Bac English: The Argumentative Essay – Complete Writing Guide with Structure and Model Answers – 3rd Year Secondary School

Introduction

Writing an argumentative essay is one of the most important skills required in the Algerian BAC English exam. In this type of essay, you must take a clear position on a topic and defend it with logical arguments, evidence, and examples. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about writing a successful argumentative essay — from structure and organisation to language, linking words, and model answers for BAC topics. Whether you are in Sciences, Letters, Economics, or Technology, this guide will help you excel in the writing section.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the structure of an argumentative essay (introduction, body, conclusion)
• Learn to formulate a clear thesis statement
• Use appropriate linking words and connectors for argumentation
• Write balanced arguments (argument + counter-argument + rebuttal)
• Study model BAC argumentative essays on common topics
• Practise with exam-style writing prompts

Part 1: What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a piece of writing in which you:

• Present your opinion on a specific topic
• Support your opinion with reasons and evidence
• Acknowledge and refute opposing viewpoints (counter-arguments)
• Reach a logical conclusion

Key characteristics:

• Clear thesis statement (your main argument in one sentence)
• Logical organisation (point-by-point)
• Use of formal language and academic vocabulary
• Evidence and examples to support claims
• Balanced treatment of opposing views

Part 2: Structure of an Argumentative Essay

A. Introduction (1 paragraph — about 4-5 sentences):

1. Hook: Start with an interesting fact, question, or statement to grab the reader’s attention.
2. Background: Provide 1-2 sentences of context about the topic.
3. Thesis statement: State your position clearly. This is the most important sentence of your essay.

B. Body Paragraphs (2-3 paragraphs):

Body Paragraph 1 — First Argument:

• Topic sentence stating your first reason
• Explanation of the reason
• Example, evidence, or fact to support it
• Concluding sentence linking back to the thesis

Body Paragraph 2 — Second Argument + Counter-Argument:

• Topic sentence stating your second reason
• Explanation and example
• Acknowledge an opposing view (Some people may argue that…)
• Refute the opposing view (However, this argument is weak because…)

C. Conclusion (1 paragraph — about 3-4 sentences):

1. Restate your thesis in different words
2. Summarise your main arguments briefly
3. End with a final thought, recommendation, or call to action

Part 3: Useful Language for Argumentative Writing

A. Introducing the topic:

• In recent years, the issue of… has become a matter of great concern.
• There is an ongoing debate about whether…
• The question of… has sparked considerable controversy.
• It is often argued that… / Many people feel that…

B. Stating your opinion (Thesis):

• This essay argues that… / I firmly believe that…
• It is my contention that… / I am convinced that…
• From my perspective,… / In my view,…

C. Adding arguments:

• Firstly… / First of all… / To begin with…
• Secondly… / Furthermore… / Moreover… / In addition…
• Another significant point is… / Not only that, but also…

D. Giving examples:

• For example… / For instance… / To illustrate…
• A case in point is… / Such as… / In particular…

E. Introducing counter-arguments:

• However,… / On the other hand,… / Nevertheless,…
• Some people argue that… / Critics claim that…
• It could be argued that… / Opponents of this view say that…

F. Refuting counter-arguments:

• While it is true that…, this argument is flawed because…
• Although some may believe…, the evidence suggests that…
• This view fails to consider… / This argument overlooks the fact that…

G. Concluding:

• In conclusion… / To conclude… / To sum up…
• All things considered… / Taking everything into account…
• In light of the above arguments,… / For the reasons stated above,…

Part 4: Model Argumentative Essay — BAC Topic

Topic: “Should students be allowed to use mobile phones in school?”

Introduction:
In today’s digital age, mobile phones have become an inseparable part of daily life. Many schools around the world allow students to use their phones, while others completely ban them. This essay argues that mobile phones should be allowed in schools, provided they are used responsibly and under supervision.

Body Paragraph 1 (First Argument):
Firstly, mobile phones can be powerful educational tools. Students can use them to access online dictionaries, educational apps, and encyclopedias during lessons. For instance, an English learner can instantly look up the meaning of an unfamiliar word using a translation app. Furthermore, teachers can create interactive quizzes using platforms like Kahoot, which students can join using their phones. Therefore, rather than being a distraction, phones can enhance the learning experience.

Body Paragraph 2 (Second Argument + Counter-argument):
Secondly, allowing phones in schools teaches students responsibility and self-discipline. In the modern workplace, adults are expected to manage their use of technology responsibly. By allowing phones with clear rules, schools prepare students for the real world. Critics may argue that phones are a distraction and that students will misuse them to cheat or play games during class. While this concern is valid, it can be addressed through clear policies: phones should be kept silent during lessons and only used for educational purposes with the teacher’s permission. When used correctly, the benefits of mobile phones outweigh the risks.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, banning mobile phones in schools is not the solution. Instead, schools should embrace technology by integrating phones into the learning process with clear rules and supervision. This approach not only enhances education but also teaches students valuable skills in digital responsibility. The future is digital, and schools must adapt accordingly.

Part 5: Common BAC Essay Topics (by Stream)

For Scientific Streams:

• Should genetically modified (GM) foods be allowed? (Advantages vs. Health risks)
• Is nuclear energy a safe and sustainable solution? (Environment vs. Safety)
• Should animal testing be banned? (Medical progress vs. Animal rights)
• Can technology solve climate change? (Innovation vs. Over-reliance on tech)

For Literary Streams (Letters & Philosophy):

• Is social media bringing people together or pushing them apart?
• Should the death penalty be abolished?
• Is globalisation a positive or negative force?
• Does money bring happiness?

For Economics & Management:

• Is free trade more beneficial than protectionism?
• Should the government invest more in renewable energy?
• Is tourism beneficial or harmful to developing countries?
• Should university education be free for everyone?

For Technology Stream:

• Will artificial intelligence replace human workers?
• Are social media algorithms harmful to society?
• Should governments regulate the internet more strictly?
• Is online learning as effective as face-to-face learning?

Part 6: BAC Exam Tips for Argumentative Essays

• Plan before writing: Spend 5 minutes planning your essay — write down your thesis, two arguments, and a counter-argument. A well-planned essay is easier to write and scores higher.
• Word count: Aim for 180-250 words. Quality matters more than quantity, but a very short essay (under 120 words) loses marks.
• Paragraph structure: Each paragraph must have a clear topic sentence. Do not write a single block of text — use paragraphs.
• Linking words: Use at least 4-5 different connectors (First of all, Furthermore, However, In conclusion, etc.).
• Grammar accuracy: Use a variety of tenses (Present Simple for facts, Future for predictions, Conditionals for hypothetical situations). Check subject-verb agreement and article usage.
• Vocabulary: Use academic vocabulary (crucial, significant, beneficial, detrimental, controversial) rather than basic words (important, good, bad).
• Formal tone: Avoid contractions (don’t → do not, can’t → cannot), slang, and personal emotional language.

Part 7: Practice Writing Task

Task: Write an argumentative essay (200-250 words) on ONE of the following topics. Use the structure and language presented in this lesson.

1. “Should school uniforms be compulsory in Algerian schools?”
2. “Is it better to study abroad or in one’s home country?”
3. “Do zoos help or harm animals?”
4. “Should the legal driving age be raised to 21?”

Summary

In this comprehensive lesson, we learned how to write an effective argumentative essay for the BAC English exam. We covered the three-part structure (introduction, body, conclusion), essential linking words and expressions, strategies for handling counter-arguments, and model essays on common BAC topics. Remember: a strong thesis, logical organisation, varied vocabulary, and accurate grammar are the keys to a high-scoring argumentative essay. Practice regularly with different topics to build your skills and confidence.

Similar Lessons

• Bac English: Linking Words and Connectors – Writing Guide with Examples – 3rd Year Secondary School
• Bac English: Gerunds and Infinitives – Rules, Examples and Practice – 3rd Year Secondary School
• Bac English: Grammar Summary and Practice – 3rd Year Secondary School