IAIN PURWOKERTO

WELCOME TO

Academic Writing
CLASS
with Mrs. Desi Wijayanti Ma’rufah, M.Pd
 Today, we’re going to
discuss:
Organization of
Opinion Essay

Choose a topic for an

opinion essay

Write an outline and

an opinion essay
❑OPINION ESSAYS
In an opinion essay, the writer tries to convince the reader
of a point of view on a controversial issue (something that
people disagree about).
Introduction
✓ The hook introduces a controversial issue.
✓ The hook may be a short story or an anecdote, a question, or a surprising
statement or fact that makes the reader want to know more.
✓ The middle sentences explain why the issue is important; explains
the issue with details about the history or the people involved,
what they want, or how it affects them.
✓ The thesis statement at the end presents the writer’s point of view.
Body Paragraph
✓The topic sentence has a controlling idea that supports the
writer’s main argument in the thesis.
✓The following sentences support the topic sentence with
reasons, facts, and explanation to help the reader
understand the writer’s point of view.
✓The body paragraph includes a statement that describes
the opposing opinion. This is called the counter argument.
The writer than argues against the counter-argument.
This is called a refutation. In the refutation, the
writer points out the weakness in the counter-argument
and shows how his own argument is stronger.
Conclusion
✓This restates the writer’s opinion, but often using
different, more persuasive language.
✓It may also offer a warning, a prediction, or other type
of comment that reinforces the writer’s viewpoint.

Example
Fact vs Opinion
✓Fact: a truth that is scientifically proven or generally
accepted.
‘Antibiotics cure infections.’

✓Opinion: one point of view among many.

‘Antibiotics are the most important invention
of the twentieth century.’
Interpreting Facts to Support an Opinion
✓After the writer gives factual examples, she or he then interprets the
facts, explaining how they support her or his opinion. Look at the
example below, which includes an opinion, factual examples, and an
interpretation of the facts.
Opinion Animals use language to communicate with each other.
Factual examples Arctic wolves, for example, communicate the presence of
caribou through their howls and barks. Other wolves hear
the messages and are able to meet their pack to join the
hunt.

Interpretation Clearly, if another animal can understand vocalized messages

that tell him or her the location of food, then that animal is
using language.
Counter-Argument and Refutation
In order to make an opinion essay as persuasive as possible, the
writer includes a counter-argument and a refutation.
✓ A counter-argument is the opposing opinion. It disagrees with the
writer’s position. By including the counter-argument, the writer
shows an understanding of other points of view.
✓ The refutation is the writer’s response to the counter-argument.
In the refutation, the writer shows why the counter-argument is weak
and the writer’s position is strong. The refutation may also
address doubts the reader may have about the
writer’s position.
Example:
• An opinion essay about fast food | LearnEnglish Teens - British
Council
• Argumentative Essays // Purdue Writing Lab
 Brainstorm your ideas!
Now, think and choose an issue that you think
has had an important impact on society. Write
your opinion about the issue. Write arguments
that agree/disagree with your opinion.
For example:
- TV is bad for children.

Discuss with your group that oppose your

opinion to state the counter argument.
 Brainstorm your ideas!
Discuss with your group to gain the opinion of
your topic.
E.g. Topic: TV is bad for children

Agree Disagree
 Write an outline!
Introduction
✓Hook : ___________________________________
✓Background information:_______________________
✓Thesis statement: ____________________________
Body paragraph
✓viewpoint 1 & reason, example:___________________
✓viewpoint 2 & reason, example:___________________
✓opposing viewpoint & reason/example*:____________
Conclusion
✓Restate opinion, summary and comment:
_______________________________________________