For and against essays discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a topic through an introduction, main body, and conclusion. The introduction presents the topic without opinion. The main body has two paragraphs, one arguing for and one against with examples and justifications. The conclusion restates the topic and includes the writer's opinion. The essay should be written formally without strong language or opinions except in the conclusion. Topic sentences introduce each main body paragraph, followed by supporting examples. Quotations, rhetorical questions, and summaries can be used at the beginning or end for effect.

2. DEFINITION
For and against essays are one type of
argumentative writing in which you
discuss the advantages and disadvantages
of a specific topic.

3. STRUCTURE
INTRODUCTION: O
- Paragraph 1: present the topic, making a general remark about it and
explaining the context, the situation.
- Paragraph 2: present the position you are going to discuss, without
expressions of your personal opinion.
MAIN BODY
- Paragraph 3: arguments for, with justifications /examples. RE
- Paragraph 4: arguments against, with justifications/examples RE
CONCLUSION
- Paragraph 4: include your opinion or a balanced summary of the topic. O

4. BE CAREFUL!
- You must not include opinion words:
“I believe”, “I think”, “My opinion is”……
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.
- For and against essays are normally written in a formal
style; therefore you should avoid using strong
language:”
“I know”, “I am sure”…….
short sentences, colloquial expressions or idioms.

5. TOPIC/STARTER SENTENCES
You should start each main body paragraph with a
topic/starter sentence which introduces or summarises
the main topic of the paragraph.
The topic/starter sentence should be followed by
supporting sentences which justify the argument
presented in the topic sentence, by giving examples or
reasons.
You should use linking words/phrases to present your
justifications, such as: first of all, what is more, for example,
etc..

6. Topic/ starter sentences

7. Supporting sentences

8. Supporting sentences

9. TECHNIQUES
TO BEGIN OR END YOUR ESSAY
To attract the reader’s interest and make the beginning or
ending of your essay more effective, you can use some of the
following writing techniques:
a) Address the reader directly:
If you take the time to train your dog, it will learn to obey you.
a) Include a quotation (i.e. A sentence or phrase taken from a
book play, etc.) When we use a quotation, it is necessary to
mention the name of the person who said/wrote it.
b) Include a rhetorical question:
Is it true that a dog is man’s best friend?

10. QUOTATION

11. SENTENCES TO FINISH
You should finish your text with a clear final paragraph with a finishing
sentence which summarises the main topic of the first paragraph and
clearly states your opinion on the topic.

12. Now…YOU!
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