Writing: Genre-Specific Writing (B2) - Lesson 3: Writing Clear Essays (For and Against, Advantages/Disadvantages)

B2 Lesson 3: Writing Clear Essays (For and Against / Advantages & Disadvantages)

You have learned to write essays that argue one specific point of view. Today, we will learn how to write a balanced essay¹. This type of writing explores both sides of an issue—the arguments 'for' and 'against' something—before reaching a thoughtful conclusion.

This genre is very common in academic writing as it demonstrates critical thinking.

Structuring a "For and Against" Essay: The Block Method

The clearest way to structure this type of essay is the "Block Method." You discuss all the points for one side in one block (a paragraph), and all the points for the other side in another block.

A 4-Paragraph Essay Structure

1. Introduction: Introduce the topic and end with a thesis statement that acknowledges both sides of the issue.
2. Body Paragraph 1 (The "For" Block): Discuss all the advantages or arguments in favor of the topic.
3. Body Paragraph 2 (The "Against" Block): Discuss all the disadvantages or arguments against the topic.
4. Conclusion: Summarize the main points from both sides and give your own balanced opinion or judgment.

Example Outline: "The Pros and Cons of Online Food Delivery Apps"

Introduction:
...The thesis could be: "While food delivery apps offer incredible convenience for consumers, they also present significant economic challenges for local restaurant owners."

Body Paragraph 1: The Advantages (The "For" Block)
The topic sentence could be: "The primary advantage of these apps is the convenience and choice they provide to customers." (Then, give examples like saving time, trying new restaurants, etc.)

Body Paragraph 2: The Disadvantages (The "Against" Block)
The topic sentence could be: "On the other hand, many local restaurant owners argue that the high commission fees charged by these platforms are unsustainable." (Then, give details about the financial impact.)

Conclusion:
A concluding thought could be: "In conclusion, although the convenience of food delivery apps is undeniable, their business model creates financial pressure on the small restaurants that are vital to a city's culture."

Language for Discussion and Debate

• Introducing Advantages: One of the main benefits is..., A key argument in favor of..., Proponents argue that...
• Introducing Disadvantages: On the other hand, a major drawback is..., Opponents point out that..., Despite these benefits,...
• In the Conclusion: To sum up,..., After weighing both sides,..., In conclusion, while [Point A] is true, we must also consider [Point B].

🧠 Practice Quiz: Identify the Function

Read the topic sentences below. Do they introduce an advantage ("for") or a disadvantage ("against")?

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1. "However, a significant drawback of working from home is the potential for loneliness and social isolation."

Answer: Disadvantage ("Against"). The linking words "However" and "drawback" clearly signal a negative point.

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2. "The most important benefit of tourism is its contribution to the local economy."

Answer: Advantage ("For"). The word "benefit" clearly signals a positive point.

📝 Homework: Outline a Balanced Essay

Your homework is to plan a balanced, "for and against" essay. You only need to write the main "framing" sentences.

Topic: The advantages and disadvantages of using smartphones in the classroom.

Your Task: In your notebook, create an outline for a 4-paragraph essay using the "Block Method." Your outline must include:

1. A Thesis Statement that acknowledges both sides of the issue.
2. The Topic Sentence for your "Advantages" paragraph.
3. The Topic Sentence for your "Disadvantages" paragraph.

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Balanced Essay: (Noun Phrase) - អត្ថបទតែងសេចក្តីមានតុល្យភាព - An essay that discusses both sides of an issue (pros and cons) before reaching a conclusion. ↩
2. Pros and Cons: (Noun Phrase) - គុណសម្បត្តិនិងគុណវិបត្តិ - The advantages and disadvantages of something. ↩
3. Perspective: (Noun) - ទស្សនៈ - A particular way of considering something; a point of view. ↩
4. Discursive Writing: (Noun) - ការសរសេរបែបពិភាក្សា - A type of formal writing that discusses a topic, often from different viewpoints. ↩
5. To weigh (an argument): (Verb) - ថ្លឹងថ្លែង - To carefully consider something, especially by comparing points or arguments.