AN OPINION ESSAY

TOEIC WRITING TEST

QUESTION 8
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LESSON CONTENTS

1 2 3 4

Structuring Writing An Writing Body Writing A

Your Essay Introduction Paragraphs Conclusion

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STRUCTURING YOUR ESSAY
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Paragraph 1 - Introduction

Paragraph 2 - Supporting Paragraph 1

Paragraph 3 - Supporting Paragraph 2

Paragraph 4 - Conclusion

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 DECIDING OPINION

In this essay, examiners want you to give a clear

opinion, so you must decide when you read the
question. You will also need to do this to write an
effective thesis statement.

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Let’s look at an example:

Students should be encouraged to take part in

exchange programs in today’s globalized world.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with

this opinion?

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With this type of essay, we have two choices:

• We AGREE with the statement.

or
• We DISAGREE with the statement.

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Therefore, for this agree or disagree essay, you
can say either:

● I firmly believe that exchange programs should be

encouraged in today’s interconnected world.

or

● I firmly believe that it is unnecessary for students to take

part in exchange programs in today’s interconnected
world.
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SAMPLE ESSAY OUTLINE

Introduction: Agree

Body Paragraph 1: Rapidly learn another language

Body Paragraph 2: Have better job opportunities

Conclusion: Summary

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 SESSION 1

WRITING AN INTRODUCTION

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LESSON OUTCOMES

1. Understand the purpose of an introduction

2. Outline the structure of the essay

3. Write a clear thesis statement

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INTRODUCTION

Sentence 1 - Introductory Statement

Sentence 2 - Thesis Statement

Sentence 3 - Outline Statement

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Students should be encouraged to take part in exchange
programs in today’s globalized world.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this

opinion?

Introduction: Agree

Body Paragraph 1: Rapidly learn another language

Body Paragraph 2: Have better job opportunities

Conclusion: Summary
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SENTENCE 1 – Paraphrase Statement
The introductory sentence is the one that begins the opening paragraph to
introduce the topic that will be discussed in the essay. We can present a
viewpoint contrary to our own opinion in the introductory sentence to
highlight our personal opinion in the thesis statement that follows.

• It is a common belief that …

• It is true that …

• Some people believe that …

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SAMPLE SENTENCE 1
It is a common belief that studying abroad may not
be helpful to students.
opposite viewpoint

Some people believe that studying abroad may not

be helpful to students.

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SENTENCE 2 – Thesis Statement
The thesis statement in the introductory paragraph is the central sentence
that clearly presents the writer's personal opinion, guiding and developing
the arguments in the essay.

• I firmly believe that …

• I strongly support the viewpoint that …

• I am convinced that …

• I am of the opinion that …

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SAMPLE SENTENCE 2
However, I firmly believe that exchange programs
should be encouraged in the modern world.

writer’s opinion

However, I am of the opinion that exchange

programs should be encouraged in the modern world.

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SENTENCE 3 – Outline Statement
After introducing your personal opinion, based on the outline you have
created, briefly introduce the reasons that support that opinion and
conclude the introduction.

• This is because …

This is because they allow students to develop

their foreign language skills quickly and improve
their career prospects.
two supporting reasons
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SAMPLE INTRODUCTION

[1] It is a common belief that studying abroad may not

be helpful to students. [2] However, I firmly believe
that exchange programs should be encouraged in
the modern world. [3] This is because they allow
students to develop their foreign language skills
quickly and improve their career prospects.

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QUESTION FOR PRACTICE
Directions: In this part of the test, you will write an essay in response to a
question that asks you to state, explain, and support your opinion on an
issue. Typically, an effective essay will contain a minimum of 300 words.
Your response will be scored on
• whether your opinion is supported with reasons and/or examples,
• grammar,
• vocabulary, and
• organization.
You will have 30 minutes to plan, write, and revise your essay.

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TEST 1

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?

It is more important to work at a job you enjoy than to

make a lot of money.

Support your answer with specific reasons and

examples.

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TEST 2

What do you think are the most important

characteristics for a job you have had or you want to
have?

Use specific details and examples to support your

opinion.

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TEST 3

Some people choose to work at one job for a long

time. Others prefer to change jobs frequently. Which
way do you think is better?

Use specific reasons and examples to explain your

choice.

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PRE-WRITING TASKS
Sentence Arrangement Vocabulary Building

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SAMPLE INTRODUCTION 1
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
It is more important to work at a job you enjoy than to make a lot of
money.
Support your answer with specific reasons and examples.

SAMPLE ESSAY OUTLINE

Introduction: Agree
Body Paragraph 1: Job satisfaction brings long-term happiness
Body Paragraph 2: Enjoyable work helps you grow
Conclusion: Summary

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SAMPLE INTRODUCTION 1
[1] It is a common belief that it is better to have a job that
pays well than the one we love. [2] However, I am of the
opinion that it is more important to work at a job you enjoy
than to just make a lot of money. [3] This is because job
satisfaction can bring long-term happiness and enjoyable
work is likely to help us grow.

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SAMPLE INTRODUCTION 2
What do you think are the most important characteristics for a job you
have had or you want to have?
Use specific details and examples to support your opinion.

SAMPLE ESSAY OUTLINE

Introduction: Certain characteristics

Body Paragraph 1: Supportive work environment

Body Paragraph 2: Opportunities for growth

Conclusion: Summary

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SAMPLE INTRODUCTION 2
[1] Some people believe that work environment does not
play a major role in how happy and successful you are. [2]

However, I am convinced that a supportive workplace and

chances to grow are extremely important. [3] This is because
these factors help you feel fulfilled and do well in your job.

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SAMPLE INTRODUCTION 3
Some people choose to work at one job for a long time. Others prefer to change
jobs frequently. Which way do you think is better?

Use specific reasons and examples to explain your choice.

SAMPLE ESSAY OUTLINE

Introduction: Stay at one job

Body Paragraph 1: Stability and financial security

Body Paragraph 2: Stronger relationships with colleagues

Conclusion: Summary

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SAMPLE INTRODUCTION 3
[1] Some people prefer to switch jobs often rather than stay
in the same job for many years. [2] However, I firmly believe
that it is better to do one job for a long time. [3] This is
because it provides stability and stronger relationships at
work.

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OVERVIEW OF THE UPCOMING LESSON

1. Structure the outline of the essay body

2. Write the topic sentence of the body paragraphs

3. Practice writing the body paragraph 1

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