Writing a for and against composition

A for and against composition looks at both sides of an argument and compares and contrasts them. It states the advantages and disadvantages of this specific argument and, usually at the end, presents the writer's own opinion about it.

A successful for and against composition should have:

• A opening paragraph a short introduction to the general topic.
• Paragraph 2 presents the advantages or gives arguments for the topic.
• Paragraph 3 presents the disadvantages or gives arguments against the topic.
• Final paragraph a short conclusion with your opinion

Introduction

In the introduction you state the topic. This means that you talk generally about the topic without giving your opinion; you should be very clear about the subject of your presentation. You should always remember that the first sentence (topic sentence) is a very important part in the composition.

Body - Paragraphs

In subsequent paragraphs: a main body in which the points for and the points against, along with your justification, appear in two separate paragraphs, you will elaborate on your arguments.
And a closing paragraph in which you give either your opinion or a balanced consideration of the topic.

Use connectors to organize information

Organize ideas	Add points of the same idea	Make contrasting points	Introduce a conclusion
In the first place, firstly, first of all, secondly, thirdly, finally	Also, besides, apart from this, furthermore, in addition, what's more	On the other hand, however, while, although, even though	To sum up, in conclusion all things considered, to conclude

Note: In this type of composition, you must not include opinion words (I believe, I think, etc.) in the introduction or the main body. Opinion words can only be used in the final paragraph, where you may state your opinion on the topic.

Points to consider

• Make a list of the points for and against a topic before you start writing.

• Write well-developed paragraphs in which the points you present are supported with justification, (i.e. reasons or examples). Make sure each paragraph has more than one sentence,
  Example: The first advantage of using a computer is that it saves time. Another advantage is that they have improved worldwide communications.

• Do not use informal style (e.g. short forms, colloquial language, etc.) or strong language (e.g. I firmly believe, etc.)

• Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence which summarises what the paragraph is about.

Strategies for beginnings and endings

These ideas may be useful for the beginning paragraph

- make reference to a strange scene or situation, e.g. Nowadays there are many TV commercials that encourage children to eat all sorts of junk food
- address the reader directly, e.g. Are you aware of the fact that many children only eat fast food? or ask a rhetorical question (question to which no answer is expected), e.g. "Isn't it amazing how some children only eat junk food?"
- start with a quotation, e.g. "Education is the best provision for old age" Aristotle

The last paragraph may:

- state a personal opinion, e.g. In my opinion, I believe, in my view, It seems to me. The way I see it, I think, etc.
- give the reader something to consider, e.g. "Perhaps we should begin to consider that the most important thing our children need is to spend time with them"