Writing. Opinion Essays

 Structure of the Opinion Essay:

• Introduction – introduces the topic and state your point of view clearly
• Body - consists of two or three  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:

SAMPLE/TEMPLATE:

INTRO

It is generally believed that_________________________________________ and I completely agree.

I really feel it is better___________________________________________ although some think ________________________________________. I personally prefer to _________________________.

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,____________________________

How to write an opinion essay

Watching movies is an amazing activity to relax for many people nowadays. Some people prefer staying at home while others enjoy going to the cinema.  Although I have many film DVDs at home and Netfix subscription, I still prefer watching films at cinemas.

One of the biggest factors that make me feel like watching films at cinemas is the bigger screen and realer sound I can enjoy there. The images and sound in cinemas are usually perfect, and I do not think that anyone can easily get such quality at home. Besides, this activity can be taken as an opportunity to go out. This is also a chance for me to get out of my house and enjoy a new wider space, interact with people and be more positive. Additionally, I can watch the film with many people. Moreover, when watching film in a cinema, one can laugh, cry and even be scared about the films with people all around him, we can talk freely with others about the film and the characters, which makes the films even more interesting and more attracting than at home.

In my opinion, watching films in cinemas is preferred than watching them at home. Today, cinemas are trying to improve the standard of their films, many technologies are developed to make the viewers feel as real as possible, and this makes watching films at cinemas an experience we can´t miss

Writing. Film reviews

 https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Movie-Review

 

Food for thought: The chosen ones... for the vaccine

https://english.elpais.com/society/2021-03-19/spain-will-restart-astrazeneca-shots-next-week-after-european-medicines-agency-finds-vaccine-effective-and-safe.html

Spain will restart Covid-19 vaccinations using the Oxford-AstraZeneca medication from Wednesday of next week. That was the unanimous decision taken yesterday by the Inter-Territorial Council of the National Health System (CISNS), which brings together the central Health Ministry and the country’s regional healthcare chiefs. The move came after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) concluded that the vaccine was safe after concerns were raised across the European Union (EU) due to the detection of cases of blood clots after its administration.

One of the problems that some experts now fear once the use of AstraZeneca is restarted is a rejection of the vaccine among the population. José María Martín Moreno, a doctor in epidemiology and public health from Harvard University, believes that a situation of “mistrust” has been created with “confusing” communication. “The population is scared that this vaccine could be dangerous and there has not been a unified response from European countries at the time for action. For citizens, this creates total confusion, and they don’t know what they should believe,” he explains.

Today the European Commission is proposing to create a Digital Green Certificate to facilitate safe free movement inside the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Digital Green Certificate will be a proof that a person has been vaccinated against COVID-19, received a negative test result or recovered from COVID-19. It will be available, free of charge, in digital or paper format. It will include a QR code to ensure security and authenticity of the certificate. The Commission will build a gateway to ensure all certificates can be verified across the EU, and support Member States in the technical implementation of certificates. Member States remain responsible to decide which public health restrictions can be waived for travellers but will have to apply such waivers in the same way to travellers holding a Digital Green Certificate.

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_1181

To Vaccinate or Not: The Controversy:

Arguments FOR the Vaccine

• Effectiveness
• Simplicity 
• Minimal Cost 
• Herd Immunity 
• Worldwide Epidemics 
• Alarming Costs of Non-Vaccination

Vaccine Resistance

• Against Religious Values
• Threat to Individual Freedom
• Mistrust of Medicine
• Fear of Negative Effects on the Body

An opinion paragraph 

Expressing opinions.

PHRASES FOR EXPRESSING OPINIONS 

I think…. I believe…. I feel…. I suppose…. I guess…. According to me…. In my view…. In my opinion…. In my eyes…. It seems to me that…. From my perspective…. From my point of view…. From my view point…. As far as I’m concerned…. Personally, I think…. I’d like to point out that…. What I mean is…. Generally it is thought that…. Some people say that…. Well, it is considered that…. It is generally accepted that…. My impression is that…. It goes without saying that…. I hold the view that…. I’m of the opinion that…. 

 PHRASES FOR EXPRESSING AGREEMENT 

I agree…. I totally agree…. Definitely…. I couldn’t agree more…. Absolutely…. Precisely…. I see your point…. I see what you are getting at…. I’d go along with that view to a point… Sure, that’s one way of looking at it…. I have to side with you on this one…. I suppose so…. I think so too…. I’d go along with that…. That’s a good point…. I see exactly what you mean…. You’re right, that’s a good point…. Actually, I think you’re right…. That’s true…. Well, I agree with you here…. You have my full agreement…. I second that…. Ok, that’s convincing…. I take your word on it…. You took the words right out of my mouth…

 PHRASES FOR EXPRESSING DISAGREEMENT 

I see your point, but…. I see what you are getting at, but…. That’s one way of looking at it, however…. I completely disagree…. Well, I see things rather differently…. Umm, I’m not sure about that…. I’m not sure I go along with that view…. I don’t really agree with that idea…. I agree up to a point, but…. You could say that, however…. I wouldn’t quite put it that way myself…. I still have my doubts…. I can’t/ couldn’t go along with that…. That’s out of question…. You’ve got to be kidding…. Well, I don’t quite agree with you…. I find that very difficult to accept…. We don’t seem to agree here…. Not necessarily…. That’s not always true…. There is no way I could agree with that…. I don’t think so…. No, I’m not sure about that because…. I’m afraid, I disagree…. We don’t seem to be in complete agreement….

Opinion Essays. Writing

INTRO

It is generally believed that_________________________________________ . Many people consider________________________. I really feel it is better _______________________________ although some others may think ________________________________________. I personally prefer to _________________________.

BODY

There are several reasons ___________________________________________. 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 resources available to

__________________. To sum up, from my point of view, _______________________________. Maybe in the future,____________________________

Some people prefer watching films at the cinema rather than at home or there are people who just prefer the opposite. I believe both places have advantages and disadvantages.

There are two main reasons to go to the cinema. Firstly, the quality of the film will be probably better than at home due to the sound track and the special effects if you choose a three dimension movie. Secondly, you can watch the last movies which have recently been released at the theatres while at home you have to wait probably some months.

On the other hand, although there are discounts to encourage people go to the cinema, it is cheaper to download the films. Moreover, you can watch them whenever you want. And last, but not least you don’t have to hear the crunch of people eating crisps.

In my opinion, what matters is not the place, is the people who are watching the movie with you.

How to write an opinion essay 

Topic: Watching a movie at a cinema and at home, which do you prefer?

---***---

WRITING:
Watching movies is an amazing activity to relax for many people nowadays. After a hard-working day, what can be more satisfying than watching films a I like seeing films, too. Although I have many film DVDs at home, I still prefer watching films at cinemas.

One of the biggest factors that make me feel like watching films at cinemas is the bigger screen and realer sound I can enjoy there. The images and sound in cinemas are usually perfect, and I do not think that anyone can easily get such quality at home. Besides, this activity can be taken as an opportunity to go out. This is also a chance for me to get out of my house and enjoy a new wider space, interact with people and be more positive. Additionally, I can watch the film with many people. Moreover, when watching film in a cinema, one can laugh, cry and even be scared about the films with people all around him, we can talk freely with others about the film and the characters, which makes the films even more interesting and more attracting than at home.

In my opinion, watching films in cinemas is preferred than watching them at home because of the above reasons. Today, cinemas are trying to improve the standard of their films, many technologies are developed to make the viewers feel as real as possible, and this makes watching films at cinemas an iexperience we can´t miss.

Writing template: Discussion / Opinion

OPINION ESSAY: 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, ________________________________________________________________. 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, ___________________________________________. However, we should also consider___________________________________. On the other hand, __________________

3.2 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 _____________________

INTRO

It is generally believed that_________________________________________ and I completely agree.

I really feel it is better___________________________________________ although some think ________________________________________. I personally prefer to _________________________.

BODY

There are several reasons why I think________________________________ is better. First of all, you ____________________________________. Most of people think ______________________________.

Secondly, ____________________________ dives 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 resources available to

__________________. To sum up, from my point of view, _______________________________. Maybe in the future,____________________________

How to write an opinion essay 

Writing practice: Topics

1. Damage to the environment is an inevitable consequence of worldwide improvements in the standard of living. Discuss.
2. Are famous people treated unfairly by the media? Should they be given more privacy, or is the price of their fame an invasion into their private lives?
3. Are our zoos cruel to wild animals?
4. Are women better parents than men?
5. Are zoos necessary for education?
6. Children learn best by observing the behavior of adults and copying it. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
7. Children should never be educated at home by their parents. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
8. Computers can translate all kinds of languages well. Do our children need to learn more languages in the future?
9. Damage to the environment is an inevitable consequence of worldwide improvements in the standard of living. Discuss.
10. Discuss some of the arguments for and against keeping animals in zoos.
11. Discuss the advantage and disadvantage of giving international aid to poor countries.
12. Do the benefits of study abroad justify the difficulties?
13. Do we become used to bad news? Would it be better if more good news was reported?
14. Does foreign aid helps donor countries more than the recipients?
15. Does modern technology make life more convenient, or was life better when technology was simpler?
16. Does travel help to promote understanding and communication between countries?
17. Education is the single most important factor in the development of a country. Do you agree?
18. Foreign language instruction should begin in kindergarten. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay.
19. The destruction of the world’s forests is inevitable as our need for land and food grows. Do you agree?
20. Human beings do not need to eat meat in order to maintain good health because they can get all their food needs from meatless products and meatless substances. A vegetarian diet is as healthy as a diet containing meat. What is your opinion?
21. If children behave badly, should their parents accept responsibility and also be punished?
22. In many countries, when someone gets old, they often go to live in a home with other old people where there are nurses to look after them. Sometimes governments pay for this care. Who should be responsible for our old people? Give reasons. Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
23. In some countries the average worker is obliged to retire at the age of 50, while in others people can work until they are 65 or 70. Until what age do you think people should be encouraged to remain in paid employment? Give reasons for your answer.
24. In what ways has information technology changed work and working practices in the past 10 years?
25. In your opinion should government intervene in the rights of the individual with regard to family planning?
26. In your opinion what factors contribute to a good movie?
27. Is animal testing necessary?
28. Many people believe that women make better parents than men and that this is why they have the greater role in raising children in most societies. Others claim that men are just as good as women at parenting. Write an essay expressing your point of view. Give reasons for your answer.
29. Many students choose to attend schools or universities outside their home countries. Why do some students study abroad? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.
30. Most high level jobs are done by men. Should the government encourage a certain percentage of these jobs to be reserved for women?

Opinion Essay. Structure and samples.

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.

Physical Education has been a part of the school curriculum for years, and I believe 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. 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.

Computers are a necessity. Do you agree or disagree? 

Support your opinion with arguments and examples.

Computers play an important role in the lives of most of us today, whether we realize it or not. Some people, however, are beginning to ask if we really need them. In my opinion, computers have become a necessary part of modern life.

In the first place, computers can save a lot of storage space. Storing information on computer disks is one of the most efficient ways of keeping data. One computer disk can hold the same amount of information as several books.

Furthermore, computers save everyone a lot of valuable time. Stored information can be found at the touch of a button, whereas searching for it manually takes much longer. Therefore, our every-day lives are made easier - from going to the bank to doing the shopping.

Nevertheless, there are those who claim that computers are unnecessary and make our lives more complicated. They argue that in the past we managed very well using other methods and that we have become too dependent on computers. However, they fail to consider that the time saved by using computers for repetitive tasks enables us to use our own time more creatively and productively.

All in all, I strongly believe that computers are a useful tool. They have changed our lives for the better and there is no reason why we should not make them work to our advantage.