Focus on Writing

For and Against Essay

A for and against

essay presents the

advantages and

disadvantages of a

certain, controversial

topic.

In a For and Against

composition model

There are normally fourparagraphs

Introduction (2-3 lines)

Arguments for (5-6 lines)

Arguments against (5-6 lines)

Conclusion (2-3 lines)

Introductory Paragraph

Give a neutral introduction to the topic

with some relevant facts.

You DON’T have to give your opinion.

Useful expressions: People say…, It is

said that… or start with the topic (The use

of weapons in the USA has become

controversial…) and why? (give facts,

statistics, etc)

Topic: Should smoking be

prohibited in Public Places?

Introductory paragraph

Whatever smokers may tell you, smoking is an anti-

social habit. While the smokers themselves may

enjoy their cigarettes, their enjoyment often causes

much discomfort around them. The time has come to

forbid smoking in all public places.

Paragraph 1 : arguments

against (give examples and

details)

On the one hand, those who are against the

prohibition of smoking- usually the smokers

themselves-tend to claim this is a move against

their personal liberty. They say that smokers

form a large part of the population and that no

one has the right to tell them where or when they

can smoke. Moreover, they state that if their

smoke annoys non-smokers , the non-smokers

can always move to another (smoker-free) place

Paragraph 2: arguments for

(give examples and details)

On the other hand, those who believe that smoking should be prohibited in public places say that it is not always possible to move away from smokers. What happens if a smoker lights up at the table next to you in your favourite restaurant? The most important factor for non-smokers is probably not the inconvenience- it is the health hazard from passive smoking. A non-smoker who spends a lot of time in a smoke-filled atmosphere is seriously endangering his or her health

Paragraph 4: Conclusion.

Refer back to the topic and say if

you are against or for the topic.

State your opinion.

In conclusion, it is obvious that health

must come before personal pleasure. I

strongly believe that governments should

act to make smoking illegal in public

places.

Useful Connectors

CONNECTORS OF ADDITION

Moreover

For example

Besides

In addition

What is more

Connectors of Contrast

Whereas

Nevertheless

On the other hand

Although

However

Despite

In spite of

Unlike

Even If

Connectors of Cause

Because

Since

That’s why

Connectors of Result

For this reason

Therefore

So

Consequently

Thus

As a result

Other useful expressions or

connectors are

On the one hand

Finally

In the first place

Firstly

Secondly

In conclusion

To sum up

In short

It is said that

One of the advantages of …. is that

One of the disadvantages of … is that

It is also interesting that…

To begin with

In fact,

TIPS BEFORE WRITING

Choose a topic that you know and have

specific vocabulary about it.

Brainstorm in two lists the advantages and

disadvantages.

Add examples to each point of your list.

Decide your point of view or opinion.

Organise your ideas in 4 paragrahps.

Use connectors to introduce each paragraph

Use connectors to link the sentences. Avoid

using too many commas.

Use adjectives and vocabulary you have

learned.

Avoid repetitions -> Use synonyms or

rephrasings.

Write full sentences: Subject + Verb +

Complements.

Check grammar, spelling and punctuation