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How to Write a Pros & Cons Essay

Much like writing a debate essay, writing a pros and cons essay argues an issue. However, unlike a debate essay, which addresses one viewpoint, the pros and cons essay deals with both sides of the issue. With research and preparation, students can write a thought-provoking -- and grade-worthy -- pros and cons essay.

First Things First

Unlike the debate paper, for which you conduct research to support your position on an issue, you must research the issue extensively so that you can dispassionately describe the pros and cons. Find resources that cover opposing sides of the issue. Take thorough notes and resist the temptation to discard positions that repel you. You might use a graphic organizer to bring order to your findings. Draw a large lowercase "t" on a sheet of paper. Title the left side "pros" and list all the pros of the issue on the left side. Include citations from your research. Title the right side "cons" and repeat the process.

The Positive View

Your introductory paragraph must briefly and dispassionately describe the issue. Follow with a sentence that summarizes the pro side of the debate, followed by a sentence that summarizes the con. Then, open with the case for the pro. Devote one paragraph to each of your primary points. You can cover secondary points in groups of two or three in a single paragraph. When you cover multiple points in a paragraph, reread the paragraph several times and ask others to review it. You don't want the multiplicity of your points to muddy the information you're trying to convey. Support each pro point with evidence based on your research.

The Negative Side

Follow your pro points with the arguments for the other side. Open with a brief introduction that clearly summarizes the opposing view. Each con paragraph should support your point with meticulously researched evidence. Emphasize any points that contradict a pro point you may have highlighted in the preceding section.

Your conclusion should state the issue and why it is important. Choose one strong pro and one strong con to include in your conclusion to illustrate the most prominent points. Finally, craft a strong sentence that ties all of your ideas together to end your essay.

One Last Look for Fairness

Read the essay to ensure you've applied the same rigorous standards for evidence to both sides. Check whether you've used transitional language to link the paragraphs into cohesive arguments. Have others read it and ask them to tell you whether they can detect any biases.

• BYU: Reading/Writing Center -- Pro/Con Essays
• Literacy Education Online: Strategies for Writing a Conclusion

Lori Garrett-Hatfield has a B.J. in Journalism from the University of Missouri. She has a Ph.D. in Adult Education from the University of Georgia. She has been working in the Education field since 1994, and has taught every grade level in the K-12 system, specializing in English education, and English as a Second Language education.

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A pros and cons essay encourages you to develop critical thinking skills by examining an issue from different perspectives. Depending upon the assignment, your essay could be a simple summary of the pros and cons of an issue, or you might be required to decide which side is right or synthesize the pros and cons into concrete recommendations. As with all essays, a clear thesis guides the direction of your paper.

Before you begin writing, you'll need to research your topic. Learn what other people say about the particular issue, and pick the strongest arguments on all sides of the issue. If you're writing about a social issue, you might need to gather statistical data or look at research studies. But if you're examining something a bit more abstract such as the different perspectives on a piece of literature, you'll need to consult expert opinions. Scholarly journals, credible professional websites and university websites can provide you with a good starting point.

Developing a Thesis

Your thesis is a succinct statement of the central points of your paper, usually at the end of your introductory paragraph. If you're simply summarizing the pros and cons of an issue, the thesis should make this clear. For example, you might say, "Death penalty advocates argue that it serves as a crime deterrent and fair form of retribution, while opponents point to the risk of executing the wrong person and the fact that the death penalty has not lowered the crime rate." If you're making an argument based on your research or attempting to synthesize issues, your thesis should make this clear. You might say, "While death penalty advocates argue for its deterrent value, opponents point to the risk of executing the wrong person, and the evidence that the death penalty has led to the deaths of innocent people is compelling."

Pros and Cons

The body of your paper should clearly outline the pros and cons of a particular issue. Devote at least one paragraph to each argument. You might, for example, dedicate a paragraph each to arguments in favor of the death penalty such as vengeance and deterrence, and a paragraph each to arguments against it such as executing the wrong person. Be charitable to each side, fairly summarizing the strongest points of an argument, even if you don't agree with it.

Your conclusion should summarize the points you've made, and outline any further questions raised by your essay. For example, you might point out that advocates of the death penalty argue that it decreases crime and opponents argue that it doesn't, then note that there needs to be more research into this area. If you are making your own argument based on pros and cons of the issue, restate this argument and emphasize how the body of your essay has demonstrated that your approach is the correct one.

• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Argumentative Essays
• Ryazan State University: Tips for Writing an Essay

Van Thompson is an attorney and writer. A former martial arts instructor, he holds bachelor's degrees in music and computer science from Westchester University, and a juris doctor from Georgia State University. He is the recipient of numerous writing awards, including a 2009 CALI Legal Writing Award.

How to Write a Persuasive Essay

How to write a good argumentative essay introduction, teacher tips: how to write thesis statements for high school papers, how to develop and write a paragraph, how to assess the strength or weakness of a thesis statement, describe the elements of a good & bad thesis statement, how to write a college critical thinking essay, how to write a personal profile for a university application, what does it mean to cite specific examples, most popular.

• 1 How to Write a Persuasive Essay
• 2 How to Write a Good Argumentative Essay Introduction
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• 4 How to Develop and Write a Paragraph

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Basic Guide: How to Outline a Pro and Con Essay

Table of Contents

Before you start writing your essay, you must understand how you want it to look. You win the battle when you have a pro and con essay outline .

Writing a “pros and cons” essay sharpens your critical thinking abilities by forcing you to consider a subject from multiple angles. Your essay may consist of a plain evaluation of the arguments for and against a particular perspective. You may also be required to take a stance on a problem or synthesize the views into valuable recommendations.

This article will provide you with four basic steps to efficiently outline a pro and con essay.

4 Quick Steps to Writing a Pro and Con Essay Outline

You must compare two opposing opinions in a pro and con essay outline . Here, the pro argument is technically the thesis statement, and the con argument is the antithesis contention. Here is a brief outline to get you started:

1. Research

Researching your topic is essential before you start writing. Hear what people and other sources of information have to say about this subject.

Review a couple of blog posts, reputable sources, and reliable statistics to understand these sources of information and feel about the topic in general. Then select the most compelling arguments on both sides.

Using statistics or academic studies is beneficial when writing about a social problem. In contrast, you should seek professional expertise when investigating something more abstract, such as the various interpretations of a literary work.

2. Creating a Thesis Statement

A strong thesis statement is the backbone of any essay. You should craft a short statement to avoid getting stuck in the wordy waters of a 2-page thesis. 

Using a short statement serves as a foundation from which to create your main argument and defend your point of view.

At the end of your opening paragraph, you should present your thesis, which is a short description of your paper’s main ideas. The statement should briefly summarize your conclusions and clearly state your stance on the issue.

Your thesis should make it apparent if you are making an argument or an attempt at synthesis based on your study.

3. Arguments for and Against

Your paper’s main body should include a logical and convincing presentation of the issue’s benefits and drawbacks.

To each of your arguments, please devote at least one paragraph. We recommend that you word-limit your paper to eight to twelve short paragraphs. These sections usually receive some of the most constructive feedback, making the most robust case for your position.

If you can’t bring yourself to agree, at least summarize the other person’s case in a way that shows some goodwill.

4. Conclusion

In the final paragraph of your essay, you need to restate your thesis and outline the questions your essay has raised.

If your argument is based on the pros and cons of the topic, reiterate it. Also, emphasize how the body of your essay shows your method was correct.

A pro and con essay outline is the initial step in determining how to make your thoughts appear vivid and lively .

But it is just one step. You may have to rewrite and rewrite again. Be proud of rewriting several times. Perfection cannot be achieved in a single essay!

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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How to Plan & Write IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

Questions for IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays  can be worded in several different ways. Here is some typical wording that might be used:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of….?
• Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages and give your opinion.

It is also common for synonyms of ‘advantages’ and ‘disadvantages’ to be used, such as ‘benefits’ and ‘drawbacks’, as can be seen in this sample question.

A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income. Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems if it is not well-managed.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world? Do you think that the benefits of tourism outweigh its drawbacks?

I’ll be using this question to guide you through the process of planning and writing an IELTS advantage and disadvantages essay later on in this lesson.

Here’s what the lesson covers:

• Understanding IELTS advantages & disadvantages essay questions 
• Essay structures
• How to plan
• How to write an introduction
• How to write main body paragraphs
• How to write a conclusion

Want  to watch and listen? Click on this video.

Click the links to see lessons on each of these Task 2 essay writing topics. 

Once you understand the process, practice on past questions. Take your time at first and gradually speed up until you can plan and write an essay of at least 250 words in the 40 minutes allowed in the exam.

The Question

IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay questions fall into two main categories:

• Questions that ask for your opinion.
• Questions that do not require you to state your opinion.

The first part of the question will always be a statement. You will then be asked to write about  both  the advantages  and disadvantages of the idea stated. You may also be required to state your opinion.

Here are two more sample questions for illustration. For the first one, you must give your opinion but in the second, you should not.

1. Small businesses are disappearing and being replaced by large multinational companies.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

2. Most career choices demand vocational skills or specialist knowledge. However, despite this, most schools still teach academic subjects such as history or social studies.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Essay Structures

Now let’s look at two simple structures you can use to write IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays. They're not the only possible structures but are ones I recommend because they are easy to learn and will enable you to quickly plan and write a high-level essay.

I’ll explain later why I’m giving you two slightly different structures.

These structures will give you a well-balanced essay with 4 paragraphs.

One Advantage and Disadvantage or Two?

The question will state 'advantages' and 'disadvantages' in the plural, that is, more than one. However, it is acceptable to write about just one.

This should give you an essay of just over the minimum 250 words. To write about two advantages and disadvantages will require you to write nearer 400 words which are a lot to plan and write in the 40 minutes allowed.

It is better to fully develop one advantage and one disadvantage than ending up with your second idea missing an explanation or an example because you run out of time, but you can write about two if you feel able to or more comfortable doing so.

Having said that, using essay structure 2, where you start with the examples, will enable you to easily add more than one advantage and disadvantage without having to write many more words.

It will be more suitable for some questions than others so bear this in mind when you're writing practice essays and try out both structures.

I’m going to use essay structure 2 to show you step-by-step how to write an IELTS advantage and disadvantages essay. I’ll also give you a model answer using essay structure 1 so that you can compare the two.

How To Plan IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essays

The planning process only takes around 5 minutes but it is essential as it will save you time overall and will result in a far better essay and thus, higher marks. Th ere are the 3 things you need to do:

• Analyse the question
• Generate ideas
• Identify vocabulary

# 1  Analyse the question

Analysing the question will ensure that you answer it fully. It’s quick and easy to do. You just need to identify 3 different types of words:

• Topic words
• Other keywords
• Instruction words

Topics words are the ones that identify the general subject of the question and will be found in the statement part of the question.

Here is the question we’re going to be working on. I’ve highlighted the topic words in blue.

So, this question is about ‘ tourism’ .

Many people do this first step of the process and then write about the topic in general. This is a serious mistake and leads to low marks for task achievement.

What we need to do now that we know the general topic, is to understand exactly what aspect of tourism we're being asked to write about.

The  other keywords  in the question tell you the specific topic your essay must be about. 

A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income . Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems if it is not well-managed.

By highlighting these words, it’s easy to see that you are being asked to write about the conflicting issues of tourism being ‘a main source of income’ in many places, yet also being ‘a source of problems’.

Your essay must only include ideas relevant to this aspect of tourism.

The  instruction words  are the question itself. They tell you exactly what to include in your essay.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of tourism in the modern world? Do you think that the  benefits of tourism outweigh its drawbacks ?

Here, we are required to write about:

• The advantages of tourism in relation to income generation.
• The disadvantage of tourism in relation to problems it can cause.
• Our opinion as to whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Note the use of the synonyms ‘ benefits ’ and ‘ drawback ’ in the second sentence of the question.

# 2  Generate ideas

The next task is to generate some ideas to write about.

There are several different ways to think up ideas. I cover them fully on the  IELTS Essay Planning  page.

I’m going to demonstrate two of them for you here – the ‘friends technique’, which is suitable for most IELTS essays, and the ‘example method’, which perfectly fits essay structure 2.

The ‘ friends technique ’ is the method I generally prefer as it allows you to take a step back from the stress of the exam situation and think more calmly.

Here’s how it works. Imagine that you are chatting with a friend over a cup of coffee and they ask you this question. What are the first thoughts to come into your head? Plan your essay around these ideas.

Doing this will help you to come up with simple answers in everyday language rather than straining your brain to think of amazing ideas using high-level language, which isn’t necessary.

Here are my ideas using the friends technique:

There are far too many ideas here to include in an essay of just over 250 words. Think up a few then pick one advantage and one disadvantage that you think you can develop well.

With the ' example method ', on the other hand, you start by thinking of specific examples related to the question. They can come from your own experience or be something you’ve read or heard about. These examples will generate ideas that will become the main points of your essay.

It works particularly well for the model question I’ve selected for this lesson which is why I’ve included the second essay structure.

Here are my ideas using the examples technique:

Now that we have some ideas, we’re almost ready to start writing our IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay, but first, we have one more task to do.

# 3  Vocabulary

During the planning stage, quickly jot down some vocabulary that comes to mind as you decide what you're going to write about, especially synonyms of key words. This will save you having to stop and think of the right language while you’re writing.

Writing an IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

We’re ready to begin writing our essay. For the first model answer, I’m going to take you step-by-step through essay structure 2. I’ll then give you a model answer for essay structure 1.

Here’s a reminder of the question and the essay structure. 

We’ll now start work on the introduction.

How To Write an Introduction

The introduction to an IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay should have a simple 2 or 3 part structure:

• Paraphrase the question
• Outline the main ideas
• State your opinion (if required)

Our tourism question asks for our opinion so our introduction will have 3 parts.

1)  Paraphrase the question

Start your introduction by paraphrasing the question statement.

     Question:   A lot of places in the world rely on tourism as a main source of income.             

      Unfortunately, tourism can also be a source of problems if it is not well-managed.

Paraphrased question:  

Although holidaymakers contribute hugely to the economies of many popular destinations, the influx of tourists can also cause serious issues.

Note my use of synonyms for some of the key words. It’s fine to repeat one or two words if you can't think of suitable synonyms. Above all, your language must sound natural.

2)  Outline statement

Now we need to add a statement where we outline the main points that we’ll be covering in the rest of the essay, that is, an advantage of tourism and a disadvantage of tourism.

Here are the two main ideas I’ve chosen to write about:

• Advantage – Poor areas are now prosperous tourist resorts
• Disadvantage – Displacement of local people

Outline statement:  

This essay will demonstrate how tourism can transform the economy of poor areas but will also show that this can lead to such problems as the displacement of local people.

3)  Opinion statement

The question also asks for our opinion and it’s essential that we include it in the introduction.

Opinion statement:  

Whilst acknowledging that there are drawbacks, the essay will argue that the advantages of the tourist industry outweigh the disadvantages.

So, let’s bring the three elements of our introduction together.

     Introduction

This introduction achieves three important functions:

• It shows the examiner that you understand the question.
• It acts as a guide to the examiner as to what your essay is about.
• It also helps to keep you focused and on track as you write.

The two ideas in your introduction will become your two main body paragraphs.

Main body paragraph 1  – Poor areas are now prosperous tourist resorts

Main body paragraph 2  – Displacement of local people

How To Write Main Body Paragraphs

Main body paragraphs in IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays written using structure 2, should contain 3 things:

• Topic sentence – give an example
• Explanation – explain the benefits/advantages
• Consequence – state the result

Main Body Paragraph 1

The  topic sentence  summarises the main idea of the paragraph. It plays an important role in ensuring that your ideas flow logically from one to another. It does this by acting as a signpost for what is to come next, that is, what the paragraph will be about.

If you maintain a clear development of ideas throughout your essay, you will get high marks for task achievement and cohesion and coherence.

In this instance, the topic sentence will introduce our first example, for which I’ve chosen Thailand.

• Main idea –  Poor areas are now prosperous tourist resorts
• Example – Thailand

Topic sentence:  

One country that has experienced a significant economic boost from tourism is Thailand.

Next, we must write an  explanation sentence  that states the main point of our example.

Explanation sentence: 

Over the past 50 years, many of its small fishing villages, where people often struggled to make a living, have been developed into thriving holiday destinations.

Finally, we explain the  consequence or result  of the situation. This is where we give an example of one specific advantage. It is better to pick one and develop it than to just add a long list.

Consequence:

With all the hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist facilities that have been developed, there are now enough jobs for everyone and the general standard of living has greatly increased.  Many local people have spotted new business opportunities and become entrepreneurs which has further diversified the economy.

That’s the 3 parts of our first main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

We’ll now follow the same process for our second main body paragraph.

Main Body Paragraph 2

Main idea –  Displacement of local people

Example – Venice

First, we write the  topic sentence  to summarise the main idea.

Topic sentence:

In Venice, on the other hand, the huge popularity of the beautiful canals and stunning architecture with visitors from around the world has had a negative impact on local residents.

Now for the  explanation sentence   that states the main point of our example.

Explanation sentence:

The growing need for tourist accommodation, places to eat and shops has forced many people from their homes to make way for this new development.

Finally, a specific example to explain the consequence .

Not only have these people suffered by having to move away from their family and friends but the situation has also resulted in a lost sense of community in the worst affected areas.

That’s the 3 parts of our second main body paragraph complete. Here’s the finished paragraph.

Now we need a conclusion and our IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay is done.

How To Write a Conclusion

The conclusion is a summary of the main points in your essay and can generally be done in a single sentence. It should never introduce new ideas.

If you're below the minimum 250 words after you’ve written your conclusion, you can add a prediction or recommendation statement.

Our essay is already near the minimum word limit so we don’t need this extra sentence but you can learn more about how to write a prediction or recommendation statement for IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays on  the Task 2 Conclusions page.

The conclusion is the easiest sentence in the essay to write but one of the most important.

A good conclusion will:

• Neatly end the essay
• Link all your ideas together
• Sum up your argument or opinion
• Answer the question

If you achieve this, you’ll improve your score for both task achievement and cohesion and coherence which together make up 50% of the overall marks. Without a conclusion, you’ll score below band 6 for task achievement.

You can start almost any final paragraph of an IELTS a dvantages and disadvantages essay  with the words:

• In conclusion

        or

• To conclude

Now all you need to do is briefly summarise the main ideas into one sentence.

Here’s a top tip . Go back and read the introduction to the essay because this is also a summary of the essay. It outlines what you are going to write about.

To create a great conclusion, you simply have to paraphrase the introduction. 

Introduction:

Here's the same information formed into a conclusion:

That’s it. We’ve completed our advantages and disadvantages essay. Here it is with the 4 paragraphs put together.

Finished IELTS advantages and disadvantages essay.

Go through this lesson as many times as you need to in order to fully understand it and put in lots of practice writing IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays from past exam questions. Practice is the only way to improve your skills.

Example IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay for Structure 1

Now, here’s a model answer for essay structure 1. First, a reminder of the structure and the ideas I generated using the friends technique.

Ideas generation - Friends technique

I’ve underline the ideas I’ve chosen to write about in this second essay:

Advantages of tourism – source of income:

• Provides jobs for local people
• Opportunities for local entrepreneurs
• Tourist spending boosts both national & local economy
• Brings improvement in local infrastructure & facilities which benefit whole community
• Helps maintain traditions & culture

Disadvantages of tourism – the problems:

• Money goes to wealthy business owners not local people
• Increased crime
• Illegal activities, e.g. drugs
• More pubs & clubs – changes the local culture
• Increase in property values
• Destruction of the natural environment to build hotels, airports & other facilities
• Displacement of indigenous people 

See if you can identify the different parts of the essay and how I have developed them.

That's it. Now it's time for you to get practicing.

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More help with ielts advantages and disadvantages essays & other task 2 essays.

IELTS Writing Task 2  – T he format, the 5 question types, the 5 step essay writing strategy & sample questions. All the key information you need to know.

The 5 Types of Task 2 Essay   – How to recognise the 5 different types of Task 2 essays. 15 sample questions to study and a simple planning structure for each essay type.

Understanding Task 2 Questions  – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 2 Essay  – Discover why essay planning is essential & learn a simple 4 step strategy, the 4 part essay structure & 4 methods of generating ideas.

How To Write a Task 2 Introduction  – Find out why a good introduction is essential. Learn how to write one using a simple 3 part strategy & discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

How To Write Task 2 Main Body Paragraphs  – Learn the simple 3 part structure for writing great main body paragraphs and also, 3 common mistakes to avoid. 

How To Write Task 2 Conclusions  – Learn the easy way to write the perfect conclusion for a Task 2 essay. Also discover 4 common mistakes to avoid.

Task 2 Marking Criteria  – Find out how to meet the marking criteria in Task 2. See examples of good and poor answers & learn some common mistakes to avoid.

The 5 Task 2 Essay Types:

Step-by-step instructions on how to plan & write high-level essays. Model answers & common mistakes to avoid.

   Opinion Essays

   Discussion Essays

  Problem Solution Essays

  Advantages & Disadvantages Essays

  Double Question Essays

Other Related Pages

IELTS Writing Test  – Understand the format & marking criteria, know what skills are assessed & learn the difference between the Academic & General writing tests.

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How to Present Pros and Cons in Formal Writing?

• February 27, 2023

You can follow the step-by-step guide below to learn how to use the pros and cons in your writing process:

• Identify your topic : Start by selecting content for writing. This could be an issue, argument, or concept you want to explore.
• Define the thesis statement : Develop a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the position on the topic.
• Brainstorm the pros and cons : Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of the topic. Consider the point of view of the audience and the context of the topic. Then, use a mind map or other visual tool to organize thoughts.
• Evaluate the pros and cons : Assess the assets and liabilities of each point on the list of pros and cons. Consider how each point relates to the thesis statement and whether it supports or undermines the argument.
• Organize the writing : Use the pros and cons approach to structure the writing. Begin with a clear introduction that presents the thesis statement and provides an overview of the topic. Use body paragraphs to present the pros and cons of the topic in a logical and coherent way. Also, use transitions to move smoothly between points and to create a clear and effective argument. Conclude with a summary of the main points and a restatement of the thesis.
• Edit and revise : Edit and revise the writing for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Review the writing for clarity, coherence, and flow. Finally, make sure that the last edited writing is well-organized and that the arguments are supported by evidence.

What are the Types of Formal Writing?

Here are some of the most common types of formal writing :

• Academic essays: These are written for academic purposes such as to demonstrate knowledge or to argue a point. Academic writing often has a specific structure including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. It is typically written in a formal tone with a clear thesis statement.
• Research papers: Research papers are similar to academic essays but require more extensive research and analysis of sources. Research papers often have a specific structure, including an abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
• Business reports: Business reports are written for a professional audience and often include data analysis and recommendations. They are written for either internal or external purposes. Moreover, they require a formal tone and adherence to specific formatting and structure guidelines.
• Legal documents: Legal documents include contracts, briefs, and other legal filings. These documents require a formal tone and adherence to specific legal requirements and formatting.

What are the Writing Tips for Effective Pros and Cons Writing?

Certain techniques improve the clarity and impact of the writing. Here are some practical tips to construct effective formal pros and cons writing:

• Be concise : Keep your writing concise and to the point. Avoid long-winded explanations or overly complicated language. Use clear, simple English to make the argument as easily understood as possible.
• Use transitions : Use transitions between the pros and cons to make the argument flow smoothly. Transitions help to guide the reader from one point to the next and create a cohesive and effective argument.
• Consider the audience: Pay attention to the audience’s perspective and focus on the most convincing arguments.
• Use abbreviations and apps : To make writing more efficient and effective, consider using abbreviations and apps to help save time and stay organized. For example, use an app to help you organize your research or keep track of your sources.
• Practice brainstorming : Spend some time brainstorming before starting to write. This helps with idea generation and thought organizing, which facilitates the creation of a concise and persuasive pros and cons essay.

Frequently Asked Questions

The pros and cons approach is a technique that allows one to explore both the positive and negative aspects of a topic or issue. This approach is useful for argumentative essays, research papers, and other forms of formal writing. That’s because it helps you present a balanced and objective view of the topic. By considering both sides of an argument, it is possible to create a more compelling and convincing thesis statement, as well as more effective transitions between the points.

Formal writing refers to a style of writing that is typically used in academic or professional settings where the purpose is to convey information or arguments in a clear, concise, and objective manner. This style of writing often involves using a formal tone, avoiding slang or colloquial language, and adhering to specific guidelines for formatting and structure.

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An Example of How to Write a Pro & Con Essay

Todd bowerman.

“Pro and Con” essays are impartial reports engineered to provide the reader with both the positive and negative aspects of any given topic. Your job as the writer of one of these essays is to provide accurate information that backs up both sides of the argument, yet does not show any favor toward one side or another. Writing a pro and con essay is similar to writing any other type of essay with a few minor tweaks.

Explore this article

• Choose a good topic
• Brainstorm as many negative and positive qualities as and of your topic
• Isolate three or four or
• Use a traditional essay format

1 Choose a good topic

Choose a good topic. The most important step in writing your essay is finding a subject that has both pros and cons. Writing a pro and con essay on a topic that is clearly beneficial or clearly dangerous will prove to be difficult and time-consuming. If you are allowed to choose your own topic, pick something that has two clear sides, each with their own set of arguments. For instance, you could choose to illustrate the pros and cons of a vehicle with a manual transmission. Since driving a manual isn't overwhelmingly good or bad, it is a perfect example of the type of topic to look for.

2 Brainstorm as many negative and positive qualities as and of your topic

Brainstorm as many negative and positive qualities of your topic as possible. Start two columns on a piece of paper, one labeled “Pros” and one labeled “Cons.” Fill this page with as many details as you can. Sticking with the manual transmission example, pros could include better gas mileage, less transmission maintenance, more fun and better performance. Cons could include damage caused by user error, inconvenience in slow traffic or hazardous situations and difficulty.

3 Isolate three or four or

Isolate three or four of the largest benefits and three or four of the largest problems with your topic from your brainstorming list. You cannot write about every pro or con, so stick with the ones that are at the core of your issue. Using the manual transmission example again, the strongest pros would be better gas mileage and less maintenance, while the strongest cons are the learning curve and possible user error causing expensive damage. You will likely have far more options from which to choose.

Research your topic at a library or using trusted resources on the Internet. A pro and con essay should be backed by as many facts as you can provide to strengthen both sides of the argument. For instance, Consumer Reports has found that a manual transmission improves gas mileage by 2 to 5 miles per gallon. That's a concrete fact that can help make the case for the pros of driving a stick. On the cons side, an expensive problem like clutch wear is verifiable evidence of the possible costs involved in driving a stick.

5 Use a traditional essay format

Use a traditional essay format to argue the case. Your first paragraph should be an introduction that speaks briefly on the topic at hand and what you intend to do with it. Use middle paragraphs to discuss pros and cons, devoting one section of your paper to each. Wrap your essay up with the conclusion you have drawn from doing this research and writing your paper. Be sure to mention your own opinion somewhere in the conclusion paragraph. Your closing line can be simple, along the lines of, "Based on the information I have discovered in my research, driving a vehicle with a manual transmission is clearly the better option for drivers concerned about the long-term cost and health of their vehicles."

• 1 Essay Town: How to Write a Pros and Cons Essay

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50 Pros and Cons Essay Topics

What is the point of pros and cons essay topics? They help students understand what they would like to write about. Imagine that you got an assignment: your professor asked you to craft an essay where you evaluate an object along with its advantages and disadvantages. This would be a pros & cons type of task, and it’s represented by a set of different features. You might be concerned about how much research you’re going to need and when to find time for writing, but the truth is, selecting which pros and cons subjects to explore is one of the major factors affecting your success. If you make a wrong decision, then your research and efforts won’t pay off as well as they could have otherwise. This kind of essay is essential because it develops your analytical skills and teaches you to look into the depth of an object, underlining its weak and strong sides. We hope to assist you by making it clear why choice of topics plays such a major role in writing and where to find inspiration for it.

How to Choose Pro Con Essay Topics?

All students should follow some writing strategies when they start working on a new task. We’re going to outline four of them. Take a look and try to keep these things in mind. They usually apply in all situations, and with their help, you have more chances at writing a strong and engaging essay.

• Always make things interesting for yourself.  All topics could be made interesting, at least to an extent. If you were forced to take a topic from a professor-generated list, then it could be tough, but otherwise, you can always look for something that will trigger your honest interest. There are plenty of good pros and cons topics — all you need is take a dive into your own mind. Think about stuff that you’re invested in. Perhaps you’re an athlete passionate about swimming. Maybe you love cooking, prefer theater performances over movies, or love sea over the ocean. Why not write about this? It would be exciting for you, and if you feel interested in your topic, your writing is going to reflect it, so your readers will find enjoyment as well.
• Preserve your objectivity.  Some pro con paper topics are less fortunate than others. Try not to pick something that is obviously good or bad. For example, if you decided on exploring the benefits and cons unemployment has, the latter will clearly prevail, so you won’t be able to write a balanced essay. If you have passion for some topic, it might be great, but it could also hinder you from being objective. Assess your reactions and attitudes, and choose a theme you could build a fantastic essay on.
• Check if your ideas are supported.  Pro con topics could be controversial, which is something professors usually like, but you’re going to have to use sources for supporting your points. Don’t make statements that reality refutes. Even if you feel strongly about a topic, you should rely on facts, not emotions. So watch out for it and check whether there are enough articles or books that could be incorporated as you need it.
• Discuss.  Talk about your ideas with others. This could be a teacher — in most cases, they appreciate being consulted. Classmates are also a great bet: discuss your ideas together and brainstorm. Maybe you’ll find common inspiration. Talk with your friends or family members — they could offer you ideas you haven’t considered. Write about things you like, and you’ll learn to feel enjoyment during this process.

50 Useful Pro and Cons Topics

The list below has various suggestions you could use for your essay. We devised it so that you could find inspiration whenever you need it: just look through these 50 options and settle on the ones you like. Take them and write an essay on them or shift some ideas in the way you like before doing this. The choice is yours: we are here only for boosting your productivity.

Education Pros and Cons Essay Topics

In many ways, success depends on the education you receive. These pros and cons topics could let you argue against this point or in favor of it.

• Should Students Be Motivated to Receive Education in the US?
• Doing Homework: Is This a Good Idea?
• Prolonging Education by Getting a Master’s Degree: Waste of Time or Step Toward a Better Future?
• Moving into Campus: Good or Bad Decision?
• Sending Children to Preschool: Do They Really Need to Go There?
• Tuition Costing Money: What Are Advantages and Disadvantages of This Issue?
• Academic Grades As a Method for Evaluating Performance: Motivating or Discouraging?
• What Are the Perks and Drawbacks of Online Education?
• Taking Gap Year Before Entering College: Yes or No?
• Purpose of Application Essays and Degrees of Effectiveness

Health Pros and Cons Essay Ideas

Billions of people all over the world are terrified for their health right now. Choose a pro con topic that speaks to you most.

• Wearing Masks Outside: Pros & Cons
• Hospice: Place of Hope or Despair for Those Who Are Already Dying?
• Should Students Choose Nursing as Their Career?
• Pros & Cons of Studying at Medical University
• Is Personal Hygiene Really That Important?
• The Benefits & Dangers of Alternative Medicine
• Should People Who Want to Lose Weight Rely on Diets?
• Reasons for Getting or Not Getting Health Insurance in the US
• Going Vegan: Should Most People Do It?
• Safety & Dangers Presented By Modern Vaccines

Social Media and Technology Topics

Almost all of us have an account on one of social media platforms. These pro and con topics reflect this trend.

• What Are the Benefits and Dangers Posed By Online Dating?
• Discuss What Makes iPhones a Great & Terrible Choice
• Gaining Popularity on Social Platforms: A Curse or a Blessing?
• Using Facebook For Most Communication Needs
• Reading E-Books Instead of Physical Books: Did This Change Make People’s Lives Easier?
• Relying on Your Cell Phone: Why Is This Useful & What Dangers It Could Lead To
• Evolution of Technology: Did It Improve Our Lives or Made Them Unhealthier?
• Becoming a Technician: Is There a Point?
• Skype as a Way to Stay in Touch Visually No Matter the Distance: Pluses and Minuses
• Twitter as a Platform for Exchanging Crucial Info.

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History and Politics

Here’s an example of advantage and disadvantage topics related to historical & political aspects of our life.

• Was Trump a Good President for Americans?
• Was Obama’s Presidency a Good or Bad Thing for Other Countries?
• Different Wars from the perspective of the US: Who Got Rich & Poor?
• Monarchy as System of Government: Should It Be Applied More Often?
• Age Limit for Participating for President Position: Is It Necessary?
• Being a Queen That Rules an Entire Country: Too Much Trouble or Endless Pleasure?
• Civil Right Movements: Victories and Losses That Resulted From It
• Should Students Be Encouraged to Study Political Science In Colleges?
• Is There a Sense in Political Theories Or Are They All Meaningless?
• Communism as Structure Based on Equality: In What Way Does It Work in Reality?

Morality and Social Issues Pro and Cons Essays Topics

Morality could be seen as a simple area of discussions, but at the same time, it’s incredibly complex. These topics with pros and cons could push you in the right direction.

• Provision of Free Apartments for Homeless People: Is This a Viable Solution?
• Discuss if Death Penalty Should Be Applied in Violent Cases Where Guilt Is Proven Beyond Reasonable Doubt
• Living in a Third World Country: Positive & Negative Aspects
• Adopting Pets From Shelter: Is It Always a Better Choice?
• Having Children Despite Being Poor: Should It Be Done?
• Living with a Person You No Longer Love for the Sake of Children
• Giving Gifts to People You Do Not Care About: Is There a Point?
• Helping People Despite Not Being Well Off Yourself
• Being Brave Regardless of the Circumstances: Is It Noble or Stupid?
• Should Children Be Punished by Their Parents If They Misbehave?

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Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Writing > The pros and cons of the five-paragraph essay

The pros and cons of the five-paragraph essay

The five-paragraph essay is a writing structure typically taught in high school. Structurally, it consists of an introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This clear structure helps students connect points into a succinct argument. It’s a great introductory structure, but only using this writing formula has its limitations.

What is a five-paragraph essay?

Outside of the self-titled structure, the five-paragraph essay has additional rules. To start, your introductory paragraph should include a hook to captivate your audience. It should also introduce your thesis , or the argument you are proving. The thesis should be one sentence, conclude your introductory paragraph, and include supporting points. These points will become the body of your essay. The body paragraphs should introduce a specific point, include examples and supporting information, and then conclude. This process is repeated until you reach the fifth concluding paragraph, in which you summarize your essay.

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The benefits of a five-paragraph essay

• Your ideas are clear. Presenting your ideas in a succinct, organized manner makes them easy to understand and the five-paragraph essay is designed for that. It provides a clear outline to follow. And most importantly, it’s organized around the thesis, so the argument can be traced from the beginning of the essay to its conclusion. When learning how to write essays, losing track of your thesis can be a common mistake. By using this structure, it’s harder to go on tangents. Each of your points are condensed into a single paragraph. If you struggle presenting your ideas, following this structure might be your best bet.
• It’s simple. Creating an essay structure takes additional brainpower and time to craft. If an essay is timed in an exam, relying on this method is helpful. You can quickly convey your ideas so you can spend more time writing and less structuring your essay.
• It helps build your writing skills. If you’re new to writing essays, this is a great tool. Since the structure is taken care of, you can practice writing and build your skills. Learn more writing tips to improve your essays.

The cons of writing a five-paragraph essay

• The structure is rigid. Depending on its usage, the structure and convention of the five paragraphs can make creating an essay easier to understand and write. However, for writing outside of a traditional high school essay, this format can be limiting. To illustrate points creatively, you might want to create a different structure to illustrate your argument.
• Writing becomes repetitive. This format quickly becomes repetitive. Moving from body-to-body paragraph using the same rules and format creates a predictable rhythm. Reading this predictable format can become dull. And if you’re writing for a college professor, they will want you to showcase creativity in your writing. Try using a different essay structure to make your writing more interesting
• Lack of transitions. Quickly moving through ideas in a five-paragraph structure essay doesn’t always leave room for transitions. The structure is too succinct. Each paragraph only leaves enough space for a writer to broadly delve into an idea and then move onto the next. In longer essays, you can use additional paragraphs to connect ideas. Without transitions, essays in this format can feel choppy, as each point is detached from the previous one
• Its rules can feel unnecessary. Breaking your essay into three body paragraphs keeps it concise. But is three the perfect number of body paragraphs? Some arguments might need more support than three points to substantiate them. Limiting your argument to three points can weaken its credibility and can feel arbitrary for a writer to stick to.

Creating essays using the five-paragraph structure is situational. Use your best judgement to decide when to take advantage of this essay formula. If you’re writing on a computer with Microsoft Word , try using Microsoft Editor to edit your essay.

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