How to Write a Balanced For and Against Essay

English20 May 20262.26 KB

How to Write a For and Against Essay

Paragraph 1: State the topic generally without expressing your personal opinion.

Paragraph 2: Present the points for (advantages) along with your justification.

Paragraph 3: Present the points against (disadvantages) along with your justification.

Paragraph 4: Express a balanced consideration of the topic or your final opinion, such as whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

To introduce points: One major advantage/disadvantage of, a further advantage, one point of view in favour of/against, regarding, concerning.
To list points: In the first place, first of all, to start with, firstly, secondly, thirdly, finally, last but not least.
To add more points: What is more, furthermore, also, in addition to this/that, besides, apart from this/that, not to mention the fact that.
To make contrasting points: On the other hand, however, in spite of, while, nevertheless, despite, even though, although, it can be argued that.
To introduce examples: For example, for instance, like, especially, such as, in particular.
To conclude: To sum up, all in all, all things considered, in conclusion, on the whole, taking everything into account, as was previously stated.

The first paragraph may:

Make reference to a strange scene or situation (e.g., "Some scientists believe that in the future everyone will be genetically perfect.")
Address the reader directly or ask a rhetorical question (e.g., "Isn’t it amazing how some children look so much like their parents?")

The last paragraph may:

State a personal opinion (e.g., "In my opinion," "I believe," "In my view," "The way I see it.")
Give the reader something to consider (e.g., "Perhaps the world would be a safer and more efficient place if everyone was genetically perfect.")