Academic Module Writing
Structure of Argumentation
议论文的基本框架和基本写作策略 (250 words)
Introduction : 3—5 sentences, about 40 words
General statement about topic
Writer’s position
What the writer is going to say
Body: 10 sentences, about 180 words
First point in first paragraph
Topic sentence + support
Second point in second paragraph
Topic sentence + support
Conclusion: 2-3 sentences, about 30words
Summary
Conclusion
Recommendation (if asked for advice, suggestion)
首段基本写作策略
议论文的首段必须包括两个要素，一是背景介绍，二是写作意图，但是这两点都不应有任何拓展，否则就会把应当在主体段落出现的内容在首段都讲完，造成主体段落无话可讲。
首段从以下三个方面进行写作：
1. 场景或背景信息（setting、background information）事实上就是把题目所提供的背景用自己的话再描述一遍。
2. 说明写作意图（statement of purpose）, 为下文做铺垫，所谓写作意图就是指观点，应当争取用一句话把观点说清楚。作为整个文章的重心，写作意图应当是首段的最后一句话，这样可以同时给阅卷的考官一种期待，一读完这句话就可以知道接下来的主体段落会讲什么。
3. 对主要观点进行总结概括（summary of main points）, 一般来说作文包括第一和第二点就可以了，第三点考生视情况而定。 范文：
One of the most challenging problems of today’s society is the question who should be responsible for our old people. It’s not only a financial problem but also a question of the system we want our society to have. In my essay I would like to talk about four different models.
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这一文章首段共有三句话，第一句话为下文设置背景信息：老年问题是当今社会最具争议的问题之一；第二句话进一步设置场景：这不仅是一个经济问题，而且还是我们的社会应该拥有的体制问题；第三句话表明意图：在我的文章中我将谈谈四个不同的模式。
主体段落基本写作错略
应该在主体段落中详细阐述分支观点。按照首段的写作策略，文章的重心应是首段的最后一句，而主体段落中每段主题句都应当放到第一句。主题句后面的句子则是为主题句服务的。
主体段落两段或三段比较理想，每一个分支观点后都应有话可说，可以是对主题句的解释，也可以是例证，也可以提供理由或细节。 分支观点的选择要学会取舍，观点很精彩但是本身的英语水平无法表达就应该及时放弃，因为考察的主要是你的英语水平。
同一个段落中不要出现两个观点。
文章各个部分之间的衔接手段非常重要。想要文章有层次感，衔接手段是必不可少的。
结尾段 基本写作错略
结尾段在不同的题型中写法不一。
经典议论文赏析：
It is inevitable that as technology develops so traditional cultures must be lost. Technology and tradition are incompatible you cannot have both together.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
It is a fact of life that the development of science and technology has been accompanied by a decline in traditional culture. In my opinion, this is not necessarily a bad thing, because some aspects of traditional culture hamper progress and should be abandoned. Moreover, it is natural that people should want to find new ways of doing things.
In the first place, science and technology have cleared up many matters that were mysterious to us in the past. For instance, we now know that thunder and lightning are not caused by gods being angry, but are normal natural phenomena. As a result, a large number of harmful superstitions have disappeared.
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In the second place, our everyday lives have been made more convenient by scientific and technological inventions.replaced the traditional oil lamps, and computers enable us to make quicker and more accurate calculations. Even more important is the fact that television brings the family together in the evening.
In the third place, science and technology actually help to preserve the useful and pleasant parts of traditional culture. Take the celebration of the Chinese Lantern Festival for example. Lanterns are now designed with modern technology and materials to make them more attractive, and they are powered by electricity, which is safer than candles.
Therefore, I welcome the development of science and technology. Advances in science and technology have brought us many benefits. At the same time, they have eliminated the bad parts of traditional culture while preserving the good parts.
议论文分类
1. Discuss 讨论类
这类文章的写作任务是要求考生对某一观点进行讨论，其标志性语言就是discuss 这个词
写作策略：
Discuss 类的议论文有两种常用写法， 一种是两方面的，就是对题目提供的观点从相对的两个方面进行阐述，一种是一边倒的写法，明确表明赞同哪一方，并对其进行论证。
例一：一边倒的写法
The dominance of black people in US sport is due to sociological rather than physiological factors. Discuss.
Since World War II popular American sports such as Baseball, Basketball and Field and Track have seen the qualitative and quantitative dominance of black athletes. The purpose of this essay is to examine the relative importance of the sociological and physiological factors which have contributed to this phenomenon. It will be argued that, despite some evidence of physiological differences, the factors which determine black 3
pre-eminence (杰出) in sport are primarily sociological.
构思：根据题目设置的背景及写作指令可以选择一边倒的写法。题目所设置的场景已经明确提出观点：黑人在体育中占主导地位的主要因素是社会因素，而非生理因素。 文章在首段进行情景介绍，说明二战后美国黑人运动员已在主要的体育活动中占据主导地位，并说明写作目的：虽然生理因素起了一定的作用，但更重要的是社会因素导致了这一结果。主体段落可以将社会因素中包含的分支观点展开来写，每段阐述一个分支观点。结尾段便可自然的得出结论：尽管有证据表明生理因素对于某些美国体育项目中黑人占主导地位的现象有一定作用，但是社会因素更有影响力。
例二 从两个方面进行讨论
The benefits of computers to modern society far outweigh the disadvantages. Discuss.
这篇文章可以从计算机的两个方面写起， 主体段落中一段写计算机的优点，另一段写计算机的缺点，结尾段表明自己的观点即可。
写作策略：
首段： 情景介绍，说明写作意图
主体段落：首先分支观点不应只有一个，因为作为一篇议论文，只有一个论据是不足以证明论点的，必须有两个以上的分支观点，根据分支观点的多少分段，每段对一个分支观点进行阐述，主题句应当是每段的第一句话。尽量采用平衡结构，也就是说在谈到一件事情时，应当正反两方面都有所论及，讲了优点再讲缺点，讲了支持的理由，就应当讲讲反对的理由。
结尾段：结尾段有两种写法。一种是在最后走向折中，并不明确表态，既支持A又支持B，但前提是在主题段落的论证过程中有折中的可能性。另外一种写法是在最后一段倒向一边，即一边倒的结尾。但应该注意如果采用一边倒的结尾，正文部分的最后一段的分支观点应与结尾段的观点一致。这是一个技术问题，从阅读心理的角度考虑，例如
第一段表示支持，第二段表示反对，结尾段又表示支持，这样只能削弱文章的整体感，显得没有气势。应当第一段反对，第二段支持，结尾再支持，这样一来文章就更有力度。
在写作时，不必考虑考官是什么观点，这样做徒劳无益，写议论文时，没有所谓的正确观点或错误观点，重要的是考生对自己的观点能够自圆其说，考官评判的是考生的语言水平，并不是他所持观点的正确与否。
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范例
It has been more than 30 years since man first landed on the moon. Some people think that space research is a waste of money. Discuss.
For over fifty years, a number of nations have been involved in the exploration of outer space. This research has been very costly, of course. Has this money been well-spent or wasted?（场景介绍，引出论题）
Some people believe that all or most space research should be eliminated because of its incredible expense, not only in terms of money, but also in terms of scientific and human resources. These people point out the fact that it cost billions of dollars to send astronauts to the moon, but all they brought back were some worthless rocks. These people say that the money and effort now being wasted in outer space could be spent on more important projects right here on earth, such as providing housing for homeless people, improving the education system, saving the environment, and finding cures for diseases.
However, other people believe that space research has provided many benefits to mankind. They point out that hundreds of useful products, from personal computers to heart pacemakers to freeze-dried foods, are the direct or indirect results of space research. They say that weather and communication satellites, which are also products of space programs, have benefited people all over the globe. In addition to these practical benefits, supporters of the space program point to the scientific knowledge that has been acquired about the sun, the moon, the planets, and even our own earth as a result of space research.
I agree with those people who support space research and wish it to continue. Space research, as shown, has already brought many benefits to humanity. Perhaps it will bring even more benefits in the future, ones that we cannot even imagine now. Moreover, just as individual people need challenges to make their lives more interesting, I believe the human race itself needs a challenge, and I think that the peaceful exploration of outer space provides just such a challenge.
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2. problems + reasons + recommendations 问题+理由+建议
写作策略：
首段：现象描述
主体：说明出现这一现象的理由或该现象的具体体现形式
结尾：提出建议和措施。最后提出的建议和措施不能只写一点，因为主体段落通常不会只陈述一个理由或是说明一种体现形式，相应的结尾段也不可能只有一点建议，至少写两点。
范文：
It is generally acknowledged that families are now not as close as they used to be. Give possible reasons and your recommendations.
There is much discussion nowadays as to whether or not the relationship between family members is as close as before. Diverse contributing factors can be identified. In the following, I would like to present my point of view.
Great changes have taken place in family life along with the development of society. One of them is that the once-extended family tends to become smaller and smaller. Many children have to leave their parents at an early age to study or work elsewhere. As time passes, children become emotionally estranged from their parents.
Compared with the past, social competition is becoming increasingly fierce. People are urged to concentrate their efforts upon work, so that they can achieve success, or at least a good standard of living. As a result, they can’t afford to spend their leisure hours with their families. The importance of bonds of kinship is gradually fading from their minds.
In addition, the availability of various kinds of recreational facilities also diverts people from enjoying chats with the members of their families. Their free time is mostly occupied by watching TV, surfing the internet or playing video games. They come to lose interest in communicating with the other members of their families.
In view of such alienation within families, I do believe that urgent steps must be taken. For members of families who live away from one another, 6
regular contact on the phone can bring them the care that they need. Family reunions on holidays or other important occasions can make a difference as well. For those living together, it is a good idea to take analysis, a close family relationship can surely be maintained as long as we realize the significant role it plays in our lives and attach importance to it.
3. your opinion 你的观点
此类文章主要是要求考生对某一现象或观点表明自己的观点或看法。其标志性的词语是what’s your opinion? 或 what do you think?
写作策略：
首段：表明态度，让阅卷人知道你所赞同的具体观点是什么。
主体段落： 一边倒的写法，从单方面阐述，用具体的理由支持所提
出的观点。这类文章尽量采取一边倒的写法，只能讲自己的
观点如何，不要从两个方面去写。
结尾：重申首段观点，但是最好换一种方式表达，不要机械重复第一
段。
范文
Many people think that nowadays people are being subjected to more and more pressure in their work, and thus are having less and less time to relax.
What’s your opinion?
In modern society, especially in big cities, hard work has undoubtedly become a very important feature of ordinary people’s everyday life. It seems that many people are under the impression that their work is becoming more pressing and urgent, and thus they sacrifice more and more leisure time.
In the first place, with the rapid development of science and technology, work today is more demanding than it used to be. For example, college graduates nowadays have to master English, computer science and driving skills before they can find decent fobs. People have to spend more time acquiring new techniques and skills. And their spare time tends to be fully occupied, not with leisure pursuits, but with work related pursuits.
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In the second place, competition is becoming more intense. Many people feel anxious that they may be “laid-off” if they can’t work as hard as others. And they also feel at a disadvantage before new graduates. Therefore, it is understandable that people keep themselves involved in intensely hard work in order to preserve their positions.
The worst aspect of this phenomenon, in my opinion, is that the huge pressure of work will gradually affect people’s mental health. Excessively hard work means that people can never get rid of the fatigue of their work, even in their leisure time. This means that they cannot enjoy a normal life.
In a word, in modern life overwork is stealing our leisure time. However, I believe this problem will be settled eventually with the development of science and technology.
4. Agree or disagree 同意与否
此类文章要求考生表明自己同意还是不同意。这种题目的写作指令中常常出现：Do you agree or disagree?
To what extent do you support this statement?
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
写作策略：
Agree or disagree 类的文章与your opinion 类的文章的不同之处在于：agree or not agree 类的题目已经给出观点，考生只需要说明对题目所提供的观点是否同意还是不同意即可，而your opinion 类的文章考生可能有与题目观点截然不同的观点。但是这两类文章的写作策略是相似的。
范文：
It is often said that the subjects taught in schools are too academic in orientation and that it would be more useful for children to learn about practical matters such as home management, work and interpersonal skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
A criticism often heard these days is that the subjects taught in schools tend to be too academic, and contribute little to preparing a young person for the real-life tasks he or she will have to perform after graduation. 8
They say that academic subjects are rooted in the past, and are not useful for solving modern problems. I disagree with this point of view for three reasons.
My first reason is that it is the duty of parents, not teachers, to prepare their children to deal with the practical affairs of life. The home, not the classroom, is the ideal place to learn about home management and interpersonal skills. As for work abilities and attitudes, they are best learned “on the job” and under the supervision of an experienced older worker.
My second reason is that academic subjects have withstood the test of time. They represent the accumulated wisdom of our ancestors down through the ages, and, far from being impractical, they equip us with the knowledge and confidence to make sound judgements about any problems which may crop up (突然发生的事). In addition, academic subjects are good for training us in mental discipline, while practical subjects are weak in this regard（在这一点上）.
My third reason is based on the saying “Man does not live by bread alone.” Schooldays devoted solely to instruction in down-to-earth practical matters would be dull indeed! Lessons in the best literature of the world , and the epoch-making（新时代的） scientific and geographical discoveries of the past enrich our lives and make us feel that we are part of the great family of mankind.
All in all, the teaching of academic in schools is entirely appropriate. It is my firmly held view that practical subjects have no place in the classroom. On the contrary, the curriculum should be more academic!
5. advantage and disadvantages 优点和缺点
此类文章要求考生对某一事物的优点和缺点进行阐述。其标志性的词语就是：advantages and disadvantages. Positive and negative effects. Merits and demerits.
写作策略：
首段：设置场景，交代写作意图
主体段：分两部分，一部分写优点，另一部分写缺点
结尾: 走向折中
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范文：
With the increasing popularity of computers and calculators, student literacy is decreasing dramatically. What are the positive and negative effects the progress of science and technology has brought about?
It has been widely noted that, with the growing use of computers and calculators both in the classroom and in the home, the level of literacy and mathematical ability of students is dropping. This raises serious doubts about the value of the progress of science and technology. Here I will discuss the pros and cons（优缺点） of this question.
First of all, advances in science and technology have certainly brought about many benefits for mankind. They have made our lives more comfortable and healthier. In addition, they have eased the burden of work for most people and provided them with more leisure opportunities, while at the same time increasing productivity dramatically.
Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that technology has some negative side-effects. As mentioned above, with computers which check spelling, grammar and calculation for them, students have little incentive to learn how to do these things for themselves. Also, the availability of TV programs and videos encourages an unhealthy, sedentary(伏案工作) lifestyle.
Another aspect of this issue is that technology may be good or bad, depending on how we use it. For instance, dynamite（甘油炸药） may be used to make road construction easier, or it may be used to kill people. Again, unclear reactors can supply huge amounts of cheap electricity, but if they are carelessly handled they can cause devastating（毁灭性的） pollution.
We can conclude that the progress of science and technology has both positive and negative effects. What we must do is make sure that the positive ones are encouraged and the negative ones are eliminated as far as possible. Among other things, this means that students are warned not to let computers and calculators do all their work for them.
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