Write your opinion essay on the topic.

In “For and against” essays we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a specific topic. A successful “For and against” essay should consist of:

a) an introduction in which you present the topic, making a general remark about it without giving your opinion;

b) a main body in which you present the points for and the points against, in separate paragraphs, supporting your arguments with justifications/ examples;

c) a conclusion which includes your opinion (e.g. In my opinion/view, I believe/ think, etc) or a balanced summary of the topic.

“For and against” essays are normally written in a formal style; therefore you should avoid using strong language (I know, I am sure, etc), short sentences, colloquial expressions or idioms.

You can find this type of writing in articles in newspapers, magazines, etc.

Useful expressions and linking words/ phrases · to list and add points: In the first place, To start/ begin with, Secondly, Thirdly, Finally, In addition (to this), Furthermore, Moreover, Besides, etc. · to introduce or list advantages: The main/ first/ most important advantage of…, One/ Another/ An additional advantage of…, One point of view in favour of…, It is often suggested/ believed/ argued that…, Some/ Many people are in favour of/ are convinced that… etc. · to introduce or list disadvantages: The main/ most important disadvantage/ drawback of…, One/ Another/ An additional disadvantage of…, One point/ argument against…, Some/ Many people are against…, etc. · to introduce examples/ reasons/ results: for example/ instance, such as, like, in particular, therefore, for this reason, because, as, since, as a result, etc. · to show contrast: On the other hand, However, still, but, Nonetheless, Nevertheless, Although, Even though, Despite/ In spite of (the fact that), etc. · to introduce a conclusion: In conclusion, To conclude/ sum up, All in all, Finally, Lastly, All things considered, Taking everything into account/ consideration, etc.

 

Practice

1. Answer the questions.

Ø Are there many zoos in your country?

Ø Have you ever been to a zoo? What were your impressions?

Ø What do animals feel living at a zoo?

Ø What are the differences between watching animals at a zoo or in the wild?

Ø In which cases do people have the right to keep animals at a zoo?

Read the article and label the paragraphs with the correct headings.

ü Arguments for with justifications (examples)

ü Your opinion (balanced summary)

ü Arguments against with justifications (examples)

ü Present topic

Introduction	Think of a zoo and images of animals imprisoned in cages usually comes to mind. The question of whether it is right to keep animals in captivity is one that is under discussion nowadays. Today there are many reports about the outrageous conditions in which animals are kept in zoos. In this case people speak about zoos as prisons for animals. On the one hand, the disadvantages of keeping animals in captivity are prevailing. Above all, animals are forced to live in a completely unnatural environment and are often not given the amount of living space that they need. Furthermore, animals suffer from stress, because they are dependent on humans and cannot get back into the wild, as they won’t be able to survive. Besides, zoos can teach children that imprisoning animals for our own amusement is acceptable. On the other hand, there are several advantages of keeping animals in zoos. Firstly, it gives people an opportunity to see and learn about the animals which they would probably never see. Secondly, many species are preserved from extinction in zoos, where they have a chance to breed and survive in captivity. Moreover, zoos try to maintain the animals’ health as well as increase their numbers. Thirdly, zoos provide education about biological diversity, habitat protection and conservation on sites and for public. In addition, visiting zoos is a great family activity with special entertainments for kids and always a memorable event. To conclude, although zoos are the negative part of animal-human relations in which animals are deprived of the right to live in their natural environment and suffer from lack of space and food, there are cases when animals have to be placed to a zoo in order to prevent their extinction. Anyway, the conditions there must be civilized and comfortable for the animals. “I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being,” Abraham Lincoln once said.	Para 1 ………………... ………………….. ………………….     Para 2 ………………….. ………………….. …………………..     Para 3 ………………… …………………. …………………   Para 4 …………………. ………………….. ………………….
Main body
Conclusion