Grammar: 🔄 Review & Consolidation (B2) - Writing Task: Argumentative or Discursive Essay

Writing: Academic Essays

B2 Consolidation Task: The Argumentative Essay

What you will do: In this lesson, you will combine all your B2 skills to plan and write a short argumentative or discursive essay on a given topic.

Your Writing Challenge ✍️

Your task is to write a short, structured essay. First, you must understand the two common academic styles.

An Argumentative Essay tries to persuade the reader to agree with your strong point of view. You take one side and defend it.

A Discursive Essay is more balanced. You discuss both sides of an issue before giving your own, more considered opinion at the end.

Step 1: Choose Your Essay Prompt

Select ONE of the following topics for your essay:

1. "Modern technology, such as smartphones and social media, has made people less sociable, not more." To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of tourism for a developing country like Cambodia.
3. "Governments should heavily tax unhealthy products like sugary drinks and junk food to improve public health." Do you agree or disagree?

Step 2: Understand the Structure

Recommended B2 Essay Structure (4 Paragraphs)

1. Introduction: Start with a general statement (a hook). Then, present your thesis statement, which clearly states your main argument or what the essay will discuss.
2. Body Paragraph 1: Start with a topic sentence for your first main point. Support it with explanations and examples.
3. Body Paragraph 2: Start with a topic sentence for your second main point (or, for a discursive essay, discuss the opposing view). Support it with explanations and examples.
4. Conclusion: Restate your thesis in a new way, summarize your main points, and give a final concluding thought. Do not add new ideas.

Your Writer's Toolkit 🛠️

B2 Grammar & Style Checklist

As you write, try to demonstrate your advanced skills. Can you include:

• An advanced conditional (e.g., 2nd, 3rd, or Mixed)?
• A participle clause to connect ideas (e.g., "Feeling concerned,...")?
• An advanced linking word (e.g., however, furthermore, consequently)?
• The passive voice for a formal tone (e.g., "It is argued that...")?
• Precise vocabulary with correct connotation?

Step 3: Plan & Write Your Essay 🎯

Pre-Writing Plan

Before you write, planning is essential. Quickly answer these questions in your notebook.

1. Which prompt have you chosen?
2. What is your thesis statement (your main argument)?
3. What is the topic sentence for your first body paragraph?
4. What is the topic sentence for your second body paragraph?

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Write Your Essay

Now, write your essay (approximately 150-200 words). Use your plan and the B2 Grammar & Style Checklist to guide you. Focus on creating a clear, logical, and sophisticated response. Good luck!

Key Vocabulary

• Argumentative Essay (Noun) | សំណេរ​បែប​វែកញែក
  An essay that takes a strong position on one side of an issue to persuade the reader.
• Discursive Essay (Noun) | សំណេរ​បែប​ពិភាក្សា
  An essay that explores a topic from different viewpoints in a balanced way.
• Persuade (Verb) | បញ្ចុះបញ្ចូល
  To cause someone to believe something through reasoning or argument.