FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY SKELETON IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

PAR. 1 (50 – 60 words)

Nowadays it is common practice … / Nowadays .................................................................................. has
become an important issue. / These days people are increasingly using …........... / In recent years, there
has been a lot of talk about ….............. / Recently it has become common knowldedge that / Nowadays
more and more (adolescents) are (using)....................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................ However, is it always a
healthy / useful habit / beneficial? Some people believe it is, while others disagree. This essay will
discuss both of these views. / This essay will look into both the upsides and downsides of the
matter. / ... of this practice. / ... of this activity. This essay will take a closer look at some of the pros
and cons of ... this practice / activity / matter.

PAR. 2 (80 – 100 words)

On the one hand, there are several positive aspects of …................ / On the one hand, there may be
some clear benefits to ...................... / On the one hand, it is undoubtedly true that … (viewpoint 1).
Firstly, / To begin with, .......... (1st argument for). For example, ... / As a result, ... / Due to / Because
of ... (= support of 1st argument for). In addition, ...... / Secondly, ....... / It is also obvious that ....... (2nd
argument for). For example, ...... / As a result, ....../ Due to / Because of ...... (= support of 2nd
argument for).

PAR. 3 (80 – 100 words)

On the other hand, the negative sides to the issue / of this practice cannot be ignored. / However,
there are a lot of people who disagree, saying / claiming that … / However, it is also true that ... /
However, it can't be denied that ... (viewpoint 2). Firstly, / To begin with, .......... (1st argument against).
For example, ... / As a result, ... / Due to / Because of ... (= support of 1st argument against). In
addition, ...... / Secondly, ....... / It is also obvious that ....... (2nd argument against). For example, ...... /
As a result, ....../ Due to / Because of ...... (= support of 2nd argument against).

PAR. 4 (50 – 60 words)

To sum up, / In conclusion, / On balance, while it is true that ..... (= summary of the most important
part of par. 2), it is also evident that ..... (= summary of the most important part of par.3). In my
opinion, / As far as I am concerned, ........ (= personal opinion).
 SAMPLE ESSAY – PUBLIC VIDEO SURVEILLANCE (for and against)

Over the past few years, especially because of terrorist attacks, public safety has
become an important issue. It is undoubtedly true that the use of public video
surveillance (CCTV) is a popular security method, but it is also true to say that it is not
without problems. This essay will take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of
this practice.

On the one hand, there are a few strong points for video surveillance. Firstly, the use
of CCTV helps the investigators find out details of a particular crime, which leads to the
arrest of the perpetrators. Secondly, video surveillance is an excellent deterrent – it is
claimed that people are discouraged from committing crime if they know surveillance
and security cameras are on. As a result, the use of these devices may not only reduce
the number of bank and cash machine robberies, bar fights and other forms of criminal
offences, but it can also help prevent terrorist attacks.

However, the disadvantages to video surveillance cannot be ignored. To begin with, its
use seriously invades our privacy and takes away our individual freedoms, bringing to
mind the notorious “Big Brother is watching you“ quote. Therefore, many people are
starting to wonder just who is watching us and why, especially because this method
may not always be effective in reducing crime rates. In addition, it requires the
purchase of very expensive equipment – the money could be more efficiently used for
other purposes, such as improving education and thus preventing the very causes of
criminal behaviour.

In conclusion, while using video surveillance may stop some people from committing a
robbery or any other form of theft, these cameras are not the only solution to public
crime and disorder. My own view is that although it seems like a quick solution to
crime, in fact we will be giving away our individual freedom in the not too distant
future.