Argumentative Essay

This note provides a step-by-step approach to essay writing, guiding you from the moment you first read the question to the final touches of your conclusion. It covers how to analyse and break down essay prompts, brainstorm and select relevant ideas, and organise them into a clear structure. You’ll also learn strategies for crafting engaging introductions, developing body paragraphs with PEEL, and closing with thoughtful, impactful conclusions. The aim is to help you write essays that are not only well-structured but also persuasive and exam-ready.

Step 1: Question Analysis
  • 🔹 Purpose:

    Break down the question to understand exactly what is being asked.

  • 🔹 Components:
    • 🔹 Topic: Identify the overarching theme (1–3 words).
    • 🔹 Stakeholders: Identify who is involved or affected.
    • 🔹 Keywords: Circle or underline key words or phrases to focus your answer.
  • 🔹 Tip:

    Focus on the core meaning and context of the question.

Step 2: Question Analysis with AIA
  • 🔹 Purpose:

    Avoid misinterpreting the question by examining assumptions, implications, and absolutes.

  • 🔹 Components:
    • 🔹 Assumption: What the question takes for granted.
    • 🔹 Implication: What logically follows if the statement is true.
    • 🔹 Absolute: Identify absolutes (always, never, best, worst) and challenge them with counterexamples.
  • 🔹 Tip:

    Spotting absolutes can earn marks by showing critical thinking.

Step 3: Point Brainstorming with PRESM
  • 🔹 Purpose:

    Generate strong and relevant points for your essay.

  • 🔹 PRESM:
    • 🔹 Political: Government, policies, laws.
    • 🔹 Religion: Moral, ethical, or faith-based perspectives.
    • 🔹 Economic: Jobs, business, financial impact.
    • 🔹 Social: People, culture, communities, behaviour.
    • 🔹 Media: Information, news, influence of mass media.
  • 🔹 Extra Lenses:
    • 🔹 Time: Past, present, future changes.
    • 🔹 Space: Contextual differences (countries, urban/rural).
    • 🔹 Wh-Questionn: Who, what, where, when, why, how.
  • 🔹 Tip:

    Use 2–3 strongest points; you don’t need all.

1. Introduction
  • 🔹 Structure:
    • 🔹 Hook: Grab attention using stats, anecdotes, quotes, facts, or rhetorical questions.
    • 🔹 Context: Provide background and explain relevance.
    • 🔹 Thesis: State a specific, arguable main argument and outline key points.
  • 🔹 Tip:

    Think 'Hook → Why it matters → What I argue.'

2. Body Paragraph
  • 🔹 PEEL Structure:
    • 🔹 Point: Clear topic sentence answering the question.
    • 🔹 Elaboration: Explain the point, show cause-effect, teach the reader.
    • 🔹 Example: Support with real-life, text evidence, or stats. Link back to point.
    • 🔹 Link: Tie back to thesis or theme to reinforce argument.
  • 🔹 Tip:

    Most students skip linking; it strengthens coherence.

3. Conclusion
  • 🔹 R.E.C Structure:
    • 🔹 Restate & Summarise: Briefly revisit main points in new words.
    • 🔹 Expand: Connect essay to broader context, society, or real-world implications.
    • 🔹 Conclude: Strong final statement or call to action.
  • 🔹 Tip:

    Leave the reader with a confident, impactful impression.

  • ⚠️ Thinking introductions should summarize everything in detail.
  • ⚠️ Using all PRESM points even if irrelevant.
  • ⚠️ Skipping linking sentences in body paragraphs.
  • ⚠️ Jump straight into writing without proper planning

  • 👉 Always break down the question using Topic, Stakeholders, Keywords.
  • 👉 Use AIA to challenge assumptions and absolutes for higher marks.
  • 👉 Brainstorm 2–3 strongest points using PRESM and extra lenses.
  • 👉 Stick to PEEL in body paragraphs for clarity and coherence.
  • 👉 Use R.E.C in conclusion to leave a strong impression.
  • 👉 Keep thesis specific, arguable, and connected to body points.
  • 👉 Underline or circle key terms in the question to stay focused.
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