OPINION ESSAYS
ESSAY STRUCTURE
1) Introduction
● Paraphrase the question
● Give your opinion
● State two supporting reasons
2) Main ody paragraph 1
● Topic sentence – outline 1st reason for supporting this view
● Explanation – explain this idea
● Example – give an example
3) Main body paragraph 2
● Topic sentence – outline 2nd reason for supporting this view
● Explanation – explain this idea
● Example – give an example
4) Conclusion
● Summarise opinion and key reasons
KEY TIPS
● Choose one side of the argument.
● State your opinion clearly in the introduction.
● Keep the same opinion throughout the essay.
● Give reasons why you hold this view
DISCUSSION ESSAYS
ESSAY STRUCTURE
1) Introduction
● Paraphrase the question
● Give your opinion
2) Main ody paragraph 1
● Topic sentence – outline the view you don’t agree with
● Explanation – explain why this view is held by some people
● Example – give an example
3) Main body paragraph 2
● Topic sentence – outline the view you do agree with
● Explanation – explain why this view is held by some people
● Example – give an example
4) Conclusion
● Summarise the key points and state your opinion
Introduction
Disagree
Agree
agree
KEY TIPS
● Develop both sides of the argument.
● Talk about the view you don’t agree with first.
PROBLEM ESSAYS
ESSAY STRUCTURE
1) Introduction
● Paraphrase the question
● State 1 key problem/cause and related solution
2) Main body paragraph 1 – Problem or Cause
● Topic sentence – state the problem or cause
● Explanation – give detail explaining the problem or cause
● Example – give an example
3) Main body paragraph 2 – Solution
● Topic sentence – state the solution
● Explanation – give detail explaining the solution
● Example – give an example
4) Conclusion
● Summarise the key points and state your opinion
KEY TIPS:
● Don’t list lots of causes and solutions.
● Choose just one or two and develop them fully.
● Be sure to link each problem/cause and its solution.
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES ESSAYS
ESSAY STRUCTURE
1) Introduction
● Paraphrase the question
● Outline the view or views stated the statement
2) Min body paragraph 1 – Advantage
● Topic sentence – state 1 advantage
● Explanation – give detail explaining the advantage
● Example – give an example
● Result – state the result
3) Main body paragraph 2 – Disadvantage
● Topic sentence – state 1 disadvantage
● Explanation – give detail explaining the disadvantage
● Example – give an example
● Result – state the result
4) Conclusion
● Summarise the key points
● State your opinion if required
DOUBLE QUESTION ESSAYS
ESSAY STRUCTURE
1) Introduction
● Paraphrase the question
● Outline sentence – state your answer to both questions
2) Main body paragraph 1 – Answer question 1
● Topic sentence – state your answer
● Explanation – explain why you think this
● Example – give an example
3) Main body paragraph 2 – Answer question 2
● Topic sentence – state your answer
● Explanation – explain why you think this
● Example – give an example
4) Conclusion
● Summarise both questions and answers
KEY TIPS:
● You must answer both questions fully.
● Don’t confuse it with an opinion or a discussion essay.
● Be careful that you don’t end up with too many ideas to write about.