'extend and support their ideas.'
What does this mean? It means that you cannot simply make a point and move on. For example, if you write that 'Smoking is bad for you', you need to explain why and/ or give an example. These examples can be personal examples from your own life and experience and you can use 'I' to introduce them if you want to. It is, however, more academic in style if you do not use 'I'. Remember, it is better to have fewer points that have been fully explained or exemplified than a larger number of points that have no support or examples whatsoever.
Here are some examples of what we mean by 'extending and supporting your ideas:
Technology
(Argument) Technology can be used for learning purposes.
This is a good point but it is not enough on its own - explain it and/ or give an example.
(Argument) Technology can be used for learning purposes. (Explanation) In many schools now teachers are using interactive whiteboards, which are linked up to computers and can make the learning process a lot more animated and fun for pupils.
Food
(Argument) Britain is multicultural and so it has access to many different types of cuisine. (Example) For example, in one street one might find Chinese, Indian, Thai, Italian, French, and English restaurants.
Fashion
(Argument) Young people are greatly influenced by the movements in the fashion world. (Explanation) This is clear from the fact that young people will pay double, triple or even quadruple the price for an item of clothing with a fashionable label than an item of perhaps the same quality without a recognised label.
Environment
(Argument) There is evidence all around the globe that climate change is having a negative impact on the planet. (Example) The polar ice caps, for example, are melting rapidly, leaving animals such as polar bears without enough ice to move around on.
Crime
(Argument) It is clear that the law does not do enough to deter people from committing crimes. (Explanation) This is evident by the large numbers of people who are in prison.
Education
(Argument) Having a good level of education can really help people to get a job later in life. (Example) I would not have reached the level I have in my current job if I had not had my Master's degree, for instance.
Ways of introducing the explanation or example:
For instance,
For example,
An example might be...
This might be because...
This could be because...
This is evident by...
This is clear from the fact that,...
So, remember when you make an argument you MUST give an example or explanation to support it in order for it to count.
Vocabulary:
exemplify (v) = give an example
no... whatsoever = no... at all, none
purpose (n) = reason
animated (adj) = energetic, lively
cuisine (n) = food
greatly (adv) = hugely, very
triple = three times
quadruple = four times
impact (n) = influence
deter people from doing sth = to stop people from doing sth
commit (v) = do
current (adj) = present