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Digital tools and ideas to transform education, five steps to writing a good for and against essay.
An essay is a formal piece of writing which describes, analyses or discusses a particular issue.
The most common types are:
- Opinion essays. They present the writer’s personal opinion of the topic, supported with examples and reasons.
- For and against essays. They present both sides of an issue in a balanced way. In the concluding paragraph you can say why you find one side more convincing than the other.
In this post, I’ll guide you step by step to help you write a good for and against essay.
- Step 1. Tips and Guidelines +sample essay (pdf)
- Step 2. Presentation + sample essay (reinforcing)
- Step 3. Using connectors of contrast
- Step 4. Using connectors of purpose
- Step 5. Write: 53 topics to write about. (pdf)
Step 1. Tips and guidelines+sample essay
Download pdf
1. The first stage in writing is producing ideas. It’s important to dedicate two or three minutes to carefully planning what you are going to say. Make a list of the points for and against. Remember that the key to writing a good balanced essay is to include as many arguments you disagree with as those you agree with. They should be noted impartially although in your conclusion you can say why you find one side more convincing than the other.
2. Producing and organising ideas is one thing. Shaping ideas and the organisation of your writing is another. But often the most difficult part is starting a first draft.
Once you have your first draft pay attention to how you have organised the information into paragraphs and grouped ideas.
Once this is done you can focus on expression. This means looking at sentence structure, tense usage and vocabulary. It’s important to write clearly and economically. This can mean either rephrasing ideas in two sentences instead of one, or rewriting two longer sentences as one shorter sentence. So, go over your first draft, looking for ways of improving sentence structure, tense usage and vocabulary.
3. Organise your essay into three parts:
- Introduction- Paragraph 1- Introduce the topic. The opening should engage the reader’s interest and give a hint of what is to follow.
- Main Body- Normally you have two paragraphs. In Paragraph 2, you state your arguments for and in Paragraph 3, your arguments against.
- Conclusion– In paragraph 4 you refer back to the topic and summarize. Here you can say why you find one side more convincing than the other.
4. It’s important that you begin each paragraph with a main idea and then develop this idea. For a new idea, begin a new paragraph.
5. This is academic writing, so don’t use informal style ( no contractions, colloquial words, or emotional language).
6. Remember to use a variety of structures and vocabulary adequate to your level.
Step 2. Presentation + sample essay (reinforcing ).
Step 3. Using connectors of contrast.
Using connectors is important to express different relationships between ideas. Here, you’ll learn how to use connectors of contrast.
Read the flyer below to learn how to use: despite/in spite of, nevertheless, however, on the other hand, although, even though, though, yet, still, but and while/whereas.
At the end of the flyer there are some interactive exercises to test your knowledge.
Step 3. Using connectors of purpose.
Now we learn how to express purpose with the following words: to, in order to, so as to, for, so that and in case.
Test your knowledge
Step 5. Write: 53 topics to write about. Pdf here
Are you ready to write now? Here’s a compilation of 53 for and against topics to write about from different sites and course books. Take your pick, follow all the tips and guidelines and good luck!
- Should schools start later in the morning?
- Benefits of teaching children second languages early on.
- The pros and cons of single gender classrooms.
- Is sex education the job of parents or of the school?
- The pros and cons of reduction of physical education hours in our current school system.
- The pros and cons of security cameras in schools.
- Pros and cons of a 4-day school week.
- Should parents pay students for good grades?
- The pros and cons of bilingual or dual language education.
- The pros and cons of wearing a uniform.
- The pros and cons of banning junk food in schools.
- Should sexual education be taught in high schools?
- The education a child receives at home from having parents who are positive role models is more important than the academic education a child receives at school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
HEALTHY ISSUES
- Plastic surgery- vanity or need?
- Is vegetarianism a healthy diet?
- One of the largest parts of government expenditure is health. Some people argue that this money would be better spent on health education on the principle that prevention is better than cure. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
MORAL ISSUES
- Should parents be allowed to choose their child’s gender?
- Pros and cons of having exotic animals as home pets?
- Should advertising for plastic surgery be illegal?
- Should priests be celibate?
- What does everyone think about zoo animals? Is it a good or a bad thing?
- Does legal prostitution reduce crime?
- To what extent is the use of animals in scientific research acceptable? Discuss the pros and cons.
- Some people argue that the amount of violence shown in films and on television has led to an increase in violent crimes in society. Do you agree with this argument? Should the government control what is shown on television and in the cinema?
- Should rich countries forgive all debts for poor countries?
- The pros and cons of children under the age of 10 playing video games.
- The pros and cons of film, television, and music piracy.
- Should kids under the age of 13 have a phone?
- Advantages and disadvantages of digital spying on kids and teens.
- The pros and cons of owning an electric car.
- Have we become too dependent on technology? Discuss the pros and cons.
- Should students be allowed to have cell phones in elementary and high schools?
- Should we ban the sale of violent video games?
- Some people say that the Internet is making the world smaller by bringing people together. To what extent do you agree that the Internet is making it easier for people to communicate with one another?
- Should pro wrestling be considered a sport?
- Should sport hunting be banned?
- Many people want their country to hold the Olympics. Others believe that international sporting events bring more problems than benefits. Discuss both views and state your opinion.
- In the future, we will have more and more leisure time as machines replace many of the tasks we do at home and work. Discuss the benefits this will bring and also the problem it will cause.
- It is said that travel broadens the mind. What can we learn by travelling to other countries? Should we first explore our own countries? Discuss.
- In many countries tourism is a major part of the economy, but it also causes environmental damage and ruins the places it exploits. It is argued that tourists should pay an additional tax to compensate for this damage. Do you agree?
- Should museums and art galleries be free of charge for the general public, or should a charge, even a voluntary charge, be levied for admittance? Discuss this issue, and give your opinion.
- Unemployment is one of the most serious problems facing developed nations today. What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of reducing the working week to thirty five hours?
- Most high level jobs are done by men. Should the government encourage a certain percentage of these jobs to be reserved for women?
- Should retirement be compulsory at 65 years of age?
GLOBALISATION:
- Differences between countries become less evident each year. Nowadays, all over the world people share the same fashions, advertising, brands, eating habits and TV channels. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
- Television has had a significant influence on the culture of many societies. To what extent would you say that television has positively or negatively affected the cultural development of your society?
- Some people like living in a house, while others prefer an apartment. Are there more advantages than disadvantages to living in a house rather than in an apartment?
FAMILY AND RELATIONSHIPS
- The pros and cons of gay marriage.
- Some parents choose not to have a television at home because of the influence on their children. Is this a good or a bad thing?
- Some people believe in the traditional idea that the woman’s place is in the home, while others say that idea is outdated and that women should play an increasingly important role in the workplace of the future. What is your opinion?
- People are now living longer than ever before and many old people are unable to look after themselves. Some people believe that it is the responsibility of families to look after the elderly, while others say governments should provide retirement homes for them where they can be looked after properly. Discuss.
- Are women better parents than men?
- If children behave badly, should their parents accept responsibility and also be punished?
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24 thoughts on “ Five Steps to Writing a Good For and Against Essay ”
Hello! very useful, thanks for sharing. I would like to see an example of for and against essay and an opinion one. Could you tell me if there are examples in the website? thanks for all.
thanks https://www.cristinacabal.com/ y
Thank you for the information. Really is useful
Thanks for your comment! And also, for the link to the video! Very clear and helpful!
Great article! Thanks! Perhaps this information that I found will be useful as well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGU5Tkh-Rvg
Thanks for sharing. This is a very interesting post.
Thank you very much for your comments and post.
Thanks for your comment!
Writing is an art that everyone has but you need to figure it out. You can write any type of essay and article first you need to choose the topic wisely then do research and then start writing. You can choose topics like Fashion, Business, and Environment. Thanks for sharing this information it is interesting.
Hey, Thanks for sharing this information.
Hi Montse Which presentation are you referring to? There are three. I’ve just checked all of them and they seem to be working fine. I suggest you use another browser, just in case!
Thanks very much for sharing your For and Against Presentation but it does not work quite well. Words overlap, some of them are not separated… it is difficult to stop the presentation..
Hi Grace Thanks for your comment!
This is all very useful. Thanks a lot..
Hi Bry Where is “although” hyphenated exactly? I can’t see it anywhere! Thanks
Your rules of hypenation seem to not be for English words and spellings. I think that your current rules are perhaps for Spanish. That makes this kind of hypenation:
Since “th” is a digraph, you have to hyphenate:
FYI, no worries!
–Bry.
This is quite interesting topic and students can have variety of words to write on. Writing an essay just needs clear instruction and valuable content. This is basic requirement of essay because without clear concept we can’t write well. Also i want to say that writing will describe your thinking as well so always try to remain positive and determined to your task.
Thanks a lot, Ann!
Hi Cristina,
Just to let you know that we’ve shortlisted this blog post for this month’s TeachingEnglish blog award and I’ll be putting up a post about it on tomorrow’s TeachingEnglish Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/TeachingEnglish.BritishCouncil , if you’d like to check there for likes and comments.
You’re welcome! I am glad you find it useful!
Thanks a lot for sharing us this material. I really appreciate it.
Hi Nad Which powerpoint do you refer to? I’ve tested everything visual on the post and it seems to be working fine.
Hello, The powerpoint like document is not working properly. Some words overlap others and it makes it difficult to read sometimes.
Anyway, thanks for sharing, it’s very useful,
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English Writing Exercises for B2 – Essay: for and against
- English Writing Exercises for B2
Preparation
Writing Strategy
When you write an essay, you need to ensure that it has a clear structure.
Paragraph 1: introduction (stating the issue)
Paragraph 2: arguments for the statement
Paragraph 3: arguments against the statement
Paragraph 4: summary, your own opinion
1. Read the Writing Strategy and the task below. What ideas do you expect to see in the essay?
‘A problem shared is a problem halved.’ Write an essay in which you offer arguments for and against discussing your personal problems with a friend.
your own answers
2. Look at the phrases below. Find five more phrases for introducing arguments in the essay.
Introducing one side of the argument
1 ………………………………………………………
It can be argued that …
2 ………………………………………………………
On the one hand, …
3 ………………………………………………………
Furthermore, / Moreover, …
Introducing the other side of the argument
On the other hand, …
4 ………………………………………………………
Having said that, … / That said, …
5 ………………………………………………………
6 ………………………………………………………
When people say that ‘a problem shared is a problem halved,’ they mean that it is good to talk about your issues with someone else. While this may be true, there can also be disadvantages to looking for help in this way.
The first advantage of talking to a friend about a personal problem is that you will gain sympathy and support from someone who cares about you. No one can deny that it is very helpful to have someone who listens to you and shows concern. Even if your friend can’t offer practical advice, it will still make you feel better. It is also true that talking through a problem can help you come to a solution yourself.
So are there any disadvantages in confiding in friends in this way? Although it is true that it is helpful to share your problems with a friend, we should also remember that it is not a good idea to talk about your personal problems to everybody, or it can easily become gossip. It is important to pick one good friend that you can trust to keep your problem to themselves. Moreover, not everybody is kind, so you can end up feeling worse, unless you choose your friend wisely.
To sum up, talking about your problems to a friend is a very beneficial thing to do, provided that you pick the right person. A good friend is one you can trust.
1 The first advantage …
2 No one can deny that …
3 It is also true that …
4 While this may be true …
5 Although it is true that …
6 …, we should also remember that …
3. Write the second sentence so that it has the same meaning as the first. Use the words in brackets.
1 I’ll do the dishes if you clean the kitchen. (provided that)
…………………………………….
2 Despite the fact that he seems nice, I still don’t trust him. (even though)
3 Always try everything, despite the possibility it might not work out. (even if)
4 He’ll fix your bike if you lend it to him on Saturday. (on condition that)
5 If I study all week, I’ll pass the exam. (provided that)
1 I’ll do the dishes provided that you clean the kitchen.
2 Even though he seems nice, I still don’t trust him.
3 Always try everything, even if it might not work out.
4 He’ll fix your bike on condition that you lend it to him on Saturday.
5 Provided that I study all week, I’ll pass the exam.
Writing Guide
‘You should always paddle your own canoe.’ Write an essay in which you offer arguments for and against being totally independent, not asking for help and only relying on yourself.
4. Read the task and make notes.
Advantages ………………………………………..
Disadvantages ………………………………………….
5. Write your essay.
Extra exercises.
Always start by planning your arguments. Write down three or four ideas for and three or four against the topic. Choose the best two arguments for each side of the issue, and develop them by adding a comment or providing an example.
1. Read the Strategy and look at the arguments below against sharing a flat with a sibling. Develop the arguments. Use the questions to help you.
1 It may mean no privacy for both of you.
Will you be able to keep your ‘private life’ away from your sibling? What might they report back to your parents?
2 It will lead to arguments over household chores.
Why will it be difficult to share out the chores? How might this affect your relationship?
3 There may be pressure to hang out constantly.
Why will it be difficult to have space for yourself?
What might your sibling think if you refuse to go out with him/her one evening?
2. Read the task below and write your essay.
Some parents have access to their teenage children’s accounts on social media and control their online activities. Write an essay in which you discuss arguments for and against the attitude of these parents.
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