Opinion Essays
Opinion Essays
Opinion Essays
1 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 Isnt it unfortunate that in todays 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
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: Conclusion
Perhaps then people will rediscover what it is like to actually communicate with each other.
Conclusion.
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.
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 clichd expressions.
Formal Style
that
Advanced vocabulary.
heated debate concerning the
controversial issue
about
Simplistic vocabulary.
Experts say they think this is bad.
compulsory military service, which provide an army with abundant manpower, is beneficial to a countrys ability to defend itself, closer analysis of military efficiency suggests that it is advanced weaponry which plays a crucial role in
Personal examples.
That happened to me once. I was
Read the two opinion essays on the topic: The mass media have an adverse effect on moral standards. Spot the Dos and the Donts.
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 couldnt (dis)agree more that / with
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 add more points
To introduce opposing viewpoints To introduce examples / reasons
To list points
To conclude
To conclude
To
the first place. Firstly. To begin with. For one thing. Lastly. Secondly.
from
example. Such as. In other words. In particular. For instance. Because. Since.
sum up. All things considered. Therefore. Taking everything into account.
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.
d.
e.
Package holidays are ideal for people who do not like to travel alone. Becoming more aware of environmental concerns is the only way to help save our planet. Educational standards in private schools are usually higher than those in state schools. 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? 2. Do I agree with the topic? 3. What is my position about it? 3. What are my viewpoints? Fast food expensive for environment Fast food expensive for consumer
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 work on fast food pick High in fat non-biodegradable, up the enough to Packaging and salt; not tofor damages Money spent long hours fresh.a week isphone and order ingredients Many takeout. are genetically modified. environment. buy groceries for 2 weeks.
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?
Opinion Essays
1 Nivel Avanzado