IELTS EXAMINATION PREPARATION WRITING SKILLS: LAYOUT 3773 This is one of frequently suggested formats for argumentative writing

in English. First, study the information given in the table. Then do the tasks given on the other side of the handout. Introduction: Three sentences Present situation Both sides of Argument What you are going to do in this essay / Your opinion (Thesis sentence)

Paragraph 2 Seven/eight sentences

Topic Sentence Argument 1 or Reason 1 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail Argument 2 or Reason 2 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail Argument 3 or Reason 3 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail Summary sentence for Para 2

Paragraph 3 Seven/eight sentences

Topic Sentence Argument 1 or Reason 1 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail Argument 1 or Reason 1 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail Argument 2 or Reason 2 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail Argument 3 or Reason 3 Example, Explanation, or supporting detail Summary sentence for Para 3

Conclusion

Summary Present situation and your opinion Future statement

Ability to build well organized and coherent paragraphs is one of the most important and essential skills in writing. Topic Sentence Example Supporting detail Explanation Supporting Detail

Supporting Detail

These sentences should be organized into one coherent essay. Use the 3773 layout description on the other side of the handout for your assistance. Identify the essential elements of the essay: topic sentences, examples, supporting details. Should parents be responsible if their children behave badly?

A. ___ A third point is that even children from good families can sometimes commit crimes. B. ___ Another point is that even though the children may seem mature, they are not really able to make C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N. O. P. Q. R. S.
good decisions. ___ Despite the damage these teenage criminals cause, parents are not held responsible in most countries. ___ First of all, teenagers today are independent. ___ Firstly, most juvenile crimes are committed by adolescents whose parents do not care or make any effort to control their children. ___ Furthermore, if children know that their parents will have to pay, they will think carefully before getting into trouble. ___ However, because of the many problems young troublemakers cause, I feel we should make parents responsible. ___ However, I feel strongly that if we want to reduce the number of such crimes, we need to make parents take more responsibility for their children. ___ If parents had to pay fines, they might make more effort. ___ In conclusion, there are good reasons both for and against making parents pay for acts committed by their children. ___ Many crimes and social problems are caused by children. ___ Parents should be responsible for raising and teaching their children until they are fully grown. ___ Parents should not be responsible if they have worked hard to raise their children properly. ___ Secondly, parents are working. ___ There are many reasons why parents should not be responsible for crimes committed by teenage children. ___ They are expected to learn to take care of themselves and make their own decisions, and not stay like small children attached to their parents. ___ They cannot watch their adolescent children all the time. ___ They often move out of the parent's house at 18 years of age or younger. ___ This essay will discuss whether parents should be forced to pay for their children's crimes.

When do we use 3773? Use TWO paragraphs (3773) if you are giving both sides of the argument or situation - one paragraph for, and one against (or the opposite). Tips for introductions: One easy way to write the introduction for an argument or opinion essay is to write THREE sentences: two about the topic one thesis sentence Tips for conclusions: A good conclusion will rephrase the question summarize the main ideas give your opinion, if you haven't given it already look to the future (say what will happen if the situation continues or changes) but will NEVER add new information

KEY Many crimes and social problems are caused by children. Despite the damage these teenage criminals cause, parents are not held responsible in most countries. This essay will discuss whether parents should be forced to pay for their children's crimes. There are many reasons why parents should not be responsible for crimes committed by teenage children. First of all, teenagers today are independent. They often move out of the parent's house at 18 years of age or younger. They are expected to learn to take care of themselves and make their own decisions, and not stay like small children attached to their parents. Secondly, parents are working. They cannot watch their adolescent children all the time. A third point is that even children from good families can sometimes commit crimes. Parents should not be responsible if they have worked hard to raise their children properly. However, because of the many problems young troublemakers cause, I feel we should make parents responsible. Firstly, most juvenile crimes are committed by adolescents whose parents do not care or make any effort to control their children. If parents had to pay fines, they might make more effort. Another point is that even though the children may seem mature, they are not really able to make good decisions. Parents should be responsible for raising and teaching their children until they are fully grown. Furthermore, if children know that their parents will have to pay, they will think carefully before getting into trouble. In conclusion, there are good reasons both for and against making parents pay for acts committed by their children. However, I feel strongly that if we want to reduce the number of such crimes, we need to make parents take more responsibility for their children. Should parents be responsible if their children behave badly?