Opinion essays are discursive essays in which you

present your personal opinion on a particular topic.

Your opinion must be stated clearly and supported

by justifications. You should also present the
opposing viewpoints in a separate paragraph.
 An opinion essay should consist of:
Introduction
Introduces the subject and states your opinion clearly.

Main Body
Consists of two or more paragraphs. Each viewpoint supported
by a logical reasons, should be presented in a separate
paragraph.
The opposing viewpoint is mentioned in a new paragraph.

Conclusion
Sums up your viewpoint and restates the opinion using different
words.
 Format I Format II

State your opinion. Present the issue.

Present a supporting Give arguments
argument. for.
Present another Give arguments
supporting argument. against.
Summarize your State your opinion
opinion. in the conclusion.
Never start writing your composition before making
a plan.

Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence

which summarizes the paragraph.

Each viewpoint should be joined to the others

with linking or sequence words.
Use a formal tone for your essay – avoid slang,
casual language, jargon or vague comments.

Improve the coherence and unity of your essay

through using connectors between sentences
and paragraphs.

Remember to use a consistent verb tense.

Give your essay a catchy title. Writing your title

last will allow you to pick the most interesting aspect
of your essay for use as a title.
It seems to me that ...
It is claimed that ...
In my opinion, ...
I must admit that ...
I am of the opinion that
I cannot deny that ...
.../ I take the view that ..
I can imagine that ...
My personal view is that ...
I think/believe/suppose ...
In my experience ...
Personally, I think ...
As far as I understand /
That is why I think ...
can see, ...
I am sure/certain/convinced
As I see it, ... / From my
that ...
point of view ...
I am not sure/certain, but
As far as I know ... / From
...
what I know ...
I am not sure, because I
I might be wrong but ...
don't know the situation
If I am not mistaken ...
exactly.
I believe one can (safely)
I am not convinced that ...
say ...
The fact is that
The (main) point is that ...
This proves that ...
What it comes down to is
that ...
It is obvious that ...
It is certain that ...
One can say that ...
It is clear that ...
There is no doubt that ...
There are many reasons for
...
There is no doubt about it
that ...
I simply must agree with
that.
I am of the same opinion.
I am of the same opinion as
the author.
I completely/absolutely
agree with the author.

It is only partly true
that...
I can agree with that only
with reservations.
That seems obvious, but ...
That is not necessarily so.
It is not as simple as it
seems.
Under certain circumstances
...
There is more to it than that.
The problem is that ...
I (very much) doubt whether
This is in complete
contradiction to ...
What is even worse, ...
I am of a different opinion
because ...
I cannot share this / that /
the view.
I cannot agree with this idea.
What I object to is ...
Unlike the author I think ...
First of all, I think ...
On the one hand, ... On the
Not only that, but I also think
other hand, ...
that ...
In contrast to this is ...
Not only are they ..., they
Because of ...
are also ...
That is why ...
They are not ..., nor are they
After all, ...
...
The reason is that ...
There are
In that respect ...
various/several/many reasons
The result of this is that ...
for this.
Another aspect/point is that ...
First, ... / Firstly, ...
It is because ...
Second, ... / Secondly, ...
Although it is true that ... it
Moreover, ... / Furthermore,
would be wrong to claim that ...
... / In addition, ...
That may sometimes be true,
Another significant point is
but ...
that ...
One could argue that ..., but
Finally, ...
...

Take for example (the case of)
...
Look at ...
For instance ... / For example
...
Let me give you an example.
Most probably ...
It appears to be ...
It is important to mention
that...
As I already indicated ...
In other words, ...
I am most concerned about ...
I should like to repeat once
again that ...
I should like to emphasise that
I would (just) like to add ...
So all in all I believe that...
(In) summing up it can be said
that ...
Weighing the pros and cons, I
come to the conclusion that ...
 Use the linking words/phrases from the list below to fill in the table
that follows, as in the example.

in the first place, also, for example, to sum up, moreover, firstly, although, to begin
with, all things considered, such as, therefore, on the other hand, however, apart
from this, in other words, in particular, for instance, in addition, because, taking
everything into account, furthermore, since, lastly, secondly, nevertheless, while

1. To list points:

2. To add more points:

3. To introduce
opposing viewpoints:
4. To introduce
examples / reasons:

5. To conclude:
 Underline the correct word / phrase, as in the example.

1. It is argued / One reason that testing new drugs on animals is

necessary before giving them to humans.
2. In my view, we can all do something to protect the environment. For
example / In addition, we can recycle newspapers and magazines.
3. Taking holidays abroad is usually no more expensive that taking them in
your own country. What is more, / However, it gives you the
opportunity to experience other cultures.
4. Secondly / Especially, regular exercise helps you stay in good health.
5. On the other hand, it can be argued that what individuals do to
protect the environment makes very little difference, in particular /
since it is factories and power stations which create the most pollution.
Read the following model about recycling and fill in the topic sentences given below.

a). Many people argue that the actual process of collecting and recycling materials is
expensive and unnecessary.

b). To start with, it is very important for people to realize the damage that our
rubbish is doing to the environment.

c). Another important reason is that many forests are being destroyed due to the
paper being wasted.

Recycling – How Important Is It Really?

Saving certain recyclable materials and taking them to recycling centers has become part of the daily routine in
many homes. In my opinion, this should be encouraged for a number of reasons.
Our towns, rivers and seas are becoming more and more polluted with household waste. This could
easily be prevented if people took the time to sort, save and recycle their rubbish.
Hundreds of thousands of trees are unnecessarily cut down to make paper products. Again by
recycling the paper that we would otherwise throw away we could reduce this wastage.
They say that special machinery is required and that many people have to be employed to operate it,
thus making recycling more expensive that simple waste disposal. They forget, however, that recycling both
creates jobs and beneficial to the environment.
All points considered, I strongly believe that people should be made aware of the benefits recycling can bring,
and should be encouraged to participate in programs that will help create a cleaner world for everyone in the
future.
 Read the topic sentences and suggest suitable supporting details.

Television may have a harmful effect on young people.

________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

Looking after the pet from an early age develops a person’s character.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

Life in a large city is very interesting.

________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
 Read the paragraphs and arrange them in the correct order. Then label the
paragraphs with the headings below.
second viewpoint first viewpoint subject and opposing
3 and examples
5 restate opinion 2 and examples
1 opinion
4 viewpoints

Furthermore, it is essential to have a good knowledge of English and Maths in order to

find even the simplest job. Reading, writing and mathematical skills are the minimum
requirements that most employers demand.

On the one hand, it can be argued that Art and Music are just as significant as English
and Maths. For instance, learning how to draw or play an instrument can introduce a
child to a whole new world. In addition to this, subjects such as Art and Music can
provide children with a well-rounded education rather than just basic skills.

All things considered, though, it seems to me that English and Maths are vital subjects.
Without learning to read, write or do arithmetic, people may have difficulties coping with
even the simplest tasks in daily life.
In the first place, when you know how to read, write and do simple calculations, you
have the tools required in order to deal with everyday matters. For example, being able
to read and write can help you communicate and express yourself clearly. Moreover, you
need basic maths for such daily chores as doing your shopping, paying your bills and
managing your money.
Isn’t it unfortunate that in today’s society there are so many people who cannot read,
write or even do arithmetic. I strongly believe that, although subjects such as Art and
Music are important, English and Maths are the most fundamental part of our education.
 Now it’s your turn to express your opinion.

Your school has asked the readers to write on the following topic:
Many famous people complain that the media does not respect their privacy. Do you
think their complaint is legitimate, or does the media have the right to report on their
private life?
Write a passage to the newspaper stating and explaining your opinion. (120-140 words)

An international teen magazine has asked readers to write on the following topic:
It has been suggested that in order to increase road safety, everyone with a driving
license should be required to take another driving test every five years. Do you agree or
disagree with this suggestion?
Write a passage to the newspaper stating and explaining your opinion. (120-140 words)

Your school newspaper has asked the readers to write on the following topic:
Many people believe that peer pressure – the influence that classmates and friends have
on one another – has negative effects. Do you agree with this view, or do you think that
peer pressure can also be a positive influence?
Write a passage to the newspaper stating and explaining your opinion. (120-140 words)
 Criteria Descriptors

· information is · some information is · information is

Answer the following
True/ False statements:
1. All viewpoints are
given in one
Content and relevant to the irrelevant to the topic irrelevant to the
Organization topic · text is fairly well topic
· text is well organized · text is poorly organized
organized · content is sometimes · content cannot be
· content is easily
understood ·
difficult to follow
chunks of the text are ·
understood
text is not written in
· text is written
mostly in pupil's
not written in pupil's
own words
pupil's own words

paragraph. own words

8 6
2. The writer’s opinion is · correct use of
Vocabulary varied and rich
presented in the first vocabulary
· appropriate choice
paragraph only. of word/idiom
· use of appropriate
register
3. Viewpoints should be 8 6
linked with sequence · correct use of
4 2 0
· correct use of · very limited or
appropriate vocabulary inappropriate
· several errors in choice vocabulary
of word/idiom · frequent errors in
· occasional use of choice of word/idiom
inappropriate register · use of inappropriate
register
4 2 0
· correct use of basic · consistent incorrect use

words.
advanced
language gggggggg
·
language structures
incorrect or no use of
of basic language
structures
structures advanced language · frequent errors of
· hardly any errors structures word order,
4. The opposing point Language Use of word order, · several errors of word connectors, pronouns,
connectors, order, connectors, prepositions
should never be pronouns, pronouns, prepositions
prepositions
stated. 16 12 8 4 0
· hardly any errors · several errors of · frequent errors of
of spelling, spelling, punctuation, spelling, punctuation,
5. Each viewpoint is punctuation, capitalization, run-ons, capitalization, run-
supported by a Mechanics
capitalization,
correct use of
limited use of
paragraphing
ons, no paragraphing

reason. paragraphing

8 6 4 2 0

6. A topic sentence
General comments:
summarizes each 1. Teachers can give in-between grades e.g. 14 pts. 2. Deduction for length:
paragraph. for 85 -100 words - deduct 8 - 12 points for 70 - 85 words - deduct 12 - 16 points
for 55 - 70 words - deduct 16- 20 points for less than 45 words, 0 points for the whole task