Discussion essays: both sides - English C2 (Proficiency) English A1-C2 Study Notes
Overview
Imagine you're trying to decide if you should get a new video game or save your money for a bigger toy later. You'd think about the good things (pros) about getting the game now, and the good things about saving (cons of getting the game, or pros of saving). A "both sides" discussion essay is just like that, but for bigger, more important topics. It's super important in real life because it helps you make smart decisions. When you can see a problem from all angles, you're less likely to jump to conclusions or be tricked by someone who only shows you one side of the story. It's about being fair and thoughtful. This type of essay teaches you to look at different opinions, weigh them up, and then share your own balanced view. It's a skill you'll use whether you're debating with friends, choosing a career, or even understanding the news.
What Is This? (The Simple Version)
Think of it like being a judge in a debate. Your job isn't to pick a side right away. Instead, you have to listen carefully to both teams – the one arguing 'for' an idea and the one arguing 'against' it. You need to understand their main points, why they believe what they believe, and what evidence they have.
In a discussion essay (both sides), you're not just writing about one opinion. You're exploring a topic by looking at two or more different viewpoints. It's like having a conversation with yourself on paper, where you present the arguments for one side, then the arguments for the other side, and finally, you share your own thoughtful conclusion.
For example, if the topic is 'Should students be allowed to use phones in class?', you wouldn't just say 'Yes, they should!' or 'No, they shouldn't!'. You would:
- Explain why some people think phones should be allowed (e.g., for quick research, emergencies).
- Explain why others think phones should not be allowed (e.g., distraction, cheating).
- Then, after showing both sides, you'd offer your own balanced opinion, perhaps suggesting rules for phone use.
Real-World Example
Imagine your town council is deciding whether to build a new big shopping mall on a piece of empty land. This is a perfect 'both sides' discussion!
Side 1: The 'For' Team (Pro-Mall)
- They argue that a new mall would create new jobs for people in the town (shop assistants, cleaners, security guards).
- They say it would bring more money into the town because people would spend their cash there, and the town would collect more taxes.
- They might also say it offers more shopping choices and entertainment for families.
Side 2: The 'Against' Team (Anti-Mall)
- They argue that it would destroy a natural habitat (the empty land might be home to animals or important trees).
- They worry it would cause more traffic jams and pollution in the area.
- They might also say it would hurt small local shops because everyone would go to the big mall instead.
As the writer of a 'both sides' essay, you would present both these arguments fairly, explaining them clearly. Then, in your conclusion, you might say something like, "While the new mall offers economic benefits, the environmental impact and potential harm to local businesses must be carefully considered, perhaps leading to a compromise like a smaller, eco-friendly design."
How It Works (Step by Step)
1. **Understand the Question:** Read the essay prompt carefully to identify the core topic and the two opposing views you need to discuss. Don't just skim it! 2. **Brainstorm Ideas:** Jot down all the arguments you can think of for 'Side A' and then for 'Side B'. Think of reasons, examples, and co...
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Key Concepts
- Discussion Essay (both sides): An essay that explores a topic by presenting and discussing at least two opposing viewpoints before offering a balanced conclusion.
- Viewpoint: A particular attitude or way of considering a matter, like looking at a problem from one specific angle.
- Argument: A reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong.
- Evidence: Facts, information, or examples indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.
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Exam Tips
- →Always plan your essay before you start writing; a good plan is like a map for your journey.
- →Dedicate roughly equal space to each side of the argument to show you understand both viewpoints thoroughly.
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