Writing a structured essay

Vocabulário

• 论点argument / thesis point
• 论据supporting evidence / argument basis
• 结论conclusion
• 引言introduction / opening statement
• 过渡句transition sentence
• 反驳rebuttal / counterargument
• 立场position / stance
• 段落paragraph
• 逻辑连贯logical coherence
• 议论文argumentative essay

Expressões

• 综上所述我们应当采取积极措施应对这一挑战Standard conclusion formula summarizing the essay and calling for action
• 固然技术带来便利但是其副作用不容忽视Conceding a point before presenting a counterargument using the 固然…但是 structure
• 就环境保护问题而言个人行动与政策缺一不可Introducing a topic formally and asserting that both individual action and policy are indispensable
• 笔者认为政府应当在此方面发挥主导作用Stating the author formal opinion using the essay writing convention 笔者认为
• 尽管有人持反对意见然而事实证明此举利大于弊Conceding opposition before refuting it with evidence using 尽管…然而
• 由此可见加强教育投入是解决问题的根本途径Drawing a conclusion from the preceding arguments using the formula 由此可见

Erros frequentes

• ✗我认为这个问题很重要，我们要解决它。
  ✓笔者认为，此问题至关重要，亟待解决。

  我 is too informal in essay writing — 笔者 is the conventional formal first person; 这个 becomes 此; 很重要 becomes 至关重要 (of utmost importance); 要 becomes 亟待 (urgently requires)

• ✗总的来说，我们应该做一些事情。
  ✓综上所述，我们应当采取切实有效的措施加以应对。

  总的来说 is conversational; 综上所述 is the essay-standard summary opener; 做一些事情 is vague — 采取切实有效的措施 (take practical and effective measures) is specific and formal

• ✗虽然有人不同意，但这个方法好。
  ✓固然有人持不同意见，但此方法的可行性已得到证实。

  虽然 can be used but 固然 is preferred when conceding before refuting in formal essays; 这个方法好 is too informal — 可行性已得到证实 (feasibility has been confirmed) provides proper academic support

Quiz rápido