Successful and Unsuccessful Arguments

Stating personal opinions without backup.

Providing evidence from credible sources.

Restating the thesis repeatedly throughout the essay.

Using ambiguous or vague language.

It entertains the reader with stylistic flourishes that divert from substance.

It simplifies the importance of environmental conservation for broader appeal.

It underscores the intricacy of environmental issues, prompting deeper consideration.

It detracts from the credibility of scientific data presented in the essay.

Apostrophe

Exclamation point

Semicolon

Comma

To cite authoritative sources that bolster the credibility of their stance.

To offer a step-by-step logical reasoning process leading to their conclusion.

To provide clear answers and resolve any uncertainties that readers might have.

To provoke critical thinking and engage readers in considering their own views.

"Rising global temperatures due to increased greenhouse gas emissions have a significant impact on the Earth's ecosystems."

"Climate change is a big problem that affects the Earth's ecosystems and results from multiple factors."

"The Earth's ecosystems are affected by increased greenhouse gas emissions, leading to rising global temperatures."

"There are various factors that contribute to climate change, such as deforestation and industrial pollution."

Repeating the same point with different words.

Inserting irrelevant anecdotes.

Ending paragraphs with new ideas.

Using clear topic sentences.

It might lead readers to think the essay is meant for entertainment.

It may cause the essay to be perceived as humorous.

It can make the argument seem more credible and serious.

It could give the impression that the essay is a personal narrative.

It makes arguments less persuasive by distracting from content with form.

It creates rhythm and emphasis that can highlight important points.

It reduces clarity by preventing a uniform tone throughout the piece.

It confounds readers with inconsistent pacing that weakens the flow.

Active voice: subject performs the action stated in the verb; Passive voice: subject does not perform the action stated in the verb

Active voice: subject and object switch roles in the sentence; Passive voice: subject and object remain the same

Active voice: subject performs the action stated in the verb; Passive voice: subject and verb are reversed

Active voice: subject does not perform the action stated in the verb; Passive voice: subject performs the action stated in the verb

It confuses readers with irrelevant information.

It weakens the author's credibility by showing uncertainty.

It engages readers by prompting them to think about the topic.

It distracts from the main argument by introducing a new idea.