When writing your issue essay, you'll not only need to give supporting evidence in favor of your argument, but you'll want to decisively make a stance, preferably at the end of the introductory paragraph. For example, consider that you are presented with the following issue topic:
| "People work more productively in teams than individually. Teamwork requires cooperation, which motivates people much more than individual competition does." |
As with all of the issue essay topics, there are multiple arguments that you can make in favor or in opposition of the provided statement. It doesn't matter which stance you take, just as long as you make it clear which view point you advocate. For example, if you are in agreement with the statement, you might include the following sentence somewhere in the introductory paragraph:
| "People work more productively in groups than they do when working individually because chores and duties can be appropriated to the most qualified individuals and cooperation can best leverage the skills of each group member." |
Notice that in the above sentence, it is conclusively stated that people work better when in groups, and a bit of the argument is also included -- in the body paragraph of the essay, you'd want to elaborate more on the reasons why working in groups is a good idea.
Alternatively, you may disagree with the original issue statement, and so you might write in the introductory paragraph:
| "People are more productive when working individually because when work is performed in a group, responsibility is shifted from the individual to the group as a whole, and so group members often are lax with responsibilities, thinking that other group members will instead perform all of the required duties." |
Again, in this sentence, it is conclusively stated that working individually is more productive that working in a group, and again a bit of the argument is included, which should further be elaborated upon in future paragraphs.
Test Tip |
When writing the issue essay, be sure to take a stance and conclusively state your point of view. Doing this gives structure to your essay and also provides you an opportunity to introduce several supporting details. |