Advantages and Disadvantages

GIVING ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES and FOR AND AGAINST TOPIC

If the aim of your essay is to outline the advantages and disadvantages of something, you are not expected to express your own opinion by using personal words or expressions. Start by making a general statement and then divide advantages and disadvantages into two separate paragraphs. An opinion can be expressed in a non-emotional way. E.g. it seems that …, it can be seen that …
When giving arguments for and against a topic you should present both sides in a fair way by discussing them objectively in equal detail. Start your composition by making a general statement about a topic, then give the advantages and disadvantages in two separate paragraphs. Remember to start a new paragraph for each new topic and to make a plan before writing your composition. Finally, end your composition with a well-balanced consideration of the points discussed. It is possible to state an opinion without using strong , emotional or personal expressions. (Do not use words such as: I know, I believe, etc. Use words such as: It seems that…, It can be seen that…, etc.) If you believe that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, write them just before the final paragraph so that it will be easier for you to lead the reader to the conclusion.

Advantages and disadvantages

INTRODUCTION: General statement about the topic

MAIN BODY: - paragraph 2: advantages and statements to support your point of view

- paragraph 3: disadvantages and statements to support your point of view. Note: If you believe that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages write them in the third paragraph so that it will be easier for you to lead the reader to the conclusion.

CONCLUSION: Give a balanced consideration or give your opinion without using personal words or expressions.

For and against a topic

INTRODUCTION: Introduce the subject of the essay. State why it is an important issue at the present time.

MAIN BODY: - paragraph 2: Give the arguments in favour of the statement.
- paragraph 3: Give the arguments against the statement.

CONCLUSION: Conclude by giving a well-balanced consideration.


EXPRESSING OPINIONS

This type of argumentative composition uses personal expressions, unlike the for and against composition, which does not include them. Your personal opinion should be expressed in the introduction and again in the conclusion, using phrases such as “In my opinion, I believe, I think, I strongly believe, In my view”. You should support your opinion by including examples and reasons for what you have said. When expressing the other side of the argument, you may include it in a separate paragraph. End your composition by restarting your opinion.

Introduction Paragraph 2-3-(4) Paragraph 5 Conclusion

Paragraph 1 Final Paragraph
State topic and Give the first, second, Give the other Re-state your
your opinion clearly third argument, etc. and side of the opinion, using
without using too examples or reasons argument and different words.
many personal to support your opinion. reasons.
opinion words.


PROVIDING SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS

After stating the problem and why it arose, mention that there are also several possible solutions. Discuss each suggestion in turn and include any expected result or consequences. Use the concluding paragraph to decide which option will give the best results and explain why this is the case.

INTRODUCTION: State the problem, the main reasons for the problem and that there are several possible solutions to it.

MAIN BODY: - paragraph 2: Your first suggestion and why it would be a good idea.
- paragraph 3: Your second suggestion and why it would be a good idea.

CONCLUSION: Conclude the essay by summarising your opinion – give your final suggestion and explain why it would be a good idea.


DISCURSIVE ESSAYS

A discursive essay should discuss the subject as broadly as possible without losing direction or flow. You should state various viewpoints and discuss them, including opposite opinions. Each viewpoint should start a new paragraph. Each paragraph should include a topic sentence, personal opinion and an opposite opinion. The paragraphs and the opposite viewpoints within paragraphs should be linked together with appropriate linking words. Some of the following aspects should be included: psychological, religious, scientific, artistic, economic, educational, social, political, moral, historical, geographical, personal.

Introduction Main Body Conclusion

Make a general statement Write various points End by giving your
about the topic explaining of view in separate own opinion on the
the past/current paragraphs. In each the subject.
situation. paragraph you should
include the opposite point
of view.

From: Nataša Adžić, prof.