I'll give you a material for your reference. The examples in it are all horizontal discussions.
Horizontal expansion
Instruct writing
Comparing a good beginning to a "phoenix head" can give people a sense of beauty; Comparing a good ending to a "leopard tail" is full of power; However, comparing the main body of a good article to "pork belly" is somewhat unsightly. Fortunately, we all know that "metaphors are always lame" and so on. What we think of is not the dregs in the pig's stomach, but only the similarity between the two-"concentration". Obviously, argumentative essays should also be "pork bellies", if they are as unpopular as "beggars in Shanghai".
How can the main part of an argumentative paper be written in an orderly way? Our plan is divided into five parts: horizontal development, in-depth development, multi-level comparison, overall structure and vertical and horizontal freedom. Now in terms of horizontal development.
How to expand? It's very simple, starting from the central argument, break down several parallel sub-arguments, and each sub-argument is elaborated in paragraphs independently, just like the central argument. For example, there is a summary: once someone asked three bricklayers, "What are you doing?" The first worker said, "Brick laying." The second worker said, "I'm making money." The third worker said, "I am building the most distinctive house in the world." It is said that the last two people were just ordinary bricklayers all their lives, but the third worker became a famous architect. From this summary, the central argument is extracted: setting up lofty ideals is the premise of success. Then, it can be spread horizontally: first, the ideal is the starting point of struggle; Second, the ideal is the goal of struggle; Third, ideals are the driving force of struggle. Because if you want to succeed, you must struggle. If you don't have an ideal, you won't struggle (so you have a "starting point"), even if you struggle, you will lose your direction (so you have a "goal"). Aimless struggle is like a ship drifting in the vast sea. Where does "motivation" come from? Obviously, these three parallel arguments are decomposed from the central argument, which in turn supports the central argument. As long as the sub-arguments are proved in turn, the central argument is proved, which is "horizontal expansion"
But then again, there are things that are not simple in simplicity. Generally speaking, two parallel sub-arguments are horizontal when analyzed from the central argument. But trilogy (that is, breaking three arguments into three paragraphs) is better. Because adding a sub-argument and its arguments will make the reasoning of the whole article more full and powerful. In the actual process of thinking operation, it is often difficult to extract the third argument, which is not simple, but also the value of thinking. What should we do? Learn to think in many ways. As far as the above example is concerned, "goal" and "motivation" are easy to think of. If we want to extract the third argument, we have to broaden our thinking and think about the role of ideals in struggle in many ways, so as to obtain the "starting point" argument. If you simply think about it, nothing will come of it.
It should also be noted that the expansion of sub-arguments cannot be arbitrary, and attention must be paid to the order. For example, the arrangement of starting point, goal and motivation is reasonable, but it is illogical to change it to goal, motivation and starting point. In the construction of sentence patterns, the expression of sub-arguments can be as neat as possible, and the effect of parallelism is very good; You can also choose words and make sentences flexibly, but it should be clear and eye-catching, because the argument is "paragraph eye" and ambiguity is taboo. In the process of discussion, of course, details are allowed. Generally speaking, the main aspects are written in detail and put in front; Just write down the minor aspects briefly and put them behind. If there are more than three arguments, the secondary ones can be discussed in the same paragraph.
[Example 1]
My opinion on "buying fake goods exclusively"
The market is everywhere, but fake and shoddy goods also take the opportunity to quietly enter the market. "Counterfeiting" has become an urgent action of the industrial and commercial departments. A "cottage shop" has been set up in Ma Zhong Road Cheap Commodity Market in Daowai District, Harbin. Specializing in selling counterfeit goods with use value at low prices. I think this is really a clever "fake" way.
As we all know, fake and shoddy goods can flood the market because they deceive customers. Because customers are blindfolded and can't tell the truth from the false, nine times out of ten they suffer. It would be very good to launch a "fake special" now, so that fake and shoddy goods can be pulled out for public display. Didn't it improve the customer's ability to distinguish fakes? As long as customers know how to distinguish authenticity, will fakes gain a foothold in the market? At that time, they had to run away and were not asked to be "inseparable".
Second, the establishment of a "cottage store" is conducive to properly cooling the "brand fever." In today's society, young people always like to wear "famous brands" and follow the fashion. Fake and shoddy goods take advantage of it, and an ordinary dress is worth a hundred times as long as it is marked with the words "imported" and "famous brand". In fact, isn't this just cheating customers with "famous brands"? If "famous brands" are too hot, fakes will have more opportunities to seize the initiative. Let "fake goods" have a monopoly, and let those customers who "chase famous brands" calm down and see whether the goods they are used to are "famous brands" or "fake goods". It seems that setting up a "fake shop" is really a good thing for the people.
Third, it can also save social wealth by selling fake goods with use value at low prices. Why must fake and shoddy goods be lit to show the firm determination and selfless spirit of "counterfeiting"? Actually, it's a waste to set them on fire. Fakes are indeed fake and shoddy, but their use value cannot be completely denied because of fake and shoddy. In history, Xiang Yu set fire to the Epang Palace built for Qin Shihuang, leaving a regret. Fakes are not as good as Epang Palace, but they are useful. Isn't it a pity to abandon them and destroy them? You can't completely deny things because they are wrong, and the same is true for fake goods.
To sum up, in our way of "counterfeiting" and maintaining market purity, setting up a "counterfeiting shop" is one of the feasible measures.
[Example 2]
Be honest and never give up.
Although it is reasonable to say that "what you give is what you get", young people should never choose "integrity" among the seven backpacks of "health, beauty and integrity". Honesty can never be lost. This is because:
Honesty is the foundation of our life. The ancients advocated that "words must be done, and actions must be fruitful." If you have honest character, people will trust you, admire you and be willing to associate with you. According to historical records, Ji Bu, the ministry of Xiang Yu, won great popularity in Chu-Liang area with integrity. At that time, it was rumored to be a promise. After Liu Bang won the world, what he wanted was Lu Bu-"Whoever buys a daughter dares to hide, and there are three guilty families". Despite this, no one reported it because of greed, and no one refused to hide because of fear of punishment. Until later, Liu Bang was moved by his honesty, ordered him to be pardoned and became a big official. This is the ironclad proof that honesty is the foundation of our existence. Otherwise, although you are good at "making promises", you always write "empty checks" to others, which will inevitably lead to the loss of others' trust in you and ultimately accomplish nothing. As Confucius said, "People who don't believe don't know what they can do."
Honesty is the source of success. People don't live to eat. When they go out into the world, they should always do something. Everyone from ordinary people to celebrities should do what they should. The leaders of large enterprises must treat their members sincerely, let employees work for the enterprise willingly, and then contribute their intelligence and even their youthful blood. British philosopher whiteley said, "Sincerity is the best way to do things." The successful start-up of Haier Group is a good example. When Zhang Ruimin took office, he solemnly promised: I will never ask employees to do what I can't do; I have to do what I should do. He kept his promise and kept his word. The employees are very convinced and admired by him, and they all try their best to forge ahead, thus making Haier's achievements impressive and world-renowned.
Honesty is the way to govern the country. Franklin said, "Honesty is the best policy." Only when a government wins the trust of the people will the people abide by the rules and obey orders. Qin wanted to use Shang Yang's political reform to make the country strong, but Shang Yang was afraid that the people would not listen to the command. Shang Yang first sent someone to erect a wooden stick several feet high at the south gate, told him who could move it to the north gate, and offered a reward of 10. Seeing that no one believed him, he refused to do it. Shang Yang raised the reward to 40 Liang, and one person tried to move there, and sure enough, he got all the rewards. The story soon spread all over the country, and people began to believe in Shang Yang. Therefore, although Shang Yang's political reform touched the interests of many people, people were afraid that Shang Yang would be punished by law and had to obey. The new law was implemented soon, and the state of Qin became stronger and stronger. As the Doctrine of the Mean says: "Only when the world is sincere can we understand the great classics of the world and establish the great foundation of the world ..."
All of the above shows the importance of honesty, which is more important than money, looks and life, and can never be discarded.
[Brief Comment] Facing the broad topic of "honesty", the author's brilliant point is to start with materials and turn the general into a specific point of view of "honesty can't be lost". What is more valuable is that the author skillfully sets up the sub-argument. Elaborating from the three aspects of "establishing people", "achieving things" and "governing the country" not only makes the context of the article clear and the structure rigorous, but also naturally demonstrates the central argument-since "honesty" is the foundation of establishing people, the source of achieving things and the way of governing the country, it has such a vital role and value, and it is naturally "lost". This article is rich in content, detailed and concrete, eloquent and concise, with good material selection and language.
(Chinese Weekly 200 1- 10-03)
[Example 3]
stupid
Taofen
We generally know that we should respect "courage" and "righteousness". The scholar asked, "Is Zi brave? I have tasted Wen Dayong's kindness to the master: I don't flinch, although it is brown and wide, I don't care; Since it has shrunk, although there are thousands of people, I will go! " This is courage from righteousness. Mencius said, "I am good at nurturing my noble spirit." Someone asked him what is the noble spirit, and he said, "I don't know, it is this spirit, which is as strong as it and as harmless as it, so it is stuck between heaven and earth;" It is also qi, righteousness, nothing, and embarrassment. "This is the integrity between heaven and earth. However, I think, unless I am a little slow, my courage will not rise and my righteousness will dissipate; Because "although there are thousands of people, I will go"! Some dull people will never do it; " It doesn't hurt to raise it directly. "It doesn't mean that some slow people will not do it. Just think, wealth can't be lewd, power can't be bent, and poverty can't be moved. Isn't this a full manifestation of stupidity?
People who want to learn any knowledge and achieve great accomplishments must be a little dull. It is said that Newton, who invented the theory of universal gravitation, was meditating one morning. His maid put the eggs in a small pot and asked him to make breakfast. While he was thinking, he put a watch in boiling water and cooked it very hard. Isn't this a sign of boredom It is also said that Edison, the geek, and his new wife passed by his laboratory in the same car, stopped her at the door and ran in to get something. Unexpectedly, after she went in, she got carried away and did experiments on a table, leaving her outside for a long time. Finally, the new wife went in and found out before going home together. Isn't this a sign of boredom Probably, the research knowledge has not been studied to the dull state, and it has not gone deep enough to be available, only the skin is covered. Scientists want to create something and invent a principle. Before it was created and invented, people always laughed at it as a dream, crazy and easy. They think it's just a waste of time, and the result is still far away. However, the scientist can ignore laughter, bury himself in research, and even forget to eat and sleep, so happy that he can't persist unless he is backed by a little laziness.
Those who devote themselves to the revolutionary cause and take it as their duty to save their compatriots must also be somewhat stupid. He's revolutionary thought is to seek happiness for the country and eliminate suffering for the people, but before he achieves the goal of seeking happiness and eliminating suffering, he has no single soldier's strength and no place to rely on. When others see him, he is an armchair strategist and an idiot, thinking that it is impossible. However, he took risks, overcame all difficulties and endured what others could not stand and dared not do. Sincerely, everything must be a little dull to deal with. I only consider my own interests everywhere, worry about the future gains and losses, have no opinion, have no adventurous spirit, hesitate and stumble, and always wander between roads.
In addition, if you want to be loyal to your duties, you must be a little dull. In the office, those who want to get off work soon, or those who are holding business and paying attention to the time hanging on the wall, are probably the tricks of smart friends. It is safe to give their careers to such people. Because what he lacks is the dullness of being loyal to his duties and taking official duties as his own responsibility. As for making friends, he can rely on some dull friends. Han tui lamented that "poverty is for honesty", and poor friends still don't forget friendship. Those with a high degree of stupidity will quit!
Our ordinary psychology probably likes to listen to other people's reputation. I am smart and sometimes I want to show my intelligence. I never get tired of being called a fool, and I don't want to think of myself as a fool. I didn't expect to be so angry at first!
[Example 4] The famous teacher effect
Chen Lumin
On the eve of the 50th anniversary, the state solemnly commended 32 famous scientists who made outstanding contributions to the development of "two bombs and one satellite". You may have noticed the fact that 1 1 meritorious scientists are all from the same teacher. He is Ye, a famous physicist in China and Professor Tsinghua University. A teacher has trained 1 1 a great scientist who can be called the pillar of the country, and its significance cannot be overestimated. From this, I remembered an old saying, "A teacher makes a master". Then I thought of the topic of "famous teacher effect".
A famous teacher is a flag. As soon as the banner of famous teachers is erected, students from all directions will come here and gather under it. Confucius is a "disciple of 3,000, a sage of 70" and is called "the teacher of all ages". During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Ma Rong was knowledgeable, and a generation of Confucian scholars often had thousands of disciples. Professor Ye rose to fame in China as early as the 1920s, and he is a banner of physics. Many students applied for his department in his name. He didn't disappoint his students, and trained a great scientist who shocked China.
A famous teacher is a lamp. This lamp will guide students into the hall of knowledge. Cai Yuanpei, a famous teacher, recruited talents in an eclectic way and hired Liang Shuming, a promising young "black sheep", as a university professor, creating a precedent for a generation of scholars. Ye, a famous teacher, also used his wisdom and foresight to illuminate the students' way forward. His apprentice Zhao Jiuzhang originally studied classical physics, but considering Zhao's characteristics and the urgent needs of the country, he resolutely mobilized Zhao to study meteorology abroad, making Zhao the founder and pioneer of atmospheric physics and geophysics in China and recognized as "the first hero of China satellite". Wang Daheng, another of his students, recalled: "Mr. Ye was far-sighted. Before the Anti-Japanese War, China's optical industry was zero, and national defense was in urgent need of optical machinery. Therefore, he asked me to change to applied optics. " After returning to China, Wang Daheng became the pioneer and founder of modern optical technology and optical engineering in China.
A famous teacher is a bridge. This bridge is the only way to connect struggle and success, which embodies the dedication and selfless mind of famous teachers. Tao Xingzhi's "Fuck all of my heart without a blade of grass", Yang Changji's "Talk about the secluded peach garden is too ancient, and he wants to plant a big tree to support the sky", and Hua's "Willing to be a ladder and devote himself to educating people", while Ye never married, treating students like children and grandchildren and devoting himself to cultivating a large number of high-tech talents.
Mei Yiqi, the late president of Tsinghua University, famously said, "A great scholar is not an architect, but a master." A master is a famous teacher. Today, the buildings in our university are indeed more beautiful and spectacular than before. But we need famous teachers and masters more. Ye's famous teachers have trained a group of national treasure scientists. If there are so many famous teachers and masters in every school, why are there no talented people and bright stars? If so, it is natural for the economy to take off, the nation to revive and the country to become strong.
(Guangming Daily 2000-0 1- 12)