OPINION ESSAY

SAMPLE TASK : From what age do you think children should start receiving
pocket money and what do you think they should have to do to get it? Write an
opinion essay.

POSSIBLE THESIS STATEMETS:

Giving pocket money to children from an early age might have negative consequences
on their behaviour; as they often get used to being rewarded for nothing.

Kids should be taught at an early age that in order to get something one should strive
and work for it.

Is it right that kids get pocket money without doing anything to get it? In my opinion, it
is definitely not.

POSSIBLE SUPPORTING DETAILS:

A good age to start receiving money might be eleven or twelve, because at this age
children become more autonomous. In addition, they start getting involved in social
activities, such as going to the cinema or eating a burger, which unfortunately are not
for free.

On the other hand, pocket money might encourage children to develop their sense of
responsibility and personal autonomy… (Establishing contrast)

POSSIBLE CONCLUSION:

Money is not the most important thing in life, but it cannot be denied that without money
one won’t be able to survive, hence children should learn that it is important not to
waste it from an early age. That, indeed, would save them from having problems in the
future.

***MISTAKES:
Avoid repeating I think... and I think that... There are other expressions that you can
use: from my point of view... In my opinion... As far as I’m concerned...
Don’t use the article the in generalisations: *the children should learn money is
important from an early age.
The infinitive as subject for general actions: to start financial education at an early age
is by far the best way to teach children good habits
Use the –ing form after prepositions: *if children do some work like tidy their
bedroom...
At/from the age of
Be careful with the use of relative pronouns: *especially students that they live by
themselves.
CONNECTORS OF CAUSE AND EFFECT

CONNECTORS OF CAUSE: because, since, due to, as, etc.

CONNECTORS OF EFFECT: as a result, so, therefore

Examples:
As a result of his charming personality, he has made any charming friends over
the years.
He was a determined person. Therefore, he achieved many great things.

The word since has got two meanings.

I haven’t seen you since 2013.
I want to see the film since I’ve heard it’s very good.

1. Match A to B to form sentences:

A
1) He has escaped from dangerous situations
2) He has got many friends
3) He’s a very determined person
4) As a result of his charity work
5) Since many young people admire him
B
a) So he usually gets what he wants
b) As he is a charming and witty person
c) Millions of people are getting help
d) He often takes part in educational campaigns
e) Due to his tough and resourceful personality

2. Choose the right option:

1) Doctors believe that some bacteria are more resistant nowadays __________ the
misuse of antibiotics.
a) owing to b) because c)due to
2) _________you have no more money to spend, you will have to stop buying useless
things.
a) as a result b) since c) because
3) He’s embarrassed about being bald__________ he always wears a wig.
a) since b) that’s why c) because of
4) I knew I couldn’t win. __________ , I didn’t play the match and I decided to do
more practice to improve my performance for the next competition.
a) due to b) consequently c) as
5) ___________ the traffic jams I arrive late for work every day.
a) because of b) since c) because
6) The students were angry ____________ the teacher didn’t keep her promise to let
them out earlier.
a) since b) as a result of c) therefore
7) You are not following the doctor’s advice ___________ you won’t get better.
a) as b) consequently c) because of
WRITING TEMPLATE

PARAGRAPH 1
THE THESIS:

PARAGRAPHS 2 and 3:
Facts and examples to support your opinion

CONCLUSION
Include a summary of the main point you’ve made and a restatement of your
opinion. Do not include new information

TASK: choose one topic to write an opinion essay.

1) Online shopping is better than going to the shops.

2) Cities should offer free public WI-FI.
3) People who download films and music illegally should be punished.
4) Teachers have to pass a basic skills test every ten years to renew their
certification.