2. Analytical Writing
Analytical writing analyzes the effects, consequences, or changes brought about by a phenomenon or a problem.
Sample writing
College examinations
In most schools and colleges examinations are commonly used as a chief means of deciding whether a student succeeds or fails in mastering a particular subject. Although it does the job effectively, its side effects are also enormous.
The most undesirable effect is that examinations encourage bad study habits. As what really counts to them is the examination score, students tend to lay emphasis on the content which will be tested. They are encouraged to memorize mechanically rather than to think creatively. Examinations do not motivate a student to seek more knowledge, but to restrict his reading, they do not enable him to study consistently throughout the whole term, but induce cramming during the exam week.
Worst still, examinations produce constant anxiety and pressure. That is because so much depends on them. Your success or failure in a certain course, your chance to be admitted to a university for further studies, your opportunity to get a well-paid job, and even your whole future may be decided in a single examination. How can one give of his best when he is under extreme pressure? And can we be surprised at the high suicide rate among students?
Examinations lower the standard of teaching as well. For they deprive the teacher of freedom. Since teachers themselves are often judged by examination results, they have to confine themselves to what is rigidly laid down by a syllabus, and are even reduced to training students in exam techniques instead of teaching the subjects.
Few of us admit that examinations can contribute anything really important to the students’ academic development. There are many stories of drop-outs becoming great scientists or successful entrepreneurs later on. If that’s the case, why can’t we make a change and devise something more efficient and reliable than examination?
Sentence structure practice
... will exert a considerable/profound/undesirable/beneficial influence on …
…will produce a considerable/profound/undesirable/beneficial effect on…
this will involve some serious consequences.
The consequence/effect has not been confined/limited to …
The immediate/eventual result it produces is that …
3. Commentary Writing
Commenting on a social phenomenon or on a viewpoint (especially a controversial one) is another common type of argumentative writing. As a person’s opinion on a thing can be for or against or balanced, the essay should be arranged in different structures.
Pros
The structure of an essay expressing a favorable opinion is like this:
The first paragraph introduces the thing to be discussed (make a opinion statement if possible). The second and third paragraph comment on its advantages. The fourth paragraph discusses its disadvantages. The last paragraph presents the conclusive opinion: you are for it.
Because you hold a positive opinion about the thing discussed, two paragraphs are devoted to its advantages, while its disadvantages are slightly touched at the end of the body paragraph. This arrangement makes it sure your favorable opinion is clearly conveyed.
Sample essay
A Ban on Smoking in Public Areas
In recent years, China started a campaign against smoking, the first step being to ban smoking in public places. The media in Beijing published the regulations and the campaign widely, resulting in a dramatic drop in cigarette sales as well as increase in the number of people consulting doctors on advice on how to stop smoking. The benefits of restricting the locations where people may smoke are numerous, though the loss of freedom and the issue of discrimination towards smokers should be considered.
Creating smoke-free areas provides clean air for all people and greatly reduces the harmful effects of direct smoking and also the more serious consequences of passive smoking. An article in China Daily recommended that the government public health departments should “spare no efforts to persuade everyone to accept the idea that smoking is harmful to health”. Once the message was directed only at smokers but medical evidence shows that passive smoking affects all members of the public, especially young children and pregnant women, with increasing numbers of the community suffering from respiratory problems such as asthma and lung cancer.
Offices and public places will be presented as clean environments for working and visiting once the odors and sight of cigarette butts and ash are removed. No longer will the lingering smell of smoke pervade people’s hair and clothes. The chance to enjoy a delicious meal in a restaurant will be savored by all patrons. Once the banning of smoking in public places is enforced, there will be a clear distinction between work and non-work activities, thus creating equality amongst employees whereby the time wasted on smoking will no longer exist. Those who choose to ‘ light up’ will only do so in their own free time and in a place that is established for like-minded colleagues. The whole focus of work can e maintained in an atmosphere of cleanliness without the aura of smoke.
Admittedly, there exist a certain amount of loss of freedom and discrimination once the right to choose low, when and where to relax is removed. Suitable localities for smokers to enjoy their chosen means of unwinding and staying calm need to be provided whilst simultaneously allowing them to observe the rights of non-smokers. Some public institutions and service industries, such as airports and schools, have set up special areas where smokers have the freedom to smoke.
Considering all factors logically, the concept of clearly defining smoking as a major health concern is undeniable. In the light of the dangers associated with it, the decision to prohibit smoking in areas which the whole community is entitled to use is not only wise but of ultimate benefit to everyone.
Sometimes, all the three paragraphs in the body part can be devoted to discussing its advantages. Read the following sample:
Work Part-time
Although more and more Chinese college students take part-time jobs, the percentage is still lower compared with their American counterparts. Most Chinese parents criticize this on the ground that working part-time tends to interfere with their studies, and that the little extra amount of money earned doesn’t compensate for the fatigue incurred by working and studying at the same time. However, I have different opinions.
It is true that the money earned from part-time jobs is small, but it makes much difference as tuition fees and prices of books, not to mention the cost of living, are soaring day by day. Wit the money earned, students can buy books and go traveling at their own expense. Thus, they can help reduce the financial burden of their parents.
What really counts is to learn the hardship of earn money. Chinese students are mostly only child in the family, and their demands are normally accommodated whatever they are. Part-time jobs will teach them how hard it is to earn a little money and help them form a correct viewpoint of life.
Most importantly, doing part-time job sharpens a young person’s awareness. Through part-time work, students will not only have a good understanding of society and prepare themselves psychologically for their future career and life, but gain much experience in dealing with realities and people of different kinds.
Apart from these, doing part-time jobs can teach students to learn how to arrange their time properly and cultivate a sense of competition. All these cannot be bought by money. Working part-time is a rewarding experience that will exert a profound influence on their personality. (C p 118)
Cons
The structure of an essay expressing a favorable opinion is like this:
The first paragraph introduces the thing to be discussed (make an opinion statement if possible). The second admits that there exist some advantages, while the third and the fourth paragraph shifts to discuss its disadvantages. The last paragraph presents the conclusive opinion: you are against it.
Sample essay
On Euthanasia
Euthanasia, an act of putting to death painlessly a person suffering from an incurable and painful disease, begins to draw the public’s attention as modern medicine can sustain one’s life as long as possible. In a national-wide debate, many people argue that the family and doctors should respect the death decision made by a terminally-ill patient. But I hold an opposite point of view.
To practice euthanasia may benefit both the patient and his family. To a terminally-ill patient, who is experiencing extreme suffering and stands no chance of recovery, to be able to end his life painlessly is better release. Death to them is a friend. To the family, given the expense of sustaining his life, it is also a big relief, both financially and mentally.
Despite these benefits, it brings with it problems. For example, it might undermine the need for the treatment of the dying. You may argue that the request and decision should be made by the patient themselves. But could we be sure that they really want to die? Is it likely that they, eaten up mentally by the thought that they are financial drains on their families, just want to unload the guilt or remaining alive?
There is also the matter of mistaken diagnoses. Although rare, mistaken terminal diagnoses do occur. So long as the patient is alive, the mistaken can be corrected, or an effective treatment might be found. But once a death decision has been acted on, there is no chance of correction.
Although the qualities of life is important and should not be ignored, life itself is more important. Legally allowing the end of life would make the dying more vulnerable. (C p121)
Balanced opinion
The structure of an essay expressing a balanced opinion is like this:
The first paragraph introduces the thing to be discussed (make an opinion statement if possible). The second and third paragraph comment on its advantages. The fourth paragraph discusses its disadvantages. The last paragraph presents the balanced conclusion. Because your opinion is neither for nor against it, the discussion of advantages and disadvantages should be balanced too.
Sample essay
Study Overseas
Wit the improved living standard and China more open to the world, more and more young people choose to pursue their higher education in English-speaking countries such as America, Britain or Australia. Frankly speaking, studying overseas has both advantages and disadvantages.
The main benefit of studying abroad is academic one. Obviously in western colleges and universities, the laboratories are more sophisticated, and book resources more up-to-date. More importantly, they have first rate professors who are aware of all the latest developments in their respective fields. Hence the standard of teaching is much higher.
Besides academic benefits, there are other advantages. For example, exposure to foreign culture and contact with students from different countries and different backgrounds will broaden their mind and make them more tolerant. Living alone in the foreign land will also offer greater opportunities to develop their independence, their personality and many other interpersonal skills.
Despite these obvious advantages, we should not overlook negative effects. One problem is the difficulties they have in adjusting to a new culture. They may experience loneliness and homesickness, an experience so overwhelming that many could not endure it. Another is financial problem. It is not easy for ordinary students to cover high college cost. Many overseas students end up dropping out and working full time.
While overseas study has its drawbacks, the advantages are obvious. Provided that it is financially feasible, an overseas education may do a person more good than harm.
Sentence structure practice
It is true that…, but it doesn’t follow that…;
One may argue that…, but…;
There is no doubt/denying/question that…;
There is an element of truth in the view/argument, but they ignore an important fact that…;
Sound as these arguments appear, they are absurd when …is taken into consideration.
Whether it has more advantages or vice versa, one thing is certain:….;
A new study indicates/reveals that…;
They may be right about…, but they seem to fail to take into account…;
4. Comparative Writing
Making a comparison between object A and object B and pointing out their differences and similarities is common in writing, too. This type can also be sub-divided into two sub-types, one being inclined comparison, in which the author expresses his preference, and the other being balance comparison, in which doesn’t make such a statement.
Inclined comparison
Sample essay
Modes of Traveling
With the increased standard of living and the declining working weeks, more and more city-dwellers are taking their holidays in scenic spots and places of interest. Most of them like to join package tours as this mode of travel is said to be more convenient. But I prefer to travel individually for freedom.
It is true that joining a package tour can bring great convenience. You don’t have to worry about room and board during the travel, nor about your transportation. The guide will take care of everything. What you do is to follow the guide and enjoy the scenery. But you lose your freedom for this. At the sight of his/her flag waving, you have to take yourself away from the scenes you are marveling at and follow the guide whose sole interest is to cover all spots according to his schedule, regardless of the weather and your health condition.
Individual travel, however, gives you a great degree of freedom. In climbing mountains, you can choose to drive up in the cable cars, or take pleasure in the process of climbing. You can decide when to start your way, where to linger a little longer and which spot to be skipped over to save time for another spot. You can always adjust your plan.
Of course, traveling alone, you may encounter inconvenience such as getting accommodation for the night and a place for meals. But you can choose the hotel and restaurant to your liking, and avoid the embarrassment of being forced to share a table or a room with a stranger.
To have a holiday tour is to enjoy and relax yourself, and to relax thoroughly, freedom is of essence. If you lose the freedom of action, it is no longer a holiday in anything but name. for this reason, I like traveling alone with several friends.
Balanced comparison
Knowledge or Experience
Which is more important in life, knowledge from the books you read, or personal experience you gain in reality? The answer may vary from person to person. The young, educated may emphasize the former, and the old may stress the latter. But in my opinion, they are of the same importance.
Experience is priceless. How to become an efficient secretary? How to prepare for your first child to come into the world? There is so much experience we need in careers, in life, and even in academic studies. It helps one deal with the problems with ease and confidence. Especially for students who grow up in the ivory tower, to get involved in practical activities and to accumulate experience of different kinds is more crucial.
Experience, however, is limited in terms of time and space. For one thing, it is impossible for anyone to experience all the important events and meet all the famous people. For another, as the speed with which skills are obsolete and new problems crop up is unprecedented because of the fast development of society, experience is far less adequate. Depending too much on it only leads to narrow-mindedness and prejudice.
One way to compensate for it is to read books. Books of various kinds can bring us almost unlimited additional experience. From books you can not only trace back to the wisdom of our antecedents, but keep up wit the latest developments of science and technology. To be sure, it’s secondhand experience. But it is the ideal supplement to our own limited experience. Few of us can travel around the world, or live long beyond one hundred years, but all of us can live many lives by reading books.
Both book knowledge and personal experience are essential. While experience makes one more resourceful, book knowledge makes one more learned.
Sentence structure practice
Personally, I’m in favor of the opinion that …;
The advantages of A outweigh the benefit we gain from B;
The advantages of A carry more weight than those of B;
The effect of contrast is heightened by another advantage B enjoys;
By contrast; in contrast to; on the contrary;
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