Writing an essay · 写议论文
Two kinds of essay
- An essay gives your ideas about a topic in an organised way.
- Discursive: look at both sides of the topic.
- Argumentative: argue for one main view.
An essay needs a position, not a traffic jam of opinions.
两种议论文
- 议论文 (essay) 有条理地表达你对某个话题的看法。
- 论述的 (discursive):从正反两面看这个话题。
- 议论的 (argumentative):为一个主要观点辩护。
议论文需要立场，不需要一场观点大堵车。
For, against or off-topic? · 支持、反对还是跑题?
Sort your brainstorm before you write — and throw out everything off-topic. · 动笔前先给头脑风暴分类——跑题的一律扔掉。
A discursive essay… · 论述文……
Discursive = balanced, both sides. · 论述文 = 平衡,两面都谈。
An argumentative essay argues for ___ main view. (one / two) · 议论文为 ___ 个主要观点辩护。(one / two)
Argumentative = one clear view. · 议论文 = 一个明确的观点。
Plan and structure
- Introduction: name the topic and your approach.
- Body: one main idea per paragraph, with reasons.
- Conclusion: bring your ideas together.
Two essay shapes: discursive weighs both sides; argumentative argues one view
规划与结构
- 引言:点出话题和你的思路。
- 主体:每段一个主要观点,并附理由。
- 结论:把你的观点汇总起来。
Where does your conclusion go? · 结论放在哪里?
The conclusion comes last and sums up. · 结论在最后,做总结。
Match each essay part to its job. · 把议论文的每个部分和它的任务配对。
Each part has one job — when every part does its job, the essay argues itself. · 每个部分只做一件事——各司其职,文章自然有说服力。
Reasons and examples
- Support each point with a reason or an example.
- Use linking words to connect ideas.
- Keep a formal, organised style.
理由与例子
- 用理由或例子支撑每一个观点。
- 用衔接词连接观点。
- 保持正式、有条理的风格。
Write one sentence giving your opinion on school uniforms, with a reason. · 写一句话,说出你对校服的看法,并给出理由。
Example: 'I think uniforms are useful because they save time in the morning.' · 例如:'I think uniforms are useful because they save time in the morning.'
Two-minute plan, both sides
- Question: "Should school start later in the morning?"
- FOR: more sleep → better focus; fewer late arrivals. AGAINST: school ends later; bus timetables clash.
- Discursive: give both columns a paragraph each, then your balanced view.
- Argumentative: pick one column, and use the strongest point from the other as your "although…".
两分钟计划,两面都想
- 题目:"Should school start later in the morning?"
- 支持方:睡眠更多 → 更专注;迟到更少。反对方:放学更晚;公交时间冲突。
- 论述文:两栏各写一段,最后给出平衡的看法。
- 议论文:选定一栏,把另一栏最强的论点变成你的 "although…"。
- Discursive = both sides; argumentative = one view.
- Introduction → body paragraphs → conclusion.
- Support points; connect ideas with linking words.
- 论述文谈两面;议论文持一个观点。
- 引言 → 主体段落 → 结论。
- 支撑观点;用衔接词连接。