1. Remember: Practice Makes Perfect!
Opinion Essays
Remember: Practice Makes Perfect!

2. What is an Opinion Essay?
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.

3. Structure of an Opinion Essay
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.

4. Expressing Opinion Formats
Format II
Present the issue.
Give arguments for.
Give arguments against.
State your opinion in the conclusion.
Format I
State your opinion.
Present a supporting argument.
Present another supporting argument.
Summarize your opinion.

5. Points to Remember 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.

6. Points to Remember 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.

7. Useful Expressions: Stating Opinion
It seems to me that ...
In my opinion, ...
I am of the opinion that .../ I take the view that ..
My personal view is that ...
In my experience ...
As far as I understand / can see, ...
As I see it, ... / From my point of view ...
As far as I know ... / From what I know ...
I might be wrong but ...
If I am not mistaken ...
I believe one can (safely) say ...
It is claimed that ...
I must admit that ...
I cannot deny that ...
I can imagine that ...
I think/believe/suppose ...
Personally, I think ...
That is why I think ...
I am sure/certain/convinced that ...
I am not sure/certain, but ...
I am not sure, because I don't know the situation exactly.
I am not convinced that ...

8. Useful Expressions Outlining Facts Agreement
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 ...
Agreement
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.

9. Qualified Disagreement
Useful Expressions
Qualified Disagreement
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 ...
Disagreement
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 ...

10. Useful Expressions: Linking Arguments
First of all, I think ...
Not only that, but I also think that ...
Not only are they ..., they are also ...
They are not ..., nor are they ...
There are various/several/many reasons for this.
First, ... / Firstly, ...
Second, ... / Secondly, ...
Moreover, ... / Furthermore, ... / In addition, ...
Another significant point is that ...
Finally, ...
On the one hand, ... On the other hand, ...
In contrast to this is ...
Because of ...
That is why ...
After all, ...
The reason is that ...
In that respect ...
The result of this is that ...
Another aspect/point is that ...
It is because ...
Although it is true that ... it would be wrong to claim that ...
That may sometimes be true, but ...
One could argue that ..., but ...

11. Additions and Conclusions
Useful Expressions
Providing Examples
Take for example (the case of) ...
Look at ...
For instance ... / For example ...
Let me give you an example.
Additions and Conclusions
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 ...

12. Let’s Practice!
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:

13. Underline the correct word / phrase, as in the example.
Let’s Practice!
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.

14. Recycling – How Important Is It Really?
Let’s Practice!
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.

15. Let’s Practice!
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.
________________________________________________________

16. Let’s Practice!
Read the paragraphs and arrange them in the correct order. Then label the paragraphs with the headings below. 3
second viewpoint and examples 5
restate opinion 2
first viewpoint and examples 1
subject and opinion 4
opposing viewpoints
English and Maths Are More Important Subjects Than Art and Music
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.

17. Now it’s your turn to express your opinion.
Let’s Practice!
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. ( 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. ( 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. ( words)