An opinion essay is a discursive essay 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 viewpoint in a separate
paragraph. It is written in formal style.
Composition of an opinion essay includes:
an introduction - you introduce the subject and state your opinion clearly
a main body - two or more paragraphs (each presenting a separate
viewpoint supported by reasons/examples), including a paragraph giving
the opposing viewpoint supported by reasons/examples
a conclusion - you restate your opinion using different words
USEFUL EXPRESSIONS for GIVING OPINIONS
• I believe/think/feel (that) …
• I strongly believe …
• In my opinion/view, …
• The way I see it, …
• It seems/appears to me (that) …
• To my mind, …
• I agree/I do not agree that/with …
• My opinion is that …
• As far as I am concerned, …
• I (completely) agree that/with …
• I (strongly) disagree that/with …
• I am totally against …
• I couldn’t agree more that/with …
• I couldn’t disagree more that/with …
FORMAL STYLE has certain CHARACTERISTICS:
• impersonal tone;
• great use of passive voice;
• use of modal verbs;
• more noun phrases;
• lack of colloquial expressions, idioms, phrasal verbs;
• lack of contractions or abbreviations.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
Write a five-paragraph essay on the following topics:
Some hold the opinion that the internet has negatively impacted communication between
friends and family. Using specific examples and reasons to justify your position, do you
agree with this statement?
Some individuals have a preference for meals from restaurants or food stands, while
others prefer to make their own food at home. Do you have a preference? Please include
examples and reasons in your argumentation.
Some students choose to attend college or university in the country while others prefer
to study abroad. Do you have a preference?
Is it a good idea to use and enjoy your money as you earn it, or to save it for a future time?
Please include examples and reasons in your answer.
Some maintain that it is preferable for children to grow up in a rural environment rather
than a large city. Providing specific reasons and examples to support your view, do you
agree or disagree with this perspective?
Some suggest that there are occasions in which it is a better idea not to tell the truth. Do
you agree with this idea or not? Please support your position with reasons and details.
To what extent do you agree with the following statement Violence in the media promotes
violence in society? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using technology for communication. Use
specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
It is sometimes thought that people who travel outside of their own country are more
tolerant and understanding than others. To what extent do you agree? Use specific
reasons and examples to support your answer.
When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with success.
What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your ideas.
People are never satisfied with what they have, they always want something more and
something different. Do you agree or disagree?
Some people believe that the best way of learning about life is by listening to the advice of
family and friends. Other people believe that the best way of learning about life is through
personal experience. Compare the advantages of these two different ways of learning
about life. Which do you think is preferable? Use specific examples to support your
preference.
Some people think that the role of parents is to discipline their children and teach them
about right and wrong. Others consider that the main responsibility of parents is to
nurture their children and provide them with a safe environment to grow up in. Discuss
both sides and support your opinion.
Online communication distorts physical relations. To what extent do you agree? Use
specific reasons and examples to support your answer.