TIPS FOR WRITING FOR AND AGAINST ESSAYS
1. Start by saying what the current situation is or introducing the debate. You state the topic, without
giving your opinion.
2. Use the correct structure: key points for, key points against, conclusion.
3. Include examples, explanations or justifications to illustrate ideas.
4. Be objective. Give a balanced argument and make your overall opinion clear in the conclusion.
5. Use neutral or formal language. Don't use emotional or informal language.
6. Use suitable words or expressions to introduce, add, contrast and link ideas.
1. IS THE INTERNET BAD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE?
It is now easier than ever to access the internet, whether you are using a computer, phone or tablet. There
is no doubt that many young people are spending more and more time online, with both positive and
negative consequences.
One advantage of the internet is that young people can do research for their schoolwork and homework.
This often helps teenagers to widen their knowledge and improve their grades. Another positive aspect of
the internet is that people can practise foreign languages by chatting to friends in other countries. This is
also a good way of keeping in touch with friends and family around the world.
On the other hand, there are also negative consequences. Some young people become addicted to online
gaming and this can mean that they waste too much time playing these games. This can have a negative
effect on their schoolwork, the amount of exercise they get and their social lives. In addition, excessive
internet use can mean that some young people hardly talk to their families because they are always on the
computer.
To sum up, spending time on the internet can have a negative impact on young people, but it also has
many advantages. Personally, I think the internet is an incredible tool and the benefits of internet access
outweigh the dangers. However, we should be careful not to use the internet excessively.
2. DISCUSS THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF BEING YOUR OWN BOSS
Have you ever considered becoming your own boss? In recent years, the number of people choosing to
start their own business has risen significantly. Many claim that this is because more and more people are
no longer content to work for someone else.
One of the main advantages of being self-employed is the fact that you are completely self-reliant and can
make decisions on your own. this can give you a great sense of freedom and allows you to do exactly What
you want without interference from anyone else. What is more, your working day can be planned for your
convenience, allowing you to work when you want rather than when you have to. Finally, if your business is
successful, people will know that you alone should be given the credit.
However, there are disadvantages to being your own boss. Many self-employed people have said that to
build a successful business, you have to be prepared to work long hours and sacrifice your personal life. As
B. C. Forbes once said, ‘if you don’t drive your business, you will be driven out of business.’ Moreover, a
1996 government study found that over a quarter of the businesses run by newly self-employed people
failed within the first two years.
All things considered, it seems to me that self-employment can be a very gratifying experience, although
not one without difficulties. But when success is achieved, the greatest reward of all is the knowledge that
you have done it on your own.
3. PEOPLE SPEND TOO MUCH TIME AND MONEY ON FASHION
Every season, the great fashion houses of Europe and America present their new collections in the hope of
persuading people to renew their wardrobes by purchasing the latest designs. In my opinion, one does not
have to be a slave to fashion in order to look smart.
To start with, following the latest trends in fashion can be extremely expensive. This is especially true for
those who buy costly designer clothing. There is also the risk of getting into debt in order to keep up with
the latest fashions.
In addition to this, followers of fashion often give up their individuality for the sake of fashion. They choose
clothes which suit neither their figures nor their personalities. This is unfortunate, as the way we dress should
reflect who we really are.
On the other hand, some people argue that it is necessary to dress fashionably in order to create the correct
image for their careers. This is particularly true of those who work with the public, as they reflect the image
of their company. This does not mean that the latest fashions are the most appropriate, however. Simple
but well-made clothes are almost always the best choice for business wear.
To conclude, I strongly believe that it is advisable to dress with style by choosing good quality clothes which
suit you as an individual and have lasting elegance. As the famous designer Coco Chanel put it, ‘Fashion is
made to become unfashionable.’ So instead of changing your wardrobe constantly, isn’t it better to build
up a collection of clothes which you can always wear?
4. ONLINE COMMUNICATION IS PREFERABLE TO FACE-TO-FACE COMMUNICATION. DISCUSS.
In today's world we find ourselves communicating more and more through online channels such as
messaging, social media and video calls, often at the expense of face-to-face dialogue. There are certain
situations where online communication is unavoidable but others where we opt for virtual over real-life
conversation. Which begs the question: is online communication preferable in today's world?
To begin with, I'd like to outline the advantages of online communication. One of the main arguments in
its favour is that it opens up the possibility of communicating with people in different places around the
globe. This has considerable benefits in the workplace as meetings can take place via videoconferencing
between Stockholm, San Francisco and Shanghai without the need for time-consuming, exhausting, long-
haul business trips. Furthermore, it provides opportunities for long-distance families and friends to keep in
touch on a daily basis. Another point is that written online communication gives us the option of
responding either immediately or at a time that suits us as well as allowing us to edit and polish our
message.
On the other hand, there are several significant drawbacks to over-reliance on online communication. Some
experts are concerned that a lack of face-to-face interaction impedes the development of vital social
skills such as empathising and reacting to situations in real time. Also, the very nature of conversation is
different in the virtual world. If short snippets of dialogue embellished with emoticons replace longer
stretches of direct conversation with emotions expressed on real faces, we're running the risk of losing the
art of real conversation.
On balance, I believe that online communication brings an overall advantage in today's fast-paced, global
society. However, we should take care not to overlook the benefits of engaging in face-to-face dialogue.
5. THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER GAMES
If you ask teenagers about the negative effects of computer games, most will deny there´s a problem.
However, many psychologists say that teenager behaviour is influenced by the long hours they spend
playing computer games.
Although not all computer games are violent, about 85% of them are. Many educators believe that
teenagers who spend all their time playing computer games find it difficult to distinguish between fantasy
and reality. In addition, they don´t know how to react in social situations because they spend little time with
friends.
On the other hand, teenagers claim that computer games help them relax after a long day at school. They
say that these games are exciting and are cheap and entertaining. It is a fact that some games are
educational and teach players to focus, concentrate and solve problems.
From my point of view, computer games are a problem. If I were a parent, I would limit the amount of time
my children played these games.
6. PROS AND CONS SHARING A FLAT
Sharing your living space can be great, but it is important to realize that it can be a two sided coin.
There are many benefits to having flatmates, but nothing is perfect. Before you make the decision to share
your living space, you must carefully weigh the pros and cons.
The main advantage is that you save money on rent and utilities. Obviously, the more flatmates you have,
the more ways the rent is split, and the bills are also split.
Having someone helps reduce costs. But not only financial aspects are important. To my mind you can feel
more secure knowing you have someone with you. Moreover you can share household chores. No one
likes to clean the bathroom, so you can rotate cleaning the apartment, or split up and assign tasks. More
flatmates equals less chores (per person).And finally, if you share with someone from another culture, you
will expand your knowledge and embrace their differences
One disadvantage is sometimes you want to be by yourself and having to tolerate another person in your
living space can be frustrating. You never have full privacy
Another point is if you unfortunately end up with a lazy flat mate, you may be doing all the chores and have
to clean up after them
Last of all, you can have unwanted guest, because you may love your roommates, but not their friends.
Although some young people say sharing a flat is the best way to save money, I think that if you want to
share a flat, first of all, you have to know your flat mate very well. To sum up, it is a good option for young
people, students and people who they can’t afford to rent a flat alone.
7. DISCUSS THE PROS AND CONS OF STREAMING VIDEO PLATFORMS LIKE NETFLIX OR HBO
Everyone knows about streaming platforms. Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO, and the list goes on. It’s
true that they offer their audiences numerous advantages, but maybe they are not for everyone, and before
you sign up for one of them, you should also consider their disadvantages.
The main advantage of streaming video services is that you can take your favourite shows and movies
anywhere, you just need a phone or tablet and an internet connection, and you are good to go. Another
advantage is the great availability; you can access almost any show or film you can think of, and you don’t
have to wait a week to see another episode of your favourite series. Furthermore, if you are learning a
language, you can easily find movies in the original version and decide whether you want to add subtitles.
However, not everything is positive about these platforms; there are also some disadvantages that we
should consider. An important disadvantage is that if you go somewhere with a poor internet connection
or with no internet connection, then you’d better go straight to bed or read a book because you’re not
going to watch your series. In addition, although you can watch almost anything, there are significant
limitations. Not everything you want to watch is there; for instance, if you love old movies, you will probably
not find what you are looking for, and if you have Netflix, forget about watching Game of Thrones. Another
negative point is that since so many films and series episodes are available, you may end up sleeping less
than you need.
In conclusion, streaming video platforms are great, and they are the present and future of TV
entertainment, but people who want to use one of these platforms should know that not everything is
positive about these services.
8. ARE YOU IN FAVOUR OF OR AGAINST EXAMS BEING ABOLISHED?
Is too much emphasis placed on examination results today? In my view, their role needs to be re-examined
if they are to continue to play a part in the educational system.
In the first place, exams do not actually test a person's knowledge of a subject but rather how much they
can remember on the day of the exam. In addition, facts such as students feeling unwell or suffering from
a case of nerves on the day of the exams are not taken into consideration.
Furthermore, the exam system is unfair to people who have studied hard but have a poor memory for facts
and figures. Also, it is often the case that people who have not studied can copy from someone else who
has.
It is argued that exams are the most efficient way of comparing the abilities of a group of people and that
an exam will often encourage people to compete to get better grades. Making grades and exam results
the main point of learning though, gives students the wrong idea of what education is all about.
In conclusion, it seems to me unfair to give a person only one chance to show what they are capable of. I
think that the whole educational system needs to be changed so that exams are not the only way of
assessing a student's knowledge.