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Recycling is only a part of the solution, but it is an easy and important first step to
fight pollution. Recycling aids in maintaining limited resources and is not too
difficult to implement. People are happy to lend a hand in the deceleration of the
global warming process. Overall, recycling supports the earth and supports life.
Chief Seattle said the world is interconnected, so taking care of the earth is like
taking care of our home.
Model Essay #2
Persuasive/Argumentative Essay
Grammar and Writing Tips
Topic Prompt: Should recycling be mandatory?
INTRODUCTION
According to Chief Seattle, an Indian who lived in the western part of North
America in the 1800s, Man does not weave this web of life. He is merely a strand
of it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.
[This first part of the introduction includes a quote as a hook. A hook is a way to
capture the readers interest and add coherence to your essay.]
The main hooks to begin an essay with are
1. posing a question or two,
2. quoting a relevant proverb or saying,
3. mentioning a startling statistic or fact, or
4. telling a short story.
[an Indian who lived in the western part of North America in the 1800s is an
appositive. Appositives give more information and context about a person or
organization.]
This statement illustrates the importance of taking care of the earth, not merely
to avoid global warming, but to preserve the natural balance of the planet.
[The sentence begins with This statement illustrates the importance of taking
care of the earth to state the general idea of the essay.]
[to avoid and to preserve must have parallel construction.]
[not merely but is a variation of not only but also grammar.]
Some of the most pressing problems are the destruction of natural habitats, the
depletion of natural resources, and the polluting of rivers, lakes, and oceans.
[Many specific examples are given here to show the importance of the topic.]
One idea now debated is whether or not the government should require
communities to participate in recycling programs.
[This sentence introduces the central controversy of the essay, and debated gives
the reader the idea that at least 2 sides are involved in the argument.]
Although some argue that individual communities are free to choose if they take
part, many people believe that due to the interconnectedness of the planet,
BODY PARAGRAPH 2
Some people assert that it is too difficult or complicated for citizens to recycle.
[The phrases Some people assert and too difficult or complicated are used to
demonstrate the author disagrees with this view.]
However, logistically recycling requires only a separate trash bin for tossing in
plastic, glass, aluminum and steel products.
[However sets up the contrast point. The information that follows contradicts
the first sentence and is what the author believes.]
Newspaper, cardboard and office paper can be collected in another box. Once set
up, recycling is as easy as throwing away materials in one trash can. The
communities set up collection to coincide with the trash pick up days, so it can be
as easy as when not recycling. Once people realize the importance and ease of
recycling, they get involved and change their trash habits. In fact, community
members feel a sense of pride when contributing to the betterment of the world.
[The rest of the sentences in the paragraph go on to support the authors
viewpoint and further disprove the opponents perspective, as stated in the first
sentence. Once set up and In fact are more transition words to guide the
reader.]
BODY PARAGRAPH 3
A few naysayers have argued that products will be recycled naturally by the earth
over time.
[The phrase A few naysayers have argued is used to demonstrate the author
disagrees with this view.]
Even though recycling does happen naturally over time, some products never do,
such as batteries.
[Even though concedes part of the point to the opposing sides, but the author
goes on to support the opposite view. The information that follows contradicts
the first sentence and is what the author believes.]
Also, with the tremendous rise in global population and use of natural resources,
humans have to effectively combat these increases by recycling goods. In
addition, recycling saves not only the resources that go into creating products but
also landfill space when the products are tossed out. Some of the chemicals and
materials that are put into the ocean are poisoning the fish, for example. Since
fish are part of the human food chain, people are further poisoning themselves by
eating polluted food.
[The rest of the sentences in the paragraph go on to support the authors
viewpoint and further disprove the opponents perspective, as stated in the first
sentence. Also, In addition, and for example are more transition words to
guide the reader.]
CONCLUSION
Recycling is only a part of the solution, but it is an easy and important first step to
fight pollution. Recycling aids in maintaining limited resources and is not too
difficult to implement. People are happy to lend a hand in the deceleration of the
global warming process.