Prfa.
Marta Peinado
Opinion Essay
How to argument your opinion on a topic
Hints
First decide whether you agree or
disagree with the topic.
Make a list of your viewpoints and
the evidence or facts with which
you can support them.
Select the most persuasive and
outstanding arguments from you
list.
Remember to start each paragraph
with a topic sentence that
introduces the content.
Use suitable discourse markers to
connect paragraphs, be coherent
and clarify the line of argument.
Signal words and phrases Structure
!Expressing an opinion
1. Write down an
• It is probably true to say that … introductory paragraph in
• There can be no doubt that … which you introduce the
topic and state your
• It is simply not the case that … / This is
opinion.
not, however, the case with …
• Despite this, it would be wrong to argue 2. In the main body of the
that … essay write down a
paragraph for each
Commonly held views
viewpoint and its
• It is widely believed that … supporting arguments.
• No one would dispute (the fact) that …
3. Include a paragraph in
• It is generally agreed that …
which you analyze
• It is widely acknowledged that … opposing points of view
and refute them.
Saying what other people think
• There are those who argue that … / Some 4. Close the essay with a
may argue that … conclusion in which you
restate your opinion
• Although some people argue that …, in my
view … using different words.
• It has been suggested that …
• It is often claimed that … Research questions
• Opponents/Supporters/Proponents of •Develop research questions to
….argue that ... help you produce arguments.
Referring to sources
!!
• Evidence suggests/seems to suggest that . !!
• A recent survey found/proved that … !!
!