Persuasive Essay (One-sided Argument) This is also called an opinion essay. In this type of writing, the question prompt introduces a debatable topic and then asks for your opinion. Example 1: Some countries like Greece and the USA have banned first-cousin marriages to prevent inherited diseases. Some people believe the UAE government should do the same. Do you agree or disagree? Example 2: Many products such as medicines, shampoos and cosmetics are tested on animals to ensure they are safe for human use. Some people believe that animals should not be used this way. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Organization and structure of a persuasive essay Introduction: Introduce main topic, mention opinion 1 vs opinion 2, and state your own opinion. B. Body 1: Introduce your first reason. Support it with examples, details and facts from your personal experience and knowledge. C. Body 2: Introduce your second reason and support it as in body 1. D. Body 3: Introduce the counterargument and refute it, or show its weakness. E. Conclusion: Summarize your arguments and restate your opinion (already stated in the introduction).

Suggested Persuasive Essay Framework The question of ___________________ has caused a lot of debate in recent years. Some people think that ___________________. Many others, however, disagree and argue that ________________________ . Personally, I believe that _________________. I have ____________________ main arguments for my opinion. My first argument is that _______________________. This means ____________________________. Etc. My second argument has to do with ________________. For example, _______________. Etc. However, some people might disagree with my viewpoint and believe that __________________. Their main argument is _______________________. I can understand this point, but _______________________ . In conclusion, it is clear that _______________________. For these reasons, I strongly believe that _______________________________.

What is an Argumentative Essay? This is an essay in which the writer discusses two contrasting views about a debatable topic, and then states his own opinion in the conclusion. It is also called a discussion or pros/cons essay. Pros means arguments for, and cons means arguments against. Debatable topics are not facts; they are opinions or suggestions. Before writing the essay, it is important to use a graphic organizer to write notes and ideas that will help you produce a well organized and coherent piece of writing.

Analyzing the Question Prompt When you read the question prompt of a discussion essay, you should identify four main points: Main topic Opinion 1 Opinion 2 Your opinion

My opinion __________________________________________________________ a. Some people think that women’s main role in society should be at home as mothers and housewives. Others believe that women should participate in the development of their society in all fields, side by side with men. Discuss both views and state your own opinion. Main topic ___________________________________________________________ Opinion 1 _____________________________________________________________ Opinion 2 _____________________________________________________________ My opinion __________________________________________________________

Structure and Organization of a Discussion Essay A. Introduction: General statement that introduces main topic. Opinion 1 vs opinion 2 Essay plan ( Tell the reader what he will read in this essay) B. Body 1: This includes the arguments of opinion 1. Ideally, you need to include three arguments. C. Body 2: This includes the arguments of opinion 2. Ideally, three arguments are needed. D. Conclusion: This includes the writer’s opinion supported with at least one good argument.

Suggested Framework The question of ____________ has caused a lot of debate in recent years. Some people believe that ___________. Others, however, disagree and argue that __________. This essay sheds light on both opinions. On the one hand, proponents of __________ have a number of reasons. First, …………… On the other hand, opponents of ___________ have a number of arguments, too. First, ………….. In conclusion, it seems that the debate about _________ is far from being resolved as both sides have valid arguments. Personally, I believe that __________. My main reason is __________.