An argumentative essay defends one position with strong reasons. Unlike the balanced "adv/disadv" essay (Unit 9), here you take a clear stand.
Introduction. The phenomenon of brain drain — the emigration of skilled professionals to developed countries — has reached alarming levels in Africa. In my opinion, brain drain is extremely harmful to African development, and African governments must take urgent action against it.
Argument 1. First and foremost, brain drain represents a devastating loss of human capital. Countries invest huge sums in educating doctors, engineers and researchers — only to see them leave and serve foreign economies. For instance, more than 100,000 trained African professionals work in the West, depriving the continent of essential expertise.
Argument 2. Furthermore, brain drain slows down development. Hospitals lack doctors, universities lack professors, and research stagnates. When the best minds leave, those who remain struggle to build modern institutions.
Argument 3. Last but not least, brain drain creates a vicious cycle. The more professionals leave, the worse conditions become, pushing even more to emigrate.
Conclusion. To sum up, brain drain robs Africa of its most valuable resource: its talent. Governments must offer better salaries, modern facilities and political stability to keep skilled workers — and to encourage those abroad to return.
Each argument follows the SEX formula:
S: Brain drain slows down national development.
E: When the best engineers, doctors and teachers leave, the country loses the very people needed to build modern infrastructure and improve health and education systems.
X: For example, Sub-Saharan Africa has only one doctor per 10,000 inhabitants, partly because so many medical graduates emigrate to Europe and North America.
Don't sit on the fence. Pick FOR or AGAINST and defend it strongly.
Each argument should be supported by an example, fact or statistic.
Saying "Some may argue X, but…" shows nuance and intelligence — without weakening your stance.
In the exam, plan briefly: Position → 3 arguments → examples → conclusion. Linkers are essential — they show the marker that you can structure ideas.