Tips for writing a ‘for and against

Tips for writing a ‘for and against’ composition

“For and against” essays are one type of discursive writing in which you discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a specific

topic.

A “For and against” essay should consist of:

a) An introduction in which you present the topic, making a general remark about it without giving your opinion

A “For and against” essay should consist of:

b) A main body in which you present:– the points for and – the points against, in separate paragraphs,supporting your arguments with justifications/ examples

A “For and against” essay should consist of:

c) A conclusion which includes your opinions or a balanced summary of the topic.

You must NOT include opinion words (I believe, I think, etc.) in the introduction or the main body. Opinion words can ONLY be used in the final paragraph, where you may state your opinion on the topic.

Introduction…………………………………………………………Paragraph 1 present topic (without stating your opinion)Main Body ……………………………………………………………Paragraph 2 arguments for, with justifications/ examplesParagraph 3 arguments against, with justifications/ examplesConclusion …………………………………………………………Final paragraph your opinion/balanced summary

Label the paragraphs with the correct headings:

• arguments against• arguments for• opinion• present topic• introduction• main body• conclusion

List the points for and against before you start writing (two points for and two points against is probably enough). Read the

article again and fill in the blanks below.

FOR

Arguments Justifications/Examples

1) More comfortable than other forms of travel

Go for a walk, eat in a restaurant, go shopping, have more space to move around

2)

3)

AGAINST

Arguments Justifications/Examples

1)

2)

FOR

Arguments Justifications/Examples

1) More comfortable than other forms of travel

Go for a walk, eat in a restaurant, go shopping, have more space to move around

2) Cheaper than other forms of travel A boat ticket usually costs less than a plane ticket

3) Safe alternative to cars and planes Fewer accidents at sea than in the air or on the road

AGAINST

Arguments Justifications/Examples

1) Usually takes much longer than other forms of travel

Can be tiring

2) Can be very unpleasant when the weather is bad or the sea is rough

Uncomfortable or even frightening

A health and fitness magazine has asked its readers to write and article discussing the

advantages and disadvantages of cycling as a form of transport. Prepare your essay.

FOR

Arguments Justifications/Examples

1)

2)

AGAINST

Arguments Justifications/Examples

1)

2)

Learn and use connectors to link your ideas

Read the article again and say which of the linking word/phrases in bold in the article are used to:a) list/add pointsb) introduce reasons/resultsc) show contrastd) introduce a conclusion

Learn and use connectors to link your ideas

Read the article again and say which of the linking word/phrases in bold in the article are used to:a) list/add points To begin with, Furthermore,

Finally, In additionb) introduce reasons/results For example, As a

resultc) show contrast Howeverd) introduce a conclusion All things considered

Back up your points with reasons or examples

MAIN BODY PARAGRAPHSYou should start each main body paragraph with

a topic sentence which introduces or summarises the main topic of the paragraph.

The topic sentence should be followed by supporting sentences whish justify the argument

presented in the topic sentence, by giving examples or reasons.

Travelling by train has a lot of advantages. First of all, it is comfortable as trains are spacious so there is plenty of room to walk about. What is more, trains are convenient. For example, you

do not have to take any food or beverages with you, because most trains have a restaurant.

Finally, when you travel by train you reach your destination fairly quickly.

Read the extract and choose the correct topic sentence to fill in the blank:

1 There are many advantages to using the Internet.2 However, there are many arguments against using the Internet.3 Computers have become the most important means of communication.

Read the extract and choose the correct topic sentence to fill in the blank:

1 There are many advantages to using the Internet.2 However, there are many arguments against using the Internet.3 Computers have become the most important means of communication.

Match each argument to its justification.

Arguments1. be an exciting career2. opportunity to earn a lot of

money3. models must constantly

watch what they eat4. no privacy

Justificationsa) expected to stay thin so that

they look good all the timeb) designers and fashion

magazines are willing to pay high fees for popular models

c) reporters are always chasing them

d) models usually travel to interesting places and often meet famous people.

Which points are FOR and which are AGAINST?

Which points are FOR and which are AGAINST?

Arguments1. be an exciting career2. opportunity to earn a lot of

money3. models must constantly

watch what they eat4. no privacy

Justificationsa) expected to stay thin so that

they look good all the timeb) designers and fashion

magazines are willing to pay high fees for popular models

c) reporters are always chasing them

d) models usually travel to interesting places and often meet famous people.

Techniques to begin or end your essay

a) address the reader directly e.g. If you take time to train your dog, it will learn to obey you

b) include a quotation e.g. As George Orwell wrote, “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others”.

c) include a rhetorical question e.g. Is it true that a dog is man’s best friend?

Which are BEGINNINGS and which are ENDINGS?Which WRITING TECHNIQUES have been used in each?

Teachniques to begin or end your essay

A. beginning → addresses the reader directly/ asks a rhetorical question

B. ending → uses a quotationC. beginning → asks a rhetorical questionD. ending → addresses the reader directly/ uses

a quotation

Finally, remember to…

• Use a formal style i.e. don’t use:– contractions – very colloquial expressions– strong language (I know, I am sure, etc.)– short sentences– idioms