Writing guide – For and Against Essays
A for and against essay is a formal piece of writing which discusses the advantages and
disadvantages of an issue. A for and against essay considers the opposing viewpoints of an
issue, objectively and equally, by presenting points in favor of a chosen topic as well as
those against.
Plan
• The introduction clearly presents the topic.
• The main body presents advantages and disadvantages in separate paragraphs. We
start each main body paragraph with a topic sentence, that is, a sentence which
introduces the theme of the paragraph. Each point should be supported by
justifications which may include examples and/or information from the provided
sources.
• The conclusion summarizes the points for and against. It can also contain the writer’s
opinion.
Introduction
Paragraph 1
• a catchy opening technique (quotation, reference to an interesting or unusual
scene/idea/situation, rhetorical question) that grabs the reader’s attention
• clear presentation of the topic (without stating your opinion)
Main Body
Paragraph 2
• argument 1 for & justification (example/source)
• argument 2 for & justification (example/source)
Paragraph 3
• argument 1 against & justification
• argument 2 against & justification
Conclusion
Paragraph 4
• Summarization of points and direct or indirect presentation of writer’s opinion
and/or closing comment(s)
Writing Sources
The three sources provided in the writing task of the exam may contain a chart/graph, a
figure and a quotation. Information on where the sources come from is also included. For
each source used in the writing task, reference to where it comes from must be
acknowledged. To incorporate the sources into your essay use the following steps:
• find the keywords
• decide where to incorporate the source(s) in your writing
• paraphrase the information
• for quotes we use the exact content in quotation marks or paraphrase
• expand on the source (if necessary)
TIP: You can use words/phrases from the Useful language box in the next section to
integrate sources into your essay.
Task Essay
Recently, genetically modified (GM) foods have started to fill our supermarket shelves to the
surprise of many unsuspecting consumers. What are the arguments for and against GM
foods? Write an essay addressing this topic and explain your opinion about it. Include at
least one piece of information given in the sources to support your response.
MODEL
1) The ancient philosopher, Pythagoras once said, “Oh, my fellow men, do not defile your
bodies with sinful foods.” Could we apply this statement to the dangers of GM foods?
Genetically modified food promises to wipe out disease and famine. However, there is great
controversy regarding the human health risks and the potential environmental impact.
2) There are certain advantages to GM foods. One argument in their favor is that GM crops
are altered to withstand disease and pests, while offering improved flavor, better quality,
and longer shelf life. Thus, more crops can be grown and more nutrients are added allowing
healthier products to reach the public. Secondly, their stronger resistance means that fewer
chemicals and pesticides are needed. In fact, over the last 20 years, gmos have reduced
pesticide spraying by 8.1 percent according to a recent report. Needless to say, fewer
chemicals means not as many toxins will enter local water supplies.
3) However, there are also many drawbacks to GM foods. Opponents argue that not enough
research has been conducted on the safety of these products. They claim that there are no
guarantees that GM foods are safe for the human body. For instance, eating GM products
could alter the genetic makeup of humans. It is also argued that GM crops may threaten
biodiversity by decreasing the richness and variety of food. For example, some organisms
might lose their original attributes, which might result in the loss of certain flora and fauna.
4) In conclusion, GM foods offer great benefits in terms of flavor and resistance to pests and
diseases, while also posing important questions about health and environmental impacts. I
am convinced that although advances in modern science are surpassing our wildest dreams,
new products should be strictly screened for safety. We need to be aware of any of the
potentially harmful consequences before allowing a genetically modified crop into the food
chain.
Useful language
Acknowledging a source:
According to a recent survey/news report/study/name of person...
(A well-known/famous person) once said...
Results/Data/Research from... Show/indicate/reveal/suggest etc. That…
As reported by/stated in.../it seems/appears that...
Describing data:
Almost/Approximately/Nearly 30% of/one quarter of/number...
One in three (people)...
A large/small percentage/portion/amount of...
A large/small/considerable/significant number of...
Making generalizations:
The (vast) majority of/Most/ Nearly all...
It is estimated/expected that...
On the whole,/In general terms,/It is generally felt...
This (fact) suggests/implies/indicates...
...has increased/decreased/risen/fallen/reduced (by)...
...per year/each year/every year
Over the past.../In recent/In the last years...
Formal language:
• passive voice, impersonal constructions. (e.g., It is well known …; It is/could be
argued that …)
• a range of advanced vocabulary (verbs, adjectives, abstract nouns, etc). (e.g.,
passionate debate regarding immigration legislation)
• complex sentences. (e.g., It is often argued that censorship is needed to prevent the
broadcast and publication of obscene material considered offensive to public morals.)
• inversion, especially in conditionals. (e.g., Were this to be true, it would ...; At no
time has there been a more detailed ...)
• Use of formal expressions and linkers: One point/argument in favor of .../against ...,
Some/Many Experts/Scientists/Skeptics/Critics ... Claim/suggest that .../oppose the view
that ..., It is often/widely/ generally ...
Claimed/suggested/argued/felt/held/maintained/believed that...
Plan
The points used to argue for or against along with their justifications, are presented in
separate main body paragraphs. Remember to use linkers that help the reader follow your
points. You can formulate arguments in the following way:
Arguments for
• Consider the arguments for by asking yourself:
In what way is this good?
• List the reasons why it is good.
• Choose the two best arguments.
Arguments against
• Consider the arguments against by asking yourself: In what way is this bad?
• List the reasons why it is bad.
• Choose the two best arguments.
Once you have formulated the points to be discussed, you can then decide if the
information presented in the sources can be incorporated into the justifications of your
argument. If you do decide to use a source you should correctly acknowledge it, and expand
on it if possible. See the example below, referring to the topic: Is ecotourism a good idea?
Argument: One argument in favor of ecotourism is that it helps the local economy
considerably.
Justification (use of a source): As stated in a recent news report, ecotourism brings in $600
billion in revenue each year.
Expanding on source: From this revenue new jobs and businesses are created locally
boosting the economy.