OPINION ESSAY

This type of composition uses personal expressions. Your personal opinion should be expressed in the introduction and
again in the conclusion. You should state your opinion clearly and support it by including examples and reasons for what
you have said. When expressing the other side of the argument, you may include it in a separate paragraph. End your
composition by restating your opinion.

PLAN

INTRODUCTION
Paragraph 1 State topic and your opinion clearly without using too many personal opinion words
MAIN BODY
Paragraph 2-3-4 Give the first, second, third argument and examples or reasons to support your opinion
Paragraph 5 Give the opposing viewpoint of the argument and opinions
CONCLUSION
Final paragraph Re-state your opinion, using different words

USEFUL PHRASES

To list points: in the first place, first of all, to start with…

To add more points: what is more, another major reason, also, furthermore, moreover, in addition to, besides, apart from
this, not to mention the fact that, apart from this….
To introduce conflicting viewpoints: it is argued that, people argue that, opponents of this view say, there are people who
oppose, one could also argue that…. Even though…although, however, despite+ noun/ gerund…
To express opinion: I believe, In my opinion, I think, In my view, I strongly believe, As I see it, rom my point of view, To
my mind, My opinion is that.. As far as I’m concerned…. I completely agree that/with… I strongly disagree that/with…I
am totally against… I couldn’t agree more that/with… I am totally opposed to… I couldn’t (dis)agree more…The way I
see it…It seems/appears to me (that)…

INTRODUCTIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

INTRODUCTIONS

Some people claim/believe /say… It is sometimes said that… The question is… We often read/hear that…

CONCLUSIONS

On balance…, I feel/believe that… in my opinion… Summarizing… To sum up… In conclusion…

MODEL

Your teacher has asked you to write a composition giving your opinion on whether cigarette advertising should be banned.

Cigarette advertising is a popular topic for discussion, as an increasing number of people believe that it is immoral and
should be banned. I support this view for a variety of reasons.
In the first place, Cigarette advertising should be stopped because an unhealthy product is being promotes. According to
many medical reports, tobacco is a major cause of lung cancer and is sometimes responsible for heart disease.What is
more, smoking can have harmful effects on non-smokers: when in the presence of smokers, they have no choice but to
breathe in second-hand smoke.
Another major reason for banning cigarette advertising is the fact that it targets young people. Cigarette adverts show
young, beautiful, successful people smoking and having fun. This is an image which is appealing to teenagers. In other
words, they become attracted to this glamorous representation of smoking, which leads to them taking up the habit.
Furthermore, the average teenager does not consider the harmful effects of smoking or the fact that it is addictive.
In their defence, however, tobacco companies argue that since their products are legally sold they have the right to
communicate information about them, in other words, advertising. They also argue that their advertisements are not
intended to cause people to start smoking, but rather are an attempt to cause smokers to switch brands. They strongly deny
that they target young people in their adverts, stating that all the models whose photographs they use are adults.
In conclusion, I believe that cigarette companies are only interested in making money, as their advertising campaigns are
unethical and aimed at teenagers. It is not good to promote an unhealthy product, so in my opinion, cigarette advertising
should be banned.

HOMEWORK

1. Your teacher has asked you to write a composition on the question: “Do you think that life in the future will be
better or worse?” Write a composition giving your opinion on this subject.
2. Write an essay giving your opinion on the following statement: “Young people are spending too much time in front
of screens (TV, computer) and have stopped learning what “real life” looks like.
3. Damage to the environment is an inevitable consequence of worldwide improvements in the standard of living.
Discuss.
4. Will modern technology such as the internet ever replace the book or the written word as the main source of
information?
5. What are factors which are related to academic success in high-school students?
6. Should criminals be punished with lengthy jail terms or should they be re-educated, using community service
programs for instance, before being reintroduced to society?
7. Should children be taught sex education in schools?
8. “Travel broadens the mind”. Write an essay stating your opinion.