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What is a for and against essay?
What is a for and against essay?
A for and against essay is a type of writing in which you analyse some kind of question or controversial topic. It is based on describing the advantages and disadvantages regarding that topic in a balanced way, reaching a final conclusion. The main point here is not to give your opinion, but to show your capacity analysing a given topic from different perspectives.
- Structure
Your for and against essay should follow a clear structure in order to be coherent and easy to read and understand. The following structure is very efficient and is an excellent way to make sure you get a good mark. It consists of four paragraphs, each one of them with a clear purpose.
1.1. Introduction
1.1. Introduction
In this paragraph you will introduce the issue you are going to write about. Your aim here should be to make clear you are about to discuss a controversial topic and to catch the interest of the reader.
As it happens with an opinion essay, using a question in the introduction is a very effective way to create interest. Let's see an example:
Social media: a blessing or a course?
Currently, the use of social media has spread widely in our society. It is usual to have one or more profiles on at least one social media site such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter among others. The use of these platforms allows us to share experiences and to know about people we like. However, there are also downfalls related to social media. Do the positive aspects of social media outweigh their negative side?
1.2. Arguments in favour and topic sentences.
1.2. Arguments in favour and topic sentences.
Once we have introduced the topic we will use the second paragraph to analyse the positive aspects of the issue (those we agree with). It is very effective to use topic sentences that summarize each important point. Besides, each idea should be clearly presented and supported with data. Continuing with the previous example, our second paragraph would be:
On the one hand, social media are a very convenient way to show interest in people you like. By following those people, you will get updates about what they do and what they think at a given moment. In addition, you can also follow people related to topics you are interested in, such as sports, education, games, books, films, and many more. This way you will get lots of interesting information and ideas that can even help you with your studies or job.
(Note: topic sentences are highlighted in orange)
1.3. Arguments against and topic sentences.
1.3. Arguments against and topic sentences.
The following paragraph will consist of a description of different ideas that contrast with those from the previous paragraph. Here we are analysing the other facet of the issue, describing the cons (aspects we disagree with or consider negative). Let's continue with the example:
On the other hand, not everything regarding social media is positive. The use of these platforms has provoked some problems among the users, who in many occasions have become addicted to their use. In this regard, the number of minors who spend too many hours waiting for a new post or like has increased. They are connected to social media but disconnected from the real world. That is not the only problem, though. Due to the misuse of social media, fake news have become a real issue with a negative impact on real world, even with political consequences.
1.4. Conclusion
1.4. Conclusion
The fourth and last paragraph exposes the conclusion of the essay. There are some options here. You can choose one of both perspectives as the most relevant (the advantages, or the disadvantages). You can also state that there is not a clear option that outweighs the other, having both of them their relevance. In any case, you should recapitulate summarizing the most relevant points of each perspective, and comment your opinion on the topic once you have analysed all the aspects. Following with the proposed example:
To sum it up, we can claim that social media can be both, a blessing and a curse. They have brought the possibility of following trends and people that can be a motivating influence; nevertheless, these platforms can be dangerous and adictive, and spread false information very quickly. All in all, I think that in the end it comes to the use we do of this tool, so it is in our hands to make the most of the potential of social media as a positive element in our lives.
Let's have a look at the complete example
Let's have a look at the complete example
Social media: a blessing or a course?
Currently, the use of social media has spread widely in our society. It is usual to have one or more profiles on at least one social media site such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter among others. The use of these platforms allows us to share experiences and to know about people we like. However, there are also downfalls related to social media. Do the positive aspects of social media outweigh their negative side?
On the one hand, social media are a very convenient way to show interest in people you like. By following those people, you will get updates about what they do and what they think at a given moment. In addition, you can also follow people related to topics you are interested in, such as sports, education, games, books, films, and many more. This way you will get lots of interesting information and ideas that can even help you with your studies or job.
On the other hand, not everything regarding social media is positive. The use of these platforms has provoked some problems among the users, who in many occasions have become addicted to their use. In this regard, the number of minors who spend too many hours waiting for a new post or like has increased. They are connected to social media but disconnected from the real world. That is not the only problem, though. Due to the misuse of social media, fake news have become a real issue with a negative impact on real world, even with political consequences.
To sum it up, we can claim that social media can be both, a blessing and a curse. They have brought the possibility of following trends and people that can be a motivating influence; nevertheless, these platforms can be dangerous and adictive, and spread false information very quickly. All in all, I think that in the end it comes to the use we do of this tool, so it is in our hands to make the most of the potential of social media as a positive element in our lives.
Word count: 334
A note about style
A note about style
An essay (opinion essay, for and against essay...) is a type of academic writing. That means that you are expected to use a formal language. Therefore, you should not use contractions, a very direct style or informal resources such as many phrasal verbs.
Important resources to have in mind
Important resources to have in mind
Once the structure is clear, there are some resources that will enrich your writing. It is important to pay attention to them and try to use as many as possible. Let's see some of the most relevant:
Expressions to start each paragraph:
Nowadays...
To start with
In the first place
Firstly
On the one hand
Secondly
In the second place
On the other hand
In conclusion
To sum it all up
To wrap it up
Finally...
Connectors (you should learn as many of them as possible)
In addition, besides, moreover, furthermore, as well as, not only... but also...
However, in spite of this, despite this, although, even so, regardless of the fact that...
Such as, for instance, as an example...
Grammatical resources:
Passive voice
Conditionals
Relative pronouns
Use of modal verbs
Causatives
Etc...
I hope all these tips will help you improve your writing. Remember, the best way to get good at something is through practice, so... why not start writing a for and against essay right now?
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