Joy English · Level B2 · Essaysjoy-english.com

A for-and-against essay

Name:Date:

Write a balanced essay that presents the arguments on both sides of an issue before reaching your own conclusion.

Should homework be banned in primary schools?

Homework has long been a standard part of school life, yet an increasing number of parents and teachers are questioning its value for younger children. There are strong arguments on both sides of this debate.

On the one hand, banning homework could have several benefits. Young children who spend six hours a day in the classroom need time to play, rest and develop interests outside school. Moreover, homework can create tension at home, particularly when parents are too busy or lack the knowledge to help. Some researchers also suggest that, at this age, homework has little measurable effect on achievement.

On the other hand, regular homework can teach children valuable habits such as organisation and independent study. In addition, short tasks like reading with a parent help families stay informed about what their children are learning. Critics of a ban argue that abolishing homework entirely might make the transition to secondary school, where workloads are heavier, more difficult.

In conclusion, while excessive homework is clearly unhelpful for young learners, a complete ban may go too far. In my view, a limited amount of enjoyable, practical homework offers the best balance.

Contrast and balance

Choose the best word, phrase or sentence.

___ the high cost, many families choose to send their children to summer camps.
- a) Although
- b) Despite
- c) However
___ online learning is flexible, some students find it hard to stay motivated.
- a) Despite
- b) In spite
- c) Although
Electric cars produce less pollution in cities. ___, they are still too expensive for many drivers.
- a) On the other hand
- b) Despite
- c) Whereas
Some people prefer to work alone, ___ others are more productive in a team.
- a) despite
- b) whereas
- c) moreover
___, the advantages of a four-day school week outweigh the disadvantages.
- a) On balance
- b) On the one hand
- c) Despite
Which sentence is the most suitable for the main body of a for-and-against essay?
- a) I totally hate this idea!
- b) It is often argued that tourism can damage local traditions.
- c) Everybody knows tourism is terrible.
A major ___ of working from home is the lack of contact with colleagues.
- a) drawback
- b) benefit
- c) advantage

Plan the essay

Read each sentence from an essay with the title 'Should schools replace printed textbooks with tablets?'. Choose the part of the essay where it belongs.

Many schools are deciding whether to replace printed textbooks with tablets, and opinions are divided.
- a) Introduction
- b) Arguments for
- c) Arguments against
- d) Conclusion
Critics claim that looking at screens for hours can cause tiredness and headaches.
- a) Introduction
- b) Arguments for
- c) Arguments against
- d) Conclusion
Supporters argue that tablets can hold hundreds of books, so students carry less weight.
- a) Introduction
- b) Arguments for
- c) Arguments against
- d) Conclusion
A major drawback is that tablets are expensive to buy and repair.
- a) Introduction
- b) Arguments for
- c) Arguments against
- d) Conclusion
Furthermore, digital textbooks can be updated instantly when information changes.
- a) Introduction
- b) Arguments for
- c) Arguments against
- d) Conclusion
On balance, a mix of printed books and digital resources seems the most sensible approach.
- a) Introduction
- b) Arguments for
- c) Arguments against
- d) Conclusion

Writing task

Your teacher has asked you to write a for-and-against essay with this title: 'Should teenagers have a part-time job while they are still at school?' Present the arguments on both sides and give your own opinion in the conclusion.

180–260 words

Check your writing

My introduction presents the topic in a neutral way.
I wrote one paragraph for the arguments in favour and one for the arguments against.
Each argument is supported by an explanation or an example.
I used linking words such as On the one hand, Moreover and On the other hand.
I used a formal, impersonal style in the main paragraphs.
I gave my own opinion only in the conclusion.

Answer key

Contrast and balance

b) DespiteDespite is followed by a noun phrase (the high cost). Although needs a full clause with a verb.
c) AlthoughAlthough is followed by a clause with a subject and a verb: online learning is flexible.
a) On the other handOn the other hand starts a new sentence and introduces the opposite side.
b) whereasWhereas joins two contrasting facts in one sentence.
a) On balanceOn balance introduces a final judgement after considering both sides.
b) It is often argued that tourism can damage local traditions.It is often argued that ... is impersonal and balanced. The other sentences are emotional or exaggerated.
a) drawbackA lack of contact is a negative point, so drawback (a disadvantage) is correct.

Plan the essay

a) IntroductionIt presents the topic in a neutral way and says that opinions are divided, so it belongs in the introduction.
c) Arguments againstCritics claim introduces an argument against using tablets.
b) Arguments forSupporters argue introduces an argument in favour of tablets.
c) Arguments againstA major drawback introduces a disadvantage.
b) Arguments forFurthermore adds another advantage of digital textbooks.
d) ConclusionOn balance introduces the writer's final judgement after weighing up both sides.

Model answer

In many countries, it is common for teenagers to combine their studies with a part-time job, for example in a shop or a café. However, opinions differ as to whether this is a good idea.

On the one hand, a part-time job can teach young people important lessons that school cannot. They learn to manage their time, deal with customers and take responsibility for their own money. Moreover, earning a wage can increase their independence and help them understand the value of hard work. Work experience may also make their CVs more attractive to future employers.

On the other hand, there are serious concerns about the effect on education. Students who work long hours in the evenings or at weekends may have less time for homework and revision, and their results could suffer as a consequence. In addition, tiredness can affect their health and leave little time for friends, sport or hobbies.

In conclusion, a part-time job clearly has both benefits and risks. On balance, I believe it can be a positive experience, provided that teenagers work only a few hours a week and their studies remain the priority.