What CXC Wants

Section D consists of ONE compulsory argumentative essay question which is worth 25 marks. The format for
the response may vary from year to year (for example, a speech, letter to Editor, essay). 

If the question asks you to take a position in favour of, for or against a written statement, it is asking for an
Argumentative Essay.

SAMPLE QUESTION

SECTION D (Suggested time: 45 minutes) 

You MUST answer this question. 
Your answer should be approximately 250 to 300 words in length. 
You MUST write in Standard English. Write your answer on the RULED PAGES provided, pages 19-21. You
are expected to write within the word limit. There may be more space than you need. There is a blank page for
any notes you want to make. THIS WILL NOT BE MARKED. 
In your answer you will be assessed on the 
(a) clarity, organization and development of your argument
(c) correctness of grammar, sentences, paragraphs, vocabulary, spelling and 
punctuation. 

The Minister of Education in your country is considering implementing a school for secondary
children in your country. Some believe that education should be free for everyone. Write an
essay in which you state your views for or against school fees.

STEP 1

DECIDE YOUR POSITION

Are you FOR or Against? Agree or disagree? 

Eg. Education should be free for everyone - Agree
Education should not be free for everyone - Disagree

When you decide your position this is your topic. EDUCATION SHOULD BE FREE FOR EVERYONE =
Topic

Step 2

DECIDE WHY YOU BELIEVE THIS TO BE TRUE

What are you ideas about it?

Three ideas you may become are

1. It would reduce unemployment rate
2. There would be done more educated workforce
3. A possibly lover crime rate

Ensure that there is no overlap in your ideas i.e. That you aren't saying the same thing twice.

You are now ready to form your topic sentences.

Topic sentences

A topic sentence is a statement that tells that your paragraph will be about. a good topic sentence does two
important things. It helps readers to stay focused on the topic of your paragraphs and it helps readers know what
your paragraph will be about. E topic sentence should state the topic and include or summarise ideas.

Topic = (What you're writing about) ideas =(what you think about the topic)

A healthy diet includes fruits and vegetables

TOPIC IDEAS

Step 3

FORM YOUR THESIS STATEMENT

What is a thesis statement-a thesis statement helps unify your essay. It tells the reader the planes that you intend
to prove out the essay. Your thesis statement should be expressed in one sentence.

A thesis statement makes an assertion; it is not a simple statement or observation.

A thesis statement takes a standard; it does not make an announcement period
A thesis is a main idea, not a title.
A thesis statement is specific.
A good thesis does not need to state" this paper will show" or "I hope to show”. Your point should be apparent to
the readers.
A good thesis statement often answers the questions how or why.

FAQs on thesis statements

1. Does every essay need a thesis statement? - yes

2. Where do I put it?–at the end of the introduction
3. Can it be longer than one sentence? - no
4. Can I rewrite it if I change my mind?–sure. Revisit to your thesis statement as you work on the essay

5 GROUPS OF NEVER-USE WORDS IN A THESIS STATEMENT

Personal pronouns– I, you, we

Uncertainty qualifiers– might, maybe, perhaps
Extremism the symptoms–everything, all, none, always, never
Vague formulations - some, kind of, somewhat
Obvious exaggeration –lifesaving, Best of the best

YOUR THESIS MUST CONTAIN your topic + your 3 ideas.

Education should it be free for everyone because it would reduce the unemployment rate, there would be an
more educated workforce and it could possibly lower the crime rate.