选择性必修一 Unit 3 Conservation (6)
A “For” and “Against” Essay
Writing Workshop
Learning Targets
In today’s lesson, we will
1. read and talk about a “for” and “against” essay about
factory farming;
2. analyze the structure and language of a “for” and
“against” essay;
3. write a “for” and “against” essay.
What's in a “for” and “against” essay?
in favor of; in agreement with in disagreement with
• Two sides to an argument
• Author’s opinions
Get Ready for Writing
Discuss the two topics and complete the information in the table.
Statements “For” “Against” “Your opinion”
We should only have
organic farming.
We should not use
animal products for food
or clothing.
Get Ready for Writing
What is organic farming?
• numerous ecological benefits
• higher quality and nutritional
value
• higher food costs
Statement: We should only have organic farming.
“For”: Because there are no chemicals used in the process of
organic farming, food produced by organic farming is of higher
quality and more nutritious than food we usually see on the market.
“Against”: Organic foods are often higher in cost, and many
families simply cannot afford the cost.
“Your opinion”: We should encourage organic
farming although we would have to pay more.
Statement: We should not use animal products for food or clothing.
“For”: Killing animals simply for food and clothing is cruel.
“Against”: Animal products can make people warm and make
clothes more beautiful.
“Your opinion”: Animals are creatures in the nature, and just
like our human beings, they have the rights to be protected.
What do you know about factory farming?
• mass production of
meat or eggs
• food at lower costs
• rely heavily on
chemicals
Read the essay quickly for the main idea.
What is the main topic of the essay?
The pros and cons of factory farming.
Read for Writing
Read the essay again and answer the questions.
What are the main arguments and supporting details used “for” and “against”
factory farming?
“For”: Apart from being a lot cheaper than organic farming, it provides more
food for a world population that has already reached seven billion.
“Against”: Opponents of factory farming say that it is cruel to the animals.
a person who disagrees with sth. and speaks against it
Read for Writing
Read the essay again and answer the questions.
What is the writer’s opinion about factory farming?
We should try to reduce this kind of farming, although
we should have to pay more for our eggs and meat.
Read for Writing
Read the essay again and match the functions to each paragraph.
Para. 1 Para. 3
Para. 2 Para. 4
a. conclusion (your opinion)
b. arguments against the topic
c. introduction to the topic
d. arguments for the topic
c
d
b
a
Focus on Structure and Language
Sentence Builder—Linking Expressions
According to an institute, “74% of the world’s poultry are produced in this way.”
Moreover, factory-farmed animals suffer from fewer diseases...
On the other hand, opponents of factory farming say it is cruel to the animals.
For instance, many farm animals are kept in small spaces …
In addition to this, factory farming has a negative impact on the environment.
In my opinion, we should try to reduce this kind of farming…
Focus on Structure and Language
Match the linking expressions with the functions.
• summarising information
• adding new information
• giving examples
• providing sources of information
• contrasting statements
1. according to 2. moreover 3. in addition to
4. on the other hand 5. for instance 6. in my opinion
6
2 & 3
5
1
4
Write 2-3 arguments on the statement “We should only have
organic farming.” or “We should not use any animal products
for food or clothing.” Use the Sentence Builder to help you.
Argument 1:
Argument 2:
1. according to 2. moreover 3. in addition to
4. on the other hand 5. for instance 6. in my opinion
Focus on Structure and Language
“We should only have organic farming.”
Argument 1: According to a recent study, food produced by organic farming is
of higher quality and more nutritious than food we usually see on the market.
Argument 2: Moreover, organic farming leaves the earth in its natural state
after harvest.
Argument 3: On the other hand, opponents of organic farming say that
organic foods are often higher in cost, and many families simply cannot afford
the cost.
“We should not use any animal products for food or
clothing.”
Argument 1: According to a recent study, the production of wool, fur, and
leather contributes to climate change, land devastation and water pollution.
Argument 2: In addition, raising and killing animals for food is morally wrong;
eating animals means a clear violation of their fundamental right to life.
Argument 3: On the other hand, we still need some domestic animals such as
chickens and ducks to supply our daily diet and nutrition.
Outlining Use the following structure and the arguments you’ve written to
produce an outline of the essay you are going to write about.
Introduction to the topic: Organic farming is the production of food using all
natural methods with “zero” impact on the environment.
Arguments for the topic: According to a recent study...; For instance...
Arguments against the topic: On the other hand...; In addition to this...
Conclusion (your opinion): We should encourage organic farming although…
Compose Your Writing
Drafting Use your outline and the Writing Help to write your first draft.
Writing a “For” and “Against” Essay
It’s important to:
• have a clear argument statement;
• include “for” and “against” opinions;
• support your own opinion with examples and other details;
• sum up your argument in the final paragraph.
Compose Your Writing
Editing Edit your essay in pairs and share what you have written in class.
Does the writer give a clear statement “for” or “against” the issue?
Does the structure flow well (statement, main argument with supporting
details, other arguments and conclusion)?
Does the writer use a variety of linking expressions?
Do you feel that the writer has a strong belief in the argument he / she is
presenting?
Compose Your Writing
Editing Edit your essay in pairs. Then share what you have written
in class.
Mark any spelling, punctuation or grammar errors.
Mark any unclear expressions. Give suggestions if you can.
Underline the expressions you like.
Leave your comments at the bottom, both positive and negative.
Compose Your Writing
Presenting Share what you have written in class.
Students whose essays were favorably edited are
welcome to share what is written in class.
Compose Your Writing
Summary
In today’s lesson, we have
1. read and talked about a “for” and “against” essay about
factory farming;
2. analyzed the structure and language of a “for” and “against”
essay;
3. written a “for” and “against” essay.
Homework
• 1. Read your first draft carefully. Correct mistakes if there’s
any.
• 2. Search online to find data and facts to polish your writing.
Thank you!