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Body Paragraphs for Discussion Essays
Start each body paragraph with the main idea
The first body paragraph Main idea – Your view
Explain
Example
The second body paragraph Main idea – The other view
Discussion Essay
Example: Prison is the best punishment for criminals. Discuss.
Paragraph 1
2 3
Discussion Essay Intro – explain the two views and give your opinion
This week….
We will look at the different types of essay questions you may asked for the IELTS Writing Task 2 and plan the body paragraphs for each We will also look at example questions to practise your critical thinking.
Sentence 2: Topic Sentence a sentence or two giving some background about the topic
Sentence 3: Rewrite the question in your own words
Sentence 4: Your plan for this essay “In this essay I will……(and give your opinion if necessary)”
Remember the number of body paragraphs depends on how main ideas you have and how many words you need to write!
Introduction Paragraph
What is the structure of the Introduction? Sentence 1: The hook sentence a catchy or interesting first sentence about the topic, could be a question, quote or a fact but NOT your opinion
Discuss first view e.g. “Yes, prison is the best punishment for criminals” Discuss second view e.g. “No, prison is not the best punishment for criminals” Short conclusion – clearly state your own opinion and which view you support
How can we improve this paragraph?
How can we improve this paragraph?
One of the reasons so many people are obese is that they eat junk food, like hamburgers, chips or fried chicken. The solution is for the government to increase tax on unhealthy food.
•It’s too short! •Needห้องสมุดไป่ตู้ a sentence to say why people eat junk food •Needs an example to say what will happen when tax is increased
Put these sentences in the correct order to form a good paragraph
Explain
Example
Paragraph 1 2 3 4 5
Problem and Solution Essay Introduction Cause 1 + Solution 1 Cause 2 + Solution 2 Cause 3 + Solution 3 Conclusion
Building a good paragraph for Problem and Solution essays
Useful phrases for Introductions
Time expressions Useful phrases
Over the last few years…. + present perfect
Most people say that…..
In the last decade……+ present It is clear that……is becoming perfect more popular Recently, it has…. + present perfect These days……..+ present simple/ present continuous Nowadays, fewer people + present simple/ present continuous There is no doubt that…...
1. The main idea of the paragraph 2. A supporting sentence which explains the idea 3. An example 4. The solution to the problem 5. The result of the solution
A B This would hopefully encourage consumers to buy healthier food and therefore lose weight It is common these days for people to eat takeaway food or pick up a ready meal from the supermarket which is quicker and more convenient. One of the reasons that so many people are overweight is that they eat junk food instead of cooking a healthy meal. To address this issue, the government could increase sales tax on food considered to be unhealthy. For instance, in the UK, sales of pre-prepared meals, which contain high levels of fat and salt, have increased dramatically in the last few years
Now your turn…
People who live in large cities face a range of problems in their daily life. What are the most significant of these problems? How can these problems be tackled?
C
D E
The main idea of the paragraph (IDEA) C One of the reasons that so many people are overweight is that they eat junk food instead of cooking a healthy meal. A supporting sentence which explains the idea (EXPLAIN) B It is common these days for people to eat takeaway food or pick up a ready meal from the supermarket which is quicker and more convenient. An example (EXAMPLE) E For instance, in the UK, sales of pre-prepared meals, which contain high levels of fat and salt, have increased dramatically in the last few years The solution to the problem D To address this issue, the government could increase sales tax on food considered to be unhealthy. The result of the solution A This would hopefully encourage consumers to buy healthier food and therefore lose weight
In groups – work out the plan of the body paragraphs: •Problem Explain Example Solution Result •Problem Explain Example Solution Result •Problem Explain Example Solution Result