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FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY

Hhayensm

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davidbellon023
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5 views

FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY

Hhayensm

Uploaded by

davidbellon023
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY

WHAT IS IT?
A discussion/for and against/advantages and disadvantages essay is an essay
where you are presented with two opposing views on a topic, and you are asked
to discuss both views and to give your opinion at the end.

STRUCTURE
INTRODUCTION
The introduction should not be very long. Talk generally about the topic
WITHOUT GIVING YOUR OPINION.

You can start by paraphrasing the question, which means saying the same
but using different words. For example:

Essay question: Some people believe that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking and
helps people quit smoking, while others think that e-cigarettes are harmful and may lead to
vapers becoming smokers in the future.

Paraphrase: It is often said that vaping is healthier than smoking and helps smokers quit
their habit. However, many are concerned about the potential harm of e-cigarettes and their
role in leading people to become smokers.

You may also make reference to a strange scene or situation, for example:

Some scientists believe that in the future everyone will be genetically perfect.
Or you may prefer to address the reader directly or ask a rhetorical
question:

Are you aware of any characteristics which you may have inherited from your parents?

Isn’t it amazing how some children look so much like their parents?

Useful expressions
Some people argue/claim/say/believe that…
There are those who argue/claim/say/believe that…
It is often claimed that…
Nevertheless, other people claim/argue/believe that…
However, there are those who claim/argue/believe that…
However, opponents of… claim/argue/believe that…

BODY PARAGRAPH 1
Give the points for (advantages) along with your justification, reasons and
examples.

Useful expressions
Introduce the paragraph with the first view:

On the one hand,…

Introduce an argument that supports the first view:

Some people argue/claim/say/believe that…


There are those who argue/claim/say/believe that…
It is often claimed that…
Supporters argue/suggest/claim/say that…

Add a new argument, idea, example, etc.:

In addition,…
Moreover,…
Furthermore,…

Introduce a second argument that supports this view:


Some people also argue/claim/say/believe that…
There are those who also argue/claim/say/believe that…
It has also been claimed/suggested that…
Supporters also argue/suggest/claim/say that…

Introduce an example

For example,…
For instance,…

BODY PARAGRAPH 2
Give the points against (disadvantages) along with your justification, reasons and
examples.

Useful expressions
Introduce the paragraph with the second view:

On the other hand,…


However,…
In contrast,…

Introduce an argument that supports the second view:

Other people argue/claim/say/believe that…


There are those who argue/claim/say/believe that…
It is often claimed that…
Critics/opponents argue/suggest/claim/say that…

Add a new argument, idea, example, etc.:

In addition,…
Moreover,…
Furthermore,…

Use distancing expressions to introduce an argument:

It is known that (e-cigarretes/vaping/etc.)…


(E-cigarretes/vaping/etc.) are/is known to…
It has also been claimed/suggested that…
Introduce an example:

For example,…
For instance,…

CONCLUSION/CLOSING PARAGRAPH
The conclusion shouldn’t be too long. It should consist of two parts: a summary
of the main points of your essay and usually your opinion.
Useful expressions
Introduce the conclusion:

In conclusion,…
To conclude,…
To sum up,…

Introduce the argument you don’t support:

Although/While it could be argued that…


Although/While some people argue that…
Although/While it is often claimed that…

Introduce your opinion:

In my opinion,…
I believe that…
In my view,…
It seems to me that...
The way I see it,...

You may also want to finish off by giving the reader something to consider,
for example:

Perhaps the world would be a safer and more efficient place if everyone was genetically perfect.
OTHER USEFUL 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

AND REMEMBER...
1. Write well-developed paragraphs in which the points you present are
supported with justification and/or examples.
2. Do not use informal style (e.g. short forms, colloquial language,
contractions, etc.) or strong language (e.g.I firmly believe, etc.).
3. 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.

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