1 PPrroo--CCoonnttrraa DDiissccuussssiioonn // AArrgguummeennttaattiivvee EEssssaayy // DDiissccuussssiioonn PPaappeerr How to write it? A "for and against" essay is a formal piece of writing in which a topic is considered from opposing points of view. You should present both sides in a fair way by discussing them objectively and in equal detail. A good essay of this type should consist of: a) an introductory paragraph in which you clearly state the topic to be discussed, without giving your opinion; b) a main body in which the points for and against along with your justifications, examples or reasons are presented in separate paragraphs; and c) a closing paragraph in which you state your opinion or give a balanced consideration of the topic. Note: Opinion words (I think, I believe, In my opinion, etc.) can only be used in the closing paragraph where you give your opinion on the topic. Points to consider • Before you start writing your essay you should make a list of the points for and against. • Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence which summarises the topic of the paragraph. e.g. In addition, many people feel reading is a relaxing and worthwhile activity. • Do not use informal style (e.g. short forms, colloquial language, etc.) or strong language to express your opinion (e.g. I know…, etc.). Express your opinion in a non-emotional way (e.g. It seems that, I therefore feel, etc.). 2 STRUCTURE OF AN ESSAY Introduction Paragraph 1 state topic (summary of the topic without giving your opinion) Main Body Paragraphs 2 & 3 arguments for & justifi¬cations, examples, and/ or reasons Paragraphs 4 & 5 arguments against & justification, examples, and/or reasons Conclusion Final Paragraph balanced consideration/ your opinion directly or indirectly Pro-and-Con Structure (Example 1) Intro/thesis pro but con but pro but con but pro but con, which leads to Conclusion Pro-and-Con Structure (Example 2) Intro/thesis pro and pro and pro but con and con and con, which leads to Conclusion 3 USEFUL EXPRESSIONS AND LINKING WORDS/PHRASES • To list points: Firstly, First of all, In the first place, To begin/start with, Secondly, Thirdly, Finally • To list advantages: One/Another/A further/An additional (major) advantage of… is … The main/greatest/first advantage of… is … • To list disadvantages: One/Another/ A further/An additional (major) disadvantage/drawback of. The main/greatest/most serious/first disadvantage /drawback of… Another negative aspect of… • To introduce points/arguments for or against: One (very convincing) point/argument in favour of… / against, A further common criticism of… / It could be argued that….. often claimed/suggested It is widely argued maintained that….. generally felt/believed/held Some/many/most people/experts/scientist/sceptics/critics claim/suggest/argue/feel that… maintain/believe/point out/agree/hold that… advocate (+ing/noun)/support the view that… oppose the view that… are in favour of/against… are of the opinion that/convinced that… are opposed to… • To add more points to the same topic: in addition (to this), furthermore, moreover, besides, apart from, what is more, as well as, not to mention (the fact) that, also, not only … but also/as well, both … and, There is another side to the issue/question/argument of… 4 • To make contrasting points: on the other hand, however, still, yet, but, nonetheless, nevertheless, even so, it may be said/argued/claimed that,… others/many people oppose this viewpoint/strongly disagree…, claim/feel/believe this argument is incorrect/misguided although, though, even though, while, whilst, whereas, despite/in spite of (the fact that), regardless of the fact that Opponents of … argue/believe/claim that… The fact that… contradicts the belief/idea that… While it is true to say that…, in fact… While/Although …, it cannot be denied that… Useful expressions and linking words/phrases: • To introduce examples: for example, for instance, such as, like, in particular, particularly, especially, This is (clearly) illustrated/shown by the fact that… One/A clear/striking/ typical example of (this)… The fact that…. shows/illustrates that… • To emphasise a point: clearly, obviously, it is obvious, naturally, of course, needless to say, indeed • To express reality: In fact, the fact (of the matter) is, actually, in practice, it is a fact that, in effect • To make general statements: as a (general) rule, generally, in general, on the whole, by and large, in most cases • To make partially correct statements: to a certain extent/degree, to some extent/degree, in a way/sense, this is partly true (but), to a limited extent, there is some truth in (this), in some cases, up to a point • To explain/clarify a point: in other words, that is to say, this/which means that • To express cause: owing to, due to (the fact that), on account of, on the grounds that, given that, because, as, since • To express effect: therefore, thus, as a result/consequence, consequently, so, for this reason, if… were to happen, … the effect/result would be… • To express intention: to, so as to, in order to, so that, with the intention of (+ing) 5 Useful expressions and linking words/phrases: Conclusion expressing balanced considerations/opinion indirectly: In conclusion, On balance, All things considered, Taking everything into account/consideration, To conclude, To sum up, All in all, Finally/Lastly, ……………………. it can be said/claimed that … ……………………. it seems/appears that… ……………………. it would seem that… ……………………. it is likely/unlikely/possible/foreseeable that … ……………………. it is clear/obvious that… …………………….. there is no/little doubt that … …………………….. it is true to say that … …………………….. although it must be said that … ……………………. it may be concluded/said that … Useful expressions and linking words/phrases: Conclusion expressing opinion directly: In conclusion, On balance, All things considered, Taking everything into account/consideration, To conclude, To sum up, All in all, …………………………… it is my belief/opinion that … ………………………….. I (firmly) believe/feel/think that … …………………………… I am convinced that … …………………………… I am inclined to believe that … …………………………… I (do not) agree that/with … 6 EXERCISES 1. Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning of the sentence before. 1 It is widely maintained that recycling some products reduces the amount of damage we do to the environment. Most people advocate 2 Some people still oppose the view that mothers can be career women too. Some people feel 3 One argument against nuclear testing is that it has long-lasting effects on surrounding areas. Sceptics point out that 4 It is generally held that harsher punishments for criminals would result in a decrease in the crime rate. Many people support 5 Critics often argue that the use of computers is reducing levels of literacy. A further common 2. Join the sentences using the words/phrases given in brackets. 1 Pets can prove to be good companions. They teach children a sense of responsibility. (not only) 2 Many people nowadays decide to open their own business. A slump in the economy has resulted in the closure of many small business. (even though) 3 Computers are time-saving devices. They can do things which people could hardly do before. (apart from) 4 Living in the countryside can be beneficial for your health. Some essentials are not so easily available in the country as in the city. (despite) 5 Voting gives you a voice in the decisions of the government. It gives you a feeling of belonging to a larger community. (not to mention that)