威威老師的寫作教室：分科議論文 (Argumentative Essay for AST)
導航
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Section 1：Argumentative Essay Structure
1.1 議論文的定義
議論文 (Argumentative Essay) 是分科測驗 (AST) 英文作文的主要題型。考生需要對一個議題表明立場，並用理由和證據來支持。
1.2 五段式議論文結構
┌──────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Paragraph 1: Introduction（引言） │
│ - Hook（吸引讀者的開場白） │
│ - Background（背景說明） │
│ - Thesis Statement（論點陳述） │
├──────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Paragraph 2: Body 1（論點一） │
│ - Topic Sentence（主旨句） │
│ - Evidence/Example（證據/例子） │
│ - Analysis（分析） │
├──────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Paragraph 3: Body 2（論點二） │
│ - Topic Sentence（主旨句） │
│ - Evidence/Example（證據/例子） │
│ - Analysis（分析） │
├──────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Paragraph 4: Body 3 — Counterargument │
│ （論點三 — 反駁對方觀點） │
│ - Acknowledge opposing view（承認反方觀點） │
│ - Refute it（反駁） │
├──────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Paragraph 5: Conclusion（結論） │
│ - Restate thesis（重申論點） │
│ - Summarize main points（總結要點） │
│ - Final thought（最後的思考） │
└──────────────────────────────────────────┘
1.3 Thesis Statement（論點陳述）
論點陳述是議論文最重要的句子，通常出現在第一段的最後一句。
好的論點陳述特徵：
- 明確表明立場（agree or disagree）
- 預告文章的主要論點
- 可以被討論和辯論（不是事實陳述）
範例：
| 題目 | 弱的 Thesis | 強的 Thesis |
|---|---|---|
| Should students have homework? | Homework is a topic that people discuss. | Students should be assigned a reasonable amount of homework because it reinforces learning, develops self-discipline, and prepares them for academic challenges. |
1.4 Counterargument（反駁段）
反駁段是高分議論文的關鍵。它顯示你了解議題的複雜性。
結構：
- 承認 (Acknowledge)： Some people may argue that…
- 轉折 (Transition)： However, this view overlooks…
- 反駁 (Refute)： In reality, …
常用語句：
- “While it is true that…, it is also important to consider…”
- “Critics may claim that…, but this argument fails to account for…”
- “Although some people believe that…, the evidence suggests otherwise.”
Section 2：Practice Prompts with Model Essays
Prompt 1：Should university education be free?
題目： Some people believe that university education should be free for all students. Others disagree. What is your opinion? Write an essay of 200-250 words presenting your position.
Model Essay:
In many countries, the cost of higher education has risen dramatically, sparking intense debate about whether university should be free for all students. In my opinion, while completely free university education may not be practical, governments should make higher education significantly more affordable to ensure equal opportunity.
The strongest argument for affordable higher education is one of fairness. Talented students from low-income families often cannot afford university tuition, regardless of their academic abilities. This means that society loses potential doctors, engineers, and teachers simply because they lack financial resources. Countries like Germany and Norway, which offer free or nearly free university education, demonstrate that this model can work. Their graduates contribute to society through higher taxes and innovation, effectively repaying the investment.
Furthermore, an educated workforce benefits the entire nation. Studies consistently show that countries with higher rates of university graduation enjoy stronger economies, lower crime rates, and better public health outcomes. When education is accessible to all, the entire society profits.
Critics may argue that free university education would place an unsustainable burden on taxpayers and potentially lower educational quality. While this concern has merit, it can be addressed through careful policy design, such as income-based tuition waivers, government subsidies, and public-private partnerships.
In conclusion, making higher education affordable is not merely a matter of individual benefit but a strategic investment in a nation’s future. Every qualified student deserves the opportunity to learn, regardless of their family’s financial situation. (239 words)
Prompt 2：Is technology making us more isolated?
題目： Some people argue that technology has brought people closer together, while others believe it has made us more isolated. What is your view? Write an essay of 200-250 words.
Model Essay:
Technology has become so deeply woven into our daily lives that it is difficult to imagine a world without smartphones, social media, and instant messaging. While some argue that technology has strengthened human connections, I believe that it has, in many ways, made us more socially isolated than ever before.
The most obvious evidence of technology-driven isolation is the decline of face-to-face interaction. Walk into any restaurant, and you will see groups of friends sitting together but staring at their phones rather than talking to one another. Families that once spent evenings in conversation now sit in the same room, each person absorbed in a separate digital world. This physical proximity combined with emotional distance is a uniquely modern form of loneliness.
Moreover, social media creates an illusion of connection while actually fostering superficial relationships. People may have hundreds of online “friends,” yet studies have found that heavy social media users report feeling more isolated than those who use it less. The carefully curated images and posts that fill our feeds often lead to unhealthy social comparison, anxiety, and a sense of inadequacy.
Admittedly, technology has made it easier to stay in touch with distant friends and relatives, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, video calls helped many people maintain important relationships. However, these benefits do not outweigh the broader trend of declining in-person social skills and deep, meaningful connections.
In conclusion, while technology offers valuable tools for communication, we must be intentional about preserving genuine human interaction. Connection requires more than a screen — it requires presence, attention, and vulnerability. (246 words)
Prompt 3：Should schools abolish exams?
題目： Some educators believe that traditional exams should be abolished and replaced with alternative forms of assessment. Do you agree or disagree? Write an essay of 200-250 words.
Model Essay:
For generations, exams have been the primary method of evaluating student learning in schools around the world. Recently, however, a growing number of educators have called for the abolition of traditional exams, arguing that they fail to accurately measure true understanding. While I acknowledge the limitations of exams, I believe they should be reformed rather than eliminated entirely.
Proponents of abolishing exams make valid points. Traditional exams tend to reward memorization over genuine understanding, favoring students who are skilled at recalling information under pressure while disadvantaging those who learn differently. Exams also generate significant anxiety, which can impair performance and even harm students’ mental health. Alternative assessments such as projects, portfolios, and presentations may better reflect a student’s ability to apply knowledge creatively.
Nevertheless, exams serve important functions that alternative assessments cannot fully replicate. First, exams provide a standardized measure that allows fair comparisons across students, schools, and regions. Without this standardization, grading becomes subjective and inconsistent. Second, exams test the ability to perform under pressure — a skill that is valuable in many real-world situations, from job interviews to medical emergencies. Finally, exams help students identify specific areas of weakness, guiding their future learning.
The solution, therefore, is not to abolish exams but to redesign them. Exams should emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving rather than rote memorization. They should be combined with other forms of assessment to create a more comprehensive and equitable evaluation system.
In conclusion, exams remain a necessary tool for measuring learning, but they must evolve to meet the demands of modern education. A balanced approach that combines traditional exams with alternative assessments would best serve students. (260 words)
Prompt 4：Should artificial intelligence be regulated?
題目： With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, some people argue that strict government regulation is necessary, while others believe that regulation would stifle innovation. What is your opinion? Write an essay of 200-250 words.
Model Essay:
Artificial intelligence is advancing at an unprecedented pace, transforming industries from healthcare to transportation. As AI systems become more powerful and autonomous, the question of whether governments should impose strict regulations has become a matter of urgent public debate. I firmly believe that responsible regulation of AI is not only necessary but long overdue.
The most compelling reason for regulation is the potential for harm. AI systems already make decisions that affect people’s lives in significant ways — determining who gets a loan, who is shortlisted for a job, and even who receives medical treatment. Without oversight, these systems can perpetuate and amplify existing biases, discriminate against certain groups, and make errors with serious consequences. A regulatory framework would ensure that AI systems are transparent, fair, and accountable.
Additionally, regulation can address growing concerns about privacy and data security. AI systems require vast amounts of personal data to function effectively, and without clear rules about how this data is collected, stored, and used, individuals’ privacy rights are at risk. Regulations like the European Union’s AI Act represent an important step toward protecting citizens while allowing innovation to continue.
Opponents of regulation argue that excessive rules could slow innovation and put countries at a competitive disadvantage. However, the history of technology regulation tells a different story. The automobile industry, pharmaceuticals, and aviation all thrived after appropriate safety standards were established. Regulation and innovation are not enemies — they are partners.
In conclusion, the responsible development of AI requires thoughtful regulation that balances innovation with public safety. The question is not whether to regulate AI, but how to do so wisely. (253 words)
Prompt 5：Is it better to grow up in a city or in the countryside?
題目： Some people believe that growing up in a city offers children more advantages, while others argue that the countryside provides a better environment. What is your opinion? Write an essay of 200-250 words.
Model Essay:
The question of whether it is better to grow up in a city or in the countryside has been debated for generations. While both environments have their merits, I believe that growing up in a city offers children greater advantages in terms of education, exposure to diversity, and preparation for adult life.
Cities provide access to superior educational resources. From top-tier schools and libraries to museums, science centers, and cultural institutions, urban areas offer learning opportunities that are simply unavailable in rural regions. A child growing up in a city can visit world-class museums, attend music and art classes, and participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities that broaden their horizons.
Furthermore, cities expose children to remarkable cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity. Growing up alongside people from different backgrounds fosters empathy, tolerance, and a global perspective — qualities that are increasingly important in our interconnected world. Children who experience diversity from a young age are better prepared to navigate multicultural environments in their future careers.
Critics may argue that the countryside offers a healthier, less stressful environment with cleaner air, more space, and a stronger sense of community. These are valid points. However, the advantages of urban living do not require sacrificing health or well-being. Many cities are investing in green spaces, parks, and recreational facilities that provide children with access to nature.
In conclusion, while the countryside has its charm and benefits, cities offer children richer educational resources, greater exposure to diversity, and better preparation for the challenges and opportunities of modern life. (240 words)
Answer Key & Evaluation
議論文評分自檢表
| 項目 | 自檢問題 |
|---|---|
| Thesis | 是否在第一段末明確表明立場？ |
| Arguments | 是否有至少兩個支持論點？ |
| Evidence | 是否用具體例子或數據支持？ |
| Counterargument | 是否承認並反駁了對方觀點？ |
| Conclusion | 是否重申論點並做有力結尾？ |
| Transitions | 段落之間是否有過渡詞？ |
| Grammar | 時態和主謂是否一致？ |
| Word Count | 是否達到規定字數？ |
高分議論文特徵
- 論點明確： Thesis statement 一目了然
- 論據充分： 每個論點都有具體支持
- 承認反方： 展現思考的全面性
- 邏輯嚴密： 論點之間有清晰的邏輯鏈
- 語言精準： 用詞準確，避免模糊表達
- 結構完整： 開頭、主體、結論三部分齊全
議論文寫作要訣
- 第一段最後一句必須是 Thesis Statement
- 每個 Body Paragraph 只討論一個論點
- 一定要有 Counterargument 段落
- 用具體例子，不要空泛的論述
- 結論不要引入新論點
- 使用正式的學術語氣，避免口語表達
導航
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