For & Against essay

How to Write an Argumentative Essay

If you don’t know how to write an argumentative essay, here you will find some tips.

An argumentative or for & against essay is a type of a discursive essay in which you discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a particular topic i. e. you study the topic from opposing points of view. You have to present both sides of an argument with the same objectivity and with appropriate and detailed justifications (examples, reasons).

A “For & Against” essay consists of:

• an introduction in which you introduce the topic in a general way without stating your opinion;
• a body in which you present the points for and against supported with appropriate justifications and written in different paragraphs;
• a conclusion in which you state your opinion or give a balanced view of the topic.

Steps How to Write an Argumentative Essay

1. Read the instructions carefully and make sure you understand what you need to write.
2. Make a list of pros and cons before you start writing an essay.
3. Write the title of your essay.
4. Use a formal style.
5. Make a general statement to introduce the topic.
6. Write about the advantages and disadvantages of the arguments for and against in separate paragraphs.
7. Use a new paragraph to introduce each new topic.
8. Support your main ideas with arguments.
9. Use linking words and discurse markers.
10. Summarise your arguments at the end of your essay.
11. You should include your own opinion, but don’t use informal expressions.
12. Use opinion phrases only in the concluding paragraph.
13. Check that you have written the required number of words.

Useful Phrases

In a discursive composition, ideas should be linked with  appropriate linking words and phrases. Examples of these include:

To list points

Firstly, / in the first place, 

to begin with / to start with, 

for one thing, 

secondly, 

thirdly, 

finally, / Last, / Last but not least,

on the one hand, / on the other hand

To add more points to the topic

also, / besides, 

furthermore, / what is more, / moreover, / in addition (to...)., 

a further positive/negative aspect of this is…

To list advantages

the first/main, most important advantage of; 

the main argument for; 

one point of view in favour of...;

another/a further/an additional advantage of; 

another major advantage is...;

one further benefit is...; 

on the one hand,...

it is often suggested/believed/ argued that …; 

some/many people argue/feel/suggest/believe that …

To list disadvantages

the main/most important disadvantage, 

the main/most important drawback,

the main argument against, 

one/another/additional disadvantage of; 

one/another/additional effect of; 

some (many) people are against…;

one point/argument against;

some/many people are against...;

the greater disadvantage of is...;

on the other hand,...

To introduce examples (reasons)

for example, / for instance, / like, / such as, 

in particular, particularly,

because, / since, / as,

therefore, / as a result,

whereas, 

for this reason,

To show contrast

however, 

in contrast, 

although, / even though, / still

nonetheless, / nevertheless, 

in spite of (the fact that), / despite of (the fact that), , 

but, 

in fact, / actually,

on the other hand,

To conclude

to conclude, / to sum up, / to summarise, 

in conclusion, 

finally, / last, / lastly, 

all in all, & all things considered,

taking everything into consideration/account

Giving opinion

In my opinion (view),… / My view (opinion) is that… / From my point of view...

It is my belief (opinion, view) … / It seems to me…

As far as I am concerned,…

I think (feel, believe)…

 1. FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY. PDF (Explained in English)       

2. FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY by the BRITISH COUNCIL

3. Presentation

4. Examples

Ex. 1

Ex. 2

Ex. 3 

Ex. 4 

Ex. 5 

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