Part One: Discussion
Work with a partner or group and discuss the following statements. Do you agree or disagree? How much or how little do you agree/disagree with each statement? Give clear reasons and examples for your opinion:
- Hospitals should offer free healthcare to everyone in the community.
- Scientific research into new medicine is a waste of money.
Part Two: Organization
As we discussed in Unit 2, an Agree / Disagree writing assignment is based on your opinion. However, an opinion is only strong if it is supported by a developed argument. You should try to support your opinion with clear reasons (blue), and you should expand upon each reason with specific details (green). Details, such as specific examples, will develop and explain your reasons so that they are clear to the reader. All of your sentences need to be logically organized so the reader can easily follow your points. Consider the organization of the paragraph below, which argues for an increase of international support for those in countries that don't provide adequate healthcare for its citizens.
The international community needs to provide medical and financial support for those countries that can't provide healthcare for its citizens. Healthcare is a universal right of people. Countries should not be allowed to standby and allow people to suffer with curable diseases when they have the financial ability to support those who are impoverished. A health global population affects us all and should be the moral choice of countries that can help. The education and medical supplies are already available to be given to other countries. There are many volunteers who have medical training all over the world that are willing to donate their time and experience to help those in need. Also, medical supplies that can prevent diseases such as malaria, can be provided cheaply to those countries. Therefore, for the benefit of the global population and most importantly those countries in need, the international community needs to work together to help all people.