内容正文:
Unit 2
Language and Mind
Writing an argumentative essay on an additional foreign language course
就一项额外的外语课程,写一篇议论文
The main purpose of argumentative writing is to express the writer’s attitude and views to some phenomenon or some events.
An argumentative essay is to attempt to change the reader’s mind, to convince the readers to agree with the point of view or opinion of the writer.
An argumentative essay
1. The Thesis
The thesis is a key sentence that express the main idea of the writer; it shows the writer’s attitude towards the topic.
A basic and general argumentative essay outline would consist of the thesis, the arguments and the conclusion.
How do we write an argumentative essay
How do we write an argumentative essay
2. The Arguments
The arguments shows the pros and cons of the focused topic in a logical way. It may talk about the advantages or disadvantages of one thing, for everything has two sides.
3. The Conclusion
The conclusion displays / highlights again the writer’s point of view and ends the whole essay in a decent way.
How do we write an argumentative essay
How do we write an argumentative essay
How do we write an argumentative essay
As to make our essays more coherent and smooth, we can also use some transitional words or phrases.
Linking words:
Firstly... Besides ... Also ... In addition ... What's more ...
At the same time ... On the one hand ... , on the other hand ...
Guided Writing
Last summer, Chen watched a French film and was attracted by the French language and culture. This made him eager to learn French. However, no French course was offered at his school. Chen was disappointed and wondered why English was the only foreign language taught at his school.
So Chen decides to write a letter to his headmaster to persuade him to offer a French course at school.
Let’s help him complete the argumentative letter.
Step 1
Work in groups. Discuss whether there should be an additional foreign