFdUs0

[4.12min]

4) How to write a counterargument and a rebuttal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bo4YtKv68Y

[4.21min]

5) How to check for content and accuracy of language

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GEWmf77E-8

[5.10min]

* thesis statement

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCC6q9KFLNY

[2.28min]

* introduction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WDclqoGouY

[2.01min]

* conclusion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd0tP2undNo

[3.22min]

due to free account restrictions, each profile is limited to 3 padlets!!! the rest of my padlets are available under my other users:

@wingsgluedon

shameless plug :p

instagram: @mildr3dpierce

- structure of an argumentative essay [CHOOSE one from 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e]. Pick the one you are MOST COMFORTABLE using.

- transitional words in an argumentative essay (Do not have to know ALL. Just learn a few.)

[Refer to 3a and 3b]

- evidence (4 types of evidence/ supporting details)

[Refer to 3c]

In addition, watch out for logical fallacies in argumentative writing.

What are logical fallacies?

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tEAWpw6TPDcyeI5yrHVOj2--o1prK_gM

Write at least 8 - 10 sentences.

P - your argument/ opinion/ answers the question 'why'

[CoV/ SPECTRA/ PEST/ SPERM]

E - what do you mean? Elaborate to make yourself understood.

E - I still don't get it. Convince me further by citing examples/ evidence. Don't forget you MUST explain your examples/ evidence as well.

L - So what? What exactly are you driving at? Reiterate your point/ argument and link it back to the essay question.

*** Make sure you know exactly what social media is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6WB5-eD8B4

Type your response at this link:

https://padlet.com/soh_bee_pheng1/v2946dbllhl4hgeq

Type your response at this link:

https://padlet.com/soh_bee_pheng1/ivywab6q8o9fhxfn

Type your response at this link:

https://padlet.com/soh_bee_pheng1/d4v73ye1zcyksfji

1a) https://quillbot.com/grammar-check

1b) https://quillbot.com/paraphrasing-tool?referrer=side_navbar

2a) https://www.grammarly.com/grammar-check

2b) https://app.grammarly.com/

3) https://ahelp.com/grammar-checker/ [600 words/ free version]

4) https://www.scribbr.com/grammar-checker/

Any other online tool that you have used and you think it is good to help edit your work?

* However, while they can be helpful (during initial stages, revision, etc), you CANNOT rely on them completely.

* You are the BOSS. Always take the time to read through your own writing/ essay and make your own judgments about what is correct/ accurate. Trust your understanding of language/ grammar rules and ensure that your writing/essay is accurate and effective!

* Finally, at some point, you will have to stop relying on these online tools and take responsibility for your own writing/ work.

* When in doubt, clarify!

Areas for improvement?

SAMPLE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS [Refer to no. 6]

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YhzccSdrogw3TQuhcg1U-LjWD4ArZcbV

* https://clark.libguides.com/find-opposing-views/procon-websites

* https://research.ppld.org/c.php?g=801111&p=5725203