FOR &

AGAINST
ESSAY
1. Course book:
Virginia, E. (2000). Successful Writing Proficiency. Express
Publising.
COURSE
2. Reference books: BOOK &
- Smalley, R.L., Ruetten, M. K., and Kozyrev, J. R. (1998).
Refining Composition Skills. New York: Heinle &
REFERENCE
Heinle.
BOOKS
- CAE Practice Tests (selected materials)
Review & develop useful expressions &
linking words/phrased

Identify parts of an argumentative essay

LEARNING
Plan an argumentative essay OUTCOMES

Write a For & Against essay

Edit and revise writing

ARGUE AND QUARREL
 ARGUE VS. QUARREL

 Arguing: reasoning based on facts

 Quarreling: wrangling angrily over personal preferences
 In an argument: the winner having more of the facts
supporting the side
 In a quarrel: the winner is whoever shouts loudest
 AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

 One that attempts to change the reader’s mind, to convince the reader
to agree with the point of view or opinion of the writer. Therefore, the
argumentative essay attempts to be highly persuasive and logical.
E.g.
“Living in a foreign country cannot be better than living in your own.”
Discuss.
 BASICS OF AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

 Formal piece of writing is used.

 A topic is considered from opposing points of view.
 The writer is expected to present both sides in a fair way by
discussing them objectively.
 PARTS OF AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

I. An introductory paragraph: clearly state the topic (without stating your

opinion)

II. A main body:

- para 2-3: arguments for & justifications, examples, reasons
- para 4-5: arguments against & justifications, examples, reasons

III. A concluding paragraph: State your opinion and give a balanced consideration
of the topic
  It is a pre-writing activity.

 It helps you organize information

LISTING before you write.

 It is especially helpful when you are

comparing and contrasting.

 INTRODUCING
POINTS/
ARGUMENTS FOR
OR AGAINST
 PRACTICE
TASK 1
Ex.4, p62:
Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning of the sentence
before. 

TASK 2
Ex.6, p63:
Join the sentences using the words/phrases given in the brackets. 

TASK 3
Ex.7, p63:
Complete the following sentences, then replace the phrases in bold with other
similar ones.
 EXERCISE 4- SUGGESTED ANSWERS
1. Most people advocate recycling some products in order to reduce
the amount of damage we do to the environment.
2. Some people feel that mothers cannot be career women too.
3. Sceptics point out that nuclear testing has long lasting effects on
surrounding areas.
4. Many people support the view that harsher punishments for
criminals would result in a decrease in the crime rate.
5. A further common criticism of computers is that their use is
reducing levels of literacy.
 EXERCISE 6- SUGGESTED ANSWERS
1. Not only can pets prove to be good companions, but they also teach
children a sense of responsibility.
2. Many people nowadays decide to open their own business even
though a slump in the economy has resulted in the closure of many
small businesses.
3. Apart from being time-saving devices, computers can do things
which people could hardly do before.
4. Living in the countryside can be beneficial for your health, despite
the fact that some essentials are not so easily available in the country
as in the city.
5. Voting gives you a voice in the decisions of the government, not to
mention that it gives you a feeling of belonging to a larger
community.
 EXERCISE 7- SUGGESTED ANSWERS

1. regardless of the fact that … = despite the fact that …

2. nonetheless = however
3. In spite of …= despite …
4. while = whereas
THANK YOU