Unit : 10

Writing:                                                                                For & Against Essay

One type of argumentative essay is that which gives advantages and disadvantages (for and against). It is a formal piece of writing in which a topic is considered from opposing points of view.  A good essay of this type should consist of:

a)     INTRODUCTION

Paragraph 1: You state the topic. This means that you talk generally about the topic

without giving your opinion.

b)     MAIN BODY

Paragraph 2: You give the points for (advantages) along with your justification. 

Paragraph 3: You give the points against (disadvantages) along with your justification.

c)     CLOSING PARAGRAPH

Paragraph 4: You express either a balanced consideration of the topic OR your opinion, that is, for example, by expressing whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or vice versa.

 NOTE: In this type of essay writing, 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. 

           I.            POINTS TO CONSIDER: 

·         Make a list of the points for and against before you start writing.

·         Write well-developed paragraphs in which the points you present are supported with justification (i.e. reasons or examples). Make sure each paragraph has more than one sentence

·         Do not use informal style (e.g. short forms, colloquial language, contractions, etc.) or strong language (e.g. I firmly believe, etc.)

·         Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence which summarizes what the paragraph is about:

•      Topic sentence : ‘However, there are disadvantages to owning a house.’

•      Point and justification: ‘Firstly, it can be rather expensive and tiring to maintain. For example, repairs to the outside of the house can be costly, not to mention the time-consuming task of caring for a backyard or garden.’

        II.            LINKING WORDS AND PHRASES:

-          To introduce points: one major advantage/disadvantage of, a further advantage, one point of view in favour of/against, regarding, concerning

-          To list points: in the first place, first of all, to start with, firstly, secondly, thirdly, finally, last but not least

-          To add more points to the same topic: what is more, furthermore, also, in addition to this/that, besides, apart from this/that, not to mention the fact that

-          To make contrasting points: on the other hand, however, in spite of, while, nevertheless, despite, even though, although, it can be argued that

-          To introduce examples: for example, for instance, like, especially, such as, in particular

-          To conclude: to sum up, all in all, all things considered, in conclusion, on the whole, taking everything into account, as was previously stated 

     III.            TECHNIQUES FOR BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS:

The first paragraph may: INTRODUCTION

-     Make reference to a strange scene or situation, e.g. Some scientists believe that in the future everyone will be genetically perfect.

-   Address the reader directly, e.g. Are you aware of any characteristics which you may have inherited from your parents? or ask a rhetorical question (question to which no answer is expected), e.g. Isn’t it amazing how some children look so much like their parents? 

The last paragraph may: CONCLUSION

-    State a personal opinion, e.g. In my opinion, I believe, In my view, It seems to me, The way I see it, I think, etc.

-      Give the reader something to consider, e.g. Perhaps the world would be a safer and more efficient place if everyone was genetically perfect.