From Successful Writing Upper-Intermediate 1 NA Raul Cabezalí 2011
What are they?
Structure
Points to consider before starting to write
Useful language
Beginnings and Endings
Raul Cabezalí 2011
Opinion essays require your opinion on a topic which must be clearly stated and supported by reasons. It is necessary to include the opposing viewpoint in another paragraph.
They are formal in style
Formal vocabulary and grammar
No contractions
Raul Cabezalí 2011
A successful opinion essay should have:
a. An introductory paragraph where you state the topic and your opinion clearly
b. A main body consisting of two or more paragraphs. Each paragraph presents a separate viewpoint supported by your reasons.
c. A conclusion, where you restate your opinion using different words
Raul Cabezalí 2011
Introduction
• Paragraph 1- state the topic and your opinion
Main body
• Paragraph 2 – viewpoint 1 and reason
• Paragraph 3 – viewpoint 2 and reason
• Paragraph 4 – opposing viewpoint and reason
Conclusion
• Final paragraph – restate your opinion, using different words
*You may include more viewpoints, and therefore more paragraphs in the main body
Raul Cabezalí 2011
1) First decide whether you agree or not and make a list of your points and reasons.
2) Write well-developed paragraphs consisting of more than one sentence
3) Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence which summarizes what the paragraph is about
4) Use linking words throughout your composition
Raul Cabezalí 2011
Tip: Time is usually tight in an exam – do not write a draft of your essay first and then re-write a final version on the exam paper (as you might run out of time or
else not have enough time for a final revision and correction of possible mistakes.)
Write an outline with the structure of your essay plus your main points and reasons, and use it as a guideline.
Raul Cabezalí 2011
To express opinion:
Raul Cabezalí 2011
I believe I strongly believe
I think
in my opinion
in my view the way I see it
It seems to me that
…
To list points:
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In the first place
First of all To start with
Firstly To begin with
…
To add more points:
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What is more
Another major reason
also
furthermore moreover In addition to this/that
Besides Apart form this
Not to mention the fact that
To introduce contrasting viewpoints:
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It is argued that
People argue that
Opponents of this view say
There are people who oppose
Contrary to what most people believe
As opposed to the above ideas
To conclude:
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To sum up All in all All things considered
Taking everything into account
…