For_and_against_essay_9-11klass

1.

FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY

2.

A ‘for and against’ essay is a ‘pros and cons’ essay in which a topic is
considered from opposing points of view.
You are required to present both sides in a fair way by discussing them
objectively and in equal detail.
The writer can state his/her opinion on the issue directly or indirectly.
A ‘for and against’ essay is a formal piece of writing.
You need to explain the opposing viewpoints with relevant reasons,
statistics, facts and examples.
This kind of essay topic entails you to avoid any strong or emotional
language to express your opinion.

3. What does the essay consist of?

An introduction
A main body
advantages
disadvantages
A conclusion

4. The structure of a for/against essay.

I.
II.
III.
Introduction (without giving your opinion)
.
The topic/ problem
General view
The body of an essay (2 or 3 paragraphs).
1. Points for + reasons/examples (2-3)
2. Points against + reasons/examples (2-3)
Conclusion
A balanced consideration of the topic
Your opinion

5. Introduction

Useful phrases
• An introductory paragraph in which you
clearly state the topic to be discussed,
without giving your opinion
• You may start with a question
• You may start with a quotation
•A lot of people think that…
•We all know that…
•As a general rule…
•It is popularly believed that…
•Many people are in favour of…
•Can you imagine…?
•Have you ever thought of… ?
•There are both advantages and
disadvantages…

6. Main body

Points for and against appear in two separate
paragraphs
1. To introduce points
•The main/most important advantage of … is
(that) …
•Another advantage/ disadvantage of …
•The best/worst thing about … is …
2. To list points
•First of all …
•To start/ begin with …

7. Useful phrases

3. To add more points to the same topic
5. To introduce examples
•What is more …
•Moreover …
•In addition to this …
•Besides …
4. To make contrasting points
On the other hand …
However …
In spite of the fact that …
Nevertheless …
In contrast to this …
For example …
For instance …
Such as …
Although/ though ….
In particular …

8. Exercise Are these arguments for or against reality TV shows? Write them in the correct group.

There are lots of
different ts of
reality shows.
Some competitions are very People on reality shows
difficult or dangerous.
have fun experiences and
meet new people.
They are fun to watch.
Reality shows are always
the same.
They can discover
talented people.
The winners win great
prizes.
Reality TV is not an easy
way to become famous.
Some people on reality
shows behave badly.
for reality TV shows
People spend a lot of
money on their phones
when they vote.
against reality TV shows

9. Let’s check

for reality TV shows
against reality TV shows
• There are lots of different types of reality • Some competitions are very difficult or
shows.
dangerous.
• People on reality shows have fun
• Reality shows are always the same.
experiences and meet new people.
• People spend a lot of money on their
• They are fun to watch.
phones
• They can discover talented people.
• Reality TV is not an easy way to become
• The winners win great prizes.
famous.
• Some people on reality shows behave

10. III. Conclusion

To sum up …
•On the whole …
•In conclusion …
•Taking everything into
account …
•All in all, I believe that
there are more
advantages than
disadvantages …

11. Let’s read the sample essay

I. INTRODUCTION

12. II. MAIN BODY 1. ARGUMENTS FOR

13. II. MAIN BODY 2. ARGUMENTS AGAINST

14. III. CONCLUSION

15. 1. 1. Check your understanding: multiple selection Which of these arguments are mentioned in the essay? Tick six ideas.

1
They can discover talented people
2
Reality shows are always the same.
3
Some people on reality shows behave badly.
4
+
People on reality shows have fun experiences and meet new people.
5
+
6
+
Some competitions are very difficult or dangerous.
There are lots of different types of reality shows.
7
+
They are fun to watch.
8
+
Reality TV is not an easy way to become famous.
9
People spend a lot of money on their phones when they vote.
10
The winners win great prizes.

16. 2. Check your writing: reordering – essay structure Write letters A-B to put the paragraph topics from the essay in the correct

order.
1
D
2
A
3
C
4
B
Conclusion – writer’s opinion
Introduction – the situation
Arguments for reality TV shows
Arguments against reality TV shows

17. 3. Check your writing: rewriting sentences – linking words

Rewrite the sentences using the word or phrase in brackets. You
may need to change the punctuation.
Reality shows are all the same but many people still watch them. (however,)
Reality shows are all the same. Howener, many people still watch them.
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
2.
We can discover talented people on reality TV and we can vote for the ones we like the most. (furthermore,)
1.
We can discover talented people on reality TV. Furthermore, we can vote for the ones we like the most.
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
3.
One positive thing about reality TV is that it shows normal people. (one advantage of)
One advantage of reality TV is that it shows normal people.
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
4.
My first point is that reality TV is fun to watch. (firstly,)
Firstly, reality TV is fun to watch.
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
5.
Also, you can learn many new things. (in addition,)
In addition, you can learn many new things.
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
6.
The opposite argument is reality TV might set a bad example for young children. (on the other hand,)
On the other hand. reality TV might set a bad example for young children.
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

18. Discussion

What are your views on reality TV?
Are these types of shows popular in your country?
Have you written a for or against essay before?
What topics could you write about?

19.

Exercise
Choose a for and against argument from one of the following themes
Attending College/University
Getting Married
Having Children
Changing Jobs
Moving
1.
Write down five positive points and five negative points.
2.
Write down an overall statement of the situation (for introduction and first sentence).
3.
Write down your own personal opinion (for the final paragraph).
4.
Summarize both sides in one sentence if possible.
5.
Use your notes to write a For and Against Argument using the helpful language provided.

20. MAKE SURE YOU…

• Read the instruction carefully and make sure you understand what you need to
write.
•Write the title of your essay.
•Make a general statement to introduce the topic.
•Write about the advantages and disadvantages or the arguments for and against
in separate paragraphs.
•Use a new paragraphs to introduce each new topic.
•Support your main ideas with arguments.
•Use linking words and discourse makers.
•Summarise your arguments at the end of your essay.