This document provides instructions for writing a for and against essay in 6 steps: 1. Brainstorm ideas for both sides of the argument. 2. Organize the ideas into an introduction, two body paragraphs presenting each side, and a conclusion stating the author's opinion. 3. Focus the language on an academic level without colloquialisms or abbreviations, and support all ideas with examples and facts. 4. Write a first draft incorporating the organized ideas. 5. Check that the draft has a clear topic sentence, presentation of ideas, examples, justified opinion, and closing phrase in the conclusion. 6. Finalize the essay by editing for grammar, connectors, punctuation, spelling,

1. HOW TO WRITE
A FOR AND AGAINST
ESSAY

2. The writer presents two sides of an
argument and concludes by supporting one
of them.
A FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY:
AIM

3. STEP 1: BRAINSTORM FOR IDEAS
STEP 2: ORGANISE YOUR IDEAS
STEP 3: FOCUS ON LANGUAGE
STEP 4: WRITE A FIRST DRAFT
STEP 5: CHECKLIST AND FINAL DRAFT
WRITING PROCESS

4. • Choose a topic and jot down any idea,
word, expression etc…for and against the
topic. Whatever you think will be useful for
your writing.
•
•Discard some of the ideas and go into
detail about others.
1. BRAINSTORM
Realit
y
Show
s..
Fo
r
Against

5. •An introduction where the topic is stated
clearly. (2 lines)
•A main body where both viewpoints are
presented in several paragraphs. Try to use
examples, statistics, experts´opinions
etc…to support the ideas. (two paragraphs,
around 10 lines)
•A conclusion where the main points of the
essay are summarized and the author’s
opinion is clearly stated .
2.ORGANISING YOUR
IDEAS

6. Linking words
CONTRAST
(but)
ADDITION (and) CAUSE/REASON RESULT
However
Although
Nevertheless
Even though
On the one
hand…on the
other hand….
In contrast,..
Moreover,
Furthermore,
In addition,
In addition to
Besides
As well as
Also
Because….
Because of
(+noun)
Since
Due to
So..
Therefore
As a result
As a consequence
For this reason
That is why

7. Useful Phrases
GIVING EXAMPLES MAKING GENERAL
STATEMENTS
EXPRESSING
OPINIONS
For example
For instance
Such as…
Like..
In general,
Generally
Actually
It is a fact
As a matter of fact
In my opinion
I (strongly) believe
(that)
I think/feel (that)
It seems to me (that)
Personally…
According to my
view…

8. •Do not use colloquial language!
•Do not use short forms.
•Always justify/support your ideas with
examples, real facts..etc
•Bear in mind all your grammar
knowledge.
3. FOCUS ON LANGUAGE

9. • Never hand in your final essay without
writing a draft!!...or you´ll miss the next
step…
4. WRITE A FIRST DRAFT

10. •Did I start with a suitable topic sentence?
•Did I present my ideas clearly?
•Did I use examples?
•Did I justify my opinion?
•Did I finish the last paragraph with a closing phrase?
•Did I check my grammar?
•Did I use the right connectors?
•Did I check punctuation?
•Did I check word order?
•Did I check my spelling?
5. CHECKLIST

11. •You´ve created an amazing and
unbelievable essay in the blink of
an eye!!!
6. CONGRATULATIONS!!!