Argument-led approach to writing IELTS essays

This approach is used mainly when you are required to discuss more than one type of
evidence, or point of view. With argument-led essays, you have to outline the
arguments before weighing them up and reaching your own conclusion. In this way you
are not starting with your own viewpoint, but presenting your viewpoint based on all of
the evidence. The argument-led approach is used when you have to discuss pros and
cons, for and against or to discuss different people's opinions.

The first thing you need to do is to read the input statement and interpret appropriately
whether there are different arguments to discuss, or if there is only one viewpoint or
type of evidence to agree or disagree with. Look at these examples:

EXAMPLE 1 - Modern lifestyles have been changed irrevocably by the technology that we use. Some people
embrace this change whilst others are negative about these changes. Discuss both points of view and give your
own opinion.

EXAMPLE 2 - Modern lifestyles are in constant change due to the development of technology and some
people quickly fall out of touch with modern life. It is the responsibility of governments to help its citizens to
embrace technological change so that they can continue to play a full role in the society they live in. Discuss
whether you agree with this statement.

In EXAMPLE 1 you can see that there are positive and negative arguments, but in
EXAMPLE 2 there is only one viewpoint to discuss. In EXAMPLE 2 the argument is
whether it is the government's responsibility to ensure people are educated. Clearly,
not only the government can do this, however there is really only one argument. The
other details would be in whether you think the government are solely responsible. This
means you are giving your opinion and therefore you cannot use the argument-led
approach. For EXAMPLE 2 you would therefore chose the thesis-led approach (see
later).

Let's take a look at the paragraph frame for an argument-led approach.

Paragraph 1 - Introduction
The first sentence or sentences of any introduction need to explain to the reader what
the essay is about. If you start by saying that lifestyle changes are negative then you
are going too quickly into an argument and the reader may not fully understand what
you are writing about. Also, this will make your essay look like a bad example of a
thesis-led essay. He will have to read and reread in order to understand the focus of
the essay. Sentence one (and possibly two) is your topic sentence. Paraphrase the
main topic idea and you might also like to present, in short summary, what the general
arguments are (i.e. positive and negative for the question above). Remember: do not
give your personal opinion (thesis) here.

Paragraph 2
This is the first main paragraph, so here you will be presenting your arguments. What
do you put first? Do you write about the negatives or the positives first? The pros or
the cons, etc? This really depends on what your opinion is. Obviously you need to
ensure you present your opinion in a balanced way, but if you feel largely in agreement
with the positives, then present the positive arguments in this paragraph. If you feel
more negative about the situation, then present your negative arguments here.
Paragraph 3
Quite simply, here is where you present the arguments in opposition to those presented
in paragraph 2. Thus, if in paragraph 2 you dealt with the positives, paragraph 3 will be
for the negatives, and vice versa.

Remember your opinion does not go into paragraph 2 or 3 so deal with general
arguments. What do some people believe and what do others believe?

Paragraph 2 and 3 Structure

Sentence 1 - Topic sentence - express the fact that there are arguments for / against
etc.
Sentence 2/3 etc - Evidence to support the idea in sentence 1. Add further evidence
and examples. Discuss causes and effects of this point of view.

Remember to use appropriate linking words to express the following ideas

Addition of further evidence

Expressing examples
Expressing reasons
Expressing cause and effect

Moving from paragraph 2 to 3

Obviously paragraphs 2 and 3 express different sides of the topic. This means that
these paragraphs contrast against one another. You must use linking words to show
clearly that paragraph 3 is opposing paragraph 2. This means you need to start the
paragraph with a linking word like however or on the other hand. If you don't do this
the reader may not know what information is coming and he may think he's reading
more about the arguments in paragraph 2, rather than opposing arguments.

Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
Now you have discussed the opposing argument you need to express your view based
on how the arguments weigh up. Remember that the conclusion must summarise and
give your balanced viewpoint so use appropriate linking words of summarising,
concession or balancing, and concluding.

Now think about whether there are stronger arguments in favour or against. The
arguments may also equally balance. Your first sentence needs to express how you see
the balance of the information in paragraphs 2 and 3. Does it look weighed in favour /
against / balanced? You need to express how these are balanced using linking words.
For example you could express that there are lots of negatives in the first sentence, but
in the second sentence (or second part of that sentence) use a linking word to suggest
that overall there are more compelling arguments in favour. In the last sentence you
express your opinion, suggest ways of dealing with the negative side of it to ensure the
positives always win. Don't try to write too much about your own personal views. Don't
try to give reasons or examples for your opinion in an argument-led approach because
you have already done this in paragraphs 2 and 3. Also, if you develop your opinion too
much you will run out of time in the exam.
Example Essay

Modern lifestyles have been changed irrevocably by the technology that we use. Some people embrace this
change whilst others are negative about these changes. Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion.

It is undeniable that the impact technology has on our lives is by no means

insignificant and over the past decades the lives of ordinary people have
changed in numerous ways, both for the better and worse.

Some people argue that our lives have got better as technology has developed.
As evidence of this, we can see that advancements in medical science have
improved the national healthcare systems of many countries, resulting in healthier
societies. Furthermore, in the workplace we have the technologies to enable us
not only to be more productive, with the development of communication
technologies such as email and the Internet, but also to work more economically
as computers have reduced our reliance on consumable resources like paper.

On the other hand, our modern lives have not always been affected in a
positive way. For example, technology has had huge negative effects on our
natural and human environments. Cities are growing to cope with increasing
populations and our natural surroundings have changed irrevocably. In
addition, city life has become so fast-paced and people are working longer and
longer hours. As a result, people suffer more stress-related illnesses.

In conclusion, while there are drawbacks that have been unarguably

significant, especially for the environment and our social happiness, these do
not by any means outweigh the advantages gained in terms of medicine and
working conditions. Nevertheless, I feel there is a long way to go in using our
technological knowledge to improve the more negative situations it has brought.

250 words

Key:

• Linking Words
• Common Vocabulary for Writing Task 2
• Subject Specific Vocabulary

Now try this

In many countries children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some
people regard this as completely wrong, while others consider it as
valuable work experience, important for learning and taking
responsibility.
What are your opinions on this?