For-and-against essays are essays \ in which the advantages and disadvantages (or 'pros and cons') of an issue are discussed. They consist of:
- an introduction in which the topic is presented generally (without giving an opinion .
- a main body consisting of two paragraphs, one presenting the advantages of the issue and the other the disadvantages. The arguments should be supported with justifications/examples.
- a conclusion which states your j opinion or a balanced summary of j the topic.
For-and-against essays are written in j a formal, impersonal style, avoiding j informal language (short forms, j colloquial language etc .
You can begin and end a for-and- f against essay with any of the j following techniques.
• Address the reader directly e.g.) We all know how frustrating it is J not being able to understand the) locals when we go abroad.
• Include a quotation e.g. As ' Goethe said, "Those who know j nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own."
• Include a rhetorical question e.g. Do) you think it is entertaining to have \ your private life on camera 24 I hours a day?
1) Read the rubric.
• Should it be compulsory to learn a I foreign language at school?
Work in pairs. List the advantages of learning a foreign language at school. Your partner lists the disadvantages.