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Writing a For and Against Essay

In a “For and Against” essay you present the arguments for and against the topic you are
asked about. You don’t give your opinion until the last paragraph.

Remember, it’s important to ORGANISE your essay into clear paragraphs.

Example: “ The death penalty should be abolished.”

Introduction
A brief statement to identify the issue under discussion.

“Is it true that the death penalty reduces the crime rate?”

Arguments in FAVOUR
You present the arguments in favour.

- People who are in favour claim that it’s a way to avenge the victim…

Arguments AGAINST
You present the arguments against.

- People who are against claim that the death penalty doesn’t reduce the crime rate, quite
the opposite. In addition, mistakes have been made on innocent people…

Conclusion

You close the essay by giving your opinion.

Useful Language
Connectors to list ideas (arguments for/
Phrases:
against):

- Surveys show - Besides

- Research shows - Furthermore
- Experts believe
- Moreover

Contrast connectors:
Connectors to explain arguments by
- On the one hand, the advantages of ...... giving examples:

are ..... On the other hand, the - For example

disadvantages of ..... are ..... - For instance
- The arguments in favour are .....On the - An example could be

contrary, there are also arguments against,

such as ..... Connectors to conclude:

- In contrast
- In conclusion
- To conclude
- Summing up
- To sum up

Write your for and against essay with the following title. Write about 150-175 words)

“What are the advantages and disadvantages of learning a language

online?”
Inma López, IES Vicente Medina, english department