Part V. Writing an Argument Essay

Writing a Comparison Essay

You may often need to compare and contrast things in your essays, work and everyday life. Imagine you have to write about two types of economies: the planned (PE) and the market economy (ME). Here are some tips for you:

1. Brainstorm ideas about similarities and differences

2. Highlight the similarities and the differences and decide which are more important

3. Choose the points to include into your essay and which to leave out.

4. Decide how to define the two economies you are comparing

5. Choose the organization structure:

In shorter essays you can choose on of the following:

Type I

You want emphasize the differences

Introduction

Similarities of PE and ME

Differences between PE and ME

Conclusion

Type II

You want to emphasize the similarities.

Introduction

Differences between PE and ME

Similarities between PE and ME

Conclusion

Type III

Introduction

Characteristics of PE

Characteristics of ME

Show how PE is similar or different from ME

Conclusion

In longer essays you may combine Type I and II

6. Divide your essay into several paragraphs.

7. Use the following words and expression:

Similarities	Differences
PE…. Similarly, ME….	PE…. On the other hand, ME…./ ME, on the other hand…
Both PE and ME….	Unlike PE, ME….
PE…. ME also …	PE… In contrast, ME…/ While PE…., ME….
Both + plural noun e.g. Both types of economies….	PE…., while ME….
Like PE, ME….e.g. Like Planned Economy, Market Economy has its good and bad sides…	PE…, However, ME…/ PE… ME, however
PE and ME are similar in that they both ….	PE differs from ME in terms of/ with regard to…
PE is similar to ME in terms of/ with regard to…	PE is different from/ contrasts with ME in that..
PE resembles ME in that they both….	PE…, whereas ME…/ Whereas PE…, ME….
PE is the same as ME.
PE is almost/ nearly/ virtually/ just/ exactly/ precisely the same as ME	PE is slightly/ a little/ somewhat less efficient and effective than ME
PE and ME are very/ rather/ quite similar	ME is much/ considerably more effective than PE
	PE and ME are completely/ totally/ entirely/ quite different
	PE and ME are not quite/ exactly/ entirely the same

Part V. Writing an Argument Essay

An argument essay is the kind of essay that presents a reasoned argument on a particular issue. It is often based on one’s research into the topic, but sometimes the applicant may be asked to give his/her own opinion, too. In any case the argument should be clearly organized and supported with information, evidence and reasons.

Useful tips:

1. Brainstorm your ideas on the question, read and research the topic. Decide which are the strongest arguments, what your viewpoint will be.

2. Select two or three strong ideas on each side, with supporting examples, ideas or evidence. For some questions you can use evidence from your personal experience.

3. Decide how to organize your essay to persuade readers (listeners) of your case.

4. Note down some useful vocabulary on the topic

Structure I

Introduction

Arguments for your case + supporting evidence, examples or reasons

Arguments against + evidence

Evaluation of arguments

Summary and conclusion

(It is possible to reverse arguments for and against)

Structure II

Introduction

Argument 1 + supporting evidence, examples, reasons

Counterargument

Argument 2 + supporting evidence, examples or reasons

Counterargument (and so on)

Evaluation of arguments

Summary and conclusion

5. Look carefully at the title or question and make sure you really answer it

6. Use general statements to convey the main ideas, and then provide evidence, examples, details and reasons to support these statements

7. Use paragraph divisions and connecting words and phrases to make the structure of your essay clear to your readers

8. For language to help you structure your argument, look at the words below:

Patterns	Examples	Sentences
Adjectives	Important, major, significant	An important point to consider is… This was a highly significant achievement
It + Be + Adjective	It is clear (possible, surprising, evident, important, difficult, necessary, possible, interesting, etc)	It is clear that the study of space is expensive…. It is important to consider the practical effects of these measures…
Adverbs and phrases	Clearly, indeed, in fact, of course, generally, usually, mainly, widely, perhaps, probably, certainly, possibly, rarely, sometimes, often, etc	Clearly, this is a very serious issue that deserves further study…. This theory is generally held to be his greatest innovation….
Modal verbs	can, could, may, might, will, would	I would argue that….
It + verb	It appears that…, it seems that	It seems that this theory is naïve….
It + passive verb	It can be seen that… it should/ must be noted/ emphasized that	It should be note d that at first this idea sounded great….
Showing verbs	Show, indicate, demonstrate, suggest, imply	This implies that further actions had to be taken by the world community (These have a non-human subject)
Arguing verbs	Argue, suggest, consider, conclude	Our opponents argue that this measure was necessitated by the situation in the country(These can have a human subject)
Linking words and phrases	a. Firstly b. Furthermore…; in addition…; Moreover с. However (to introduce a counterargument) d. Thus…; therefore… (to introduce a conclusion)	a…. I have several points to make b. …I have another important point   с. However, this is not as simple as it looks… d. Therefore, we should think twice before we make a final decision

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