Opinion essays require your clear opinion on a topic,
supported by reasons and examples. They should contain: an
introduction (stating the topic & your opinion), a main body
(several paragraphs each with a topic sentence presenting a
separate viewpoint supported by reasons/examples, and
including a paragraph presenting the opposing viewpoint) & a
conclusion (restating your opinion in other words).
Points to consider:
• Decide on your opinion before you start writing i.e.
whether you agree/disagree and how strongly, as this will
affect the structure of your essay.
• Use present tenses and formal style, avoiding colloquial
expressions, short forms & personal examples.
• Include phrases to express your opinion, a variety of
appropriate linking words and interesting techniques to
begin/end your essay a quotation, a rhetorical question.
Useful Language:
To express opinion: In my opinion/view, It seems to me that,
The way i see it, To my mind, I (strongly/completely) agree/
disagree/believe that, I am totally against
To list points: First of all, In the first place, Firstly/Secondly,
To start with, To begin with
To add more points: Also, Moreover, Furthermore, In addition,
Besides, Apart from this, Another major reason
To introduce contrasting viewpoints: On the other hand,
However, It is argued that, Opponents of this view say
To introduce examples: for example/instance, such as, in
particular, especially
To conclude: To sum up, In conclusion, All in all, All things
considered, Taking everything into account
