Opinion essay practice
How to write the opinion essay
Write 200 – 250 words (+ / - 10 %)
Write in a formal style;
Rephrase the topic in the introduction;
Use a variety of linking words.
When presenting a new viewpoint, begin a new paragraph.
Do not use short forms such as: it’s / don’t. Write: it is / do not.
Do not use phrasal verbs, idioms, and colloquial expressions.
Avoid personal examples.
The essay’s structure
You should write 5 paragraphs:
Introduction
Author’s opinion
Opposite opinion
The author’s disagreement with the opposite opinion
Conclusion
Paragraph structure
1st paragraph Introduction: paraphrased task + two opposite opinions (2 sentences)
2nd paragraph Your opinion in the topic sentence. 1st argument + example or explanation. 2nd argument + example or explanation. (about 5 sentences)
3rd paragraph 312928017081600Opposing opinion in the topic sentence. 1 argument + example or explanation (about 3 sentences)
4th paragraph Your disagreement in the topic sentence. Contradicting argument to the arguments in the 3rd paragraph with examples or explanation (about 3 sentences)
5th paragraph Conclusion. Summary of your arguments and opposing arguments + one more supporting idea or a rhetorical question / a quotation… (about 3 sentences)
Practice:
Analyse the texts:
Should teenagers have part-time jobs while they are still at school? What is your opinion?
Is it a good idea for teenagers to have part-time jobs while they are studying at school? Some people believe that having part-time jobs is really beneficial for teenagers while the others argue with this point of view. (38)
In my view, teenagers who have part-time jobs gain more than just money from their experience. To start with, getting a job teaches young adults early in life how to become reliable individuals and citizens. When someone depends on a person, this individual feels a sense of responsibility. Moreover, a part-time job can teach valuable skills such as learning to be on time, handling money and dealing with other people. In addition to this, teenagers who have a job earn their own money and this has several advantages. They do not have to ask parents for some pocket money. Young people are also more careful when deciding how to spend it. (111)
However, some people argue that it is unwise for teenagers to work while still studying. In particular, they fear that having a job can take up too much time and cause a student’s school work to suffer seriously. It will be difficult for teenagers to get enough time for their hobbies, meeting friends and having good rest. (57)
Nevertheless, I cannot agree with this point of view. Although, teenagers will face such difficulties, they also will be able to learn how to manage their time and this skill will be helpful in their future adult life. (38)
In conclusion, the way I see it, teenagers learn both responsibility and independence through a part-time job. Why not learn some important life lessons at an early age? (28) (272)
Some people prefer to eat out. However, many people still like to cook meals at home.
Nowadays a lot of people enjoy eating out with their friends, colleagues and relatives at the restaurants and cafes especially in big cities. At the same time, there are those who are good at cooking and like family dinners at home. So, what is better? (44)
To my mind, to eat home-made meal is better. First of all, dishes that you cook at home are always fresh and wholesome. For example, you can use a steamer which preserves vitamins well. Secondly, when you help your mum or granny to make salads or some national food, you obtain useful practical skills. What is more, if you cook at home, you can create your own recipe mixing different ingredients to get an unusual flavor. (120)
However, some people consider that eating out is more convenient because it saves their time. They are too busy at work and have no time for cooking. Moreover, strange as it may sound, they just do not know how to cook that is why they have to eat out at the restaurants. (171)
Regardless the fact that more and more people lead a very tense life, I believe that they should learn to cook healthy food using modern kitchen equipment. For instance, you need only half an hour to make tasty soup in a multicooker. Besides, there are a lot of TV-shows that give you good advice on cooking. (227)
In conclusion, I should say that I prefer cooking at home because home-made meal is tastier and I can get useful skills which will help me in my future life. (259)
The future of education — books or computers?
The latest advances in information technology make people think that schools of the future will use computers instead of printed books. At the same time there is another point of view.
Although electronic books have not been widely accepted yet, I believe they will be able to take the place of printed books. In my opinion, students will widely use computers for studying in the future. To begin with, computers can store lots of books in their memory and modern software allows us to find quickly the necessary information. Moreover, with the interactive programmes on computers studying will be much more exciting. What is more, electronic books will not degrade overtime like their printed counterparts.
Nevertheless, lots of disbelievers argue that computers will not replace printed books because a printed book is better for human eyes than a computer screen. In addition, books are cheaper and easier to use since they do not need electricity or the internet connection.
However, I disagree with this opinion because modern computer screens emit no radiation and allow us to read even in low light conditions, so they are even less harmful than books. Of course we will have to pay for electricity but I think it will be cheaper than to pay for printed books, which are very expensive nowadays.
To sum up, I think computers and printed books will peacefully coexist for years to come, but in the future technological progress will make it possible for pupils to carry laptops or even palmtops instead of traditional bags with lots of heavy books.
Match the paragraphs to their headings: introduction / author’s opinion / other’s people opinion / why the author doesn’t agree / conclusion. Then put them in the correct order.
However, I disagree with this opinion because modern computer screens emit no radiation and allow us to read even in low light conditions, so they are even less harmful than books. Of course we will have to pay for electricity but I think it will be cheaper than to pay for printed books, which are very expensive nowadays.
Although electronic books have not been widely accepted yet, I believe they will be able to take the place of printed books. In my opinion, students will widely use computers for studying in the future. To begin with, computers can store lots of books in their memory and modern software allows us to find quickly the necessary information. Moreover, with the interactive programmes on computers studying will be much more exciting. What is more, electronic books will not degrade overtime like their printed counterparts.
To sum up, I think computers and printed books will peacefully coexist for years to come, but in the future technological progress will make it possible for pupils to carry laptops or even palmtops instead of traditional bags with lots of heavy books.
The latest advances in information technology make people think that schools of the future will use computers instead of printed books. At the same time there is another point of view.
Nevertheless, lots of disbelievers argue that computers will not replace printed books because a printed book is better for human eyes than a computer screen. In addition, books are cheaper and easier to use since they do not need electricity or the internet connection.
Linking words
You should use only those linking words that are appropriate for the formal writing style.
Personal opinion Listing ideas / points Examples Opposing opinions Conclusion
I think
I believe
From my point of view
I disagree with
I would like to stress that…
I strongly believe that…
According to my point of view,…
I feel certain that
Firstly,
First of all,
To start with,
To begin with,
Secondly, Furthermore, What is more,
In addition to this For example
For instance
Especially
Such as
In particular
Despite the fact that
Others have a negative attitude to…
Other people do not agree
Other people disagree
However,
Although
Nevertheless,
All in all
To sum up
To conclude,
In conclusion,
Practice
Read the above essays and put the linking words from them in the correct category:
Personal opinion Listing ideas / points Examples Opposing opinions Conclusion
Change the linking words in the essays.
Vocabulary
Use appropriate vocabulary.
Use synonyms; try not to use the same words many times.
Practice:
1. Match the words to their synonyms:
Equal
Achievement
Traditional
Good
Develop
Skilled
Interesting
Achieve
Useful
Solution
accomplishment, acquirement, attainment, success, triumph
grow, change
excellent, great,
beneficial, favorable, advantageous, profitable, rewarding
identical, the same, adequate, similar, comparable
succeed
way, method
skillful, competent, efficient
conventional, usual, common
exciting, curious, intriguing
Keys: 1. E / 2. A / 3. I / 4. C / 5. B / 6. H / 7 j / 8. f 9. D / 10. G
2. Change the underlined words in the phrases:
- An interesting boy was reading an interesting book about interesting events. (curious,exciting, intriguing)
- It was a good essay and II got a good mark for it. (great, excellent)
- The best way is to use new ways in our work. (solution, methods)
- The teacher knew a lot about ecological problems. (was competent in)
V. Paraphrasing the task
When you paraphrase the task, you can use different methods such as:
Changing the form of the word;
Using synonyms (instead the word in the statement);
Keeping the same word;
Adding more words;
Changing the structure of the sentence
Practice:
Watch the video and write down the examples for every method. Then explain what methods you used. http://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/ Changing the form of the word; (improve – improving)
Using synonyms (instead the word in the statement); (best – the most effective / way - method / is to do - is considered to be / regular – daily)
Keeping the same word; (health / exercise)
Adding more words; (developing)
Paraphrase the tasks using different methods.
Some people think that in the future, traditional shops will disappear and all shopping will be online with home delivery.
(Some people think that in the future most shopping will be done online. Others do not agree and prefer to use traditional shops.)
Some people think that humans and animals should have the same rights.
(Some people believe that people and animals must have equal rights.)
Some people think that in the future computers will replace teachers. Others believe that a teacher has always been and will remain one of the key elements of good education.
(People argue about whether we will have teachers in the nearest future, or whether they will be replaced by computers.)
Public transport should be free for everyone.
(Is it a good idea that people should not pay for public transport?)
Climate change is inevitable; it is not something we should panic about.
(Some people think that we cannot do anything about climate change and there is nothing to worry about.)
VI. Brainstorming arguments
Before writing the body of the essay it is useful to prepare arguments ‘for’ and ‘against’. Every argument should be supported by a reason or an example. You should also prepare at least one argument contradicting with the opposing opinion. This argument is to be mentioned in the 4th paragraph to show the author’s disagreement with the opponents.
Practice:
Match the opposite arguments (Keys: 1. C 2. A 3. B)
For Against
1. If you eat out, you do not waste time on cooking. It is fast and convenient. a. Eating out, you can show your prosperity.
2. Making food at home, you can spend less money. b. Eating out gives you more opportunities to socialize.
3. Eating at home is the best way to become closer to your family. c. There are a lot of kitchen appliances and equipment that make cooking easier and faster.
Match the thesis to the appropriate argument.
Theses Arguments
1. The proverb that says ‘A Friend in need is a friend indeed’ is a really true one. a. If their feelings are warm and friendly, they can be the core of love.
2. Some people think that friendship cannot last forever. b. People can envy others because of their success.
3. It is believed that a friend’s success may ruin friendship. c. Everyone knows that a devoted friend is a person who helps you in a difficult situation.
4. Some people believe that friendship between a man and a woman can outgrow into love. d. Being the centre of attention is an important part of their personality.
5. Some people prefer to have one or two close friends. e. People can get tired of long relationships.
6. Some people choose to spend time with a large number of friends. f. It gives them a possibility to speak frankly and trust their friends.
Keys: 1.c 2. e 3. b 4. a 5. f 6. d
Theses Arguments
1. Many parents think that it is better to ban junk food in school cafeterias. a. Junk food at school is convenient and is only a minor part of the students’ daily meals.
2. There are many people who think that it is no use banning junk food from school cafeterias and vending machines. b. It disciplines people and prevents them from eating harmful foods.
3. It is believed that dieting is a good way to improve our health. c. The school has many opportunities to organize healthy meals for pupils.
4. There is evidence that dieting is not very useful and can do more harm than good. d. It limits the variety of food containing necessary ingredients a person needs to be healthy.
5. Some people think that vegetarians are healthier than meat-eaters. e. While dieting a person does not get necessary nutritious ingredients.
6. It is believed that vegetarianism is another word for unhealthy dieting. f. Vegetarianism as a dietary system of eating is more stomach-friendly and enables people to live longer.
Keys: 1. C 2. A 3. B 4. E 5. F 6. D
Theses Arguments
1. Some people believe that teenagers should have as much fun as possible and enjoy themselves during their youth. a. Their future success in life depends on how well they do at school.
2. Many people believe that teenagers should think seriously about their future and make plans for it. b. In their adult life, they will have less free time and more duties and responsibilities.
3. Some people believe that children do not have enough free time. c. They are more immature and irresponsible because they know that their parents will do everything for them.
4. Some people think that teens should use their free time to do more school work. d. Thinking seriously about your future life and early planning will be beneficial for them.
5. Many people agree that nowadays teenagers are more careless about their life. e. They should learn how not to waste their time by taking up more hobbies.
6. Some people believe that teenagers face a lot of problems to be solved. f. Modern life is so complicated that it causes a lot of trouble for young people.
Keys: 1. B 2. D 3. E 4. A 5. C 6. F
Read the arguments and put them into the correct category.
1. Some people find computer games rather addictive and harmful for children’s health. 2. We will have to pay for electricity but I think it will be cheaper than to pay for printed books, which are very expensive nowadays. 3. Having part-time job teaches useful skills. 4. Modern technology made it possible to eliminate the bad effect of computers on our eyes. 5. Electronic books will not degrade overtime like their printed counterparts. 6. Earning their own money allows them not to ask parents and be careful while spending it. 7. They have not enough time for their hobbies, meeting friends and having good rest.
Are computer games good or bad? Should teenagers have part-time jobs while they are still at school? Books or computers?
Keys: 1, 4 / 3, 6, 7 / 2, 4, 5
Give your arguments on the next topics.
The plane is the most convenient means of travel.
Are computer games good or bad for kids?
Should we explore space?
Should junk food be banned at schools?
Should teenagers have part-time job?
Is it a good idea to take a gap year before entering a university?
For Against
Thesis Argument / example Thesis Argument / example
VII. Writing a conclusion
In the conclusion you should write the same ideas as in the introduction but using the other words.
For example:
Introduction: The plane is believed to be the most convenient means of transport.
Conclusion: Nothing can be compared with travelling by plane.
Useful phrases:
In conclusion / To sum up / To conclude / All in all, I strongly believe / I would like to stress that despite the opposing opinion / point of view … (your last argument supporting your opinion). + 1 more sentence. (It may be a rhetorical question / a quotation…)
For example
1. To some up, although many teenagers are not very well politically educated, I strongly believe that they should be allowed to vote. After all, do not they represent the next generation of adults?
2. In conclusion, I would like to stress that despite the opposing opinion teenagers should be allowed to vote. After all, do not they represent the next generation of adults?
Practice:
Match the introductions with the appropriate conclusions.
Introduction Conclusion
1. Travelling by airplane cannot be compared with any other means of transport.
2. Space exploration is often criticized because the price for these space experiments is too high, especially while poverty still exists in many parts of the world.
3. There is no doubt that education and the learning process has changed since the introduction of computers: The search for information has become easier and amusing, and connectivity has expedited the data availability. Though expert systems have made computers more intelligent, they have not yet become a substitute of the human interaction in the learning process.
a. Although space research requires large sums of money, our governments should find the right balance between social and space programs.
b. To summarize, in my personal view, teachers play and will continue to play an important role in the classroom, especially at the primary level. No matter how complex computers become, there will be no replacement for the human interaction, but in the way this interaction takes place.
c. Air travel will always remain popular. Its speed, comfort and convenience are hard to beat.
Keys: 1. C / 2. A / 3. B
Write conclusions to the following introductions.
A lot of people, especially of older age, claim that life in their youth was much quieter and they were more sure of tomorrow than young people nowadays Although there are many things young people appreciate today.
Some people think that in the future computers will replace teachers. Others believe that a teacher has always been and will remain one of the key elements of good education.
Many people believe that children should have different household chores. The others do not agree with this point of view and claim that it is better for kids to have more free time.
Is it a good idea for a child to look after a pet from a young age? Some people think that it is useful for children in many ways, while the others do not agree with this point of view.
VIII. To sum up
When you finish your work, do not forget to check your essay.
Check:
If your style is appropriate for the opinion essay;
The structure of the essay and of every paragraph;
If each paragraph has a topic sentence introducing a viewpoint;
If each topic sentence is followed by clear reasons / examples to support it;
If you have enough arguments, reasons and examples;
If all viewpoints are expressed using mild language;
If the argument in the fourth paragraph contradicts with the opposite opinion;
Linking words
If you use the words correctly and have enough synonyms;
If the essay is written grammatically correct;
Spelling and punctuation;
If you wrote the proper number of words (200 – 250).
The sources of information:
УМК Английский в фокусе 11 В. Эванс Д. Дули И. Оби О. Афанасьева И. Михеева «Просвещение» «Экспресс Паблишинг» 2014
Корчажкина О.М. Английский язык Пишем сочинение-рассуждение на ЕГЭ Практика аргументации Легион Ростов-на-Дону 2015
http://smashtrash.ru/yesse/kak-uspeshno-vypolnit-zadanie-40-opinion-essay-raz.html#ixzz4NRDvLmKShttp://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/http://smashtrash.ru/yesse/kak-uspeshno-vypolnit-zadanie-40-opinion-essay-raz.html#ixzz4NRDvLmKS
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