Here are some simple tips for those interesting in the basics of writing a text with different points of view.

1. For / Against Texts
José Antonio Alcalde
On some occasions we will be asked to write For and Against Texts to express different (usually
opposing) points of view. Here are some tips for you to consider when doing so:
These texts are highly formal so avoid informal language like contractions, colloquial expressions or
vocabulary
It is expected a high degree of objectivity with a non-emotional nor very strong use of language
Before writing, as usual, do some brainstorming and think about reasons for and against the topic you
were given
Be careful not to repeat the same ideas again and again all through the text
To give more relevance to your text, if possible, add some quotations, names, data, facts, etc.
Use connectors (see below) to clearly show the parts of your text and the relation among them
In this kind of texts sections have to be very clearly indicated (even visually with different paragraphs)
INTRODUCTION
State clearly the topic you were given in an objective way as an introduction but do not express
any opinion yet. Use expressions like “It is said / believed...”, “It may be said / argued / claimed that…”,
“Some / many / most people / experts / scientist / skeptics / critics claim / suggest / argue / feel that,
maintain / believe / point out / agree / hold that…”
BODY
If the text cannot be very long, you could divide this section into two paragraphs (one for the FOR
and the second one for the AGAINST). Remember to begin each paragraph with a topic sentence
(the most important one summarising the whole paragrapah) to later add some support
sentences (examples, reasons, justifications....)
Try to include key words (FOR: advantage, benefit, positive aspect..., and AGAINST:
disadvantage, drawback, downside, negative aspect...)
As for the connectors you could use here:
- To list points: “Firstly, First of all, In the first place, To begin/start with, Secondly, Thirdly...”
- To list advantages: “One/Another/A further/An additional (major) advantage of… is … The
main/greatest/first advantage of… is …”
- To list disadvantages: “One/Another/ A further/An additional (major) disadvantage/drawback of... /
The main/greatest/most serious/first disadvantage /drawback of… / Another negative aspect of…”
- To make contrasting points: “on the other hand, however, still, yet, but, nonetheless,
nevertheless, even so, it may be said/argued/claimed that,… others/many people oppose this
viewpoint/strongly disagree…, claim/feel/believe this argument is incorrect/misguided, although,
though, even though, while, whilst, whereas, despite/in spite of (the fact that), regardless of the
fact that, Opponents of … argue/believe/claim that…, The fact that… contradicts the belief/idea
that…, While it is true to say that…, in fact…, While/Although …, it cannot be denied that…”
CONCLUSION
As a conclusion you can state your opinion while giving a balanced consideration of the topic.
Whatever side you choose, be respectful with the other point of view.
Here are some connectors you may use to conclude your text: “In conclusion..., On balance...,
All things considered..., Taking everything into account /consideration..., To conclude..., To sum
up..., All in all..., Finally/Lastly...”
Most information was taken from http://academicwriting.wikidot.com/for-and-against-essays