FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY

A For and Against Essay is a type of 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 and 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 paragraphs
- a conclusion in which you state your opinion or give a balanced view of the topic

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
Paragraph 1: introducing the topic without stating your opinion

BODY PARAGRAPHS
Paragraph 2: argument(s) FOR with justifications/reasons/examples
Paragraph 3: argument(s) AGAINST with justifications/reasons/examples

CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
Paragraph 4: your opinion or balanced view of the topic

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL WRITING:

- make a list of points for and against before you start writing an essay
- use a FORMAL STYLE
- use appropriate transitional words and phrases (to list points, to introduce advantages
and disadvantages, to introduce examples/reasons, to show contrast, to introduce a
conclusion)
- use opinion phrases only in the concluding paragraph

TRANSITIONAL WORDS AND PHRASES:

- to list points: to start/begin with, in the first place, firstly, secondly, thirdly, finally…

- to add more points to the topic: also, furthermore, what is more, in addition to,
besides…

- to list advantages: the first/main/most important advantage of/argument for;

another/one/a further/an additional advantage of; it if often
suggested/believed/thought/argued that…; many/some people
argue/believe/suggest/feel that…

- to list disadvantages: the main/most important advantage/drawback of/argument

against; another/an additional disadvantage of; some/many people argue against…

- to introduce examples/reasons: for example; for instance; like; such as; because; since;
therefore; for this reason

- to show contrast: however; although; even though; nevertheless; nonetheless; in spite

of; despite; b

1
 - to conclude: to conclude; in conclusion; to sum up; finally; lastly; all in all…

- giving opinion: in my opinion; my opinion is that; it is by belief /opinion/view; it

seems/appears to me; as far as I am concerned; I think/feel/believe

MODEL FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY

MOBILE PHONES – A BLESSING OR A CURSE?

Like all new high-technology devices, mobile phones have generated a large number of,
occasionally rather heated, discussions and arguments. Opponents claim our privacy has
been seriously invaded, whereas supporters say mobile phones are a necessity in this
modern life.

To begin with, we live in a fast and technologically advanced world. Our response must be
quick and immediate. Millions of businesses depend on these two words.
Secondly, we want contact with our family members to be fast and safe. For example, if
your son or daughter is late home from school, he/she can easily contact you, thus
preventing a major family crisis. Furthermore, our personal safety and that of our families
is no longer an academic issue. It is widely believed that many lives have been saved by
the use of a mobile phone. In addition, mobile phones are small, easy to carry and user
friendly.

However, having a mobile phone does have several disadvantages. The most important
being the fact that we have lost our privacy. You are not only interrupted at your
workplace, but also in your home and during your spare time. So many extraordinary
concerts and lectures have been interrupted by the annoying sound of somebody’s
mobile phone.
Another major argument against the use of a mobile phone is that it can, according to
some studies, seriously endanger your health. For example, various brain tumours are
proven to be caused by the use of mobile phones. What is more, we have all witnessed
situations when traffic accidents were caused by people using mobile phones while
driving.
Finally, it could be debated whether communication via a mobile phone is really
communication in the true sense. It is generally known that people send messages more
often than they talk to other people.

To sum up, owning a mobile phone has both advantages and disadvantages. It is my
opinion that mobile phones are here to stay because our pleasures and conveniences
have always won the day over defeated reasonable pieces of advice given by experts.

TASK: Find the arguments for and against and their justifications (examples) in the above essay
and write them down in the table below.

Arguments + justifications
FOR AGAINST
1
2
3
4
5