WRITING AN ESSAY

4 párrafos Para introducir los párrafos:

1. Introducción Some people think that ………….. but I believe that ………..

2. Argumentos a favor On the one hand, ……………………. (=por una parte)

3. Argumentos en contra On the other hand, ……………….. (=por otra parte)

In short, in conclusion, to sum up …………………….. (=en

4. Conclusión
conclusión)

CONECTORES

Para añadir argumentos In addition, besides, furthermore (=además)

Para hacer contraste However, nevertheless (=sin embargo)

Para dar tu opinión In my opinion, in my view (en mi opinión) – I agree / I disagree

Para introducir una
Therefore (por lo tanto)
consecuencia

Example 1:
INTERNET OR READING ?

Nowadays, many teenagers have access to internet and therefore they have a chance to
watch free videos and films online. As it is a passive activity it is very likely that they spend much
more time watching videos than reading.

On the one hand, watching an online film or video is not a bad activity but doing it all the
time is. This is precisely what teachers and parents fear: that teenagers become just passive
consumers of any junk videos or worthless information that is presented online. In addition, they
claim that good habits such as reading, and acquiring useful information for their future jobs are
being lost.

On the other hand, if parents at home supervised their screen hours it would be perfectly
possible to keep a balance between watching online films and videos and reading. Besides, there
are many books that teenagers love such as those related to witchcraft and vampires. Therefore,
the problem is not necessarily reading, but what to read. However, sometimes the books which
teenagers must read at school are really boring.

In short, I think that teenagers can watch video or films online and also have the habit of
reading if they have the discipline to organise their time well, and their parents should make sure
that they do not exceed a limited number of hours in front of the computer.
Example 2:

MOBILE PHONES – A BLESSING OR A CURSE?

Like all new high-technology devices, mobile phones have generated a large number of
discussions and arguments. Some people thin k that our privacy has been seriously invaded but I
disagree and think that mobile phones are a necessity in this modern life.

To begin with, we live in a fast and technologically advanced world. Our response must be
quick and immediate. Millions of businesses depend on these two words. Secondly, we want
contact with our family members to be fast and safe. For example, if your son or daughter is late
home from school, he/she can easily contact you, thus preventing a major family crisis.In addition,
our personal safety and that of our families is no longer an academic issue. It is believed that many
lives have been saved by the use of a mobile phone. Besides, mobile phones are small, easy to carry
and user friendly.

However, having a mobile phone causes several disadvantages. The most important is that
we have lost our privacy. You are not only interrupted at your workplace, but also in your home
and during your spare time. Therefore, many extraordinary concerts and lectures have been
interrupted by the annoying sound of somebody’s mobile phone. Furthermore, the use of a mobile
phone can, according to some studies, seriously endanger your health. For example, various brain
tumors have been caused by the use of mobile phones. In addition, we have all witnessed situations
when traffic accidents were caused by people using mobile phones while driving.

To sum up, having a mobile phone has both advantages and disadvantages. In my opinion,
mobile phones will remain because most people feel they are necessary for their lives.