An essay is a formal piece of writing which describes, analyses or

discusses a particular issue.

The most common types are:

 Opinion essays. They present the writer’s personal opinion of the

topic, supported with examples and reasons.
 For and against essays. They present both sides of an issue in a
balanced way. In the concluding paragraph, you can say why you
find one side more convincing than the other.

 For and against essays present both sides of

a problem or an issue. They discuss points for
(advantages, pros) and against
(disadvantages, against) the particular
problem or issue.
 Use the correct register, and be consistent.
This essay should be formal. Use formal
structures, expressions and linkers. Avoid
chatty, colloquial language.
 Do not give your opinion in the first
paragraph; just give a general introduction to
the topic.
 Do not mix up arguments for and against the
statement in the same paragraph.
 Try to write a similar amount for both your for
and against paragraphs to show you are
giving a balanced view.
 Support your arguments by giving evidence
or thinking about the possible consequences
of any changes.
 Only give your own opinion in the final
paragraph. Make sure you give a reason.
FOR AND AGAINST ESSAY
Fill in the gaps with the linking phrases from the box.

to conclude on the other hand  one advantage of zoos

personally positive aspect of in addition   another drawback there
is no doubt 

 ___________________________that the subject of keeping

animals in zoos creates a lot of debate. Some people say zoos are
traditional family entertainment and good for animals. Others say
keeping animals in zoos is cruel and inhumane. 

________________________________ is that they give people

the chance to see and learn about animals. This makes people more likely
to want to look after animals and protect their natural habitats. Another
__________________________ zoos is that they help to protect
endangered species by offering them a safe place to live.
________________________ zoos help to find mates for
endangered species. For example, many pandas would not find a mate to
breed with if they were on their own in the wild. 

________________________ there are many arguments against

keeping animals in zoos. Firstly, zoo animals often suffer from stress and
boredom when they are not in their natural habitat. Secondly, unwanted
animals are sometimes sold to circuses, hunting parks or for meat.
_____________________________ is that animals sometimes
escape from their enclosures, which is dangerous for humans. 

_____________________, there are strong arguments for and

against keeping animals in zoos. _____________________, I think it
is acceptable to keep animals in zoos, as long as they have enough space
and are properly looked after.