This document discusses the structure and process for writing a "for and against" essay. It recommends that the essay should have an introduction paragraph stating the topic without opinion, main body paragraphs presenting arguments for and against with justifications and examples, and a conclusion paragraph with a balanced consideration or stated opinion. The writing process involves pre-writing to list points, using a variety of expressions and structures while staying concise and on topic, and checking the final essay for errors.

1. For and Against Essays
NEFui Writing 7

2. Raúl Cabezalí - 2012
• Stage 1
PRE-WRITING
• Stage 2
WRITING
• Stage 3
CHECKING

3. Pre-Writing
What? How?
Raúl Cabezalí - 2012

4. What?
‘For and against’ essay
• 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
Raúl Cabezalí - 2012

5. How?
Structure
A good essay of this type should consist of:
• An introductory paragraph
Here, you clearly state the topic to discuss without giving
your opinion
• A main body
The points for and against along with your justifications,
examples and reasons are presented in separate paragraphs
• A closing paragraph
Here, you state your opinion or give a balanced
consideration of the topic.
Raúl Cabezalí - 2012

6. • Introduction
• Paragraph 1 –state the topic (summary of the topic
without giving your opinion)
• Main body
• Paragraphs 2 and 3 –arguments for/against and
justifications, examples and reasons
• Paragraphs 4 and 5 – arguments against/for and
justifications, examples and/or reasons
• ….
• Conclusion
• Final paragraph –balanced consideration/your opinion
directly or indirectly
Raúl Cabezalí - 2012

7. Raúl Cabezalí - 2012

8. Points to consider
• Before you start writing, make a list of the points
for and against (pre-writing)
• Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence
which summarizes the topic of the paragraph
• Quotations can make your essay more interesting
• Consider the available time so as to have some time
left at the end of the exercise to check for
mistakes.
Raúl Cabezalí - 2012

9. Raúl Cabezalí - 2012
Know what Know how
Plan in advance
SUCCESS

10. Writing
Raúl Cabezalí - 2012

11. Writing stage
• Express your opinion in a non-emotional way
• Try to use a variety of expressions and structures
• Be concise; do not repeat the same ideas all over.
• Be relevant; stick to the topic and do not let your ideas
drift away to irrelevant subject matters
• Connect your ideas appropriately using a variety of
linkers
• Do not use informal style (contractions, colloquial
language). Use an appropriate professional style (formal
vocabulary and grammar) avoiding very informal
expressions.
Raúl Cabezalí - 2012

12. Variety?
• Use synonyms to avoid repetition.
• Use a variety of adjectives and adverbs to give
colour to the text. Use a monolingual dictionary
or thesaurus – whenever possible -.
• Do not use the same structures all the time. Try to
use complex structures.
• Use a variety of linkers
Raúl Cabezalí - 2012

13. Raúl Cabezalí - 2012
relevant varied
concise
connected SUCCESS

14. Checking
Raúl Cabezalí - 2012

15. After writing
• Edit the text, deciding if there is any information
that should be left out or added and making sure
the report is the right length.
• Check the essay for mistakes in grammar,
spelling, punctuation, and register
Raúl Cabezalí - 2012

16. Before handing in the essay …
Double-check
the text for basic
grammar/spelling/vocabulary
mistakes
Don’t let a painful 1st-year-English mistake spoil the outcome of
all your hard work.
Raúl Cabezalí - 2012