A for and against essay: B1 Writing Exercise

7 B1 Writing exercises on “A for and against essay”, with answers. Complete each task and check it straight away. Free, no account needed.

SkillWriting
LevelB1 Intermediate
Exercises7
Gaps18
Topic2 of 9

Before you start. 7 exercises. Do each task, then compare your work with the answer key.

Preparation

More university students should stay in education after their first degree in order to get another qualification. Do you agree?

Exercise 1. Read the task and the model essay. Does the writer agree or disagree with the statement in the task?

  • Agrees / Disagrees
  • [1) ]
  • Nowadays, the number of students who do a second degree is increasing. In order to decide if this is a good thing, we must examine the advantages and disadvantages of taking a postgraduate course.
  • [2) ]
  • It is certainly true that there is fierce competition for employment, and candidates need something extra in order to get a good job. We should also remember that people with a second qualification can expect to earn more when they start work. Moreover, postgraduate courses offer the chance to focus on a topic which you find particularly interesting. What could be better than spending an extra two or three years studying something you find fascinating?
  • [3) ]
  • However, there are disadvantages too. Firstly, it is an expensive option. You often need to pay for your place at university and also support yourself financially during the course. What is more, many young people are understandably impatient to leave education by the time they finish their first degree.
  • [4) ]
  • On balance, I believe it is a good idea to continue your studies beyond a first degree, if possible. Although it may be expensive, an extra qualification allows you to find a better job and earn more money.

Exercise 2. Study the model essay and answer the questions.

  • In which paragraph (1-4) does the writer ...
  • 1
    describe the arguments for?
  • How many does she / he describe?
  • 2
    describe the arguments against?
  • How many does she / he describe?
  • 3
    give his / her opinion?

Exercise 3. Read the Writing Strategy. Find a rhetorical question in the model essay. Choose the expected answer.

Writing Strategy

Rhetorical questions can make an opinion essay more persuasive, provided you only include one or two. You do not have to answer the questions, but always make sure that the expected answer is clear, e.g.

Some people work long hours for very low pay. How can this is be right? (Expected answer: It can’t be right.)

  • a)
    everything
  • b)
    most things
  • c)
    nothing

Writing Guide

Exercise 4. Read the task above. Then plan your essay following the paragraph plan below. Use the questions to help you.

12 gaps

Writing Guide

More students should do their degree at a university abroad rather than in their own country. Do you agree?

  • Paragraph 1: Rephrase the statement in the task.
  • Paragraph 2: What are the arguments for doing a degree abroad? Think of two or three.
  • Paragraph 3: What are the arguments against doing a degree abroad? Think of two or three.
  • Paragraph 4: Give your opinion

Your own answers - there is no answer key for this task.

Exercise 5. Write your essay using your plan from exercise 4.

Your own answers - there is no answer key for this task.

Extra exercises: exam practice

Exercise 6. Read the Strategy. Then complete the text with the words below.

6 gaps
  • addition
  • also
  • another
  • furthermore
  • other
  • overall

Strategy

Use signposting phrases (Firstly, …, Furthermore, …, etc.) to introduce opinions for the statement and against it, and to introduce your opinion in the conclusion (On balance, …).

  • One issue with social media is that it can distract people from work or study. In 1) , it can create unhappiness and anxiety when people compare their lives to other people’s. 2) problem is that some people use it to spread unkind ideas about others.
  • On the 3) hand, thanks to social media, people can build friendships quickly and easily by sharing photos, links, ideas and opinions. Social media 4) allows people to ask for help and advice. 5) , it can educate people about things like health.
  • 6
    , I think social media has more positive than negative effects on everyday life.

0 of 6 answered

Exercise 7. Read the task below and write a for and against essay.

  • Teenage students should spend more time at school studying I.C.T. (Information and Communication Technology). Discuss.

Your own answers - there is no answer key for this task.

View all Writing exercises

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How to Practice

  1. 1Read each question carefully
  2. 2Write your answer or select the correct option
  3. 3Click “Check answers” to mark your gaps, or “Show answers” to see the answer key
  4. 4Review any mistakes and try similar exercises
  5. 5Move to the next exercise when ready