pros and cons

essay

START

PROS & CONS

How to write a

This is a type of argumentative essay which gives advantages and disadvantages (pros and cons).It's a formal piece of writing in which a topic is considered from opposing points of view.

what is a pros & cons essay?

Conclusion

Main body

Introduction

it consists of...

INTRODUCTION

Here you state the topic.You talk generally about the topic without giving your opinion.

Have you ever considered becoming your own boss? In recent years the number of people choosing to start their own business has risen significantly. Many claim that this is because more and more people are no longer content to work for someone else.

MAIN BODY

TWO PARAGRAPHS: Paragraph 1: state the points FOR with your justification.Paragraph 2: state the points AGAINST with your justification too.

One of the main advantages of being self-employed is the fact that you are completely self-reliant and can make decisions on your own. This can give you a great sense of freedom and allows you to do exactly what you want without interference from anyone else. What is more, your working day can be planned for your convenience, alowing you to work when you want rather than when you have to. Finally, if your business is successful, people will know that you alone should be given the credit.

However, threre are disadvantages to being your own boss. Many self-employed people have said that to build a successful business, you have to be prepared to work long hours and sacrifice your personal life. As Forbes once said, "if you don't drive your business, you will be driven out of business". Moreover, a 1996 government study foudn that over a quarter of the businesses run by newly self-employed people failed within the first two years.

CONCLUSION

You state your opinion clearly. Opinion words (I think, I believe, etc) must only be used in this paragraph (never in the introduction or main body).

All things considered, it seems to me that self-employment can be a very gratifying experience, although not one without difficulties. But when success is achieved, the greatest reward of all is the knowledge that you have done it on your own.

TIPS TO CONSIDER

Make a list of all the points for and against the topic before you start.

TIP 1

Make sure the point you present are well supported with justification (examples or reasons).

tip 2

Do not use informal style (contractions, colloquial language) or strong language (I firmly believe...)

tip 3

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CONNECTORS

• On the other hand
• However,
• In spite of
• While
• Nevertheless
• Despite

• What is more
• Furthermore
• In addition to this,
• Not to mention the fact that
• Besides

• In the first place
• First of all all,
• Secondly
• Thirdly
• Finally
• Last but not least

• One major advantage/disadvantage of
• A further advantage
• One point of view in favour of

TO MAKE CONRASTING POINTS

TO ADD MORE POINTS TO THE SAME TOPIC

TO LIST POINTS

TO INTRODUCE POINTS

MORE CONNECTORS

• To sum up
• All in all
• All things considered
• In conclusion
• On the whole
• Taking everything into account

• For example
• For instance
• Like
• Especially
• Such as
• In particular

TO CONCLUDE

TO INTRODUCE EXAMPLES

Match the arguments with their justification.

Can you read the essay and then think of what these missing connectors are?When ready , go to the next slide to find out if you were right.

YOU ARE GOING TO READ A PROS & CONS ESSAY BUT SOME OF THE CONNECTORS ARE MISSING

the advantages & disadvantages of owning a pet

• ______, bringing a pet into your home is not a decision to be taken lightly. There are some expenses involved as animals need food, special cages, equipment and occasional veterinary treatment which can be costly. They ______ need care and attention on a daily basis, which can be time-consuming. ______, a pet ties you down to a certain extent. You cannot just get up and go away for the weekend or for a holiday without first taking your pet's needs into consideration. This is not always easy and can be expensive if you have to pay for professional care.
• ____, buying a pet should be a carefully planned decision. If you are fully aware of your pet's needs and all the responsibilities involved in owning one, then having a pet can be a very rewarding experience.

• Many types of animals have gradually become domesticated and have been taken into our homes as pets. Pets are enjoyed by young and old allike, but are they really worth having or are there too many drawbacks?
• _____, pets can be great companions for those who live alone, such as the elderly. What is more, having a dog around the house can give you a greater sense of security. _____, young children usually love animals and giving them the opportunity to look after a pet teaches them to care for living things and to be responsible.

the advantages & disadvantages of owning a pet

• On the other hand, bringing a pet into your home is not a decision to be taken lightly. There are some expenses involved as animals need food, special cages, equipment and occasional veterinary treatment which can be costly. They also need care and attention on a daily basis, which can be time-consuming. Besides, a pet ties you down to a certain extent. You cannot just get up and go away for the weekend or for a holiday without first taking your pet's needs into consideration. This is not always easy and can bee xpensive if you have to pay for professional care.
• All in all, buying a pet should be a carefully planned decision. If you are fully aware of your pet's needs and all the responsibilities involved in owning one, then having a pet can be a very rewarding experience.

• Many types of animals have gradually become domesticated and have been taken into our homes as pets. Pets are enjoyed by young and old allike, but are they really worth having or are there too many drawbacks?
• Firstly, pets can be great comapnions for those who live alone, such as the elderly. What is more, having a dog around the housecan give you a greater sense of security.Moreover, young children usually love animals and giving them the opportunity to look after a pet teaches them to care for living things and to be responsible.

In the first place, First of all, To start with

Remember that if you chose a different connector is ok, the main thing is to choose one from the same category (to introduce points, to list points, to conclude, etc)

Pros & cons of living in the country

Pros & cons of belonging to whatsapp groups

Pros & cons of owning a car

Pros & cons of being famous

Pros & cons of living in a block of flats

SOME POSSIBLE ESSAYS

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Mónica Redondo Arias

Far away from friends

Long car journeys from school

No hosiptals nearby

No shops nearby

Lower house prices

Healthy environment

Safe place to bring up children

No noise from traffic

Against living in the country

In favour of living in the country

LIVING IN THE COUNTRY

CONS

PROS