general guidelines - essays

Writing An Academic Essay 2010

University of Dalat, Department of Foreign Languages | Tran Thanh Hung, M.A. 1

WRITING A CAUSE-EFFECT

ANALYSIS ESSAY

There are normally two formats of cause-effect analysis essays: Single Cause Multi Effects and Single Effect Multi Causes. The following guidelines are to be applied for Single Effect Multi Causes. For the other format, just make an opposite. GUIDELINES FOR THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

Background information:

- mention the Effect e.g. Are you aware that 20 million people in Mexico live on less than two dollars a day? Sixty million people, half the Mexican population, live in poverty, and 20 million of them live in extreme poverty. Most of the time, garbage is their food, and some days, they dont even eat anything. Hook: say that the situation (effect) is resulted from

several causes. e.g. This critical situation in Mexico is caused by individual, geographic and political factors. Thesis statement:

-mention the Causes you are to clarify in the essay. e.g. The purpose of this essay is to analyze these three main causes of poverty in Mexico. ___________________________________________ THE OUTLINE FORMAT Introduction

Thesis statement Body:

Paragraph 1: Topic sentence 1: mention the first Cause Supporting sentences: say how the cause affects. say why the cause affects say how to solve present examples Paragraph 2: Topic sentence 2: mention the second Cause .. Paragraph 3: Topic sentence 3: mention the third Cause .. Conclusion: ___________________________________________

GUIDELINES FOR CONCLUSION

Conclusion: - Restate the thesis: mention the

Causes again - Final thoughts: state your suggestions for solution LANGUAGE ITEMS: Transition signals: since, due to, thanks to, because,

because of, so, thus, then, therefore, consequently, for this reason, as a result, and that is why, as a consequence, as an effect of, on account of the fact that, due to the fact that, in view of the fact that, owing to the fact that, account for. Sentence patterns for topic sentences:

There are several (causes of, reasons for, effects of).[There are several causes of this type of culture shock] There are main reasons why .[There are four main reasons why people in Dalat are tending to own a land in the suburb of the city] ..has had (many, several, a few) important effects on[My parents divorce has had several important effects on my life]. .can (occur, happen, appear) for many reasons, some (the three most prominent ) of which are.[Teen drug abuse can occur for many reasons, some of which are low self-esteem, lack of parental guidance, and peer pressure.]



ILLUSTRATION A:

Topic:

The Causes of Poverty

in Mexico

Outlining

INTRODUCTION:

Thesis statement The purpose of this essay is to analyze these three main causes of poverty in Mexico. BODY: Paragraph 1: The first and immediate cause of

poverty in Mexico is the individual condition. 1.This cause refers to circumstances and characteristics of poor people. 2. The lack of education is one of the most significant factors that contributes to poverty. Paragraph 2: The second cause of poverty has to

do with geography. 1. people who live in rural areas far away from the cities are poorer. Paragraph 3: The third and most significant cause of

poverty in Mexico is the political economy of the country. 1. The government doesnt carry out enough policies to encourage successful development. 2. The IMF and World Bank programs are supposed to reduce poverty, but actually they are increasing it. CONCLUSION:

The full essay:

The Causes of Poverty in Mexico

Are you aware that 20 million people in Mexico live on less than two dollars a day? Sixty million people, half the Mexican population, live in poverty, and 20 million of them live in extreme poverty. Most of the time, garbage is their food, and some days, they dont even eat anything. This critical situation in Mexico is caused by individual, geographic and political factors. The purpose of this essay is to analyze these three main causes of poverty in Mexico.

The first and immediate cause of poverty in Mexico is the individual condition. This cause refers to

circumstances and characteristics of poor people. For example, the amount of education, skill, intelligence, health, and prejudice all have an influence on poverty. The lack of education is one of the most significant factors that contributes to poverty. There is no access to jobs for non-educated people.

The second cause of poverty has to do with geography. For example, statistics show that people

who live in rural areas far away from the cities are poorer. This is caused by the lack of communication and transportation in remote rural areas. Because of this, governments cant provide essential services such as potable water, affordable food, primary health care, and education. People who live there are totally isolated from the rest of the society.

The third and most significant cause of poverty in Mexico is the political economy of the country. The

International Monetary Fund and World Bank-prescribed structural adjustment policies have been applied in Mexico because the government doesnt carry out enough policies to encourage successful development. They cannot, for these international institutions lend money to Mexico on the condition that the nation open up its economy and cut social expenditures to repay the loans. The IMF and World Bank programs are supposed to reduce poverty, but actually they are increasing it.

Unless the Mexican government works on the causes of the poverty which are the individual condition, the geographic factor, and the political economy of the country, the problem is going to get worse. Nobody likes to see poor children eating

out of garbage cans. Mexico needs a new political economy designed by Mexican economists and politicians, people who are committed to Mexico and to the future of its society.



ILLUSTRATION B:

The full essay

Over the past forty years, television sets have become standard pieces of equipment in most homes, and watching television has become a standard activity for most families. Children on our culture grow up watching television in the morning, in the afternoon, and often in the evening as well. Although there are many excellent programs for children, many people feel that television may not be good for children. In fact, television may be a bad influence on children for three main reasons.

First of all, some programs are not good for children to see. For example, there are many police

stories on television. People are killed with guns, knives, and even cars. Some children might think that these things could happen to them at any time. Therefore, they can become frightened. In addition, some youngsters might begin to think that violence is a normal part of life because they see it so often on television. They may begin to act out the violence they see and hurt themselves or their playmates.

Second, television can affect childrens reading ability. Reading requires skills and brain processes

that watching television does not. If children watch television too many hours each day, they dont practice the skills they need to learn how to read.

Finally, television may affect childrens schoolwork in other ways. If they spend too much

time watching television, they may get behind in their homework. Also, if they stay up to watch a late movie, they may fall asleep in class the next day. Consequently, they will not learn their lessons, and they could even fail in school.

In conclusion, if children watch too much television or watch the wrong programs, their personalities can be harmed. Furthermore, their

progress in school can be affected. Therefore, parents should know what programs their children are watching. They should also turn off the television so that their children will study.

ILLUSTRATION C:

The full essay

Effects of Overpopulation in Mexico By Luisa Moad

ITESM, Campus Queretaro

It's a fact that day by day population in Mexico is increasing, and this causes many social, economic, and pollution problems. The main purpose of this essay is to discuss the three main effects of overpopulation in Mexico.

The first major effect of overpopulation in Mexico is unemployment. First of all, there aren't enough

sources of jobs in Mexico, so only the most prepared people get a job. This is a great social and economic problem because people who don't work get frustrated and can't support their families.

The second effect of overpopulation in Mexico is the low quality of public services. Natural

resources, like water or food, aren't enough for so many people, so there is a lot of thirst and hunger in the country. Also, the level of education is quite low because there are a lot of children or young people who must study, and there are not enough schools or teachers. The same happens with health; hospitals aren't capable of giving attention to all the people who need it, so there are a lot of diseases.

The most significant effect of overpopulation in Mexico is the high level of pollution. Because a

great number of people must go by car to their jobs at the same time, amazing traffic jams are caused. This, together with the noise caused by cars and people, causes a great amount of pollution. Also, every day people generate a lot of trash, and this pollutes both water and ground.

All the effects of over population that I have said make a cycle. For example, pollution causes

diseases, and these diseases can't be attended because of the insufficient hospitals. That's why I think that we must find a way to organize all the people who live in this country, so we could live in a better environment and have a better quality of life. We must also learn to take care of the natural resources and think of those who are coming. If we don't stop spending our resources and polluting, the next generations will have a huge problem. Finally, I think that Mexico needs to generate more sources of jobs, so everybody can work and satisfy their needs.



Given topics for cause-effect essays: 1-What are some effects of drinking caffeine products such as cola and coffee? 2-Have you ever witnessed a disaster, such as an earthquake, a hurricane, or a severe storm? What were some effects of that disaster? 3-Give the causes for pollution in a particular area or city. 4-Give the causes for your particular fear of something. 5-Select a bad habit you have. Why do you have that bad habit? (Just give the reasons why you have that habit.) 6-What are some effects of smoking cigarettes? 7-Analyze the effects of a change in your life. For instance, how has living away from home for the first time affected you? 8-What are some effects of childrens viewing violence on TV? 9-Choose a social problem like alcoholism, poverty, or divorce, reasons why people like singing karaoke. 10-Discuss the effects of watching TV. 11-What are the negative effects of cigarettes? 12-What causes marriages to fail in our society?



WRITING COMPARISON

CONTRAST ESSAYS 1-Comparison Essays 2-Contrast Essays 3-Comparison & Contrast Essays

1-COMPARISON ESSAYS (Discussion of the similarities only!) GUIDELINES FOR THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH


+ mention the entities you are going to compare. e.g. Recently, my husband, Marshall, discovered that he had a half-sister named Jodi, who had been a family secret over thirty years, was born and raised in Ohio.

+ summarize some of the contrasting (different) points.

e.g. Some may think that because Brazil and the United States are in different hemisphere, these two nations have nothing in common.

Thesis statement:

mention the similarities. e.g. Although my husband and his sister have only known each other for two years, they share mannerisms

and personalities.

On the contrary, they share many similarities.

___________________________________________ THE OUTLINE FORMAT Introduction


Paragraph 1: Topic sentence 1: the first similarity + mention the first entity (give examples) + use a comparing transitional device: similarly, likewise, like, also, this can also be found in ,in the same way as ., Ais also just as .as B. + mention the second entity (give examples)

Paragraph 2: Topic sentence 2: the second similarity .. Paragraph 3: Topic sentence 3: the third similarity Conclusion: ___________________________________________


Conclusion: - Restate the similarities

- Give your comments or say what you have learnt from the similarities.



ILLUSTRATION A:

Topic: Comparisons of two persons of your acquaintance Outlining INTRODUCTION:

Thesis statement Although my husband and his sister have only known each other for two years, they share mannerisms and personalities. BODY

Paragraph 1: Many of Marshalls mannerisms are the same as Jodis. + When they speak, they both gain attention by using hands and bodies to help express themselves. + Both of them show confidence and ability to control. Paragraph 2: The most obvious comparison between Marshall and Jodi is their personalities. + They are both well-known for their wits, their pranks. + They are funny, outgoing and energetic. CONCLUSION:

Outlining the Introductory Paragraph Background information

- My husband is Marshall - Jodi, who had been a family secret over thirty years, is my husbands half-sister. Thesis statement

Although my husband and his sister have only known each other for two years, they share mannerisms and personalities.

The full essay:

Marshall and Jodi: Nature versus Nurture.

Recently, my husband, Marshall, discovered that he had a half-sister named Jodi, who had been a family secret over thirty years, was born and raised in Ohio. After Jodi was introduced to the family, she decided to move with her three children to our hometown so she could get to know her father and half-sister siblings. Although my husband and his sister have only known each other for two years, they share mannerisms and personalities. Many of Marshalls mannerisms are the same as Jodis. For example, when Marshall speaks, he gains attention by using his hands and body to express himself. Marshall, also has certain facial expressions that I catch at a certain moment. Another of Marshalls mannerisms is his confidence and control in his movements. When Marshall enters a room, he has a certain boldness about him and exudes confidence. Jodi shows these same traits. For instance, when

Jodi speaks or wants to emphasize something, she, has a devilish grin as if she is up to some mischief-the same expression I see on Marshalls face. In the same way as Marshall, Jodi moves with a confident and carefree attitude. When they enter a room, everyone knows it. They would make great politicians or evangelists because they would have no problem gaining millions of followers. The most obvious comparison between Marshall and Jodi is their personalities. Marshall is known for

his wit. He can be so funny at times that is great entertainment. He is also known for his pranks. Everyone in the Jones family knows to be aware. For example, he will call his two sisters and mother on the phone and disguise his voice as an irritating or irrational person. Furthermore, he has an outgoing, energetic disposition. He seems to know somebody everywhere he goes. One time on a cruise to the Bahamas, he ran into an old friend. I am convinced he could go halfway around the world and see someone he knows. Jodi can be just as witty as Marshall. She

also pulls pranks on family and friends. One time at a barbecue Jodi left an old, gross-looking can of baked beans on the counter for me to find. She knows how important cleanliness is to me. When I gasped, What are these for? she said, To bake tonight for diner. Jodi is also just as outgoing as her half-brother. In the past two years I have noticed that she has more friends and knows more people than I do, and I was born and raised in Florida. When Marshall and Jodi are together, there is never a dull moment.

After observing Marshall and Jodi for the past two years, their similarities are remarkable. My husband is more like his half-sister than his full siblings. The influence of genetics is unmistakable and amazing.



ILLUSTRATION B:

The full essay

Not As Different As You Think

All countries in the world are unique. They are different from one another in location, size, culture, government, climate, and lifestyles. However, many countries share similarities. Some may think that because Brazil and the United States are in different hemisphere, these two nations have nothing in common. On the contrary, they share many similarities.

One important similarity is their size. Both Brazil

and the United States are large countries. Brazil covers almost half of the South American continent. Few Brazilians can say that they have traveled extensively within its borders. Because of Brazils large size, its weather varies greatly from one area to another. Like Brazil, the United States takes up a

significant portion of its continent (North America), so most Americans have visited only a few of the fifty states. In addition, the United States has a wide range of climates. While the Northeast is experiencing snowstorms, cities like Miami, Florida, can have temperatures over 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another similarity between Brazil and the United States is the diversity of ethnic groups. Brazil was

colonies by Europeans, and its culture has been greatly influenced by this fact. However, the identity of the Brazilian people is not solely a product of Western civilization. Brazil is a melting pot of many ethnic groups that immigrated there and mixed with the native people. The United States also has a diversity of

ethnic representing the early colonists from northern Europe as well as groups from Africa, the Mediterranean, Asia, and South America. The Mixture of cultures and customs has worked to form ethnically rich cultures in both countries.

Finally, individualism is an important value for both Brazilians and Americans. Brazil works hard to

defend the concept of freedom of choice. Citizens believe that they have the right to do and be whatever they desire as long as they dont hurt others. Individualism and freedom of choice also exits in the United States, where freedom is perhaps the highest value of the people. Some may believe that the desire for individual expression is divisive and can make a country weak. However, the ability of people to be whatever they want makes both countries strong.

In conclusion, although Brazil and the United States are unique countries, there are remarkable similarities in their size, ethnic groups, and personal values. Some people tend to believe that

their culture and country are without equal.

Nevertheless, it is important to remember that people as a whole have more in common than they generally think they do.



II-CONTRAST ESSAYS

(Discussion of the differences only!)

Just make an opposite of the comparisons format! While in a comparison essay, similarities are discussed, in a contrast essay, differences are to be talked about. [Transitional devices: On the contrary, On the other

hand, In contrast, Unlike A, To an opposite extent, However, Nevertheless, Otherwise, etc]

ILLUSTRATION:

Topic: Education in the East and the West. Outlining

INTRODUCTION:

Thesis statement

Because I have studied in both The USA and Taiwan, I have seen several areas in which education in Taiwan and education in the United States are different. BODY

Paragraph 1: Students expectation in the classroom in Taiwan are different from those in the United States. + In Taiwan, students are quieter and participate less in class. + In the United States, students are encouraged to ask questions, express their own opinions, and think for themselves. Paragraph 2: There is a great disparity in the educational goals of Taiwanese and American schools. + Taiwanese culture puts a strong emphasis on university admission because getting into the right university can guarantee future success. + The goals of the American educational system include teaching students how to learn and helping them reach their maximum potential.

Paragraph 3: The last obvious difference between the two countries educational systems is the role of extracurricular activities such as sports programs and special interest clubs.

+ The real focus of every Taiwanese school is passing the university admission exam. + American educational institutions consider the development of social and interpersonal skills as important as the development of intellectual skills. CONCLUSION:

The whole essay:

Education in the East and the West

American have often asked me why I came from Taiwan to study in the united States. They expect me to say something like to learn English. However, to me, coming here to study involves more than just learning English. It involves an opportunity to experience a completely different educational system. Because I have studied in both countries, I have seen several areas in which education in Taiwan and education in the United States are different.

Students expectations in the classroom in Taiwan are different from those in the United States.

Generally speaking, Taiwanese students are quieter and participate less in class. They are not encouraged to express their ideas unless asked. They are taught that asking teachers a question is seen as a challenge to the teachers authority. There is little emphasis on developing student creative and thinking skills. Students are expected to memorize everything they are assigned. However, in the United States the

curriculum emphasizes individual thinking, group discussion, and self-expression. Unlike their Taiwan counterparts, American students are encouraged to ask questions, express their own opinions, and think of themselves.

In addition, there is a great disparity in the educational goals of Taiwanese and American schools. After twelve years of compulsory education.

Taiwanese students have to pass an entrance exam in order to get into a university. The higher students score on this test, the better the university they can enter. Taiwanese culture puts a strong emphasis on university admission because getting into the right university can guarantee future success. As a result, schools often teach to the test instead of providing more moral, social, and physical education. In contrast, the goals of the American educational

system include teaching students how to learn and helping them reach their maximum potential. American teachers give their students the freedom to think and solve problems on their own; they do not merely prepare students to answer questions for an entrance exam. The last obvious difference between the two countries educational systems is the role of extracurricular activities such as sports programs



and special interest clubs. Even though every

Taiwanese school claims that it pays equal attention to moral, intellectual, and physical education, the real focus is on passing the university admission exam. Little emphasis is placed on activities outside of the classroom. Teachers can even borrow time from extracurricular activities to give students more practice in the areas where they have weaknesses. On the other hand, American educational institutions

consider the development of social and interpersonal skills as important as the development of intellectual skills . It is believed that by participating in these outside activities, students can demonstrate their special talents, level of maturity, and leadership qualities.

In conclusion, education is vital to everyones future success. While it may take ten years to grow a tree, a sound educational system may take twice as long as to take root. Although Taiwan and the United States have different educational systems, both countries have the same ultimate goal: to educate their citizens as well as they can. This goal can be reached only if people take advantage of all the educational opportunities given to them. That is why I came to the United States to study, grow and become a better person.



III-COMPARISON & COMPARISON ESSAYS

(Discussion of both the similarities and the differences!)

*********************************

There are two formats of this type: If you get more similarities than differences, apply the D-S-S format. (differences similarity similarity) If you get more differences than similarities, apply the S-D-D format. (similarities differences differences)

The following guidelines are to be applied for the S-D-D format, so for the D-S-S format, just take an opposite.

*********************************

GUIDELINES FOR THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH


+ mention the two entities + mention both similarities and differences. Thesis statement: declare clearly that you are to focus on the differences. [One way to do is to use a subordinate clause to summarize the similarities followed by an independent clause in which you present the differences. e.g. Although there are several similarities between the traditional and the modern family, there are also some very important differences.

While Myakka River and Hillsborough River

State Parks have much in common, they differ in size and topography.] ___________________________________________ THE OUTLINE FORMAT INTRODUCTION

Thesis statement

BODY:

Paragraph 1: Topic sentence 1: mention the similarities.

(List several similarities in this paragraph!) Paragraph 2: Transitional sentence

[Begin the transitional sentence with a transitional device.

e.g. : On the contrary, we can see a lot of differences .. / However, It is easy to recognize that these two differ from each other in several aspects. / On the other hand, the two ..differ from each other in .,., . ] Topic sentence: the first difference

e.g. On the other hand, there are some great differences between the traditional family and the modern family The first important difference is in the mans role. Paragraph 3: Topic sentence: the second difference.

CONCLUSION: ___________________________________________


- Mention again both similarities and differences. - Say clearly that the differences are more important. - Give your own remarks, opinions. (not always necessary!)



ILLUSTRATION:

Topic: The Changing American Family

Outlining INTRODUCTION: Thesis statement

Although there are several similarities between the traditional and the modern family, there are also some very important differences. BODY: Paragraph 1: The traditional family of yesterday and the modern family of today have several similarities. - The traditional family was a nuclear family, and the modern family is, too. - The role of the father in both the traditional and modern families was to provide for his family. - The mother in the traditional family took care of the childrens physical and emotional needs just as the modern mother does. Paragraph 2: (On the other hand, there are some great differences between the traditional family and the modern family.) The first important difference is in the mans role. - The traditional husband was the head of the household. - In modern family, both husband and wife share the role of head of household. - The traditional husband did not help his wife with the housework or meal preparation. - The modern husband helps in working wife at home. Paragraph 3: The second difference is in the womans role. - In the traditional family, the woman may have worked for pay during her first years of marriage. - In many families today, the modern woman works outside the home even after she has children. Paragraph 4: The final difference is in the role of the children. - In the traditional family, the children were taken care of by the mother because she did not work outside the home. - Today preschool children may go to a child care center or to a babysitter regularly because the mother works. CONCLUSION:

Outlining the Introductory Paragraph Background information

A generation or two ago, the traditional family, in which the father was boss, was customary. Now, the modern family, in which both the father and the mother are equal partners, is more common. Thesis statement

Although there are several similarities between the traditional and the modern family, there are also some very important differences.



The full essay

The Changing American Family

The family is important to people all over the world although the structure of the family is quite different from one country to another. In the United States, as in many countries in the world, the family is changing. A generation or two ago, the traditional family, in which the father was boss, was customary. Now, the modern family, in which both the father and the mother are equal partners, is more common. Although there are several similarities between the traditional and the modern family, there are also some very important differences.

The traditional family of yesterday and the modern family of today have several similarities. The traditional family was a nuclear family, and the modern family is, too. The role of the father in the traditional family was to provide for his family. Similarly, the father in the modern family is expected to do so, also. The mother in the traditional family took care of the childrens physical and emotional needs just as the modern mother does.

On the other hand, there are some great differences between the traditional family and the modern family. The first important difference is in the mans role. The traditional husband was the head of the household because he was the only one who worked outside the home. If the wife worked for pay, then the husband was not considered a good provider. In many families today, both husband and wife work for pay. Therefore, they share the role of head of household. In addition, the traditional husband usually made the big decision about spending money. However, the modern

husband shares these decisions with his working wife. Also, the traditional husband did not help his wife with the housework or meal preparation. Dinner was ready when he came home. In contrast, the modern

husband helps in working wife at home. He may do some of the household jobs, and it is not unusual for him to cook.

The second difference is in the womans role. In the traditional family, the woman may have worked for pay during her first years of marriage. However, after she became pregnant, she would usually quit her job. Her primary role was to take care of her family and home. In contrast, in many families today, the modern

woman works outside the home even after she has children. She is doing two jobs instead of one, so she is busier than the traditional mother was. The traditional wife learned to live within her husbands income. On the other hand, the modern wife does not

have to because the family has two incomes.

The final difference is in the role of the children. In

the traditional family, the children were taken care of by the mother because she did not work outside the home. However, today preschool children may go to a

child care center or to a babysitter regularly because the mother works. The school-age children of a traditional family were more dependent. Their mother was there to help them to get ready for school and to make their breakfast. In contrast, modern children are

more independent. They have to get up early in the morning and get ready for school. Their mother is busy getting ready for work, so they may even have to make their own breakfast.

In conclusion, the American family of today is different from the family of fifty years ago. In the

modern family, the roles of the father, mother, and children have changed as more and more women work outside the home. The next century may bring more important changes to the American family structure. It should be interesting to see.



Given topics for your own essays

1- Write an essay comparing and contrasting the city dwellers and the country dwellers 2- Choose two people of your acquaintance; write an essay about their similarities and differences. (Dont write about two of your teachers at the University of Dalat!) 3- Have you ever visited a place you had left a long time ago and found it had changed considerably? Write an essay comparing and contrasting the way it was with the way it is now. Try to formulate a controlling idea about the change. Have things changed for the better? The worse? 4- Write an essay comparing-contrasting your parents attitude toward something with your attitude toward it. 5-Write an essay comparing or contrasting two cities. 6-Write an essay comparing or contrasting two famous persons (film stars, singers, sports players, politicians, scientists, etc,) 7- Write an essay comparing-contrasting two products. You may choose two cars, two cameras, two stereo systems, two motorcycles, two mobiles, etc.



WRITING AN

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY GUIDELINES FOR THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

+ mention the issue you are going to defend. + summarize the opposing arguments (pros)

- Thesis statement: + say clearly that you are for or against.

One way to do is to use a subordinate clause to summarize the opposing arguments (pros) followed by an independent clause in which you assert your position (cons)

e.g.: Although (Even though, Despite the fact that) many people would argue that the military draft should be required for all 18-year-olds in order to toughen our young peoples bodies and minds as well as to make for a strong defense, it should be abolished because the tax money could be better spent elsewhere than in setting up the expensive draft and maintaining a peace-time army.

e. g. Although many young people would

argue that those who are old enough to vote, fight, and die for their country are old enough to drive responsibly, the drinking age should remain twenty-one because of the dangers of alcohol-related accidents and the lack of alcohol education programs.

The pros and cons may also be stated in two or more separate sentences.

e.g.: This issue of school uniforms is coming under fire in the public school classroom as more and more people believe that students have the right to express their individuality through the clothes they wear. Should public school students be allowed to make individual decisions about clothing, or should students be required to wear a uniform? School uniforms are the better choice for three reasons. ___________________________________________ THE OUTLINE FORMAT Introduction


Paragraph 1:

Topic sentence 1: The first argument (the first reasons why you say should or should not) -say WHY and HOW

-give at least an example to illustrate. Paragraph 2:

Topic sentence 2: The second argument (the second reason)

Paragraph 3:

Topic sentence 3: The third argument (the third reason) Paragraph 4:

(The step of acknowledging and opposing point and refuting it!) Topic sentence 4: mention your opponents ideas. Conclusion: ___________________________________________

GUIDELINES FOR PARAGRAPH 4

[REFUTING STEP] In the topic sentence, you mention your opponents ideas:

+say that the opponents ideas are not completely correct. [Use the modals: may, might, could, can, would to weaken the opponents idea.

e.g.: Opponents of gun ownership would say that.

The opponents of capital punishment might say that.. Opponents of mandatory school uniforms may say that. Those who are against .. (opposing, opposed) to a drinking age of twenty-one may cite that My opponents may argue that.]

then, use: However, Nevertheless to prove that your opponents are not persuasive.

[ e. g: The opponents of capital punishment might say that no one has the right to decide who should die, including the government. However, when the government sends soldiers to war, it is deciding the fate of those soldiers who will die. As long as the government has a right to send its citizens to a battlefield, it has a right to put criminals to death. Opponents of mandatory school uniforms say that students who wear school uniforms cannot express their individuality. This point has some merit on the surface. However, as stated previously, school is a place to learn, not to flaunt wealth and fashion.] GUIDELINES FOR CONCLUSION

Conclusion: - Restate the importance of the issue

you are discussing. - Restate the arguments. - Confirm your choice again (For or Against)



ILLUSTRATION:

Topic: School Uniform Narrowing: School uniforms should be or should

not be mandatory? Should! Outlining

INTRODUCTION:

School uniforms are better choice for three reasons.

BODY: Paragraph 1: Wearing school uniforms certainly

make students live simpler. 1.They would not waste time to choose what to wear every morning. 2. Uniforms eliminate the stress of choosing clothes.

Paragraph 2: School uniforms influence students to

act responsibly in groups and as individuals. 1. S.U helps students understand that school is a special place for learning. 2.SU creates a feeling of being in a group. 3.SU have positive effects on violence and truancy.

Paragraph 3: School uniforms make all the students

feel equal. 1. All students will look the same.

2. Students of weak financial situation can gain self-esteem.

Paragraph 4: Opponents of mandatory uniforms

may say that students who wear school uniforms cannot express their individuality.

1. School is a place to learn. 2. Students can express their individuality in the way they dress outside of the classroom.

CONCLUSION:

(There are many benefits of implementing mandatory school uniforms.) Outlining the Introductory Paragraph Background information

The issue of school uniforms is under fire in public school classrooms. Transitional Hook

Should public school students be required to wear uniforms or not? Thesis Statement School uniforms are better choice for three reasons.

The full essay:

The School Uniform Question

Individualism is a fundamental value in the United States. All Americans believe in the right to express their own opinion without fear of punishment. This value, however, is coming under fire in an unlikely place the public school classroom. The issue is about school uniform. Should public school students be allowed to make individual decisions about clothing, or should all students be required to wear a uniform? School uniforms are the better choice for three reasons. First, wearing school uniforms would help make students lives simpler. They would no longer have to decide what to wear every morning, sometimes trying on outfit after outfit in an effort to chose. Uniforms would not only save time but also would eliminate the stress often associated with this chore. Second, school uniforms influence students to act responsibly in groups and as individuals. Uniforms give students he message that school is a special place for learning. In addition, uniforms create a feeling of unity among students. For example, when students do something as a group, such as attend meetings in the auditorium or eat lunch in the cafeteria, the fact that they all wear the same uniform would create a sense of community. Even more important, statistics show the possible effects that school uniforms have on violence and truancy. According to a recent survey in Hillsborough County, Florida, incidents of school violence dropped by 50 percent, attendance and test scores improved, and student suspensions declined approximately 30 percent after school uniforms were introduced. Finally, school uniforms would help make all the students feel equal. Peoples standards of living differ greatly, and some people are well-off while others are not. People sometimes forgets that school is a place to get an education, not to promote a fashion show. Implementing mandatory school uniforms would make all the students look the same regardless of their financial status. School uniforms would promote pride and help to raise the self-esteem of students who cannot afford to wear stylish clothing. Opponents of mandatory uniforms may say that students who wear school uniforms cannot express their individuality. This point has some merit on the surface. However, as stated previously, school is a place to learn, not to flaunt wealth and fashion. Society must decide if individual expression through clothing is more valuable than improved educational performance. Its important to remember that school uniforms would be worn only during school hours.



Students can express their individuality in the way they dress outside of the classroom. In conclusion, there are many well-documented benefits to implementing mandatory school uniforms for students. Studies show that students learn better and act more responsibly when they wear uniforms. Public schools should require uniforms in order to benefit both the students and society as well. Given topics for your own essays:

1- Some people prefer large weddings with lots of people, while others prefer small weddings with only very close friends and family. Indicate which you prefer and why. 2 What type of novel do you enjoy reading most? Use reasons and examples to support your response. 3-Some students prefer to study alone, while other students prefer to study with others. Indicate which you prefer and why. 4-Some people work better during the day, while other people work better at night. Which kind of persons are you, and why? Use reasons and examples to support your response. 5-Some people live for today, while other people live for the future. Which type of person are you? Use reasons and examples to support your response. 6-Some people like to visit new and different places, while others prefer to remain in places they know. Which type of person are you? Support your response with reasons and examples. 7-Some people prefer to marry when they are young, while others prefer to wait until they are older to marry. Indicate which you think is better and why. 8-Some people believe that students should study hard at college. Time spent playing sport is time wasted. Others believe that sports have a part in preparing students for future careers. Which point of view do you agree with?

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