2. What is an opinion essay?
a formal piece of writing (academic)
requires your opinion on a topic (reaction)
must be stated clearly
includes various viewpoints on the topic
(viewpoints must be supported by reasons and/or examples)
also includes the opposing viewpoints
Your job is to persuade the reader.
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3. Preparation
gather information to support your opinion
collect evidence matches your stated point of view
brainstorm
list your ideas and reasons
organize them the way you will use them in your essay
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4. Parts of an opinion essay
Introduction
present your subject
state your opinion clearly
write you thesis statement (a sentence that summarizes the main point of
your paper)
use a strong hook (an opening sentence that grabs the readers’ attention)
a quotation
a rhetorical question
a sentence from a book or a play
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5. 31/08/2022 5
Introduction - example
Retrieved from
https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/wr
iting/advanced-c1-writing/opinion-essay-about-
fast-food
1. Hook
2. Subject
3. Opinion
4. Thesis statement
7. Parts of an opinion essay
Body paragraphs
support your thesis statement
write several paragraphs
each one presents a separate point of
view
point of views must be supported by
reasons
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Pay attention to:
Tense (present tenses)
Linking words
Formal vocabulary
Formal punctuation
Citing sources where
necessary
8. 31/08/2022 8
Body paragraphs - example
Retrieved from
https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/wr
iting/advanced-c1-writing/opinion-essay-about-
fast-food
9. 31/08/2022 9
Body paragraphs - example
Retrieved from
https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/wr
iting/advanced-c1-writing/opinion-essay-about-
fast-food
10. 31/08/2022 10
Body paragraphs - example
Retrieved from
https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/wr
iting/advanced-c1-writing/opinion-essay-about-
fast-food
11. Parts of an opinion essay
Conclusion
restate your opinion using different words
avoid introducing a new idea
ending:
ask a provocative question
end with a warning
suggest consequences
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13. Structure
INTRODUCTION
Paragraph #1 state the topic and your opinion clearly
BODY PARAGRAPHS
Paragraph #2 viewpoint 1, reason, example
Paragraph #3 viewpoint 1, reason, example
Paragraph #4 viewpoint 1, reason, example
CONCLUSION
Paragraph #5 summarize/restate opinion
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20. 31/08/2022 20
1. “I believe that death penalty is a barbaric practice that should be abolished not just
throughout the United States but also around the world.”
2. “First, the death penalty is both immoral and cruel, and it sends the wrong message to society.”
“Second, I am against the death penalty because it is an ineffective method of punishment.
“Finally, and most important, I believe the death penalty should be abolished because it’s extremely
Costly.
29. TOP TIPS FOR WRITING
Avoid repeating words used in the question. It makes your vocabulary
seem limited. Instead, use synonyms to demonstrate your vocabulary.
If you are asked to give your opinion, make it clear at the
beginning and the end.
Explain your reasons in different body paragraphs with related examples
and explanation.
Use linkers to show the logical connections between ideas.
29
37. In some countries, teenagers have jobs
while they are still students. Do you
think this is a good idea?
Support your opinion by using specific
reasons and details.
37
38. 38
In the modern society, it is very common to see teenagers working everywhere in the city. Whatever part
time jobs they are doing, they are preparing for their future. School may be the best place for proper
education but not for preparation for the outside working world. In my opinion, teenagers learn a lot of
things through the jobs they do when still being students.
To start with, teenagers learn how to arrange their time. For example, an employee needs to work at 7.00
in the early morning. This means, he has to present at the company by 7.00 no matter how late he stayed
up last night. Moreover, as a student, he has to take use of his time and spend it properly on both studying
and working. He avoids bad habits such as going out late at night and get up late in the morning
Another point is that teenagers will appreciate the value of money. They work hard and realize how
difficult to make money. They also understand that “Money does not grow on trees”. Before buying an
expensive clothes or shoes, they remember their parents’ hard work and think more carefully whether they
should buy those or not.
But the most benefit to teenagers working is that they get some useful experiences which they cannot learn
at school. For example, after leaving university, Bill Gates worked outsides and gained valuable experience
on what does and doesn't work. From the time starting his career in a garage, he now becomes the most
successful man with the modern development of computer technology.
To sum up, although teenagers have responsibility to concentrate on their academic studies, part-time jobs
are also important for their future work. Personally, I think teenagers should be allowed to do some part-
time jobs to adapt to the working environment and get lessons from real life.
Thesis
Statement
39. Some people like to spend their money
as soon as they earn it, while others
think it is better to save their money for
some time in the future.
Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples
to support your opinion.
39
40. 40
Money is very important to live happy life. Nowadays, we cannot buy anything without money. Money is essential to fulfill our basic
needs. People, who have lots of money, spend their money as they want. But people those who have limited money think twice before
spending it. I believe it is good to save some money instead of spending it immediately, because we can use that money in case of
emergency, and it’s good our future.
First, savings always help us in case of emergency. Problems don’t wait for our permission, so it is always better to be prepared for that.
As a student, it is important for me to have some extra savings in my account, because I am away from home; alone at new place for my
studies, so savings make me feel relax and helps me in case of emergency. Suppose, if I meet with an accident, then I can use that
money immediately, instead of running here and there for help. On the other hand, if I do not have any savings, then I might have to face
many problems.
Second, life is full of unexpected emergencies which can cause a lot of anxiety if we do not have a lot of money saved up. According to
reports in the media, more than seventy-five percent of all bankruptcies in my country are the result of medical bills. I am totally aware
that it is humiliating to lose our financial independence in this way. For example, last year my uncle suffered a major heart attack which
required him to undergo very expensive cardiac surgery. He did not have enough money to pay for this procedure, so he had to ask his
elderly parents for a loan. They were able to help him because they had resisted the urge to spend and saved money through their
entire lives. He felt extremely embarrassed about begging his parents for assistance, especially as he could have avoided the situation
by emulating their frugal behavior.
Third, savings always helps in future. It allows people to be relaxed and enjoy life without worries. Savings does not waste; if we could
not use that our savings; we could help others, those who are in need of it. For example, we could donate somewhere, such as to the
people those who faced natural disasters. Recently, we all heard news about hurricane sandy. People lost their houses, properties and
many things. We could help such people. So, savings not only helps us in future, but also allows us to help others.
Finally, some people spend their whole life in making money only; some spend in enjoyment only, both are not good. I believe,
maintaining balance between both is essential, because enjoyment is also important to keep ourselves active, relax, and fresh. But,
there should be limitations. We should keep track for our expenditure and savings. This helps us to reduce our expenses and increase
our savings. Hence, we should save some money for emergency and for future, instead of spending it immediately.
41. MIDTERM EXAM
41
Resolving problems between individuals or groups is important. What should be considered or kept in
mind in resolving problems between individuals or groups? Use specific reasons and examples to
support your answer
Choose one of the topics below and write an opinion essay. Word limit 350-500
Some people trust their first impressions about a person’s character because they believe these judgments are
generally correct. Other people do not judge a person’s character quickly because they believe first impressions are
often wrong. Compare these two attitudes. Which attitude do you agree with? Support your choice with specific
examples.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Face-to-face communication is better than other
types of communication, such as letters, e-mail, or telephone calls. Use specific reasons and details to
support your answer.
