STRUCTURE:
INTRO
It is generally believed that_________________________________________.I really feel it is ___________________________________________ although some think ________________________________________. It seems clear that _________________________.
BODY
There are several reasons why I think________________________________ is better. First of all, you ____________________________________. Most of people think ______________________________.
Secondly, ____________________________ gives you the opportunity to ________________________.
I´m absolutely convinced that __________________________________. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, ____________________ makes you learn__________________________ which is another positive/negative aspect.
CONCLUSION
It seems to me that ________________________ is far better. There are lots of reasons to
__________________. To sum up, from my point of view, _______________________________. Maybe in the future,____________________________
ADVANTAGES-DISADVANTAGES
1-INTRO:
1.1 For the great majority of people ______________________________________________________.
A problem that is often debated nowadays ________________________________________________.
Who cares about ____________________________________________________________________?
1.2 It is a well-known fact that _______________________________________________________.
Besides, recent studies show there are ______________________________________________.
1.3There are reasons to believe that ______________________________________________.
Therefore, ___________________________________________________________________.
2-DEVELOPMENT:
2.1 A lot of people claim that __________________________________________________
2.2 What is more, ____________________________________________________________
For example, ________________________________________________________________.
2.3-While/Although______________________________ it cannot be denied that_____________
Another point worth considering has to do with ____________________________________
3-REFUTING:
3.1 In contrast to this idea, ____________________________________________________________, so it is not easy to ___________________________________________. Whereas, in comparison, ___________________________________________.
3.2However, we should also consider___________________________________. On the other hand, __________________
2.3 Therefore, it is reasonable to think that _______________________________________.
4-CONCLUSION:
4.1 This bring us the question whether ___________________________________________________, it is highly probable __________________________________________________.
4.2 In my opinion, _________________________________________________________ From my point of view, ______________________________________. Maybe in the future _____________________
ractice makes perfect. Try these activities and then write your own composition. Rememeber the structure, linking words, vocabulary, etc...
https://wordwall.net/es/resource/28871847/opinion-essay-connectors
https://wordwall.net/es/resource/52733708/opinion-essay-vocabulary
Structure of the Opinion Essay:
- Introduction – introduces the topic and state your opinion clearly
- Body - consists of three or more paragraphs each presenting a separate viewpoint supported by reasons/examples
- Conclusion – summarizes/restates your opinion using different words
Useful Language
То express opinion: I believe, In my opinion, I think, In my view, I strongly believe, I see it, It seems to me (that), As far as I am concerned, I am (not) convinced that..., In my opinion/view …My opinion is that …, I (firmly) believe …, I (definitely) feel/think that, I am inclined to believe that ……
То list points: In the first place, first of all, to start with, Firstly, to begin with
То add more points: what is more, another major reason, also, furthermore, moreover, in addition to this/that, besides, apart from this, not to mention the fact that
То introduce contrasting viewpoints: It is argued that, People argue that, There are people who oppose, Contrary to what most people believe,
As opposed to the above ideas
To introduce examples: for example, for instance, such as, in particular, especially
To conclude: To sum up, All in all, All things considered, Taking everything into account.
Paragraph outline: Examples:
Physical Education should be taught in schools.
Do you agree or disagree? Support your opinion with arguments and examples.
It´s widely known that Physical Education has been a part of the school curriculum for years. It is clear the benefits of the sports practice for teenagers is undeniable. There are many reasons that support the fact that it should remain so for a variety of reasons.
In the first place, offering Physical Education is vital for children who have neither the time, nor the opportunity to do sport elsewhere. Also, Physical Education is especially beneficial for children living in crowded cities who do not have space to play. Doing sport at school gives them the opportunity to exercise and get rid of their excess energy. In addition, team sports develop children’s social skills encouraging them to work as part of a team and to cooperate with others.
On the other hand, some parents feel that Physical Education should not be a compulsory subject as not all children enjoy or are good at sport. These parents forget, however, that all children can benefit from physical activities and doing sport will give them the chance to improve their skills and their health.
In conclusion, I believe that Physical Education is an important part of every school curriculum since physical activity helps children to keep fit and stay energetic and alert.
https://en.ppt-online.org/284818
Useful expressions and linking words/phrases
Firstly, First of all, In the first place, To begin/start with, Secondly, Thirdly, Finally
• To list advantages:
One/Another/A further/An additional (major) advantage of… is … The main/greatest/first advantage of… is …
• To list disadvantages:
One/Another/ A further/An additional (major) disadvantage/drawback of. The main/greatest/most serious/first disadvantage /drawback of… Another negative aspect of…
• To introduce points/arguments for or against:
One (very convincing) point/argument in favour of… / against,
A further common criticism of… / It could be argued that…..
often claimed/suggested
It is widely argued maintained that…..
generally felt/believed/held
often claimed/suggested
It is widely argued maintained that…..
generally felt/believed/held
Some/many/most people/experts/scientist/skeptics/critics
claim/suggest/argue/feel that…
maintain/believe/point out/agree/hold that…
advocate (+ing/noun)/support the view that…
oppose the view that…
are in favour of/against…
are of the opinion that/convinced that…
are opposed to…
claim/suggest/argue/feel that…
maintain/believe/point out/agree/hold that…
advocate (+ing/noun)/support the view that…
oppose the view that…
are in favour of/against…
are of the opinion that/convinced that…
are opposed to…
• To add more points to the same topic:
in addition (to this), furthermore, moreover, besides, apart from, what is more, as well as, not to mention (the fact) that, also, not only … but also/as well, both … and, There is another side to the issue/question/argument of…
in addition (to this), furthermore, moreover, besides, apart from, what is more, as well as, not to mention (the fact) that, also, not only … but also/as well, both … and, There is another side to the issue/question/argument of…
• To make contrasting points:
on the other hand, however, still, yet, but, nonetheless, nevertheless, even so,
it may be said/argued/claimed that,…
others/many people oppose this viewpoint/strongly disagree…, claim/feel/believe this argument is incorrect/misguided
although, though, even though, while, whilst, whereas, despite/in spite of (the fact that), regardless of the fact that
Opponents of … argue/believe/claim that…
The fact that… contradicts the belief/idea that…
While it is true to say that…, in fact…
While/Although …, it cannot be denied that…
Useful expressions and linking words/phrases
for example, for instance, such as, like, in particular, particularly, especially, This is (clearly) illustrated/shown by the fact that… One/A clear/striking/ typical example of (this)… The fact that…. shows/illustrates that…
• To emphasise a point:
clearly, obviously, it is obvious, naturally, of course, needless to say, indeed
• To express reality:
In fact, the fact (of the matter) is, actually, in practice, it is a fact that, in effect
• To make general statements:
as a (general) rule, generally, in general, on the whole, by and large, in most cases
• To make partially correct statements:
to a certain extent/degree, to some extent/degree, in a way/sense, this is partly true (but), to a limited extent, there is some truth in (this), in some cases, up to a point
• To explain/clarify a point:
in other words, that is to say, this/which means that
• To express cause:
owing to, due to (the fact that), on account of, on the grounds that, given that, because, as, since
• To express effect:
• To express effect:
therefore, thus, as a result/consequence, consequently, so, for this reason, if… were to happen, … the effect/result would be…
• To express intention:
• To express intention:
to, so as to, in order to, so that, with the intention of (+ing)
One/A clear/striking/ typical example of (this)… The fact that…. shows/illustrates that…
• To emphasise a point:
clearly, obviously, it is obvious, naturally, of course, needless to say, indeed
• To express reality:
In fact, the fact (of the matter) is, actually, in practice, it is a fact that, in effect
• To make general statements:
as a (general) rule, generally, in general, on the whole, by and large, in most cases
• To make partially correct statements:
to a certain extent/degree, to some extent/degree, in a way/sense, this is partly true (but), to a limited extent, there is some truth in (this), in some cases, up to a point
• To explain/clarify a point:
in other words, that is to say, this/which means that
• To express cause:
• To emphasise a point:
clearly, obviously, it is obvious, naturally, of course, needless to say, indeed
• To express reality:
In fact, the fact (of the matter) is, actually, in practice, it is a fact that, in effect
• To make general statements:
as a (general) rule, generally, in general, on the whole, by and large, in most cases
• To make partially correct statements:
to a certain extent/degree, to some extent/degree, in a way/sense, this is partly true (but), to a limited extent, there is some truth in (this), in some cases, up to a point
• To explain/clarify a point:
in other words, that is to say, this/which means that
• To express cause:
owing to, due to (the fact that), on account of, on the grounds that, given that, because, as, since
• To express effect:
• To express effect:
therefore, thus, as a result/consequence, consequently, so, for this reason, if… were to happen, … the effect/result would be…
• To express intention:
• To express intention:
to, so as to, in order to, so that, with the intention of (+ing)
Conclusion expressing balanced considerations/opinion indirectly
In conclusion,
On balance,
All things considered,
Taking everything into account/consideration,
To conclude,
To sum up,
All in all,
Finally/Lastly,
On balance,
All things considered,
Taking everything into account/consideration,
To conclude,
To sum up,
All in all,
Finally/Lastly,
- it can be said/claimed that …
- it seems/appears that…
- it would seem that…
-it is likely/unlikely/possible/foreseeable that …
- it is clear/obvious that…
-. there is no/little doubt that …
- it is true to say that …
- although it must be said that …
- it may be concluded/said that …
- it seems/appears that…
- it would seem that…
-it is likely/unlikely/possible/foreseeable that …
- it is clear/obvious that…
-. there is no/little doubt that …
- it is true to say that …
- although it must be said that …
- it may be concluded/said that …
Letter of Application: Writing Tips
Read the task fully: Carefully check the entire question, the job/course advertisement or description, all the given notes or bullet points, and identify exactly what you need to cover (e.g., your qualifications, experience, reasons for applying).- Plan your letter before writing: Take 5-10 minutes to outline the full formal layout and content. This keeps the letter professional, logical, and within the required word limit from the start.
- Comment on all the points: Discuss every bullet point or requirement in the task in detail. Support each with specific reasons, examples from your studies/work experience, or personal qualities. If you don’t have real-life details, invent plausible and relevant ones.
- Divide into paragraphs: Dedicate one clear paragraph to each main point (e.g., Paragraph 2: education and qualifications; Paragraph 3: relevant experience and skills; Paragraph 4: why this opportunity appeals to you). Use formal linking expressions such as “furthermore”, “in addition to this”, “however”, “therefore” or “as a result” to create smooth, coherent flow and demonstrate organisational skills.
- Use advanced vocabulary and formal language: Employ a wide range of sophisticated vocabulary, collocations, and structures appropriate to the level – B2 (FCE) needs solid formal phrases, while C1 (CAE) and C2 (CPE) demand more precise, idiomatic, and nuanced language. Maintain a consistently formal register: no contractions, no slang, polite indirect questions, and complex sentences. T
- Express your suitability and enthusiasm: Clearly explain why you are the ideal candidate and show genuine interest in the final body paragraph or conclusion. After presenting your key strengths, summarise briefly and finish with a confident, polite statement of what you hope will happen next (e.g., an interview).
- Revise your letter: After finishing, spend the last few minutes checking grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary accuracy, and overall coherence.
- Follow the correct letter format and conventions: Always include the full formal layout, choose the right salutation (“Dear Sir/Madam” or “Dear Mr/Ms Smith”), and end with an appropriate closing (“Yours sincerely” if you know the name, “Yours faithfully” if you don’t). These elements are assessed separately in most exams and signal professional awareness – small mistakes here can undermine an otherwise strong letter.
- Practice useful phrases: Learn and incorporate ready-to-use formal expressions such as “I am writing to apply for the position of…”, “I would like to express my strong interest in…”, and “I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience”. These phrases improve organisation, raise the register instantly, and help you sound natural and confident at any level (FCE/CAE/CPE).
Letter of Application: Useful Phrases & Language
Reasons
I’m writing to apply for the post/position of…..as advertised in……..
I’m writing with reference
I’m writing in response to your advertisement which I saw….
I’m writing in connection with your advertisement
Qualifications /Experience
I gained some experience while …
I am currently working as …
I have been working for … for the last four years.
I worked part-time for three years as …
At the moment| am employed by …
My qualifications include …
I have a diploma in …
I graduated from Barcelona University last year with a degree in …
Please find attached my CV
As you can see from the attached CV …
Personal Qualities
I see myself systematic, meticulous in my approach to work…..
I have a clear insight of………
I value time and not squander……
I tackle a problem…..
Closing remarks
I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience
Please contact me with any queries you may have,
I would be glad to attend an interview at any time convenient
I look forward to hearing from you in due course….
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