Two-Sided Argument Essays: Structure / Lessons

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This blog discusses the elements of two-sided argument essays and includes a free download. It provides a variety of two-sided argument texts based on topical issues, an outline and answer section. These are four paragraph essay structures consisting of an introduction (general to specific, thesis and outline), two block type arguments (1 paragraph = for, 1 paragraph = against), and then a conclusion (summary, restate thesis, recommendation / suggestion). The texts are all written by AEUK on a variety of topics and divided into two types; general and academic.

More information on Introductions / Thesis statements / Topic sentences / Paragraphing / Linking words / Conclusions

A basic outline of a two-sided essay

Argument Essay lessons: 

This text can be used in a variety of ways.

1. a reading to highlight key arguments.  
2. a writing where students use the empty outline to plan a writing and then compare to the model.
3. a guided writing where the tutor provides the completed outline and the students write an essay using these ideas.
4. a listening – the tutor reads out the essay and the students note down the key arguments.

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Example:

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Essay

Should parents educate their children at home.

In Britain some parents are now choosing to educate their children at home. This is often because some children find it difficult to fit into the school system because they are especially gifted or have problems of some kind. However, despite the various arguments that have been put forward for home tutoring, this essay will argue that it is better for a child to be educated at school.

Teaching children at home has a number of advantages. Firstly, parents feel that their children will be able to realise their potential better if they can work at their own rate and concentrate on specific subjects. For example, there have been cases of children who have gone to university as young as twelve or thirteen because they are especially gifted and have opted out of the school system. Parents feel that they will also be able to protect their children from harmful influences they may encounter at school if they keep them at home. Problems such as truancy and drugs are common and adolescents particularly can be led astray by their peers. Thus, school can prevent learning from taking place effectively.

However, there are also arguments in support of sending children to school rather than educating them at home. First of all, children are isolated at home. At school, on the other hand, they are able to socialise and meet people of different ages and so become increasingly independent. Children also need their peers to do subjects like sports and drama. Another important point is that schools have more resources and equipment than can be provided at home such as libraries, sports equipment and laboratories for science experiments. A final argument is that school can offer a much wider range of subjects and expertise than parents can provide on their own. Parents would need to have a whole range of professional knowledge in science subjects like physics and chemistry to English literature and economics. It is also questionable whether parents could keep a disciplined study atmosphere at home because of the friendly family atmosphere. In sum, home tuition can affect social independence and fail to provide the correct resources and professional teaching.

To sum up, it seems that education at school is preferable to learning at home. Although home education aids concentration and protection, it limits socialising, availability of resources and professional teaching. There may be particular cases where home tutoring would be advantageous, such as for severely disabled children; however, for the vast majority of children there are greater benefits from going to school.    

[440 words]

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What is a two-sided argument essay?

A two-sided argument essay presents a balanced and objective analysis of both sides of an argument, and a one-sided argument presents a thesis which the writer sets out to prove in order to persuade the reader. 

How is it different from a one-sided argument essay?

A one-sided argument (persuasive) essay is one in which the writer attempts to persuade the audience to agree with their thesis. It usually includes counter-arguments (the opposing views) which the writer refutes in order to make his/her arguments stronger. Go here for: one-sided argument essays

Argument Essay Lessons

The argument essay lesson can be used in a number of different ways:

1. A reading to highlight key arguments.  
2. A writing where students use a blank outline to plan a writing and then compare with a model essay.
3. A guided writing where the tutor provides the completed outline and the students write an essay using these ideas.
4. A listening – the tutor reads out the essay and the students note down the key arguments.

2-sided General Argument Essays – no sources

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University

Gun Laws

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5x General Argument Essays

2-sided Academic Argument Essays – with sources 

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One-sided Argument Essay Downloads

What is the difference between one-sided and two-sided argument essays? go here.

Essay Structure Lesson

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Climate Change

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British High Street

5x 1-sided Academic Argument Essays

Argument Essay Titles

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