Opinion Essay

Description In this type of essay you express your personal opinion on a particular topic. You should include relevant information to support your opinion, and use an appropriate style.

Structure An opinion essay has the following structure: Introduction Main body Conclusion

Introduction This is the first paragraph in which you should introduce the topic and state your opinion clearly.

Main Body It consists of two or more paragraphs each presenting a separate viewpoint supported by reasons/examples. You can also write a separate paragraph which states the opposing viewpoint and explain why you think it is wrong.

Conclusion This is the final paragraph which summarizes/restates your opinion using different words. This should follow logically from the examples you have given.

Compare the structure of Advantages and Disadvantages and Opinion essays Introduction An introductory paragraph in which you state the topic (both sides of the issue) and talk generally about the topic without giving your opinion. Introduction An introductory paragraph in which you state the topic and give your opinion. ‘For and Against’ Essay Opinion Essay

Compare the structure of Advantages and Disadvantages and Opinion essays Main body In which you present the points for and the points against, along with your justification (reasons or examples). They appear in two separate paragraphs. Main body Which consists of two or more paragraphs. Each paragraph should present a separate viewpoint (argument supporting your opinion) + reasons/examples. Another paragraph giving the opposing viewpoint and reasons why you think it is wrong may be included. ‘For and Against’ Essay Opinion Essay

Compare the structure of Advantages and Disadvantages and Opinion essays Conclusion A closing paragraph in which you give either your opinion or a balanced consideration of the topic. Conclusion A closing paragraph in which you restate your opinion using different words. ‘For and Against’ Essay Opinion Essay

Useful Language Expressing Opinions Stating your opinion In my opinion/view, … I think/(strongly)believe/am of the opinion that … It seems/appears to me (that) … To my mind, … My opinion/feelings on the matter is/are … It is my considered opinion that … I am (not) convinced that … As far as I am concerned …

Useful Language Expressing Opinions Agreeing I (strongly) agree with … I am in favour of … Disagreeing I (strongly) disagree with … I am (totally) opposed to/against …

Useful Language Giving Opposing Views On the other hand, … Alternatively, … It can/could be argued that … However, … Nonetheless/Nevertheless, … The opposing view/viewpoint is … There are people who oppose … In contrast, … The conflicting view is … As opposed to the above ideas …

Useful Language Linking To list points In the first place; First of all; To start with; Firstly; To begin with … To add more points What is more; Another major reason; Also; Furthermore; Moreover; In addition to this/that; Besides; Apart from this; Not to mention the fact that…

Useful Language Linking To introduce examples: For example; for instance; such as; in particular; especially … To conclude: To sum up; All in all; All things considered; Taking everything into account …

Grammar Omission of the definite article In essays it is often needed to refer to things in general. For example: Most teachers believe that exams have advantages… In addition, exams are an effective way of preparing students for the stressful situation that they may meet in their future working life. In such cases we do not use the definite article.

Comma Rules All the linking words and phrases are usually followed by a comma, e.g.: First, television is educational. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to … On the other hand, the disadvantages outnumber the advantages. For example, I saw a computer game where…

Style The style of writing is usually semi-formal or formal. Characteristics of formal style include: Long forms (It is, does not, cannot, etc.) More sophisticated vocabulary (no colloquial expressions should be used) Use of the passive rather than the active voice (e.g. ‘something should be done’ instead of ‘we should do something’, etc.)