Cory,H_AdvancedWritingNewEd

Argument • Module 4A
4A
Argument
1.0 Arguments for and against
Here we look at the type of writing where the writer argues a case, or expresses
an op inion, by looking at a problem from two sides. In this type of writing, the
way ideas are connected is very important; this is achieved by the use of
co nnec ting words, by the way the ideas are grouped together into paragraphs ,
and by the way the paragraphs themselves are orde red . The following minicomposition
is an examp le of the basic structure.
Tell ing the truth may be a virtue, hut is it not more important to know how to tell lies?
Ohvi ouslv, modern civi lized society couldn't exist if evervbodv lied all the time . But at
the same time , would it not he equally disastrous ifeverybody always told the truth'? So
it seem s to me that lying is an essential skill, and that schools are quite right to teach
children how to do it.
This expresses the w hole argument in four sent ence s. A longe r piece of writing
would develop the ideas in each of these sentences into fou r (or more) paragraphs,
but the same basic structure would be retained .
Use your imagination and creativity to complete the sentences in the minico
mpositions below. Note that A-E look at both sides of the argu ment, whereas
F and G are one-sided and simply list reasons.
A Students often wonder whether it's worth going to Britain to study English.
I wo uld say it de pe nds on
_
Some stude nts
_
Oth ers, howe ver ,
_
All ill all,
_
B This is onlv the third time I've
really enjoy it.
In some ways,
and l still don't know if I
_
Also,
_
But at the same time,
By aml largc , I think
_
_
C I'm often told I'm llleky to he a man / woman, hilt in fact it's a mixed blessing.
While it is true to sav that
__________~, I nevertheless _
_
On balance , I suppose
_
Types of wr iting • 69