FOR AND AGAINST ESSAYS

RART I. TYPES OF ESSAYS

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

A "For and against" essay should consist of:

1. an introduction in which you present the topic, making a general remark about it without giving your opinion;

2. a main body in which you present the points for and the points against, in
separate paragraphs, supporting your arguments with justifications/examples;

3. a conclusion which includes your opinion (e.g. In my opinionlview, I believe/
think, etc) or a balanced summary of the topic.

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.

"For and against" essays are normally written in a formal style;therefore you should avoid using strong language (I know, I am sure, etc), short sentences, colloquial expressions or idioms.

You can find this type of writing in articles in newspapers, magazines, etc.

Useful expressions and linking words/phrases

To list and add points:In the first place, To start/begin with, Secondly, Thirdly, Finally, In addition (to this), Furthermore, Moreover, Besides, etc.

To introduce or list advantages:The main/first/most important advantage of..., One/Another/An additional advantage of..., One point of view in favour of..., It is often suggested/ believed/argued that..., Some/Many people suggest/feel argue that..., Some/ Many people are in favour of /are convinced that... etc.

To introduce or list disadvantages:The main/most important disadvantage/ drawback of..., One/Another/An additional disadvantage of..., One point/argument against..., Some/Many people are against..., etc.

To introduce examples/reasons/results:for example/instance, such as, like, in particular, therefore, for this reason, because, as, since, as a result, etc.

To show contrast:On the other hand, However, still, but, Nonetheless, Nevertheless, Although, Even though, Despite/In spite of (the fact that), etc.

To introduce a conclusion:In conclusion, To conclude/sum up, All in all, Finally, Lastly, All things considered, Taking everything into account/consideration, etc.

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OPINION ESSAYS

Opinion essays are discursive essays in which you present your personal opinion on a particular topic. Your opinion must be stated clearly and supported by justifications. You should also present the opposing viewpoint(s) in a separate paragraph.

An «Opinion essay» should consist of:

1. anintroduction, in which you introduce the subject and state your opinion clearly;

2. a main body, consisting of two or more paragraphs (each presenting a separate viewpoint supported by reasons/examples), including a paragraph giving the opposing viewpoint supported by reasons/examples; and

3. a conclusion, in which you restate your opinion using different words.

You normally use present tensesin this type of writing, and phrases such as / believe, In my opinion, I think, It seems to me that, I strongly disagree with, etc to express your opinion. You should list your viewpoints with Firstly, Furthermore, Moreover, Also, etc, and introduce the opposing viewpoint using However, On the other hand, etc. Opinion essays are normally written in a formal style,therefore you should avoid using colloquial expressions, short forms or personal examples. You can find this type of writing in the form of an article in newspapers, magazines, etc.

Note! The number of paragraphs in the main body depends on the number of view­points included.

Each main body paragraph should start with atopic sentencewhich clearly states the main idea of the paragraph. This should be followed by appropriate supporting sentenceswhich justify the main idea and/or give examples.

First decide whether you agree or disagree with the subject of the topic and make a list of your points and reasons. Then write well-developed paragraphs consisting of more than one sentence. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence which summarises what the paragraph is about. Linking words should be used throughout your composition.

Useful expressions and linking words/phrases

To express opinion:I believe, In my opinion, I think, In my view, I strongly believe, The way I see it, It seems to me (that)

To list points:In the first place, first of all, to start with, Firstly, to begin with

To add more points:what is more, another major reason, also, furthermore, moreover, in addition, to this/that, besides, apart from this, not to mention the fact that

To introduce contrasting viewpoints: It is argued that, People argue that, Opponents of this view say, There are people who oppose, Contrary to what most people believe, As opposed to the above ideas

To introduce examples:for example, for instance, such as, in particular, especially

To conclude:To sum up, All in all, All things considered, Taking everything into account.

Date: 2016-04-22; view: 2820