FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY

1 Read essay 1 below.

a) Which is the best title? Choose A, B or C.

A Friendship is the most important thing in the world.

B It is better to have a large group of friends than just one close friend.

C It is hard to make new friends nowadays. Essay 1

b) Match these heading with the paragraphs.

A conclusion

B arguments against the title

C introduction

D arguments for the title

c) Which technique(s) is the writer using to introduce the topic in the opening paragraph? He/she …

A makes one or two general statements which relate to the

topic and / or gives some background information

B rephrases the statement to show that (s)he understands the topic

C gives a brief introduction to both sides of the argument d) Which main arguments is the writer making? For each argument in the essay, identify an example or a supporting statement. 2 a) Do tasks 1b-d for the essay on the right.

b) In both essays on this page, underline all phrases and linking expressions which the writers used to present their points.

Essay 2

3) The underlined linking words can be grouped in the

following way:

1 Expressing contrasts: On the other hand, … / But …/ Nevertheless, …

2 Adding information: In addition (to this), … / … also ….

3 Concluding: To sum up, … / On balance, …

a) Add the following alternative linking words to the appropriate group – 1, 2 or 3:

___ What is more, … ___ Another (dis)advantage is …

___ In conclusion, … ___ Besides this, …

___ However, … ___ Moreover, …

___ Some people feel that …/ Others argue that …

___ First of all, …/Firstly, … / Secondly, … / Finally, … * Notice we always write a comma after a linking adverbial. b) Useful phrases to present an argument:

It is true / clear that … It is hard to deny that …

It can be argued that … Some people argue that …

Other people take the opposite view and claim that … * Notice we DON’T WRITE A COMMA BEFORE ‘that’. Can you find one more phrase in the two essays above?

4

WRITING YOUR FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY

1

2 Choose one of the essay titles below that you will want to write your for-and-against essay about.

● The Internet is bad for friendships and relationships.

● Friends have more influence than family on teenagers. a) Prepare 2-3 key points for and 2-3 key points against the statement. Then, b) think of a supporting statement or an example for each of the arguments.

For: Against:

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3 Write your for-and-against essay on one of the topics in exercise 2. Use between 200-230 words.

1) in paragraph 1, introduce the topic (see exercise 1c overleaf)

2) in paragraph 2, present 2(3) arguments for. For each argument, give a supporting statement or an example.

3) in paragraph 3, present 2(3) arguments against. For each argument, give a supporting statement or an example.

4) in paragraph 4, summarise and give your own opinion

● Use at least six linking words and phrases; underline them in the text.

● Check your work – read the checklist on the right and tick the boxes.

● Count the words and write the total number at the end of your essay.

● Remember to 1,5-space the lines and leave 2,5-cm margins on the sides!

Hand in your first draft by Tuesday March 6/Friday March 9.

I have written four paragraphs.

In the first paragraph, I have introduced the topic clearly.

I have made two (three) points for each side of the argument.

I have given a supportive statement / an example for each argument.

My argument is clear.

In the last paragraph, I have expressed my own opinion.

I have made good use of linking words and phrases ("linkers").