El for-and-against essay (también llamado discursive essay o advantages and disadvantages) presenta de forma equilibrada los argumentos a favor y en contra de un tema. A diferencia del opinion essay, tu opinión no aparece hasta la conclusión (y a veces no aparece). Por eso se usa un lenguaje impersonal: «It is argued that…», «Supporters claim that…», «Opponents point out that…».
Objetivos
- Distinguir el for-and-against essay del opinion essay
- Organizar un texto equilibrado: introducción, a favor, en contra, conclusión
- Usar lenguaje impersonal y conectores de contraste
- Escribir una conclusión que pondere los argumentos
1. Estructura
| Párrafo | Contenido | Expresiones útiles |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Introducción | Presenta el tema de forma neutral, sin opinión | Nowadays, … is a controversial issue. / There are both advantages and disadvantages to… |
| 2. Argumentos a favor | Dos o tres ventajas con ejemplos | On the one hand, … / One advantage of… is that… / Supporters argue that… |
| 3. Argumentos en contra | Dos o tres inconvenientes con ejemplos | On the other hand, … / The main drawback is… / Opponents claim that… |
| 4. Conclusión | Valoración equilibrada y, si quieres, tu opinión | All things considered, … / In conclusion, it seems that… / Personally, I believe… |
2. Lenguaje impersonal y de contraste
- Pasiva impersonal: It is often said that… · It is widely believed that… · It can be argued that…
- Sujetos generales: Many people / Supporters / Critics / Opponents + claim / argue / point out that…
- Ventajas: One (major) advantage / benefit of… is… · Another positive aspect is…
- Inconvenientes: One disadvantage / drawback of… is… · A further problem is…
- Contraste: On the one hand… On the other hand… · However, … · Whereas / While… · Nevertheless, …
3. Modelo comentado
Task: «Online learning: advantages and disadvantages» (about 150 words)
In recent years, online learning has become increasingly common. While some people consider it the future of education, others have serious doubts about it.
On the one hand, online courses are flexible. Students can study at their own pace and from any place, which is especially useful for those who live far from a university or have a job. Moreover, digital materials are often cheaper than traditional textbooks.
On the other hand, studying alone in front of a screen requires a great deal of self-discipline, and many students find it hard to stay motivated. In addition, online learning reduces face-to-face contact with teachers and classmates, which is important for developing social skills.
All things considered, online learning offers clear benefits, but it cannot completely replace the classroom. Personally, I believe that a combination of both would be the best solution.
- Introducción neutral (While some people…, others…).
- Un párrafo a favor y otro en contra, cada uno con dos argumentos.
- Conectores de contraste (On the one hand / On the other hand) y de adición (Moreover, In addition).
- Opinión personal solo al final, ponderada.
Recuerda
- For-and-against = texto equilibrado; la opinión, si aparece, solo en la conclusión.
- Estructura: introducción neutral, a favor, en contra, conclusión.
- Lenguaje impersonal: It is argued that…, Supporters / Critics claim that…
- Contraste: On the one hand / On the other hand, However, Whereas.
- Mismo peso para ventajas e inconvenientes.
¡Ahora te toca a ti!
Comprueba que lo has entendido con los ejercicios y repasa con el resumen.