MODEL ESSAY: OPINION ESSAY
TO HAVE KIDS OR NOT: THAT’S THE QUESTION
The world has been witnessing a dramatic and gradual increase in population due to the fact
that families want to have kids. In some societies, having a lot of kids is seen as an honorable
act, which is also supported by governments and civil organizations. However, it is also
interesting that a minority of people sees children as a kind of financial and psychological
burden and do not want to bring children to a world where problems such as poverty,
uncertainty and wars are common. Despite these people who hold the idea that having
children is kind of troublesome, I firmly believe the idea that having children, a reflection of
human nature, brings stability and happiness to one’s life.
First of all, it is an undeniable fact that children bring stability to one’s life. When people
have kids, they begin to think about their lifestyles as they have the aim to raise their children
properly. Thus, they give up their harmful habits and consider the risks of behaving in a
certain way. For instance, most people prepare themselves financially and psychologically
when they decide to have kids. A recent survey show that people who have children tend to
have less debt and are healthier and lead more regular [Link] these can be seen areflection
of stability.
In addition to stability, having kids also brings happiness to parents and families. Most
parents, even the ones who have previously thought children are burden, state that it is the
most beautiful feeling they have ever experienced. Bringing up a human being from our own
blood and flesh, and sacrificing our own will and desires for his good can give a great
satisfaction. Furthermore, children are often funny especially at early age and it may be a
great experience for parents. Their behaviors, learning process and games are all leisure
activities. Therefore, happiness becomes a natural part of being parents.
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On the other hand, some people claim that it is a big responsibility to have kids in a world
where problems are various and numerous. They do not have kids since they are worried
about the uncertainty. To a certain extent, they are right as no one can guarantee a bright
future. However, they have to accept the fact these problems are a part of life. If we act with
fear, it is impossible to lead a life as we always face the risks and uncertainty in our jobs,
relationships and plans.
The arguments made in the essay lead us to the conclusion that having kids is a great
experience as it brings happiness and stability to one’s life. Instead of focusing on potential
problems and risks of the life, having kids can help you relieve and have a sacred aim. I
definitely believe everyone, if possible, should experience this great feeling.
MODEL ESSAY: OPINION ESSAY
THE INTERNET: OPPORTUNITY OR CHALLENGE
In many developed countries, popularity of the internet consumption at schools is going up.
Some people think that it only aggravates the consciousness of students while others believe
that the internet has large beneficial influences on them. I firmly believe that dependence on
the Internet makes students lazier and leads to attention disorders.
One good argument against the use of internet is that many technological creations can make
pupils lazy. In the past, people used to write and do home works without the assistance of the
[Link], as the years went, there were many technological developments and it
brought some modifications in the teaching sphere. Nowadays, learners use the internet to do
their home tasks and prepare materials for the lessons. They often just copy some abstracts
and prepare it without the help of their mind and intelligence. Hence, their brains do not
make hard efforts and decisions. Consequently, students canhave adversities in some difficult
works without aid of the web.
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Another problem students face when they use the internet for educational purposes is that it
causes attention disorders. As students tend to read short texts especially on social media
websites, they find it difficult to focus on tasks that require time and more effort. Even college
level students are often bored when reading a ten-page- article. A recent survey conducted
with 1.000 college students in the USA also proves the argument. The data reveals that
students who spend more than 2 hours on the Internet have problems with their long-term
memory and are less successful in their non-math courses such as language studies and
history. Thus, the Internet may lead to severe negative effects on students’ cognitive skills.
On the other hand, opponents of this idea claim that the internet has wide of information
which is necessary for us, so it can support students. To some extent, their claim is right.
However, most students, especially primary and secondary school students are unaware of
the potential hazards and parents or teachers cannot control them all the time. Also, there is
scientific evidence that use of Internet has detrimental effects on students’ attention.
To sum up, it is clearly seen that the Internet may contribute to a number of negative impacts
on students, the most serious ones being laziness and attention disorders. In my opinion, it
depends on a learner. So, if he/she has a desire to study, the internet will be his advocate.
Otherwise, the internet cannot have favourable effect on students.
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WRITING THE REFUTATION PARAGRAPH
In the refutation paragraph, the first thing to do before opposing the counter-argument is to
clearly present the opposing idea. It is important to know what you are refuting.
There are many ways of specifying the opposing argument. Some useful sentence structures are:
Those who disagree hold the opinion that …..
People who are against these ideas may claim that ….
Opponents of this idea claim / maintain that
After giving the counter argument, it is also necessary to show the reader how they justify their
idea. In other words, you need to provide the reader why the opponents think in the way they
do.
Some useful phrases to do this can be:
The reason behind their standpoint is that ….
They claim ….. since …..
They put forward this idea as
Following this phase, you will begin the refutation process. Here, the first thing to do is to signal
the reader that you have reached the turning point:
However, but, yet, on the other hand etc.
Regarding your viewpoint and purpose, there are various strategies to refute an argument.
- You may compromise but still prove that the counter argument is not powerful enough:
They may be right to a certain extent.
Their way of thinking so can be understandable to a certain degree.
- You may totally disagree
Considering the evidence, it is impossible to agree with their statements.
- stating that the counter argument is irrelevant to the topic
Their argument is totally irrelevant to the topic discussed within the scope of this paper.
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TASK 1: IMPROVING THESIS STATEMENTS
Below, you are given some unsuccessful thesis statements. Work in pairs and improve the
thesis statements.
A lot of homework is harmful.
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We shouldn’t eat fast food.
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Alcohol is the worst habit.
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30 is the best age to marry.
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The medium of instruction in all universities must be English.
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TASK 2: WRITING THESIS STATEMENTS
Below, you are given 6 essay questions for which you are going to write thesis statements. Be
sure you have given both arguments, your opinion and reasons for thinking so.
Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
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Does age matter in relationships?
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Is competition at school good?
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Should girls ask boys out?
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Is fashion important?
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Does technology make us more alone?
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TASK 3: WRITING THE INTRODUCTION
Now choose 3 of the thesis statements you have produced in the previous task and turn them
into an introduction paragraph.
1
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2
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