For and Against Essay

A For and Against essay

writing

Let's go

Definition

In this kind of writing, you will deal with a controversial topic. You will present the two sides of the issue --one paragraph for each side-- and finally express your opinion about it. Your opinion will usually agree with the opinion presented in the previous paragraph.

Before you start writing

For the introduction, remember the tips you already know: create a hook, introduce the topic.

Remember that your writing must have three parts: opening, body and closing.

Brainstorm for ideas and write a short list.

Select which ideas to keep and which ideas to discard.

Group similar ideas together: prons and cons.

next

Write a first draft.

Introduction

Closing

Body

Parts of a writing

Here

Introduction

Introduction

Content

How long?

Present the topic: what are you going to write about?

Not too long, try 3-5 lines.

How

• You can use a question.
• Present the topic in an interesting way: hook.
• DON'T give your opinion.

Introduction

Closing

Body

Parts of a writing

Here

Body

How to structure the body of a For and Against essay?

Body

Structure

TWO PARAGRAPHS

Cons

Pros

The order is not fixed. It depends on our own opinion.

Here we are going to group arguments which disagree with the topic.

Here we are going to group arguments to support the topic.

In the first paragraph, we will write the points we disagree with. In the second paragraph, we will write the arguments which coincide with our own opinion.

Connectors

In order to present the different ideas and to establish the way they are related, it is very important to use the most suitable connectors.

Examples of connectors

Types of connectors

• Contrast connectors: to present ideas which are different.

• Example connectors: to introduce examples to support our arguments.

• Adding connectors: when we are presenting similar arguments to support or go against an idea.

Introduction

Closing

Body

Parts of a writing

Here

Closing

How to conclude a for and against essay.

What to write in the conclusion

Don't take too much. About 3-4 lines should be enough.

Summarise the ideas but try not to repeat exactly the same.

Give your opinion. Which side do you support?

Connectors

We are going to see some connectors which can be useful to summarise the text as a conclusion.

Remember

A for and against essay

Body

Closing

Introduction

Write two paragraphs, one exposing supporting arguments and another one developing arguments against it.

Summarise and give your opinion.

Present the topic and create a controversy.

Extra resources

Links

British Council

Cristina Cabal

Examples

Video

British Council II

Introduction

To write the introduction, remember the tips we have previously given.

Three parts

Usually, every writing has got three parts:

• Opening: presents the topic.
• Body: it develops the topic.
• Closing: it is usually a conclusion.

Draft

A draft is the first version of the writing. Leave space to add ideas, corrections, etc.

Paragraphs

In this case, make a short list: on the one hand, group the ideas which support the topic; on the other hand, group the ideas which are against the topic.

Keep or discard?

If you have many ideas, you'll have to discard some. Using a couple of prons and a couple of cons is usually enough. How can you select?

• Originality: select those ideas which most people won't mention.
• Knowledge: keep the concepts you know about, they will be easier to develop.

List

In this part, you don't need to write a lot. Just some points or ideas that you could mention in your writing. Later, you'll have time to develop them.

How can I summarise?

• You can mention one positive idea and one negative one. Try and use different words than previously.
• You can mention the topic has got pros and cons without mentioning a specific one.

Giving my opinion

After summarising, state your opinion.Use some of the connectors you will find in the next page.