Questions bring out dicussion

Topic

In Hong Kong, it is common for young people to think highly of expensive brand-name clothes and fashion accessories. Explain why they think this way. Say whether you feel that this is a good or bad trend for students to follow.

Introduction

You should make a clear statement explaining the theme of your essay. There are many ways to do so. One way is to use rhetorical questions (in red).

Example: In Hong Kong, more and more young people think very highly of expensive brand-name clothes and fashion accessories. These products seem to place an irresistible spell on teenagers who would go to any lengths to own as many as they can afford. Some skip meals to save up money. Others ask their parents for more pocket money. Why are these products so important to them? Is it a healthy trend for youngsters to follow?

Body Paragraphs

Draft an outline of the main trunk of your essay before writing. You should first explain why teenagers are so keen on these products. Then you should say how you feel about the trend. What makes a good essay is the way the ideas are presented. Let's analyse the following paragraph and see why it is desirable.

Sample paragraph: In such an affluent society as Hong Kong, no one will feel uneasy with materialistic pursuits. What were regarded as luxuries are now necessities. However, in the case of young people who are still students with no earning power, the great desire for these expensive items might raise the eyebrows of some people. The reasons behind this trend, however, are not difficult to understand. First, young people are eager to seek recognition from their peers. More than that, they try their best to make themselves stand out. What is more direct and effective than using brand-name products which can give them confidence and enhance their self-esteem?

Another reason comes from the influence of the mass media. Pop stars have a great influence on young people's behaviour, what they wear and use will become hot items for their fans. The endorsement of pop stars of certain brand names, together with tempting advertising campaigns, works wonders on sales.

The sentence in colour is the topic sentence of this paragraph. Then the reasons are given with signposts such as 'first', 'more than that' and 'another'. After you have given enough reasons, you should proceed to the next section using a 'transitional sentence' (in red) to connect the essay. All these add fuel to the materialism of young people. If they indulge too much in these products, they will develop a wrong set of value judgements. They may think that money is all-powerful because it can buy everything. They will also form the bad habit of over-spending and lose the virtue of frugality. Worst of all, to make some quick cash to get their desired items, some students even run errands for triads and engage in illegal activities like smuggling drugs or selling fake CDs. Others will commit shop theft and could end up in prison.

Conclusion

A good essay needs a good conclusion. The best way to end your essay is to state once again your stance and wrap it up with an afterthought (in red).

In conclusion, this unhealthy trend should be checked. Our government surely has the responsibility to educate the young of the importance of frugality.

Don't forget, the future of our society is in the hands of young people.