SAMPLE ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING

The following comment was printed recently in a local magazine:

"A great deal of what students learn in schools these days is a waste of time"

You are requested to write a composition on this subject.

Start your composition with a sentence that links to the problem you are discussing. EXAMPLE:

I think that most of what we learn at school is useful. The problem is that we do not always realise this fact in the beginning.

Next, set out your opinion clearly. Separate positive and negative points and put them in separate paragraphs. EXAMPLE:

Take Science, for instance. I hated Chemistry lessons when I was younger. I couldn't see the point in doing boring experiments and learning tables. However, now I want to be a doctor, and I appreciate how important Chemistry is. I realise that we had to learn the basics first. Latin was another subject I used to consider pointless too, but now it really helps me understand my medical textbooks.

On the other hand, there were some lessons that really were useless. At my school we all did Cookery. I'm sure we could learn that much better at home! Also, we had to attend Drama classes. I couldn't see the point of this unless someone wanted to be an actor.

Finally, summarise your opinion in the final paragraph and add some further comments. EXAMPLE:

In conclusion, I would say that most of what we learn at school is quite useful. I just wish all teachers would make it clear how the subjects we study can really help us later on in life.