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FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY
1 Read essay 1 below.
a) Which is the best title? Choose A, B or C.
A Friendship is the most important thing in the world.
B It is better to have a large group of friends than just one close friend.
C It is hard to make new friends nowadays. Essay 1
b) Match these heading with the paragraphs.
A conclusion
B arguments against the title
C introduction
D arguments for the title
c) Which technique(s) is the writer using to introduce the topic in the opening paragraph? He/she …
A makes one or two general statements which relate to the
topic and / or gives some background information
B rephrases the statement to show that (s)he understands the topic
C gives a brief introduction to both sides of the argument d) Which main arguments is the writer making? For each argument in the essay, identify an example or a supporting statement. 2 a) Do tasks 1b-d for the essay on the right.
b) In both essays on this page, underline all phrases and linking expressions which the writers used to present their points.
Essay 2
3) The underlined linking words can be grouped in the
following way:
1 Expressing contrasts: On the other hand, … / But …/ Nevertheless, …
2 Adding information: In addition (to this), … / … also ….
3 Concluding: To sum up, … / On balance, …
a) Add the following alternative linking words to the appropriate group – 1, 2 or 3:
___ What is more, … ___ Another (dis)advantage is …
___ In conclusion, … ___ Besides this, …
___ However, … ___ Moreover, …
___ Some people feel that …/ Others argue that …
___ First of all, …/Firstly, … / Secondly, … / Finally, … * Notice we always write a comma after a linking adverbial. b) Useful phrases to present an argument:
It is true / clear that … It is hard to deny that …
It can be argued that … Some people argue that …
Other people take the opposite view and claim that … * Notice we DON’T WRITE A COMMA BEFORE ‘that’. Can you find one more phrase in the two essays above?
4
WRITING YOUR FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY
1
2 Choose one of the essay titles below that you will want to write your for-and-against essay about.
● The Internet is bad for friendships and relationships.
● Friends have more influence than family on teenagers. a) Prepare 2-3 key points for and 2-3 key points against the statement. Then, b) think of a supporting statement or an example for each of the arguments.
For: Against:
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3 Write your for-and-against essay on one of the topics in exercise 2. Use between 200-230 words.
1) in paragraph 1, introduce the topic (see exercise 1c overleaf)
2) in paragraph 2, present 2(3) arguments for. For each argument, give a supporting statement or an example.
3) in paragraph 3, present 2(3) arguments against. For each argument, give a supporting statement or an example.
4) in paragraph 4, summarise and give your own opinion
● Use at least six linking words and phrases; underline them in the text.
● Check your work – read the checklist on the right and tick the boxes.
● Count the words and write the total number at the end of your essay.
● Remember to 1,5-space the lines and leave 2,5-cm margins on the sides!
Hand in your first draft by Tuesday March 6/Friday March 9.
I have written four paragraphs.
In the first paragraph, I have introduced the topic clearly.
I have made two (three) points for each side of the argument.
I have given a supportive statement / an example for each argument.
My argument is clear.
In the last paragraph, I have expressed my own opinion.
I have made good use of linking words and phrases ("linkers").