Name………………………..

Date 24/3/2011
For and Against Essay
Techniques to begin or end an essay
To attract the reader’s interest and make the beginning or ending of your essay
more effective, you can use some of the following writing techniques:
a) address the reader directly e.g. if you take the time to train your dog, it
will learn to obey you.
b) Include a quotation (i.e. a sentence or phrase taken from a book, play,
etc.) when we use a quotation, it is necessary to mention the name of the
person who said/wrote it e.g. As George Orwell wrote,” All animals
are equal, but some are more equal than others.”
c) Include a rhetorical question e.g. Is it true that a dog is man’s best friend?

Main body paragraphs

You should start each body paragraph with a topic sentence which introduces or
summarises the main topic of the paragraph. The topic sentence should be
followed by supporting sentences which justify the argument presented in the
topic sentence, by giving examples or reasons. You should use linking
words/phrases to present your justification, such as: first of all, what is more, for
example, because, since, in particular, etc.

e.g. Travelling by train has a lot of advantages. First of all, it is comfortable as

trains are spacious so there is plenty of rooms to walk about. What is more,
trains are convenient. For example, you do not have to take any food or
beverages with you, because most trains have a restaurant. Finally, when you
travel by train you reach your destination fairly quickly.

Ex1 Read the paragraphs below, and replace the words in old with synonyms
from the list:
For instance, in addition, since, first of all, on the other hand, furthermore

To begin with, it can’t be denied that extreme sports are great fun for some
people. Believe it or not, they actually get a thrill out of putting their lives at risk
y jumping out of a plane without a parachute. For example, or by snowboarding
 down a mountain. What is more, extreme sports can actually reduce stress levels
by allowing you to escape from the pressures of everyday life.

However, most extreme sports can e very dangerous, because there is no

excitement without the risk. On top of that, they can be very expensive, often
requiring special equipment and training.

Ex2 a) Read the opinions about motorcycles and match them to their justification. Which are points for
motorcycle and which are against?
Arguments Justifications

1) They are very convenient. a) They use less fuel and need fewer
repairs.
2)You can not travel with your friends. b) You do not need to rely on
public transport, and you can park
3)They are not as safe as cars. them easily.
c) You can not sit back and relax on
4) They are cheaper to run than cars. them and you are exposed in bad
weather.
5)They can be quite uncomfortable. d) They travel as fast as cars and
you never get stuck in traffic
6) You can get to your destination jams.
quickly and easily. e) You are not well protected and
you can get badly hurt if you fall
off.
f) There is only room for one
passenger.
b) Now make sentences using for example, for instance, because, as or since, as
in the example.

e.g. Motorbikes are very convenient. For instant, if you have a motorbike you
do not have to rely on public transport, and you can park them easily.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________