Essay Skills

Pros vs Cons However, there is an easy way out when it comes to the pros vs cons comparisons:
Questions Always argue that the pros outweigh the cons [stand]
because the cons can be minimised or eliminated with sensible policies and/or responsible practices [thesis].
This means that the cons are not inherent in [whatever the topic of the question is];
rather, the cons are the result of unsound policies and/or irresponsible practices[Note: This may not be relevant to some
questions see fashion and air travel questions below]
Thus, since the cons are not inherent in [topic] and since the cons can be minimised, ultimately, the pros outweigh the
cons [yardstick].
e.g.
Hosting major sporting events creates more problems than benefits. Do you agree? (2005)
Hosting major sporting events does not create more problems than benefits. In fact, hosting major sporting events creates
more benefits than problems
because the problems can be minimised by [e.g. adopting sound policies].
This means that the problems are not inherent in major sporting events; rather, they are the result of unsound policies
Thus, since the problems are the result of unsound policies rather than being inherent to major sporting events, and since the
problems can be minimised, the benefits ultimately outweigh the problems.

Either / Or Question Modern technology dream or nightmare?

Approach 1
STAND: Dream
Paragraph 1
Counter argument: Some argue that modern technology is a nightmare because ( reason X).
Rebuttal: However, reason X is not true / is not truly a nightmare because (reason Y). Thus, modern technology is not a nightmare.
Paragraphs 2-4
A: In fact, modern technology is a dream because (state reason)
In this approach, no comparison is necessary, and the question is not very challenging. However, what if reason X (in Paragraph 1) is
something that cannot be denied? What if it shows that it is actually a nightmare, and cannot be reconciled with a simplenot true
 rebuttal ? How then can you justify that technology is a dream? In these situations, many students will adopt a very sensible
approach: Here, students will reconcile their counter-argument by showing that although there are genuine reasons why it may be
viewed as a nightmare, the reasons why it is a dream far outweigh the reasons why it is a nightmare.

Need/ Necessary / The necessity argument

Important/ must/ Questions where you could use necessity arguments:
essential/ crucial How important is a sense of history in shaping the future of Singapores society?
Discuss the importance of religion in society today.

Questions where you might find it difficult to use necessity arguments:
How important are dreams?
Absolute Qn Recommended approach: Disagree with the absolute (argue the side which only requires you to prove one instance/exception; e.g.
disagree with never but agree with ever)
Comparative qn Recommended approach (for those who frequently fail to meet requirements): Avoid these questions
Recommended approach (for those who do not have a problem with meeting requirements): Consider avoiding these questions. If
you choose to do them, use a yardstick
Too much qn Recommended approach (for those who frequently fail to meet requirements): Avoid these questions
Recommended approach (for those who do not have a problem with meeting requirements): Disagree (argue a lot but not too
much) and use a yardstick
TWO CLAUSES qn Recommended approach: Disagree with either or both clauses
Recommended approach (for those who do not have a problem with meeting requirements): Disagree with either or both clauses
Recommended approach (for those who do not have a problem with meeting requirements and want to try to be clever): In the event
that the two clauses are separated by but, consider whether you can link the two clauses with a because instead of a but. Note
that you may have to reverse the order of the clauses for a because link to work.
STILL qn Recommended approach (for those who frequently fail to meet requirements): Avoid these questions
Recommended approach (for those who do not have a problem with meeting requirements): Consider avoiding these questions. If
you choose to do them, use a CA-R paragraph structure if you disagree, and an A-CA-R paragraph structure if you agree.
Either Or Qn Recommended approach (for those who frequently fail to meet requirements): Pick one of the either/or options as your stand.
 Consider whether you know how to reconcile your counter arguments many students end up attempting to reconcile their counter-
arguments by comparing the two ideas, which then turns it into a comparison question. When this happens, avoid these questions.
Recommended approach (for those who do not have a problem with meeting requirements): Consider avoiding these questions if
your approach ends up turning it into a comparison question.
Recommended approach (for those who do not have a problem with meeting requirements and want to try to be clever): Consider
whether a false dichotomy is presented. If so, choose an alternate stand (one that is neither choice).
Conditional Recommended approach (for those who frequently fail to meet requirements): Avoid these questions
statement / embedded Recommended approach (for those who do not have a problem with meeting requirements): Consider avoiding these questions
context qn
REALLY qn Recommended approach (for those who frequently fail to meet requirements): Avoid these questions
Recommended approach (for those who do not have a problem with meeting requirements): Consider avoiding these questions. If
you choose to do them, use a CA-R approach if you disagree (stand: not really), and an A-CA-R paragraph structure if you agree
(stand: really).
SHOULD qn Recommended approach: Consider the status quo and address the key issues and debates behind the push to change the status quo.