FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY

FOR AND AGAINST ESSAYS

FOR AND AGAINST ESSAYS

Definition

Structure

Useful expressions/ linking words

Tips

Definition

."For and against" essays are a type of discursive writing in which you discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a specific topic. These essays are normally written in a formal style; therefore, you should avoid using strong language (I know, I am sure. etc), short sentences, colloquial expressions or idioms. You can find this type of writing in articles in newspapers, magazines, etc.

STRUCTURE

MAIN BODY

Paragraph 3

Paragraph 2

CONCLUSION Paragraph 4

INTRODUCTION Paragraph 1

Your opinion/balanced summary

Present topic (DO NOT STATE YOUR OPINION).

Arguments for, with justifications, examples

Arguments against, with justifications/examples

Useful expressions/linking words

TO LIST AND ADD POINTS

TO INTRODUCE OR LIST ADVANTAGES

TO INTRODUCE OR LIST DISADVANTAGES

In the first place, To start/begin with, Secondly, Thirdly, Finally, In addition (to this), Furthermore, Moreover, Besides, etc.

The main/first/most important advantage of..., One/Another/An additional advantage of..., One point of view in favour of..., It is often suggested/believed, argued that..., Some/Many people suggest/feel argue that..., Some/Many people are in favour of/ are convinced that...etc.

The main/first/most important disadvantage of..., One/Another/An additional disadvantage of..., One point/argument aginst...,, Some/Many people are against,...etc.

TO INTRODUCE EXAMPLES/REASONS/RESULTS

TO INTRODUCE A CONCLUSION

In conclusion, To conclude/sum up, All in all, Finally, Lastly, All things considered, Taking everything into account/consideration, etc.

for example/instance, such as, like, in particular, therefore, for this reason, because, as, since, as a result, etc.

TO SHOW CONTRAST

On the other hand, However, still, but, Nonetheless, Nevertheless, Although, Even though, Despite/In spite of (the fact that) etc,

Techniques to begin or end your essay

Main body paragraphs

You should start each main body paragraph with a topic sentence which introduces or summarises the main topic of the paragraph. The topic sentence should be followed by supporting sentences which justify the argument presented in the topic sentence, by giving examples or reasons. You should use linking words/phrases to present your justifications, such as: first of all, what is more, for example, because, since, in particular, etc.

To attract the reader's interest and make the beginning or ending of your essay more effective, you can use some of the following writing techniques: a) address the reader directly: If you take the time to train your dog, it will learn to obey you. b) include a quotation (i.e. a sentence or phrase taken from a book, play, ete.) When we use a quotation, it is necessary to mention the name of the person who said/wrote it: As George Orwell wrote, "All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others." c) include a rhetorical question: Is it true that a dog is man's best friend?

TIPS

Travelling by train has a lot of advantages. (topic sentence) (supporting sentences) First of all, it is comfortable as trains are spacious so there is plenty of room to walk about. What is more, trains are convenient. For example, you do not have to take any food ot beverages with you, because most trains have a restaurant. Finally, when you travel by train you reach your destination fairly quickly.