HOW TO WRITE A FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY

1 What is the purpose of the essay? (Giving opinion)

2 Will you just give your opinion or will you give both sides of the argument? (Both sides)
3 What style will you use? Why? (Formal, as you are going to write it for your teacher or tutor)

POINTS TO CONSIDER

· Before you start writing your essay you should make a list of the points for and against.

· Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence which summarizes the 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

· Make sure each paragraph has more than one sentence.

· Do not use informal style (e.g. short forms, colloquial language, etc.) or strong language to

express your opinion (e.g. I know…, etc.). express your opinion in an non-emotional way (e.g. It

seems that, I therefore feel, …, etc.).

· Do not forget about useful expressions and linking words/phrases.

POSSIBLE PARAGRAPH PLAN

INTRODUCTION: A general statement/Rhetorical question

Present the issue. Introduce the problem and explain why it should be addressed.

Useful phrases: Some people think/claim/say that…

First of all I would like to say that…
However, if that is the case, then why…?
It is often suggested/believed/argued that…
Some/Many people suggest/feel argue that…
Some/Many people are in favour of/are convinced that….

MAIN BODY:
Present the points for and the points against, in separate paragraphs, supporting your arguments
with examples and justifications.

A) ADVANTAGES:
Advantage 1 – Reason – (Specific example)
Advantage 2 – Reason – (Specific example)
Useful phrases: Firstly,… /First of all, … In the first place,…
To begin/start with On the one hand, …
The main advantage is that… Then there is …
What´s more ….. In addition …
Another advantage is that … However, …
The main/greatest/first advantage of … is …
One(more) point of view in favour of…

B) DISADVANTAGES:
Disadvantage 1 – Reason – (Specific example)
Disadvantage 2 – Reason – (Specific advantage)
Useful phrases: On the other hand, …
Last but not least, … Secondly, …
One/Another/A further/An additional (major) disadvantage/ drawback of …
The main/greatest/most serious/first disadvantage/drawback of …
Another negative aspect of …
Some/Many people are against…
One point/argument against…

SUMMING UP/BALANCING THE ARGUMENT:

State your opinion or give a balanced consideration of the topic.
Useful phrases: In conclusion, …
To sum up, there are arguments for and against, but ….
On balance, despite the various advantages/disadvantages it would ….
In conclusion, it seems that …
On balance, it may be concluded/said that …
All things considered, it is likely/unlikely/possible that
Taking everything into account/consideration it is clear/obvious that …there is
no/little doubt that …
To conclude, it can/must be said/claimed that …
To sum up, although it must be said that …

USEFUL LINKS:

https://engxam.com/handbook/essays-sample-answers-comments-b2-first-fce/