LESSON 2

OPINION ESSAYS
(ARGUMENTATIVE STYLE)
Develop your ideas in a horizonal
pattern

Money Lifestyle Health

MELSH
Environment Safety
Develop your ideas in a vertical
pattern
• Personal

• Family

• Community/ Neighborhood

• National level

• International level
There are 5 techniques:

1. Explaining
- This is because … (S+V)
- This is due to / Because of … (cụm danh từ)
- An explanation of this is that … (S+V)

2. Adding more information

- This could be done by Verb-ing
- To do this, …
- A way of doing this is …

Ngoài ra tùy theo văn cảnh, chúng ta còn có thể thêm thông tin bằng cách:
- To be specific, … (đưa thông tin cụ thể)
- In this case, … (đưa thông tin cụ thể hơn nữa của một trường hợp/ ví dụ)
3. Giving example
4. Pointing out cause-effect
1. Due to / Because of | Since / As / Because
2. Therefore, / As a result, / Consequently,
3. Which
4. This

5. Providing opposite ideas using the conditional Type 1

 Essay structure

• Introduction  Introduction
• Paragraph 1 – advantages  Paragraph 1 – advantage 1 =>
• Paragraph 2 – disadvantages counterargument 1
• Conclusion  Paragraph 2 – advantage 2
=> counterargument 2
 Conclusion
How do you often conduct the
‘brainstorming’ part?

Money Lifestyle Health

MELSH
Environment Safety
 Body

Paragraph 1:

Topic sentence
Main idea 1
Supporting idea 1
Main idea 2
Supporting idea 2

Paragraph 2:

Topic sentence
Main idea 1
Supporting idea 1
Main idea 2
Supporting idea 2
ACTIVITY 1
• In some countries, online shopping is getting more popular and
replacing shopping in stores. Discuss the advantages and the
disadvantages of online shopping.

• Brainstorm an outline for the advantages and disadvantages of online

shopping in 2 mins.
 Body

Paragraph 1: Advantages of online shopping

Topic sentence
Main idea 1
Supporting idea 1
Main idea 2
Supporting idea 2
Paragraph 2: Disadvantages of online shopping

Topic sentence
Main idea 1
Supporting idea 1
Main idea 2
Supporting idea 2
 In some countries, online shopping is getting more popular and replacing shopping in stores. Discuss the
advantages and the disadvantages of online shopping

advantages of online shopping buy products at home save time and the costs of travelling

quicker and cheaper

For example

compare different brands and products

a wider range of choices

For example

On the one hand, there are some benefits of online shopping. Firstly, since people can buy products at home without having
to go to stores or shopping malls, this is a quicker and cheaper way to shop. For example, Tiki and Shoppee are two popular
websites that provide a huge number of different products, and customers can visit those sites and make purchases easily.
This allows consumers to save time and the costs of travelling. Secondly, as people can compare different brands and
products on the Internet, they can have a wider range of choices when shopping online. For instance, buyers can easily
compare the shoes of Converse and Adidas and choose to buy the best pair.
 disadvantages of online shopping

customers cannot try products For example, buying clothes

Unreliable products poorer quality

people tend to buy too much large waste of money.

If shopping in stores is more frequent

However, online shopping can be negative in several ways. The first drawback is that customers cannot try products before
making a purchase. For example, a girl cannot try wearing a dress to see if it fits her body. Furthermore, as items sold online
are often less reliable, the products that people finally get delivered to their house might have a poorer quality than
expected. Finally, because online shopping is easier and cheaper, people tend to buy too much, which would lead to a large
waste of money. If people frequently shop in store, this problem will be less likely to happen.
On the one hand, there are some benefits of online shopping. Firstly, since people can buy
products at home without having to go to stores or shopping malls, this is a quicker and
cheaper way to shop. For example, Tiki and Shoppee are two popular websites that provide
a huge number of different products, and customers can visit those sites and make
purchases easily. This allows consumers to save time and the costs of travelling. Secondly, as
people can compare different brands and products on the Internet, they can have a wider
range of choices when shopping online. For instance, buyers can easily compare the shoes of
Converse and Adidas and choose to buy the best pair.

Even though online shopping has several advantages, I believe it can be negative in several
ways. The first drawback is that customers cannot try products before making a purchase.
For example, a girl cannot try wearing a dress to see if it fits her body. Furthermore, as items
sold online are often less reliable, the products that people finally get delivered to their
house might have a poorer quality than expected. Finally, because online shopping is easier
and cheaper, people tend to buy too much, which would lead to a large waste of money. If
people frequently shop in store, this problem will be less likely to happen.
In some countries, online shopping is getting more popular and replacing shopping in stores. Do the
advantages of online shopping outweigh the disadvantages?

Currently, people are increasingly doing their shopping on the Internet instead of going to stores. While there are
some benefits of online shopping, I would argue that its drawbacks are more significant.

On the one hand, there are some benefits of online shopping. Firstly, since people can buy products at home
without having to go to stores or shopping malls, this is a quicker and cheaper way to shop. For example, Tiki and
Shoppee are two popular websites that provide a huge number of different products, and customers can visit
those sites and make purchases easily. This allows consumers to save time and the costs of travelling. Secondly, as
people can compare different brands and products on the Internet, they can have a wider range of choices when
shopping online. For instance, buyers can easily compare the shoes of Converse and Adidas and choose to buy the
best pair.

Even though online shopping has several advantages, I believe it can be negative in several ways. The first
drawback is that customers cannot try products before making a purchase. For example, a girl cannot try wearing
a dress to see if it fits her body. Furthermore, as items sold online are often less reliable, the products that people
finally get delivered to their house might have a poorer quality than expected. Finally, because online shopping is
easier and cheaper, people tend to buy too much, which would lead to a large waste of money. If people
frequently shop in store, this problem will be less likely to happen.

In conclusion, while online shopping is beneficial to some extent, I would argue that it has more disadvantages.
 LESSON 2
OPINION ESSAYS
(ARGUMENTATIVE STYLE)
 EXAMPLES OF OPINION ESSAY QUESTIONS
• Some people believe that homework should be abolished in schools. To
what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
• Some believe that replacing textbooks with digital devices and online
resources will enhance the learning experience. Do you agree or
disagree with this viewpoint?
• Some argue that the media has a negative influence on young people’s
mental well-being, while others believe it plays a vital role in helping
them reduce stress. What is your opinion on the impact of social media
on the mental health of young people?
• Some people think that working long hours is necessary to succeed in
life, while others believe that a healthy work-life balance is more
important. Discuss both views and provide your opinion.
WHAT IS OPINION ESSAY?
 Essay structure

- Introduction - Introduction
- Paragraph 1 - Paragraph 1
+ Argument 1
+ Argument 1
+ Argument 2
- Paragraph 2
- Paragraph 2
+ Counterargument -> Argument 3 + Argument 2
• Conclusion - Paragraph 3
+ counterargument -> argument 3
- Conclusion
 🧠 What is a counterargument?
• A counterargument is an opposing viewpoint to the main argument
you are supporting in your essay
📌 Why should we use
counterarguments in academic
essays?
• It shows that you understand different perspectives on the issue.
• It makes your writing more objective and convincing.
• It gives you a chance to refute or weaken the opposing view, which
makes your argument stronger.
✍️Easy example in an essay:
• Some people believe that online shopping leads to impulsive buying
and reduces human interaction. However, with proper budgeting and
digital communication tools, many consumers can still control their
spending and stay socially connected. Therefore, the convenience and
time-saving benefits of online shopping still outweigh its drawbacks.
✍️Easy example in an essay:
• Some people believe that online shopping leads to impulsive buying
and reduces human interaction.(Counterargument) However, with
proper budgeting and digital communication tools, many consumers
can still control their spending and stay socially connected. Therefore,
the convenience and time-saving benefits of online shopping still
outweigh its drawbacks. (Refutation)
 ACTIVITY 2: EXERCISE 3 / PAGE 71
• What is the topic?
• Does the writer support or oppose the topic?
• What are the reasons given to justify his/her opinion?
• Read the sample essay and complete the essay outline.
• Point out the counterargument in the essay
Points to consider

• Decide whether you agree or disagree with the subject of the topic,
then make a list of your viewpoints and reasons.
• Write well-developed paragraphs, joining the sentences with
appropriate linking words and phrases.
• Do not forget to start each paragraph with a topic sentence which
summarises what the paragraph is about.
• Linking words and phrases should also be used to join one paragraph
with the other.
Sexual discrimination against women
still exists
 EXERCISE 7 / PAGE 73
• What is the topic?
• What are suitable introduction and conclusion
paragraphs?
• Does the writer support or oppose the topic?
• What are the reasons given to justify his/her opinion?
 EXERCISE 8 / PAGE 74
• What essay is better: A or B?
• Look at the better version, and answer the following
questions:
1. What is the topic?
2. Does the writer support or oppose the topic?
3. What are the reasons given to justify his/her opinion?
4. Which technique is used to write the introduction and
the conclusion of the essay?
• Introduction review

- Hook
- Background
- Thesis statement
• Paragraph 1 – advantages
- Topic sentence
- Advantage 1
- Advantage 2
• Paragraph 2 – disadvantages
- Topic sentence
- Disadvantage 1
- Disadvantage 2
• Conclusion
 EXPRESSIONS TO STATE YOUR OPINION

• To my mind,…  I (do not) agree that/with the idea

• To my way of thinking,... that ….
 It strikes me that...
• It is my (firm)
belief/opinion/view/conviction  My opinion is that,
(that)...  I (definitely) feel/think that...
• In my opinion/view...  I am inclined to believe that...
• I (firmly/strongly) believe...
 It seems/appears to me...
• I am (not) convinced that...
 As far as I am concerned,...
EXERCISE 4 / P.72
Exercise 4 / page 72
express your opinion
Argumentative essays
How to write a counterargument paragraph
Write a counterargument paragraph

• Introduce the opposing viewpoints

Present

• Acknowledge the opposing viewpoints

Concede

• Give reasons to explain why the opposing

Rebute viewpoint are weak
 Read the following examples and identify the counterarguments and rebuttals in each example.

• 1. Some believe that raising the minimum wage will lead to job loss, as
businesses may not afford to pay higher wages to their employees. There is
some merit in this argument; however, research shows that modest increases
in the minimum wage have not had a significant negative impact on
employment rates. In fact, a higher minimum wage can stimulate consumer
spending, which can benefit businesses in the long run.
• 2. Some people contend that mandatory vaccination violates individual
freedom and parental rights. While this may be true in certain cases, when it
comes to public health, the collective well-being of society must take
precedence over individual choices. Immunization programs have been
instrumental in eradicating deadly diseases and protecting vulnerable
populations.
 Cellphone shouldn’t be allow to use
cellphones in the school
• 1. Many people argue that cell phones should be allowed in schools because
……………………………………………. (Counterargument). While this is true to some
extent, it is essential to…………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………….(Refutation)
Cellphone shouldn’t be allow to use
cellphones in the school
• 1. Many people argue that cell phones should be allowed in schools
because they can be used as educational tools. While this is true to
some extent, it is essential to consider the distractions they pose in
the classroom. Students may be tempted to use their phones for non-
educational purposes, such as social media and gaming, which can
disrupt the learning environment.
Think about how you can rebut the following arguments.

1. Some claim that online education is less effective than traditional

classroom learning.

2. Some students advocate for allowing cell phones in classrooms, arguing

that they can enhance learning and provide quick access to information.

3. Many people fear that AI can soon replace teachers in imparting

knowledge to students in a quicker and more effective way.
SUGGESTED IDEAS:

1. Some claim that online education is less effective than traditional

classroom learning.
=> Self-paced learning and accessible learning resources can enhance
students’ outcomes.
2. Some students advocate for allowing cell phones in classrooms, arguing
that they can enhance learning and provide quick access to information.
ÞEnable students to cheat and limit their ability to think
3. Many people fear that AI can soon replace teachers in imparting
knowledge to students in a quicker and more effective way.
=> AI cannot teach students moral values and life lessons.
How to write a counterargument
Use expressions to introduce counterarguments such as:
• Some people claim that...
• It is often argued that...
• Opponents of this idea believe that...
To refute the opposing view, use:
• However,...
• Nevertheless,...
• This argument fails to consider...
Look at the sentences below and
discuss any issues they might have.
• A modern transportation system will solve urgent traffic
problems.
• Motorcycles are the main cause of air pollution.
• Sky trains help solve the problem of traffic congestion on the
roads

Are you 100% sure it's

going to happen?
COMMON PROBLEMS OF OVERGENERALIZATION

- Extreme/absolute language: none, all, everyone, no one, always, never,

totally, must, will.
- Use present simple: The simple present tense can be used to
describe universal truths, such as: "Water boils at
100°C." However, when presenting inferential arguments
in academic Writing Task 2, it is advisable to avoid using
the simple present tense.
Look at the sentences below and
discuss any issues they might have.
• A modern transportation system will solve urgent traffic
problems.
• Motorcycles are the main cause of air pollution.
• Sky trains help solve the problem of traffic congestion on the
roads

Are you 100% sure it's

going to happen/it’s the
case?
Overgeneralization
• A modern transportation system will solve urgent traffic
problems.
• Motorcycles are the main cause of air pollution.
• Sky trains help solve the problem of traffic congestion on the
roads
How to fix these sentences?
• Original: "A modern transportation system will solve urgent traffic
problems."
• Revised: "A modern transportation system can help address urgent
traffic problems."
• Original: "Motorcycles are the main cause of air pollution."
• Revised: "Motorcycles are one of the main contributors to air
pollution."
• Original: "Sky trains help solve the problem of traffic congestion on the
roads.”
• Revised: "Sky trains can assist in alleviating traffic congestion on the
roads."
HEDGING LANGUAGE
WHAT IS HEDGING LANGUAGE?

Hedging refers to language that makes statements less definite or

assertive, adding uncertainty or reducing the strength of what is being
said. (Mauranen, 1997)

https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110807332.115
See a few hedging words and phrases in
sample sentences below
• Impersonal Passive
 Overgeneralization: "Sky trains completely solve traffic congestion."
 Hedging: "It is believed that sky trains can significantly reduce traffic
congestion.“
• Modal Verb
 Overgeneralization: "Underground systems eliminate the problem of traffic
jams."
 Hedging: "Underground systems can help reduce the problem of traffic jams."
• Quantifier
 Overgeneralization: "Everyone prefers using sky trains over buses."
 Hedging: “Several/Many people prefer using sky trains over buses."
• · Adverb of Degree
 Overgeneralization: "Traffic jams are entirely caused by poor road planning."
 Hedging: "Traffic jams are significantly caused by poor road planning."
• · Adverb of Frequency
 Overgeneralization: "Sky trains always run on time."
 Hedging: "Sky trains usually run on time."
• · Adverb of Probability
 Overgeneralization: "The new underground system will completely solve the
city's traffic problems."
 Hedging: "The new underground system will probably help solve many of the
city's traffic problems."
Introductory verbs
Introductory verbs (động từ mở đầu / động từ dẫn) là những động từ
dùng để giới thiệu một quan điểm, ý kiến, hay phán đoán, thường
được sử dụng trong văn viết học thuật (academic writing) để:
• Giới thiệu đánh giá, quan điểm của người viết hoặc người khác
• Diễn đạt ý kiến một cách khách quan, gián tiếp
• Tăng mức độ linh hoạt, chính xác và lịch sự trong lập luận
• It seems that climate change is affecting crop yields.
→ Diễn đạt một cách khiêm tốn, chưa khẳng định chắc chắn.
• Several studies indicate that this species is endangered.
→ Dựa trên nghiên cứu, có bằng chứng hỗ trợ.
• Researchers believe that cultural identity shapes behavior.
→ Trình bày quan điểm của người khác, không khẳng định trực tiếp
của người viết.
• Introductory Verbs: seem, tend, look like, appear to be, think, believe,
indicate, suggest
 Overgeneralization: "Underground systems are the perfect solution to traffic
congestion."
 Hedging: "Underground systems appear to be an effective solution to traffic
congestion."
• Certain Lexical Verbs: believe, assume, suggest
 Overgeneralization: "Sky trains are the only way to improve public
transportation."
 Hedging: "Many believe that sky trains are an important way to improve public
transportation."
•
Task
• Impersonal Passive
• Overgeneralization: "Traffic lights always improve traffic flow."
• Hedging: "It is suggested that traffic lights can improve traffic flow."
• Modal Verb
• Overgeneralization: "Sky trains completely eliminate traffic congestion."
• Hedging: "Sky trains might help alleviate traffic congestion."
• Quantifier
• Overgeneralization: "All cities with underground systems have no traffic problems."
• Hedging: "Many cities with underground systems experience fewer traffic
problems."
• Adverb of Degree
• Overgeneralization: "Traffic jams are entirely caused by poor public
transportation."
• Hedging: "Traffic jams are largely caused by inadequate public transportation."
• Adverb of Frequency
• Overgeneralization: "Underground trains always run without delays."
• Hedging: "Underground trains often run with few delays."
• Adverb of Probability
• Overgeneralization: "New traffic regulations will completely resolve traffic issues."
• Hedging: "New traffic regulations are likely to help resolve some traffic issues."
• Introductory Verbs
• Overgeneralization: "Sky trains are the ultimate solution to public
transportation issues."
• Hedging: "It is believed that sky trains tend to be a major solution to
public transportation issues."
• Certain Lexical Verbs
• Overgeneralization: "Every city should implement sky trains to solve
transportation problems."
• Hedging: "Many planners believe that implementing sky trains could
benefit cities with transportation problems."
Many processed foods and readymade meals contain preservatives and chemicals. what are the advantages of this? Do you
think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
It is a very popular practice in the modern society to order ready-made food from restaurants, rather
than cooking at home. The main reasons for such a tendency may be cheap prices in some Introduction:
restaurants and people's desire to save some time from cooking. Even though ordering food have ___________________
Introduce the topic
___________________
some obvious advantages, I believed that its disadvantages should not be underestimated. Give your position
On the one hand, ordering prepared food may be the best choice for a busy person, who does not Body 1:
have time for cooking and cleaning. Cooking food at home requires a considerable amount of time, ___________________
moreover the cleaning process may take even more time and resources than cooking itself. For ______
_____________
example, cooking a simple dish such as chicken with rice and home requires significant amounts of
water and electricity for electrical appliances such as the oven and dishwasher. Hence, having an
opportunity to order food from a restaurant can help will save a lot of time, electricity and water. Discuss ‘unfavoured’ view
On the other hand, even though the use of such preservatives has been recognized as safe by the
Provide hedges
Food and Safety Authority, I argue that regular intake of such food has resulted in allergic reactions in
people and in some cases it has also been the major cause of chronic illnesses like cancer, heart Body 2 :
disease and so on. Some recent studies revealed that the behavioral changes in children were highly
associated with the consumption of food which contained preservatives. Furthermore, it has been
found that use of some preservatives leads to antibiotic resistance in people and affects the
metabolic process adversely.
To conclude, use of preservatives and chemicals is inevitable in today's world. However, I believe the Discuss ‘favoured’ view
disadvantages associated with its usage outweigh the advantages. Provide boosts
Conclusion

Restate your position

Final comments
 KEY POINTS
1. You are required to present both sides of the argument. One side cannot
be ignored.
2. An essay should typically consist of four paragraphs: an introduction
(2–3 sentences), two body paragraphs (each 5-8 sentences), and a
conclusion (2–3 sentences).
3. Writing the first body paragraph on the opinion you don't actually agree
with and the second body paragraph about the opinion you agree with.
However, this is not the only way to structure your essay. Don't forget to
(1) weaken the "strength" of the first part of the body and (2) increase it
in the second.
 It is a very popular practice in the modern society to order ready-made food from restaurants, rather than
cooking at home. The main reasons for such a tendency may be cheap prices in some restaurants and
people's desire to save some time from cooking. Even though ordering food have some obvious advantages,
its disadvantages should not be underestimated.

On the one hand, ordering prepared food may be the best choice for a busy person, who does not have time
for cooking and cleaning. Cooking food at home requires a considerable amount of time, moreover the
Hedging cleaning process may take even more time and resources than cooking itself. For example, cooking a simple
dish such as chicken with rice and home requires significant amounts of water and electricity for electrical
appliances such as the oven and dishwasher. Hence, having an opportunity to order food from a restaurant
might save a lot of time, electricity and water.

On the other hand, even though the use of such preservatives has been recognized as safe by the Food and
Safety Authority, it is found that regular intake of such food has certainly resulted in allergic reactions in
people and in some cases it has also been the major cause of chronic illnesses like cancer, heart disease and
Boosting so on. A recent study revealed that the behavioral changes in children were highly associated with the
consumption of food which contained preservatives. Furthermore, it has been found that use of some
preservatives leads to antibiotic resistance in people and affects the metabolic process adversely.

To conclude, use of preservatives and chemicals is inevitable in today's world. However, I believe the
disadvantages associated with its usage outweigh the advantages.
 It is a very popular practice in the modern society to order ready-made food from restaurants, rather than
cooking at home. The main reasons for such a tendency may be cheap prices in some restaurants and
people's desire to save some time from cooking. Even though ordering food have some obvious advantages,
its disadvantages should not be underestimated.

On the one hand, ordering prepared food may be the best choice for a busy person, who does not have time
for cooking and cleaning. Cooking food at home requires a considerable amount of time, moreover the
Hedging cleaning process may take even more time and resources than cooking itself. For example, cooking a simple
dish such as chicken with rice and home requires significant amounts of water and electricity for electrical
appliances such as the oven and dishwasher. Hence, having an opportunity to order food from a restaurant
might save a lot of time, electricity and water.

On the other hand, even though the use of such preservatives has been recognized as safe by the Food and
Safety Authority, it is found that regular intake of such food has certainly resulted in allergic reactions in
people and in some cases it has also been the major cause of chronic illnesses like cancer, heart disease and
Boosting so on. A recent study revealed that the behavioral changes in children were highly associated with the
consumption of food which contained preservatives. Furthermore, it has been found that use of some
preservatives leads to antibiotic resistance in people and affects the metabolic process adversely.

To conclude, use of preservatives and chemicals is inevitable in today's world. However, I believe the
disadvantages associated with its usage outweigh the advantages.
Which sentence from each set has
stronger meaning?
Food:
1. The taste of the dish seems to be somewhat flavorful.
2. The taste of the dish is incredibly flavorful.
Fashion:
3. Her style seems to be somewhat trendy and fashionable.
4. Her style is undeniably trendy and fashionable.
Music:
5. The song would somewhat resonate with the listeners' emotions.
6. The song will certainly resonate with the listeners' emotions.
It is a very popular practice in the modern society to order ready-made food from restaurants, rather than cooking at home. The
main reasons for such a tendency may be cheap prices in some restaurants and people's desire to save some time from cooking.
Even though ordering food have some obvious advantages, its disadvantages should not be underestimated.

On the one hand, ordering prepared food may be the best choice for a busy person, who does not have time for cooking and
cleaning. Cooking food at home requires a considerable amount of time, moreover the cleaning process may take even more
time and resources than cooking itself. For example, cooking a simple dish such as chicken with rice and home requires
significant amounts of water and electricity for electrical appliances such as the oven and dishwasher. Hence, having an
opportunity to order food from a restaurant will save a lot of time, electricity and water.

On the other hand, even though the use of such preservatives has been recognized as safe by the Food and Safety Authority, it is
found that regular intake of such food has certainly resulted in allergic reactions in people and in some cases it has also been the
major cause of chronic illnesses like cancer, heart disease and so on. A recent study revealed that the behavioral changes in
children were highly associated with the consumption of food which contained preservatives. Furthermore, it has been found
that use of some preservatives leads to antibiotic resistance in people and affects the metabolic process adversely.

To conclude, use of preservatives and chemicals is inevitable in today's world. However, I believe the disadvantages associated
with its usage outweigh the advantages.
Can
• Can is both a hedging and a boosting word.
• Credible guidelines can certainly be established.
• These findings can possibly be explained by earlier research.
 Rewrite some sentences below using hedging and boosting

• Convenience food are not fresh or healthy as processed food

• Processed foods are safe for vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly,
and even pregnant women.
• Fresh food or organic food are more expensive to produce
• The ready-made meals and processed foods contain an amount of preservatives and
chem
• The extensive marketing and advertising campaigns by the food industry influence
consumer choices.
 Rewrite some sentences below using hedging and boosting

• Convenience food may not be quite fresh or healthy as processed food

• Processed foods are probably less safe for vulnerable groups such as young children,
the elderly, and even pregnant women.
• Fresh food or organic food tends to be much more expensive to produce
• Most the ready-made meals and processed foods contain a considerable amount of
preservatives and chem
• The extensive marketing and advertising campaigns by the food industry heavily
influence consumer choices.
BOOSTING LANGUAGE
• Boosting language, often used in academic writing, involves using
words and phrases that make statements more definite and assertive.
It is the opposite of hedging language, which adds uncertainty or
reduces the strength of statements. Boosting is used to make claims
more persuasive and impactful.
Types of Boosting Language:
• Adverbs of Degree: These adverbs increase the intensity of the
adjectives or verbs they modify.
• Examples: absolutely, completely, extremely, highly, immensely,
incredibly, perfectly, totally, utterly, vastly
• Usage Example: "The solution is absolutely essential for the success
of the project."
• Modal Verbs: Modal verbs like "will" and "must" can add certainty to
statements.
• Examples: will, must, shall
• Usage Example: "The new system will improve efficiency."
• Quantifiers: Quantifiers that suggest a large amount or a high degree
can make statements more assertive.
• Examples: all, every, entirely, fully, largely, the majority of
• Usage Example: "The policy will have an impact on the majority of
the population."
• Certain Lexical Verbs: Some verbs inherently convey a strong sense of
certainty or importance.
• Examples: prove, demonstrate, show, establish, confirm, ensure
• Usage Example: "The study proves that renewable energy is viable."
• Emphatic Phrases: Phrases that emphasize the importance or impact
of the statement.
• Examples: without a doubt, there is no question that, it is clear that
• Usage Example: "Without a doubt, the new regulations are
necessary."
• Collocations Combining Adverbs and Adjectives:
• Here are some common collocations that can be used to
boost the assertiveness of statements:
•Absolutely essential
•Completely necessary
•Extremely valuable
•Highly effective
•Immensely important
•Incredibly powerful
Climate change may affect the environment.
 Boosted: Climate change undoubtedly affects the environment.
Recycling can help reduce waste.
 Boosted: Recycling significantly helps reduce waste.
Renewable energy sources might be beneficial for the future.
 Boosted: Renewable energy sources are extremely beneficial for the future.
Education about conservation is important.
 Boosted: Education about conservation is absolutely essential.
The new policy may have an impact on public health.
 Boosted: The new policy will have a significant impact on public health.
The study suggests that exercise is good for overall well-being.
 Boosted: The study conclusively proves that exercise is good for overall well-being.
Some people think that technology is useful in education.
 Boosted: All people think that technology is highly useful in education.
The company's new product might improve productivity.
 Boosted: The company's new product will undoubtedly improve productivity.
Sustainable practices can lead to better resource management.
 Boosted: Sustainable practices inevitably lead to better resource management.
The research indicates that sleep is essential for health.
 Boosted: The research clearly shows that sleep is essential for health.
PROBLEMS WITH YOUR COUNTERARGUMENTS
1. Only present the counterargument without rebutting it.
Ex:
- Counterargument: social media causes some serious problems
+ Misinformation
+ Cyberbullying

2. Arguments used to rebut the counterargument are not directly relevant.

Ex:
- Counterargument: Social media provide a platform for people to make money.
- Rebuttal: Users’ personal information can be stolen for some unlawful acts.
- => There is also a risk that people can easily get involved in financial fraud and lose
their money.
GOOD EXAMPLES

• EXAMPLE 1:
• Counterargument:
Critics claim that misinformation and fake news are rampant on social media
platforms.
• Rebuttals:
- Social media platforms are taking steps to combat misinformation
- Users can develop critical thinking skills to discern reliable sources

• EXAMPLE 2:
• Counterargument:
Social media can help foster connections and provide platforms for social
activism.
 Writing PRACTICE

• Cell phones have become an integral part of our lives, and students are no
exception. However, there is a debate about whether cell phones should
be allowed in the classroom. Some people argue that cell phones can be a
distraction that prevents students from learning effectively while others
argue that cell phones can be used as educational tools.
• Write an essay in which you express your opinion on whether students
should be allowed to use cell phones in the classroom. Be sure to support
your position with evidence and examples.
• You should write at least 250 words.
• Your essay will be assessed in terms of Task achievement, Organization,
Vocabulary, and Grammar.
Reasons to Support the Use of Smartphones Reasons to Oppose the Use of Smartphones in
in Classrooms Classrooms
Reasons to Support the Use of Smartphones Reasons to Oppose the Use of Smartphones in
in Classrooms Classrooms
 Access to educational resources like apps,  Distraction due to non-educational
e-books, and research tools activities (e.g., social media, gaming)
 Interactive learning through tools like  Increased risk of cheating during tests or
quizzes, polls, and educational games assignments
 Improved communication for group  Reduced social interaction and face-to-face
projects and teacher-student interactions communication among students
 Development of digital literacy and  Dependence on technology leading to
essential tech skills decreased critical thinking and problem-
 Instant feedback from educational apps solving
and online assessments  Equity issues as not all students may have
access to smartphones or quality devices
ESSAY OUTLINE

• Introduction:
ÞThesis statement: topic + opinion
Body:
+ reason 1: …………………………
+ reason 2: ………………..………
+ reason 3: ………………………..
+ opposing view: ……………………………..……………
=> rebuttal: ………………………………………………..
Conclusion:
=> repeat: topic + opinion
 Technology has become an integral part of daily life, including education, in today's digital age. The debate on whether
smartphones should be allowed in classrooms has been ongoing, with arguments on both sides. This essay argues that
smartphones should be permitted in classrooms because they provide access to educational resources and support the
development of digital literacy.

One significant advantage of allowing smartphones in the classroom is their ability to provide instant access to
educational resources. Students can use educational apps, e-books, and research tools to deepen their understanding of
various topics. Teachers can guide students in finding reliable online sources, enhancing their research skills. For instance,
language learning apps and e-books can complement lessons and offer students additional practice. By integrating
smartphones into classroom activities, students can benefit from a wealth of information at their fingertips.

In addition, using smartphones in the classroom helps develop essential digital literacy, preparing students for the
future. In a world increasingly reliant on technology, familiarity with digital tools is a crucial skill for higher education and the
job market. Classroom smartphone use teaches responsible and effective use of technology, fostering critical digital skills.
Using productivity apps for project management or collaboration platforms during group work can simulate real-world
technology use. Promoting digital literacy through smartphone use helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and
real-life applications.

However, some critics argue that smartphones can be distracting and lead to off-task behavior. This is because students
can easily be distracted by entertaining activities on smartphones such as social media or games, which can reduce their
concentration on learning activities. While this is true to some extent, I strongly believe that with proper management
strategies, such as teacher monitoring and specific usage rules, smartphones can be used effectively without disrupting
learning.

In conclusion, Allowing smartphones in the classroom can enhance educational experiences by providing access to
resources and supporting digital literacy. Smartphones offer educational benefits that outweigh potential downsides when
managed well. Embracing smartphones as educational tools can help prepare students for a tech-driven world.
 Topics for PRACTICE WRITING ESSAYS

1. In recent years, fast fashion has become increasingly popular due to its affordability and
accessibility. However, it also has its critics who argue that it contributes to environmental
degradation and unethical labor practices. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the fast
fashion trend in the modern society.
2. Living in a touristy place can be both a dream and a nightmare for residents. Some argue
that it boosts the local economy and cultural exchange, while others contend that it leads to
overcrowding and disrupts the community's way of life. Do you think living in a touristy place
is more advantageous or detrimental to the residents?
3. Getting married at an older age has become increasingly common in modern society. Some
argue that it allows individuals to be more financially stable and emotionally mature, while
others contend that it might lead to missed opportunities for starting a family. Write an essay
presenting arguments both for and against getting married late.
4. Advertising is an omnipresent aspect of modern life, influencing our choices and perceptions
in various ways. Share your personal opinion on the role of advertising in society. Do you
believe that advertising is a valuable tool for informing consumers and driving economic
growth, or do you think it has a more negative impact, such as encouraging materialism and
manipulating people's desires?