FOR & AGAINST ESSAYS
Introduction
Arguments FOR with examples
Arguments AGAINST with examples
Conclusion
Planning:
1. Think about the topic.
2. 'Brainstorm' ideas and key words:
3. Put your points in a logical order.4. Develop your ideas into sentences.
5. Develop paragraphs: write a topic sentence for each paragraph (one paragraph – one main topic). Give reasons and examples.
6. Logically join short sentences, and paragraphs with linking words.
7. Read your article and check the spelling, grammar, punctuation, word order, synonyms.
8. Use formal style, advanced vocabulary and DO NOT use short forms (e.g. don't)
To introduce points for and against:
We must look at both sides of the question...
On one hand...
On the other hand....
One point/argument in favor of.../against...
A further common criticism of.../It could be argued that...
It is (often/widely/generally) claimed/ suggested/ argued/ maintained/ believed that...some/many/most people/experts... support/oppose the view that...
People are in favor of/against...
People are of the opinion that/convinced that...
Useful expressions:
To list points:
Firstly, first of all, in the first place, to begin/start with, secondly, thirdly...
To list advantages:
One/another/a further/an additional advantage of...is...
The main/greatest/first advantage of...is...
To list disadvantages:
One/another/a further/an additional disadvantage of...is...
The main/greatest/first disadvantage of...is...
Other useful linkers:
Examples: for example/instance, such as, like, in particular, particularly, especially…
To express reality: in fact, the fact/of the matter)is…, actually, in practice, it is a fact that..., in effect…
General statements: as a general rule, generally, in general, on the whole, by and large, in most cases...
To clarify points: In other words, that is to say, this/which means that…
Conclusion & opinion:
In conclusion, on balance, all things considered, taking everything into account/consideration, to conclude, to sum up, all in all… & it is my belief/opinion that, I strongly believe/feel/think that…, I am convinced that…, I am inclined to believe that…, I do (not) agree that/with…
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Tips to begin or end your composition:
1. Address the reader directly
2. Include a quotation
3. Include a rhetorical question
If you take the time to train your dog,
he will learn to obey you.
As G. Orwell once said, “All animals are equal”
Is it true that a dog is man’ s best friend?
The main advantage , the first advantage ,
another advantage
Some people are in favour of…
advantage = benefit = gain
The main disadvantage , the first disadvantage ,
another disadvantage
Another argument against…
disadvantage = drawback = inconvenience
Useful advice:
Before start writing, make a list of the points for and against.
Each paragraph should start with a thesis statement which summarizes the topic of the paragraph.
Don’t use informal style or strong language to express your opinion. Do it in a non-emotional way.
Well-known quotations relevant to the topic you are writing about will make your composition more interesting.