Tuesday 19 October 2021

Writing practice- Opinion essays

PARAGRAPH 1
·         Introduce the topic and give your opinion. Say whether you agree or disagree with the statement.
PARAGRAPH 2
·         Give a reason to support your opinion.
PARAGRAPH 3
·         Give a second reason to support your opinion.
PARAGRAPH 4
·         Summarize your ideas and repeat your opinion using different words.

BASIC DOS IN WRITING AN OPINION ESSAY
Introduce each paragraph with a topic sentence, outlining the main ideas.
Do not write about advantages or disadvantages or points for or against.
Write in formal style.

BASIC DON’TS IN WRITING AN OPINION ESSAY
Don’t use colloquial expressions.
Don’t use short forms.
Don’t use emotive vocabulary.
Don’t give personal examples.

EXPRESSING OPINIONS
In my opinion, ….  
Personally, I think/ I believe (that)…
I strongly believe that….
It is clear (to me) that…
I feel very strongly that…
I (completely) agree/disagree with …
It seems to me that…
As I see it, …
To my mind….
In my view,…
From my point of view, ….
As far I am concerned, …
I am sure/ convinced that …
I (dis)agree with the statement, because …

GIVING REASONS
My main reason is….
Another reason is…
One reason for… is ….
Many people say/ believe that…
Because…
Since…
Because of/ due to…

EXPRESSING FACTS
It is widely known that…
It is a well-known fact that …
Research has shown that…
There are definitely…
It is a fact that…
It is clear/ true that…
For example/ for instance,...
 
ADDING IDEAS
What is more,…
Moreover/ furthermore/ in addition (to)
Apart from (that)…
Firstly,…
First of all,…
Secondly,..
Thirdly,…
Lastly,…
Finally,…

EXPRESSING CONTRAST (LINKERS OF CONTRAST)
ALTHOUGH 
Although I was feeling depressed, I went to the party.
DESPITE
Despite the rain, I went to the party.
Despite feeling depressed, I went to the party.
IN SPITE OF 
In spite of the rain, I went to the party.
In spite of feeling depressed, I went to the party.
EVEN IF 
I will go to the party, even if I feel depressed.
WHEREAS 
Adults can make their own decisions, whereas teenagers have to do what other people tell them.
HOWEVER 
Mike is a very good singer. However, he can’t play any instruments.
IN CONTRAST
BUT 
Their music is very good. But, their lyrics are not very interesting.
ON THE ONE HAND….. ON THE OTHER HAND 
On the one hand, they are extremely rich. But on the other hand, they have lots of debts.

EXPRESSING PURPOSE (LINKERS OF PURPOSE)

We use linkers of purpose to introduce reasons:
SO (THAT) 
I have brought a microphone so that the audience will be able to hear us.
IN ORDER TO
We need to register with the council in order to vote.
TO 
I am phoning to ask information about the event.
SO AS TO
We all need to vote so as to express our opinions.
 
CONCLUDING THE ESSAY
TO SUM UP,…
TO CONCLUDE...
IN CONCLUSION,…
IT IS CLEAR THAT…
IN SHORT
ON THE WHOLE
ALL IN ALL,…
 
ThingLink of an example of writing

 Writing topics:

  1. The teenage years are the best years of your life. 
  2. Should electric scooters and bikes be allowed on the pavement?
  3. Humans are responsible for global climate change. Do you agree?
  4. Should animals be used for scientific testing and trials?
  5. Travel and tourism have changed for good after the coronavirus pandemic.


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