IAH 244: Ethical Systems and Moral Dilemmas

1. Introduction (10-15% of the word count)
The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and clearly state the purpose of the essay.

• Hook: Start with an interesting statement, fact, quote, or question to engage the reader.
• Context/Background Information: Briefly provide the necessary context or background on the topic. Avoid diving into details that belong in the body of the essay.
• Thesis Statement: Clearly state your main argument or point of view. This is the core idea that your essay will support.
• Roadmap (Optional): Provide a brief overview of the main points or sections that the essay will cover. This helps guide the reader on what to expect.

Example:
“In today's globalized world, economic inequality is a growing issue. While some argue that globalization fosters development, others believe it widens the gap between the rich and poor. This essay will explore how economic policies impact inequality, focusing on tax reforms, labor
laws, and education.”

Body Paragraph Structure (PEE + Topic Sentence)

Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea that supports your thesis, using the PEE structure:

1. Topic Sentence: This sentence introduces the main idea or point of the paragraph. It should clearly relate to the thesis and guide the reader on what the paragraph will discuss.
2. Point (P): State the specific argument or point you are making in support of your topic sentence. This is the core claim of the paragraph.
3. Evidence (E): Provide evidence to support your point. This could be data, research findings, quotes from experts, or specific examples. Always ensure your evidence is credible and directly related to the point you’re making.
4. Explanation (E): Explain how the evidence supports your point. Analyze the significance of the evidence and connect it back to your main argument. This is where you demonstrate your critical thinking and show how the evidence builds toward your thesis.
5. (PEE structure for each new point related to the topic)
6. Link (Optional): End the paragraph by linking it back to the thesis or preparing the reader for the next paragraph. This helps maintain the flow and cohesion of your essay.

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Example Paragraph (using PEE + Topic Sentence):

Topic Sentence:

One way economic policies impact inequality is through progressive tax reforms.

Point (P):

Progressive tax systems aim to reduce the income gap by taxing high-income earners at a higher rate.

Evidence (E):

For instance, according to the OECD, countries with progressive tax systems tend to have significantly lower levels of income inequality compared to countries with flat tax systems (OECD, 2020).

Explanation (E):

This data suggests that progressive tax policies can play a key role in narrowing the wealth gap. By ensuring that higher earners contribute more, governments can redistribute wealth more effectively, improving economic fairness. This supports the argument that tax reform is crucial in reducing inequality.

Link:

Thus, tax policies remain a central tool for addressing economic inequality, which directly aligns with the broader goal of creating a more just society.

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Key Points to Remember:

• Topic Sentence: Directly introduces the paragraph’s focus and ties it to the thesis.
• Point: Makes a clear, specific claim in support of your thesis.
• Evidence: Backs up the claim with factual support (quotes, statistics, examples).
• Explanation: Connects the evidence to your argument, showing why it matters.
• Link: Ensures smooth transitions and maintains the essay's overall coherence.

3. Conclusion (10-15% of the word count)

The conclusion should summarize the essay’s main points and restate the thesis in light of the evidence provided.

• Restate the Thesis: Paraphrase your original thesis, showing how the essay has proven or developed this idea.
• Summary of Main Points: Briefly summarize the key points you made in the body paragraphs. Avoid introducing new information or arguments.
• Final Thought: End with a strong concluding statement. This could be a reflection on the importance of the topic, a call to action, or a look to the future.

Example:

“In conclusion, economic policies such as tax reforms, labor laws, and educational programs have a profound impact on inequality. By addressing these areas, governments can work towards reducing the income gap and promoting economic justice. As the world continues to globalize, tackling inequality will remain a critical challenge that requires both policy innovation and public awareness.”

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1. Coherence & Flow:

• Ensure that each paragraph logically follows from the one before it. Use transition words and phrases (e.g., "furthermore," "in contrast," "consequently," "similarly") to connect your ideas and guide the reader through your argument. This will make your essay feel more unified.
• Avoid jumping abruptly between ideas. Make sure each point naturally leads to the next, contributing to the overall argument.

Example:

"While progressive tax policies help reduce inequality, another important factor to consider is the role of education in leveling the playing field. As such, educational reforms are also crucial in combating income inequality."

2. Clarity & Precision:

• Be clear and concise in your writing. Avoid overly complex sentences that might confuse the reader or obscure your argument. Instead, aim for clarity, choosing precise language and straightforward sentence structures.

• Stay focused on your point within each paragraph. Avoid going off-topic or introducing unrelated ide

Example:

Instead of: “Due to the fact that there are many variations in how educational inequality is handled across different countries, it can be seen that these disparities lead to diverse results and outcomes that are hard to compare.”

Use: “Educational inequality varies across countries, making outcomes difficult to compare.”

3. Argument Development:

• Throughout the essay, ensure that your argument is being developed step-by-step. Each paragraph should build on the previous one, progressively strengthening your thesis.
• Address counterarguments where appropriate. A strong essay not only supports its thesis but also considers and refutes opposing views.

Example:

"Some critics argue that progressive taxation discourages investment. However, evidence suggests that the economic benefits of reducing inequality, such as increased consumer spending, outweigh these concerns."

4. Use of Evidence:

• Be selective with your evidence. Use the most relevant and convincing facts, statistics, and quotes to support your argument. Make sure your sources are credible and properly cited. (CRAAP test)
• Don’t overuse quotes—balance them with your own analysis. Ensure that every piece of evidence is followed by a clear explanation that shows its relevance to your argument (PEE structure).

Example:

Instead of just quoting: “According to the World Bank, countries with better access to education see higher economic growth rates.”

Follow up with an explanation: “This shows that educational reform is not just a social justice issue but also a strategic economic priority for long-term development.”

5. Consistency in Tone & Style:

• Keep a consistent academic tone throughout your essay. Avoid colloquial language or overly casual expressions, and aim for a formal, objective tone.
• Avoid repetition of phrases or points. Each paragraph should bring something new to your argument. Repeated ideas make your essay feel redundant.

Example:

Instead of: “It is important to reduce inequality. Inequality is a serious issue that harms societies. That’s why it’s important to reduce it.”

Use: “Reducing inequality is essential because it fosters social stability and economic growth, both of which are vital for long-term societal development.”

6. Paragraph Length:

• Aim for paragraphs that are neither too short nor too long. Typically, each paragraph should be about 4-7 sentences. If a paragraph is too short, you may not have fully developed the idea; if it's too long, consider breaking it up into smaller, more focused sections.

Tip: Each paragraph should develop one main idea. If you find yourself discussing multiple points, consider splitting the paragraph into two.

7. Avoiding Overloading Information:

• Don’t overwhelm your reader with too much information in one paragraph. Break down complex ideas into digestible parts. Focus on quality over quantity of evidence and argumentation. It’s better to fully explain one idea than to briefly mention several without in-depth discussion.

Example:

Instead of: “Tax policies, education, healthcare, and labor laws all play a role in reducing inequality.”

Use: “One of the most impactful ways to reduce inequality is through progressive tax policies, which ensure that wealthier individuals contribute more to the common good.” (You can explore education and healthcare in separate paragraphs.)

8. Editing & Proofreading:

• Once you finish writing, take time to review and revise your essay. Look for areas where your argument could be clearer, or where transitions between paragraphs could be smoother.
• Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Reading your essay out loud can help you catch awkward phrasing or unclear sentences.

Tip: Use a checklist to ensure you’ve covered everything: strong thesis, clear topic sentences, logical flow, effective evidence, concise explanation, and a conclusion that restates your main argument.