Opinion Essays

1º Nivel Avanzado
 Definition
A formal piece of writing showing an
opinion on a topic, which must be stated
clearly, giving various viewpoints on the
topic, supported by reasons and / or
examples.
It is usually found in the form of an article
in newspapers, magazines, etc.
 Structure
“English and Math are more important subjects than Art and Music”
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 Math are the most fundamental part of our education.
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 math
for such daily chores as doing your shopping, paying your bills and managing your money.
Furthermore, it is essential to have a good knowledge of English and Math in order to find even
the simplest job. Reading, writing and mathematical skills are the minimum requirements that
most employers demand.
On the other hand, it can be argued that Art and Music are just as significant as English and
Math. 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 Arts 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 Math are vital subjects. Without
learning to read, write or do arithmetic, people may have difficulties coping with even the
simplest tasks in daily life.
 Structure
 Introduction.
 Main Body.
 Conclusion.
 Structure: Introduction
 Introducing the topic.
 Stating your opinion clearly.

“Traditional values are irrelevant to modern society”. Do you agree?

Has modern society changed so much that the values of the past no
longer have any place? In my view, society will always need values,
and the society we live in today would function better if traditional
values were retained.
 Structure: Introduction. Tips
 Make reference to an unusual or striking idea, scene or
situation.
“Is Television killing physical communication among individuals?”
Imagine millions of people coming home from school or work
everyday to sit staring at a wall for four hours.

 Address the reader directly.

Have you ever wondered what the world would be like without
cars?

 Start with a quotation or a thought-provoking statement.

“Is Television killing physical communication among individuals?”
“Television is an invention that permits you to be entertained in
your living room by people you wouldn’t have in your home,”
David Frost once said.
 Structure: Main Body
 It consists of several paragraphs.
 Each paragraph
– Presents a separate viewpoint supported by reasons.
– Starts with a topic sentence.
 Clear statement of the main idea of the paragraph.
– Gives appropriate supporting sentences.
 Justification of the main idea with(out) examples.
 The last paragraph
– Presents the opposing viewpoint.
– Reasons why you think that viewpoint is unconvincing.
 Structure: Conclusion
 A paragraph that restates your opinion
using different words.

“Traditional values are irrelevant to modern society”. Do you agree?

To sum up, I strongly believe that, whatever changes may occur in
society, we must fight to maintain our traditional sense of right and
wrong. As Pope Paul VI said: “We must see to it that enthusiasm for
the future does not give rise to contempt for the past”.
 Structure: Conclusion. Tips
 Finish with a quotation.
 Ask a rhetorical question.
 Give the reader something to consider.
Perhaps then people will rediscover what it is like to actually
communicate with each other.
 Structure. A final outline
 Introduction.
– Paragraph 1. Topic and your opinion is clearly
stated.
 Main Body.
– Paragraph 2. Viewpoint 1 and reason / example.
– Paragraph 3. Viewpoint 2 and reason / example.
– Paragraph 4. Viewpoint 3 and reason / example.
– …
– Paragraph 5. Opposing viewpoint and reason /
example.
 Conclusion.
– Paragraph 6. Summarise / restate your opinion with
different words.
 Structure. Exercise #1
1. Read an extract from an opinion essay and
answer the following questions:

On the other hand, there are certain

disadvantages to having your own car. Firstly,
cars have to be maintained and repaired on a
regular basis. Therefore, you need to spend a
considerable amount of money to keep the car
in good condition. Moreover, driving can
sometimes be extremely stressful. For
example, being caught in a traffic jam is not
only irritating but also time-consuming.
a. What is the main idea of the
paragraph?
b. Which sentence is in it?
c. What supporting sentences does
the writer give?
 Structure. Exercise #2
2. Read the main body of the opinion essay
on the topic: “State benefits should be
available to all”. Then, discuss with your
partner the most suitable beginning and
ending.
 Structure. Exercise #3
3. Read the opinion essay on the topic:
“Although the position of women in society today
has improved, there is still a great deal of sexual
discrimination”. Then, complete the
paragraph plan on the right, identifying
the main topic of each paragraph.
 Do’s and Don’ts
 Formal style.
 Topic is clearly stated in the Introduction.
 Clear topic sentences.
 Well-developed paragraphs.
 Linking words and phrases.
 Generalization.
 Quotation.
 Examples.
 Do’s and Don’ts
 Informal style: colloquial expressions and short
forms.
 Topic is not clearly stated in the Introduction.
 Unclear / irrelevant topic sentences.
 Emotive vocabulary.
 Over-generalizations.
 Blind use of statistics.
 Personal examples.
 Use of clichéd expressions.
 Formal Style
 
 Passive voice and impersonal
constructions.
–It is argued that…; It is a common belief
that…
 Advanced vocabulary.
–… heated debate concerning the
controversial issue…
– Anyone seen in class!
 Formal linking words or phrases.
–Furthermore; However; Nonetheless…
 Complex sentences with a variety of links,
dependent clauses, etc.
–Although it is widely accepted that
compulsory military service, which provide an
army with abundant manpower, is beneficial
to a country’s ability to defend itself, closer
analysis of military efficiency suggests that it
is advanced weaponry which plays a crucial
role in…
 Inversion, especially in conditionals.
–Were this true, we would…
–Never has this been more obvious…
 Short forms except when these are part
of a quotation.
–I’m…; It’s…
 Colloquial expressions, phrasal verbs
and idioms.
–lots of; put up with; be over the moon
about…
 Simplistic vocabulary.
–Experts say they think this is bad.
 A series of short sentences.
–Many people think so. They are wrong.
 Simple linking words except for variety.
–and; but; so.
 Personal examples.
–That happened to me once. I was…
 Do’s and Don’ts. Exercise #4
1. Read the two opinion essays on the
topic: “The mass media have an adverse effect
on moral standards”. Spot the Do’s and the
Don’ts.
 Useful language
 To my mind / To my way of thinking…
 It is my (firm) belief / opinion / view / conviction (that)…
 In my opinion / view…
 I (firmly / strongly) believe…
 I am (not) convinced that…
 I (do not) agree that / with…; I (completely) agree that / with…; I
(strongly) disagree that / with…
 It strikes me that…
 My opinion is that…
 I (definitely) feel / think that…
 I am inclined to believe that…
 It seems / appears to me (that)…
 As far as I am concerned, …
 The way I see it, …
 I am (totally) against…
 I couldn’t (dis)agree more that / with…
 Useful language. Exercise #5
1. Complete the table with the following expressions.

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 form this, in other words, in particular, for instance, in
addition, because, taking everything into account, furthermore, for one
thing, since, lastly, secondly, nonetheless, while.

To introduce To introduce
To add more
To list points opposing examples / To conclude
points
viewpoints reasons
 Useful language. Exercise #5
To introduce To introduce
To add more
To list points opposing examples / To conclude
points
viewpoints reasons
In the first Also. Although. For example. To sum up.
place. Moreover. On the other Such as. All things
Firstly. Apart from hand. In other considered.
To begin with. this. However. words. Therefore.
For one thing. In addition. Nonetheless. In particular. Taking
Lastly. Furthermore. While. For instance. everything into
Secondly. Because. account.
Since.
 Useful language. Exercise #6
2. Read the following sentences as some
students wrote them. Use the appropriate
words or expressions to give your opinion as in
the example below.

a. A part-time job is the best option for someone who

is a working parent.

I completely agree that a part-time job is the best

option for someone who is a working parent.
 Useful language. Exercise #6
b. Package holidays are ideal for people who do
not like to travel alone.
c. Becoming more aware of environmental
concerns is the only way to help save our
planet.
d. Educational standards in private schools are
usually higher than those in state schools.
e. Boxing is an extremely violent sport and should
be banned.
 Writing Strategy

Planning your writing in advance will help

you organise your ideas in the most logical
way and save you time in the exam:

A. Brainstorming of ideas.

B. Paragraph structure.

C. Useful language.
 Brainstorming
 Decide whether you agree or disagree
with the subject of the topic.
 Make a list of your viewpoints and
reasons.
 Write down words, expression or useful
language that will help you develop your
ideas or intensify the meaning.
 Paragraph Planning

1. One paragraph for the introduction.

2. Several paragraphs for the main body. As
many as viewpoints.
3. One paragraph to justify with the other
point of view is inconvincible.
4. A conclusion that connects with the
introduction.
 Drilling
“Fast food is a good alternative to cooking for yourself”
1. What does the statement mean?

2. Do I agree with the topic?

3. What is my position about it?

3. What are my viewpoints?

 Drilling
“Fast food is a good alternative to cooking for yourself”
1. What does the statement mean?
Fast food expensive for consumer
2. Do I agree with the topic?
Fast food expensive for environment
3. What is my position about it?

3. What are my viewpoints? Fast food is unhealthy

Conditions of workers in fast food restaurants

 Drilling
“Fast food is a good alternative to cooking for yourself”
1. What does the statement mean?

2. Do I agree with the topic?

3. What is my position about it?

3. What are my viewpoints?

4. What reasons or examples can I give?

People
Money
Packaging
High in spent
fat
workand
non-biodegradable,
long
onsalt;
fast
hours
not
food
fresh.
tofor
pick
a week
damages
up theisphone
enough
and
to
buy groceries
environment.
Many
order takeout.
ingredients
for 2are
weeks.
genetically modified.
 Drilling
“Fast food is a good alternative to cooking for yourself”
1. What does the statement mean?

2. Do I agree with the topic?

3. What is my position about it?

3. What are my viewpoints?

4. What reasons or examples can I give?

5. How do I organize all this into paragraphs?
6. What are my topic sentences for each paragraph?
7. How do I connect the introduction with the conclusion?

8. What language am I expected to use?

9. How much time do I have left?
10. Once written, did I check on the structure, the ideas, the grammar
and the language?
Two other Opinion essays
Opinion Essays
1º Nivel Avanzado