ARGUMENTATIVE SAMPLES
Here is the guidance for a clear essay structure
| Hook: | An engaging opening sentence to grab the reader’s attention (e.g., a surprising fact, question, or quote). |
| Stand: | Clearly state your opinion or position on the issue (agree/disagree or support/oppose). Thesis Statement: Briefly outline the main points (reasons) that will be discussed in the body paragraphs. |
| Topic Sentence: | A sentence that introduces one main reason supporting your stand. Reason and Elaboration: Explain the reason in more detail to show why it's important or valid. |
| Example: | Provide a real-life example, statistics, or evidence to support your reason. |
| Conclusion: | Wrap up the paragraph by linking the example back to your stand. |
| Recap: | Briefly summarize the main points discussed in the essay. |
| Reitirate: | Restate your stand to reinforce your position. |
| Recommend: | End with a suggestion, prediction, or call to action related to the issue. |
You are advised to spend about 50 minutes on this task.
You were watching the news which reported on the increase
in the number of road accidents in recent years. The following comment was made
by the newsreader:
“Inexperienced drivers are the
main cause of road accidents”
Do you agree
with this statement? Write an essay expressing your
opinion on the statement. Write at least
250 words.
|
Hook Hover over me
Tooltip text
Stand: Disagree Thesis Statement |
Introduction There were 567,520 road accidents in Malaysia in 2021.
The numbers keep increasing year after year. Despite various road safety
campaigns launched by the government, the number of accidents on the roads do
not seem to decrease. In a recent news report, the newsreader said that
inexperienced drivers are the main cause of road accidents. In my point of view, I disagree that
inexperienced drivers are the main cause of road accidents. This is because the condition of the vehicle,
poor road conditions and weather conditions are the main causes of road
accidents, not inexperienced drivers. |
|
Topic Sentence
(a) Reasons and Elaboration Example Conclusion |
Body: 1st Point Firstly, road
accidents are caused by the condition of the vehicle, not inexperienced
drivers. Their vehicle has not been properly
maintained. For example, they do not send their car for servicing regularly,
like once every three months. They also do not replace faulty parts. For instance, they
discover that their brake is not working well and their car tyre treads are worn out, but they do not replace them
with new brake pads or tyres. When the driver sees
a car veering across the road towards him, he is not able to brake in time as
his brakes were not working well. Or his car would skid on a patch of oil
because his tyres have less grip on the road due to
the smooth treads, thus causing an accident.
So, the condition of the vehicle is the
cause of road accidents, not inexperienced drivers. |
|
Topic Sentence
(b) Reasons and Elaboration Example Conclusion |
Body: 2nd Point Secondly, road
conditions cause road accidents, not inexperienced drivers. Poorly maintained
roads have caused many road accidents. Poorly maintained road conditions
include potholes, uneven road surfaces and road cracks. This is especially so
during the wet season, when the potholes become bigger due to heavy rain.
Improper road resurfacing can also lead to big potholes. If a driver, no matter how inexperienced he is, hits a
large pothole, the vehicle tyre could burst,
causing his vehicle to veer towards the opposite lane or into another lane,
thus causing a collision with another vehicle or crashing into a road driver.
Hence, road accidents are caused by poor
road conditions, and not drivers who lack experience. |
|
Topic Sentence
(c) Reasons and Elaboration Example Conclusion |
Body: 3rd Point Lastly, bad
weather conditions are another cause of road accidents. There are heavy
thunderstorms here which lead to pooling water on road surfaces and flash
floods in some places. Pooled water and flash floods could lead even an
experienced driver to lose control of his vehicle. Slippery road surfaces
caused by rain could also cause road accidents as there is little tyre traction and the vehicle could skid and careen into
another vehicle. Heavy rain also causes low visibility which affects the
driver’s ability to see oncoming vehicles and other hazards on the road. By the time the driver noticed the hazards, it would have
been too late to avoid a crash. Thus, bad weather conditions, and not lack of
experience, is a major cause of road accidents. |
|
Recap Reiterate Recommend |
Conclusion In conclusion,
road accidents are caused by the condition of the vehicle, poor road
conditions and bad weather. I
disagree that inexperienced drivers are the main cause of road accidents. Although weather
conditions cannot be controlled, the condition of the vehicles and road
conditions can be maintained by the driver or owner of the vehicle and the
government respectively. So, prompt actions should be taken to reduce the
number of road accidents. |
You are advised
to spend about 50 minutes on this
task.
You were
listening to the talk which stated the cause of obesity in Malaysia. The
following comment was made by the talkshow’s guest:
“Laziness is the main cause of Obesity”
Do you agree
with this statement? Write an essay expressing your opinion on the statement.
Write at least 250 words.
|
Hook Stand: Agree Thesis Statement |
Introduction The popular
adage reads, “Some people eat to live while some live to eat.” There is
truism in this concept as many people eat just enough to live well while many
others make a mission of consuming countless calories and indulging on the
most delicious and decadent of dishes; truly living their life to the
fullest. What we eat is not the only factor leading to rising obesity levels,
in fact, a sedentary lifestyle where people are getting lazier to live an
active life is perhaps the main cause of this health dilemma. In my estimation, I indisputably accede that laziness is
indeed the main cause of obesity in today's modern era. There
are many facets to this issue whereby laziness is indeed the main cause of
obesity due to our sedentary lifestyle, laziness to prepare healthier home
cooked meals as well as being lazy to follow a healthy eating regime. |
|
Topic Sentence
(a) Reasons and Elaboration Example Conclusion |
Body: 1st Point First and
foremost, laziness is the main cause of obesity because people gain a lot of
weight when they live a sedentary lifestyle. This is because when we do not have an active
lifestyle, we will not be spending our energy doing physical activities such
as walking, running or carrying things. Moreover, if we do not use the
calories that we consume especially in large quantities, then this unused
energy will be stored as fat and cause high obesity rates among people who
live a sedentary lifestyle. Take for instance,
most young people have a poor sleeping habit, wake up late and spend most of
their time on their gadgets like smartphones and laptops rather than go
outside and take a jog or play some physically challenging games and so on. Thus, it is without
a doubt that laziness in terms of how inactive a person is and the lack of
physical movement is the leading cause of obesity amongst people these days. |
|
Topic Sentence
(b) Reasons and Elaboration Example Conclusion |
Body: 2nd Point Moving on to
the next point, another facet of laziness which causes obesity is a person's
unwillingness to prepare healthier home cooked meals. Most people know how to cook something for themselves because eating
is a daily routine but even though they may know how to cook good and
nutritionally balanced meals, they may be too lazy to go and buy the
ingredients. On top of that, they may even be very good cooks but do not have
the motivation especially if they are only cooking for one person. As an exemplification, it is much easier to order Western
fast food or local fast food like fried rice, ‘mee goreng Mamak', 'roti telur' and the like, then eat the oily and carbo-laden
food rather than prepare all the ingredients of a healthy meal at home. Therefore, it is
crystal clear that people who "are lazy and unmotivated to prepare
nutritious home cooked food is the main cause of this disease especially in
an age where high caloric but convenient food can be so easily bought. |
|
Topic Sentence
(c) Reasons and Elaboration Example Conclusion |
Body: 3rd Point A final point
to ponder is that the main cause of obesity can be pinned on people's
laziness in adhering to the healthy eating regime.
More often than not, people these days are
too caught up in school work or office work to really be able to eat three
square meals a day that are well balanced. In lieu of this, many people have
poor eating schedules where they eat a late breakfast, late lunch and an even
later dinner and supper probably at the 24-hour restaurant that will only sit
in their bellies and turn into fat through the night due to inactivity. To illustrate,
workaholics tend to spend their time at the office and simply grabbing lunch
to satisfy hunger rather than thinking of the calorie intake and the
nutritional value and they may also put on a lot of weight at dinner and
supper because eating is not planned but a matter of convenience and usually
tasty but unhealthy food is eaten in large portions. Hence, the main
cause why people are obese these days can dearly be attributed to them being
lazy and uninspired to stick to an eating plan that is nutritious and able to
control weight gain. |
|
Recap Reiterate Recommend |
Conclusion To conclude,
laziness in terms of a sedentary lifestyle, unwillingness to prepare
nutritious meals and not consuming them in prescribed portions are certainly
the main cause of rising obesity amongst people today. Personally speaking, I still thoroughly believe that
laziness is the main culprit of obesity.·The government
through the Ministry of Health should spearhead a strategic campaign to
overcome obesity by setting up a special task force to address child obesity
and developing a program to help them so that they will not face such health
risks when they reach adulthood. |
You are advised
to spend about 50 minutes on this
task.
You were
listening to the podcast entitled “At least I am Rich”. The following comment
was made by the podcast’s guest:
“Money Alone Cannot Buy Happiness”
Do you agree
with this statement? Write an essay expressing your opinion on the statement.
Write at least 250 words.
|
Hook Stand: Agree Thesis Statement |
Introduction There is a
tale of a rich man's wife who dreamed of being a poor man's wife because
although the couple were poverty stricken, they seemed to be so happy and
content with life. Meanwhile, the same poor man's wife looked enviously at
the rich woman's husband, dreaming of being married to the rich man because
she felt that money could surely buy happiness. Unbeknown to both ladies,
money alone can never buy happiness. From my
perspective, I somewhat disagree that money alone cannot buy happiness as
there are many instances where being able to purchase material things can
indeed give us pleasure and self-satisfaction even though there are
instances where no amount of money can make a difference to your happiness. To a certain extent, when you only have money you will not
be able to buy true happiness because money is meaningless without strong
relationships and there are simply some things money cannot buy like turning
back time but it can also give us true happiness especially when we can
afford to do charity. |
|
Topic
Sentence (a) Reasons and Elaboration Example Conclusion |
Body: 1st Point At the
forefront of this issue is how money has almost no relation to the strong
bond of relationships and it cannot guarantee the happiness of family
members and close friends. Imagine if you
came from a rich family but everyone is busy with their own lives so much so
the children are raised by the housekeeper and they never even take a family
vacation together. On the other hand, what if they are so poor they can only
afford to eat white rice with salt every day but they can still laugh, talk
and face all challenges together because their family bond is so strong. This means that the amount of happiness is not
dependent on how much money each family has but the principles in which they
live their lives. Take for example how the immediate past president of
America, Donald Trump, one of the richest men in that country, could never
be satisfied with his richest and fame and instead lost all his
'friendships' as soon as he lost his high position. All in all,
money·alone cannot buy happiness that stems from strong relationships
between family and friends as you will only have pure bliss when these
relationships are honest and loyal |
|
Topic
Sentence (b) Reasons and Elaboration Example Conclusion |
Body: 2nd Point On top of
that, it is dear that money alone cannot buy happiness because we cannot
turn back the hands of time. It is a fact that time is linear and we do not have a
time machine to take us back to our youth where we were happiest playing
with our childhood friends or being fed by mom who may have passed away
already. As such, it is beyond a shadow of a doubt that no amount of money
can bring back people who have left us no matter how much we beg and pray. In addition, even if you had a billion in your bank
account, you cannot reverse a terminal disease, change world wars that have
already happened in our history and so on.
Ultimately, it is true that money alone
has no control over true happiness because no amount of money we have can
buy us time, especially all the times that have passed and can never be
repeated. |
|
Topic
Sentence (c) Reasons and Elaboration Example Conclusion |
Body: 3rd Point On the other
hand, an interesting point to ponder is how money can certainly buy a high
degree of happiness when we are finally able to contribute personally to
philanthropy. This
means that when we have enough money for our own needs, we can increase our
happiness levels simply by giving money away. Furthermore, when we are able
to reach out to those who need it more than us, we will get a special sense
of satisfaction because we are helping our fellow human beings. This sense
of humanity will give us more happiness and pride in ourselves and
certainly, money can provide us with this wonderful opportunity. They say
that charity begins at home, but when all requirements have been met at
home. Then it is time to do charity outside to help others. In fact. researchers
at the US National Institute of Health found that people who gave money to
charity activated pleasure centers in their brains. To illustrate, maybe
one day in the past someone helped us with a food basket with basic
necessities like eggs and rice and fast forward to 20 years later after
becoming successful in life, we are able to pay it forward and help other
victims of poverty, natural disasters and many more. Hence, the statement that money alone cannot buy
happiness should be opposed because there is a certain level of happy
endorphins unlocked when we can donate unlimitedly towards charities of our
own choice. |
|
Recap Reiterate Recommend |
Conclusion In essence,
money alone is unable to guarantee you happiness because the strong bond
amongst friends cannot be bought as is the case with time and health which
no amount of money in the world can procure either.
Nevertheless, there are instances where
money when given away leads to pure bliss. From where I stand, I am still
convinced that money alone cannot begin to put a price on happiness but I
concede that in some cases, money can be a huge source of joy. Perhaps the Ministry of Finance can work in tandem with
the Ministry of Education to teach students from young the importance of
managing money and at the same time, create awareness amongst them not to be
too dependent on it because money alone cannot buy happiness. |
You are advised
to spend about 50 minutes on this
task.
“Young People today struggle With Mental Health
Issues”
Do you agree
with this statement? Write an essay expressing your opinion on the statement.
Write at least 250 words.
|
Hook Stand: Agree Thesis Statement |
Amid the
fast-paced, digitally-driven world we lve in today, the mental health
struggles of young people are becoming increasingly apparent. Mental health
issues among youth have been on the rise, with alarming statistics
highlighting the prevalence of anxiety,depression, and other psychological
disorders. Factors such as academic pressure, social media influence, and
lack of adequate mental health resources contribute to the growing concern. It is evident that young people today face
significant mental health challenges. The
mental health struggles of today’s youth are exacerbated by academic
pressures, the pervasive influence of social media, and the lack of
accessible mental health resources. |
|
Topic
Sentence (a) Reasons and Elaboration Example Conclusion |
The immense
academic pressures placed on young people today contribute significantly to
their mental health struggles. The competitive
nature of modern education systems demands high academic performance, often
leading to stress and burnout among students. The constant pressure to excel
in exams, secure top grades, and gain admission to prestigious universities
can be overwhelming. For instance, studies
have shown the students preparing for national exams experienced heightened
levels of anxiety and depression due to the fear of failure and the high
expectation placed upon them. Addressing
academic pressures by promoting a balanced approach to education can help
alleviate some of the mental health struggles faced by young people. |
|
Topic
Sentence (b) Reasons and Elaboration Example Conclusion |
In addition,
the pervasive influence of social media significantly impacts the mental
health of young people. Social media platforms,
while offering connectivity and entertainment, often contribute to feelings
of inadequacy and low self-esteem. The constant exposure to curated and
idealized images of others’ lives can lead to unhealthy comparisons and a
distorted sense of reality. For example,
research has shown that prolonged social media use is associated with rates,
anxiety,depression, and loneliness among teenagers. Encouraging responsible and mindful use of social
media can help mitigate its negative impact on the mental health of young
people. |
|
Topic
Sentence (c) Reasons and Elaboration Example Conclusion |
Next is the
lack of accessible mental health resources exacerbates the mental health
struggles of young people. Despite the growing
awareness of mental health issues, many young people still face barriers in
accessing adequate mental health care. Stigma, lack of information, and
insufficient mental health services in schools and communities often prevent
them from seeking help. For instance, a
survey revealed that many students do not receive the mental health support
they need due to the lack of counselors and mental health programmes in
educational institutions. Improving
access to mental health resources and support systems is crucial in
addressing the mental health challenges faced by young people. |
|
Recap Reiterate Recommend |
The mental
health struggles of today’s youth are exacerbated by academic pressures, the
pervasive influence of social media, and the lack of accessible mental
health resources. We must take collective action
to address these issues, promoting a balanced approach to education,
responsible social media use, and improving access to mental health care. As
the saying goes, “A healthy mind is the greatest treasure”. By prioritizing the mental well- being of young people we
can ensure a healthier, happier, and more resilient future generation. |
You are advised
to spend about 50 minutes on this
task.
“Books are windows to the world we live in”
Do you agree
with this statement? Write an essay expressing your opinion on the statement.
Write at least 250 words.
|
Hook Stand: Agree Thesis Statement |
Imagine
peering through a window and seeing not just your immediate surroundings but
distant lands, diverse cultures, and different eras. Books offer us this
extraordinary view. Throughout history, books have been revered as vessels
of knowledge, culture, and imagination. They allow us to transcend the
limitations of time and space, providing insights into the lives and
experiences of others. From fiction to
nonfiction, our understanding of the world. Books are indeed the windows to
the world we live in. Books open our minds to
diverse perspectives, offer deep historical and cultural insights, and
stimulate our imagination and creativity. |
|
Topic
Sentence (a) Reasons and Elaboration Example Conclusion |
Firstly,
books open our minds to diverse perspectives, fostering empathy and
understanding. By reading about different
cultures, experiences, and viewpoints, we can broaden our horizons and
develop a more nuanced understanding of the world. This exposure helps us to
empathize with people who are different from us and appreciate the richness
of human diversity. For instance, reading novels like to Kill a Mockingbird by
Harper Lee or Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe allows us to experience
life through the eyes of characters from different racial and cultural
backgrounds, challenging our preconceptions and biases. Through the diverse perspectives offered by books, we
can cultivate a more inclusive and empathetic worldview. |
|
Topic
Sentence (b) Reasons and Elaboration Example Conclusion |
Secondly,
books provide deep historical and cultural insights, helping us understand
our past and its impact on the present. Historical
and cultural texts reveal the events, ideas, and movements that have shaped
societies. They provide context for current issues and help us learn from
past mistakes and successes. For example,
reading Guns, Germs, and Steels by Jared Diamond or The Diary of Anne Frank
gives us a profound understanding of historical events and their lasting
implications, from the rise and fall of civilizations to the human
experiences during Holocaust. By offering
deep historical and cultural insights, books help us comprehend the
complexities of our world and the forces that have shaped it. |
|
Topic
Sentence (c) Reasons and Elaboration Example Conclusion |
Lastly, books
stimulate our imagination and creativity, allowing us to envision new
possibilities and solutions. Fictional works, in particular, transport us to
fantastical worlds and introduce us to imaginative scenarios. The
stimulation not only entertains but also enhances our creative thinking and
problem-solving skills. For instance, reading
science fiction classics like 1984 by George Orwell or Dune by Frank Herbert
challenges us to think about future possibilities and ethical dilemmas,
inspiring innovative ideas and solutions in various fields. By stimulating our imagination and creativity, books
empower us to think beyond the ordinary and explore new horizons. |
|
Recap Reiterate Recommend |
In
conclusion, books are indeed the windows to the world, as they open our
minds to diverse perspectives, offer deep historical and cultural insights,
and stimulate our imagination and creativity. Fostering a habit of reading is essential for personal
growth and understanding the broader world. As the saying goes, “A Book is a
dream that you hold in your hand”. By
immersing ourselves in books, we can unlock the dreams ans possibilities
that shape our lives ad our world. |