How to write an essay (a for-and-against/opinion essay)

A for-and- against essay

1. List three advantages and three disadvantages

The first thing you have to do before writing a for-and-against essay is make a list of two-three advantages and two-three disadvantages.

1. Write the composition using linking expressions

to list advantages and disadvantages:

• The main advantage of … is that …

• An important advantage of … is that …

• Another advantage is that …

• Another point in favour of … is that …

• Another negative point is that …

to add more points:

• In addition,

• Furthermore,

to introduce examples:

• For example,

• For instance,

to introduce contrasting points:

• On the other hand,

• However,

• Although

to introduce the conclusion:

• To sum up,

• In conclusion, 

1. Don’t give your opinion unless you are asked to do it

This is a ‘for and against’ essay where you will discuss two contrasting views about a topic. You should only give your opinion if you are explicitly instructed to do

An opinion essay

When you write an opinion essay, you must say what you think about a topic and try to convince the reader of your point of view on that topic. To do that, you should first introduce the topic and state your opinion. Then, you should give two-three reasons that support your view, and finally, you should write a conclusion where you summarize your arguments and repeat your opinion using different words.
 

1. Plan your ideas

The first thing you need to do is decide whether you agree with the question or statement and then make a list of two or three reasons that support your opinion, including some facts and/or examples.  

1. Organise your text

An opinion essay has three parts:

• Introduction

• Arguments or reasons that support your view.

• Conclusion

Introduction. Paragraph 1

Introduce the topic and give your opinion. Say whether you agree or disagree with the statement or question. It can be a good idea to use a question to grab the reader’s attention.

Arguments. Paragraph 2

Give the first argument to support your opinion. Include at least two facts or examples to show that your reason makes sense.

Arguments. Paragraph 3

Give more reasons and again provide examples, facts or supporting ideas.

Conclusion. Paragraph 4

1. Summarise your ideas and repeat your opinion.

Useful language

Sequencing your text

Use connectors to sequence and structure your ideas:

• Firstly/First of all, …

• Secondly/Thirdly, …

• Finally, …

Adding more points or ideas

Use connectors to introduce additional ideas:

• In addition, …

• Moreover, …

Giving your opinion

Expressions you can use to say what you think:

• In my opinion, …

• In my view, …

• I think/feel that …

• I (truly) believe that …

• I am convinced that …

• I agree that …

• I disagree with/about …

Introducing examples

Use connectors to introduce examples:

• For example, …

• For instance, …

Expressing contrast, purpose and reason

You may also need or want to use some connectors of contrast, purpose and reason.

• Contrast: although, however, despite, etc.

• Purpose: to, in order to, so that, etc.

• Reason: because (of), since, due to, etc.

Introducing your conclusion

Use connectors to introduce the conclusion:

• In conclusion, …

• To sum up, …