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B2 Writing

B2Essays30 min

A for-and-against essay

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

A for-and-against essay discusses a topic objectively by presenting the arguments on both sides before reaching a conclusion. It is written in a formal, impersonal style. A common structure is an introduction that presents the issue in a neutral way, one paragraph for the arguments in favour, one paragraph for the arguments against, and a conclusion in which you weigh up both sides and, if appropriate, give your own opinion.

Model text

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.

Useful language

PurposeUseful language
Introduce the issue... has become a widely debated issue. / There are strong arguments on both sides.
Arguments forOn the one hand, ... / One advantage of ... is that ... / Supporters argue that ...
Arguments againstOn the other hand, ... / A major drawback is that ... / Critics claim that ...
Add a pointMoreover, ... / In addition, ... / Furthermore, ... / What is more, ...
Contrast in one sentenceWhile / Although + clause, ... / ..., whereas + clause / Despite + noun or -ing
Impersonal languageIt is often argued that ... / It could be said that ... / Many people believe that ...
ConclusionIn conclusion, ... / All things considered, ... / On balance, ...

Exercise 1 of 2

Contrast and balance

Choose the best word, phrase or sentence.

  1. _____ the high cost, many families choose to send their children to summer camps.

  2. _____ online learning is flexible, some students find it hard to stay motivated.

  3. Electric cars produce less pollution in cities. _____, they are still too expensive for many drivers.

  4. Some people prefer to work alone, _____ others are more productive in a team.

  5. _____, the advantages of a four-day school week outweigh the disadvantages.

  6. Which sentence is the most suitable for the main body of a for-and-against essay?

  7. A major _____ of working from home is the lack of contact with colleagues.

0 of 7 answered

Exercise 2 of 2

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.

  1. Many schools are deciding whether to replace printed textbooks with tablets, and opinions are divided.

  2. Critics claim that looking at screens for hours can cause tiredness and headaches.

  3. Supporters argue that tablets can hold hundreds of books, so students carry less weight.

  4. A major drawback is that tablets are expensive to buy and repair.

  5. Furthermore, digital textbooks can be updated instantly when information changes.

  6. On balance, a mix of printed books and digital resources seems the most sensible approach.

0 of 6 answered

Your turn

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.

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Sample 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.

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Source

Original lesson by Joy English.

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