For and Against Essays - how to write them

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. 

A good essay of this type should consist of:

a) an introductory paragraph in which you clearly state the topic to be discussed, without giving your opinion;

b) a main body in which the points for and against along with your justifications, examples or reasons are presented in separate paragraphs; and

c) a closing paragraph in which you state your opinion or give a balanced consideration of the topic.

Note: Opinion words (I think, I believe, In my opinion, etc.) can only be used in the closing paragraph where you give your opinion on the topic.

Points to consider

• Before you start writing your essay you should make a list of the points for and against.

• Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence which summarises the topic of the paragraph.

e.g. In addition, many people feel reading is a relaxing and worthwhile activity.

• Do not use informal style (e.g. short forms, colloquial language, etc.) or strong language to express your opinion (e.g. I know…, etc.). Express your opinion in a non-emotional way (e.g. It seems that, I therefore feel, etc.).

• Well-known quotations relevant to the topic you are writing about will make your composition more interesting. For example, if you are writing an essay on education, a quotation you may include is: "Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance." (Will Durant)

Useful expressions and linking words or phrases

• To list points:

Firstly, First of all, In the first place, To begin/start with, Secondly, Thirdly, Finally

• To list advantages:

One/Another/A further/An additional (major) advantage of… is … 

The main/greatest/first advantage of… is …

• To list disadvantages:

One/Another/ A further/An additional (major) disadvantage/drawback of. The main/greatest/most serious/first disadvantage /drawback of… 

Another negative aspect of…

• To introduce points/arguments for or against:

One (very convincing) point/argument in favour of… / against

 It could be argued that…

It is widely argued that…..

It is generally felt/believed/held that...

Some/many/most people/experts/scientist/skeptics/critics...

... claim/suggest/argue/feel that…

... maintain/believe/point out/agree/hold that…

... are in favour of/against…

... are of the opinion that/convinced that…

... are opposed to…

• To add more points to the same topic:

in addition (to this), furthermore, moreover, besides, apart from, what is more, as well as, not to mention (the fact) that, also, not only … but also/as well, both … and...

   There is another side to the issue/question/argument of…

• To make contrasting points:

on the other hand, however, still, yet, but, nonetheless, nevertheless, even so,

it may be said/argued/claimed that,…

others/many people oppose this viewpoint/strongly disagree…, claim/feel/believe this argument is incorrect/misguided

although, though, even though, while, whilst, whereas, despite/in spite of (the fact that)

• To introduce examples:

for example, for instance, such as, like, in particular, particularly, especially

This is (clearly) illustrated/shown by the fact that… 

One/A clear/striking/ typical example of (this)… 

The fact that…. shows/illustrates that…

• To emphasise a point:

clearly, obviously, it is obvious, naturally, of course, needless to say, indeed

• To explain/clarify a point:

in other words, that is to say, this/which means that

• To express cause: 

due to (the fact that), given that, because, as, since

• To express effect: 

therefore, thus, as a result/consequence, consequently, so, for this reason, 

If… were to happen, … the effect/result would be…

• To express intention: 

to, so as to, in order to, so that, with the intention of (+ing)

 Conclusion expressing balanced considerations

In conclusion,
On balance,
All things considered,
Taking everything into account/consideration,
To conclude,
To sum up,
All in all,
Finally/Lastly,

NOTE

1. A for and against essay can end in a balanced consideration in which you restate that there are points forand against the topic using appropriate expressions given above.
2. Alternatevely, it can end by expressing an opinion, in which case you state, directly or indirectly, that you are either in favour of or against the topic, using appropriate expressions given above.