Here you have some tips to write a well-planned”for and against” essay.
“For and Against” essays - guide
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:
- an introductory
paragraph in which you state the topic. This means that you talk
generally about the topic without giving your opinion;
- a main body in which the points tor and the points against,
along with your justification, appear in two separate paragraphs;
and
- a closing paragraph in which you give either your opinion or a balanced consideration of the topic.
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.
Points to consider
- Make a list of the points for and against a topic 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, e.g. One advantage
of using a word processor is that it saves time. It is much
quicker to make corrections on one than it is to do them by hand.
- Do not use informal style (e.g. short forms, colloquial
language, etc.) or strong language (e.g. I firmly believe, etc.)
- Try to include a quotation relevant to the topic you are
writing about. For example, if you are writing an essay on space
exploration, a quotation you may include is: “One small step for a
man, one giant leap for mankind.” (Neil Armstrong)
- Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence which summarises what the paragraph is about.
Linking words/phrases
- To introduce points: one major advantage (or disadvantage) of, a further advantage, one point of view in favour of/against
- To list points: in the first place, first of all, to start with, 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
Techniques for beginnings and endings
The first paragraph may:
- make reference to a strange scene or situation, e.g. Some scientists believe that in tne 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?
- start with a quotation, e.g. “Genetics holds the key to the future”
The last paragraph may:
- 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 piace if everyone was geneticali}’ perfect
- end with a quotation, e.g. “Genetics holds the key to tne future”, or a rhetorical question, e.g. K/fraf will they think of next?
Have look at the example
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being your own boss.”
Have
you ever considered becoming your own boss? In recent years the number
of people choosing to start their own business has risen
significantly. Many claim that this is because more and more people are
no longer content to work for someone else.
One of the main
advantages of being self-employed is the fact that you are completely
self-reliant and can make decisions on your own. This can give you a
great sense of freedom and allows you to do exactly what you want
without interference from anyone else. What is more, your working day
can be planned for your convenience, allowing you to work when you want
rather than when you have to. Finally, if your business is successful,
people will know that you alone should be given the credit.
However,
there are disadvantages to being your own boss. Many self-employed
people hr.e said that to build a successful business, you have to be
prepared to work long hours and sacrifice your personal life. As B. C.
Forbes once said, “If you don’t drive your business, you will be driven
out of business.” Moreover, a 1996 government study found that over a
quarter of the businesses run by newly self-employed people failed
within the first two years.
All things considered, it seems to me
that self-employment can be a very gratifying experience, although not
one without difficulties. But when success is achieved, the greatest
reward of all is the knowledge that you have done it on your own.
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