PRACTICE TEST 8

How to Write an Argument Essay
There are five main steps. 
Step 1: Read the essay
Read the question. Decide what kind of essay it is - opinion, compare/contrast, problem and solution, cause and effect, or a mixture. The type of question will decide the layout and your ideas.
Step 2: Underline
Underline key vocabulary in the question and write words with the same or related meaning. This will really save you a lot of time later on. It will also help to avoid repetition of words, and will show that you understand the question.
Step 3: Get Ideas
Decide if you are for or against the idea. Usually it is best to giveboth sides (for and against - one paragraph each) and then to give your opinion in the conclusion. However there are other ways of laying out your essay.
Step 4: Decide Layout
You should decide on a layout. The easiest is 3773. That means four paragraphs: introduction (3 sentences) one side (7 sentences), the other side (7 sentences) and the conclusion (3 sentences). This will give you 20 sentences. An average of about 12 words each, that is 240 words. Perfect!
Step 5: Write
After you have written your plan, write your essay. Follow the steps in this website for writing the introduction, body, and conclusion. Check for fragments, run-ons and comma splices.
 
Vocabulary
Step 1: Read and Underline Key Words
Should governments spend money on space exploration, or should they spend the money on problems here first?
Step 2: Write Down Other Words with the Same Meaning (Move your mouse over links)
Should governments spend money on space exploration, or should they spend the money on problems here first?
Step 3: Use Your New Words in the Opening Sentences
With many global concerns such as war, poverty, hunger and pollution, many people do not think that nations should waste money on exploring space. (One side) However, others are convinced that expenditure on space programs is justified.(Other side) 
Step 4: Add a Thesis
With many global concerns such as war, poverty, hunger and pollution, many people question whether nations should waste money on exploring space. However, others are convinced that expenditure on space programs is justified. This essay will examine some arguments for and against space exploration. (Thesis) 

Introductions
One easy way to write the introduction for an argument or opinion essay is to write THREE sentences:  
two about the topic
one thesis sentence 
You can write either Situation or Opinion introductions. There`s not much difference between them.
Situation Introductions
Opinion Introductions
Situation Introductions
Write two sentences to describe the two sides of the present situation. The third sentence -  the Thesis sentence - will describe what you are going do in your essay.
Sentence 1
One side of the present situation

Sentence 2
The other side of the present situation

Sentence 3
Thesis: What you are going to do in your essay

 
 
Who should take care of our old people?

 
 

Sentence 1
In my country, most old people live happily with their children. 

Sentence 2
Increasingly however, many families cannot take care of their parents

Sentence 3 (Thesis)
This essay will describe some of the problems involved with taking care of old people, and discuss who should be responsible.

 
 
Does Aid to Poor Countries Work? 

 
 

Sentence(s) 1
For the last fifty years, poor countries have been receiving huge sums of money from rich donor countries.

Sentence 2
Some of this money has improved lives, while much of it has disappeared or made no difference.

Sentence 3 (Thesis)
In this essay, I will discuss some arguments for and against foreign aid.

 
 
Should dangerous sports be banned?

 
 

Sentence 1
Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in sports such as boxing or motor-racing.

Sentence 2
Because of this, many people are opposed to such sports, and want them to be stopped or controlled.

Sentence 3 (Thesis)
This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against banning dangerous sports.

 Opinion Introductions
In this kind you give two opposite opinions in the first two sentences. The third sentence says what you are going to do. 
 
Does space exploration benefit mankind? 

 
 

Sentence For
Many people are excited about space exploration.

Sentence Against
However, others feel it is a massive waste of money

Sentence 3 (Thesis)
This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against space exploration. 

(32 words)
 
Does space exploration benefit mankind? 

 
 

Sentence