Writing an argumentative essay is a typical assignment in high school and at university. In fact, many essays and projects expect you to put forward some kind of argument.

As many of you grapple with essay writing, I though I’d share some slides with you that formed the basis of a talk at Södertörn University College. One or two slides make explicit reference to a course book they were working with, but a lot of the advice and examples will help you.

If you have any specific questions about writing argumentative essays, leave them in the comments and I will respond.

Best wishes,
Dr Buscall

Argumentative Essay

British educators and parents have been talking to representatives from Internationella Engelska Skolan (International English Schools) about the IES model and whether it could work in the UK.

Last week IES CEO Peter Fyles, Deputy Managing Director Emily Odelberg and Head of Academics Damian Brunker visited the UK to introduce the IES model.

IES in Svenska Dagbladet on Tuesday

British interest in International English Schools

The Brits seem very interested in the Swedish independent (friskolor) system. Last month, Jon Buscall, IEG’s Communications Officer, wrote about Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet in The Times.

March 10, 1932 was The Grand Opening of the first school at Allhelgonagatn 4. Back then it was known as Katarina Real.

Although we’ve only been there two years (after eight years in Gubbängen), it feels like home!

Happy Birthday to our building!

Allhelgonagatan 4, Stockholm

Mary Georgis and Dr Benedikz

Ms Georgis, who teaches History at what is one of the US’s most outstanding independent day and boarding schools, spent the day talking to teachers and staff, participating in classes and generally getting to know the school.

Ms Georgis’s visit was part of a trip to Europe where she is visiting a number of schools including IES Sundsvall to learn more about education outside the US.

“It is inspiring to meet educators who are highly professional and dedicated to the teaching profession like Ms Georgis,” said IEGS principal Dr Benedikz. “I enjoyed showing her the school and was delighted to learn something about The Ethel Walker School. I hope this is the beginning of a fruitful relationship between our schools.”

International Women’s Day (IWD), March 8th, was marked at Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet by the Amnesty Group.

The group encouraged girls and women at the school to come with a scar or cut painted on their face or some other part of their body in recognition that many women around the world are still victims of domestic violence, rape and other atrocities.

“Although this was organised at short notice just before we ended for half-term, I think it’s excellent that the girls are doing something to mark International Women’s Day at IEG,” said Dr Benedikz, principal of IEGS. “It’s inspiring to see them take a stand. Let’s put an end to violence against women around the world.”

Students raised over SEK 25,000

At 16:00 the Aula was packed with IEGS students who listened to a variety of performances by school bands

The highlight of the event was a guest appearance by Swedish rapper Swingfly who overcame a few initial technical difficulties to get the whole Aula rocking with Touch and Go.

“It was brilliant that Swingfly could attend,” Mr Maier said. “We were very excited by him coming. It was awesome.”

The students then got their cash out to bid for various items donated by staff including a lab coat signed by the Natural Science Department, an authentic top hat donated by Mr Nicolas, and VIP tickets to a basketball game.

With students feverishly bidding, spurned on by the promise that Mr Maier would shave his head into a mohican if they raised SEK 12,000, some items reached a premium price, much to everyone’s delight.

After the show, the doors were opened to the public and the Aula was once again filled only this time by parents and students from other schools as IEGS students put on a show to raise money for Haiti.

“It’s absolutely amazing that the students raised so much money for charity,” Dr Benedikz said. “I’m thrilled and would like to thank everyone for taking part.”

IEGS hopes to hand the money over to representatives from Médecins Sans Frontières and The Red Cross after half-term.

Pavlov - The Winners Take All

Each house performed a song to a packed audience of students and staff in the school Aula.

After much deliberation from the judges, two local musicians, Pavlov emerged victorious having won the nod from the judges with their eclectic mix of folk and rock.

Curie - Rocked!

“I’m just so over the moon,” said a very happy Dr Whiteley, also decked out in white like the Pavlov band. “But everyone did well.”

Russell - Great stage presence!

“It’s wonderful to see music being performed by our students,” said IEGS principal Dr Benedikz. “We’ve got so many talented students. It was great. Everyone was good, but I particularly enjoyed Curie’s performance. They really rocked!”

King - Didn't quite rule this time!

Maybe Stevie G could learn from the lads at IEG?

IEGS played IEG Värmdö Gymnasiet, Nacka Gymnasiet, and Stockholm och Restaurant Gymnasiet.

“We played three matches,” explains team coach, Mr Leon Kühn. “Going into the last match we were equal on points with Nacka and needed a draw or win to go through. Although it was a bit nervy after two of the team were sent off right near the end, we managed to get a draw.”

“The lads really played with their heart and were VERY enthusiastic,” says Mr Kühn. “They did the school proud.”

A special mention goes out to Zinar Budak who was IEGS’ MOTM.

Image:FlickrCC

Find out more on the Haiti Fundraiser event’s Facebook page.

On Friday February 26, 2010 IEGS students are holding a fundraiser for Haiti.

There will be two shows at 16:00 and 18:00.

The first show (16:00) is for IEGS students. The second show, starting at 18:00, is open to the general public. Everyone is welcome!

During the show there will be an auction, musical performances, as well as snacks and sweets available for you in the cafeteria.

There will be a 20kr donation fee during this event.

Special Guests

Swingfly will be making a special appearance!

All proceeds from the event will be going to the people suffering in Haiti.

Make a change. Haiti needs You!

Address: Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet Södermalm, Allhelgonagatan 4

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Sam Valles sent in this week’s picture after the school trip to Kungsberget last Thursday.

Two buses of students and staff set off for a bit of winter wonderland fun in the form of a day’s skiing, whilst other groups went rock-climbing and skating.

The Olympics haven't seen anything yet!