For and Against Essay (Argumentative Essay)

For and Against Essay (Argumentative Essay)

Multiple Choice

What is the main purpose of an Argumentative essay?

• to persuade the reader

• to offer a balanced, objective view of both sides of an argument

• to give arguments for the writer's opinion

• to tell a story

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 well-written argumentative essay should consist of:

• INTRODUCTION - in which you clearly state the topic to be discussed, without giving your opinion

• Ideas FOR the main topic, with clear reasons (and examples that support your argument)

• Ideas AGAINST the main topic, with clear reasons (and supporting examples)

• CONCLUSION - in which you state your opinion or give a balanced review of the topic.

Multiple Select

What can (and should) be included in a well-written Introduction?

• any sort of hook (to get the reader interested): a quote, a rhetorical question, a good metaphor

• your opinion

• a brief summary of the main ideas that will be discussed in the essay

• a funny doodle to make the reader smile

Poll

Which of these Introduction sentences would be most effective in hooking the reader?

• Is poverty the underlying cause of most crimes?

• Some people claim that poverty and low living standards are the main causes of crime, while others argue that there is no direct link between poverty and crime.

• Low wages and generalised poverty have been proven to be linked to higher crime rates.

• If someone is poor, I don't think that means they will commit a crime.

Multiple Select

To make your essay flow it’s best to use some key phrases. These will link all your ideas together, and help it sound semi-formal. Take a look at the expressions below. Which ones would work well in the Introduction paragraph?

• Some people believe ... while others argue that ...

• We live in an age when...

• It is widely believed nowadays that ...

• The way I see it, ...

Multiple Select

While writing the body paragraphs, you should provide examples that support your ideas. Which expressions introduce an example?

• For instance

• However

• (As a) case in point

• such as

Multiple Choice

It is important to use LINKERS when connecting your ideas, regardless of the task (article, essay, story). Which ONE of the following linkers is NOT one of contrast (that introduces a different point)?

• However,

• On the other hand,

• On the flipside,

• Nevertheless,

• What is more

Poll

When wrapping up your essay and writing your CONCLUSION, which of these expressions do you find more appealing?

• In light of these arguments, ...

• All things considered, ...

• The way I see it, ...

• In conclusion, ...

• In a nutshell, ...

The Hamburger technique :)

One of the most important aspects of essay writing is having a structure that is clear, concise, and keeps the reader engaged the whole way through. A typical essay structure is like a hamburger, keeping the main meat of your argument wedged nicely between two lighter supports: the introduction and conclusion.

The P.E.E.L. technique (for each paragraph)

• Point - start the paragraph with a strong topic sentence; keep it short and sweet; be clear and concise; start with a bold or controversial sentence - your reader will be compelled to continue just to see how you hope to support it

• Evidence - to back up your claim (this could be from personal experience, textual sources or even from pictures or pieces of art)

• Explanation - justify your ideas clearly

• Link - the final sentence of each paragraph should link to the next one; that way, you will have create a smooth flow of ideas

Now let's look at an example of a For and Against essay, shall we?

Workbook p 77