OPINION ESSAY

STRUTURE
TITLE
P1
introduce the topic (present the current situation/compare past & present/Romania to other
countries/define) + Thesis statement: mention the 2 options chosen and which of the 2 you (opinion
marker) consider to be better/more efficient (according to what the task requested you to prove)
P2 – Argument 1 supporting your option (SEXI)
P3 – Argument 2 supporting your option (SEXI)
P4 – Argument 3 – what others think, which is contrast to what you think (the other option in the
task) + prove it wrong/irrelevant - why it isn’t as relevant as what you think.
(SEXI)
P5 sum up (go through the arguments) + draw the final conclusion (RESTATE YOUR OPINION –
the thesis statement) + hint to the future using an optimistic tone / leave the door open to further
interpretation. (rhetorical question/call for action)

INTRODUCING THE TOPIC:

Throughout the years humanity has known numerous changes in terms of ….
The timeline of human evolution has had major changes in terms of ……
Reality as we know it today is the result of major technological and social changes, which led
to an improvement in our living standards. Consequently, we are now able to ….
Owing to the great variety of ….. available nowadays, we are now able to .......
Nowadays society is under the heavy influence of ...................., a phenomenon which has
brought about major changes in the way we lead our lives /in the way we spend our free time / in
the way we work.
The advent of technology has undoubtedly brought about a revolution in communication/ in
the way we interact with each other / in our social interactions.
Medical breakthroughs have undoubtedly improved our living standards, touching the lives of
nearly every person on the planet.
Advances in technology allow us to peer deep into the human body, making it possible for us
to extend the lives of those with chronic diseases.
Advances in health and medicine have made it possible for us to extend the lives of those with
chronic diseases / improve the quality of our life /improve our living standards /push the limits of
life expectancy rates/.
…… has come to be considered the key to securing a successful career and social life. It goes
without saying that …………………. has a significant impact on all areas of human activity.

Reality as we know it today is the result of major environmental changes, which led to a
decrease in our living standards. Consequently, we are now unable to breathe fresh air or eat
healthily.

THESIS STATEMENT:
However, despite its evident benefits, ……X….. has downsides, which IS WHY I BELIEVE ……
Y…….. can potentially play a better role in ………………….
Whereas it is undeniable that X is very important/useful in the …………….., I believe Y plays a far
greater role in ………………..
While it is true that X offers a lot of benefits, it is my belief that Y has way more advantages
regarding ……………
Even though X is important, I consider that Y represents a much better option.

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Although many believe that X is very important, I personally think that Y has way more benefits to
offer.

Reality as we know it today is the result of major environmental changes, which led to a decrease
in our living standards. Consequently, we are now unable to breathe fresh air or eat healthily.
Whereas it is undeniable that people’s participantion in eco-friendly events can get them to be more
aware of environmental issues, I believe media can play a far greater role.

Reality as we know it today is the result of major .......................... changes, which led to an
increase / a decrease in our living standards. Consequently, we are now /able / unable
to ......................... Whereas it is undeniable that ............. can ......................, I believe .......................
can play a far greater role.

MAIN BODY PARAGRAPHS

P2
To begin with, …. ARGUMENT 1 supporting personal opinion
In other words, …………… EXPLANATION
Namely, ……… EXEMPLIFICATION
Thus, IMPACT

P3
Secondly, ........ ARGUMENT 2 supporting personal opinion / What I mean by this is that….. For
instance, ...........So, /Therefore/Consequently, /This will result in….

P4
In contrast, some people might be under the misapprehension that ……………. / On the other hand,
some might be in favour of / support the idea that … /
However, how can we possibly …. when …… / But isn’t it much better for us to …. / But wouldn’t
that actually mean that …………/ -ing

P5
CONCLUSION
To draw an inference, / To conclude, / To sum up, /All in all, I HOLD THE OPINION THAT / I
BELIEVE, ………………

RHETORICAL QUESTIONS
As we walk/move forward, / moving forward we may not know what the future has in store for us
but at least we should make sure we are there for each other / we do not lose grasp of our true
values and our true selves.
Is there any way we can improve ….. and bring it up to another level?
Wouldn’t ….. make ………. more accessible?
However, we should not let rules get in the way of communication. Afterall, isn’t communication
the main reason why we can tell humans from animals apart?
But who knows, maybe some day, x will be substituted by …………………. which has not actually
been created/invented yet.
As excited as we may be about our own dreams, we should not overlook the fact that a more
sensitive and caring approach to life can potentially touch the lives of many generations to come.
Opportunities arise from determination and hardwork, which can potentially touch the lives of
many generations to come.

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FORMAL REGISTER/STYLE:
no every day, colloquial language;
no idioms or phrasal verbs (although some are acceptable);
no contractions;
no abbreviations;
Using:
connectors and transition markers;
passive structures & impersonal constructions
conditional clauses
emphasis, inversions
preferring nouns over verbs
using inanimate nouns as subjects of a sentence
upgrading vocabulary (e.g. words of Latin origin)
using connectors to connect paragraphs and sentences within paragraphs.

FORMAL REGISTER/STYLE:
● passive structures & impersonal constructions
Essential measures should be undertaken by education authorities to/ so as to/in order to control
the information available to children on the Internet.
istead of
Education authorities should undertake any necessary measures to/so as to control the information
available to children on the Internet.
Education authorities should do whatever they can to control the information children access on
the Internet.

It is said/reported/assumed/supposed/considered/expected/ known/thought + that something is/does

something.
It is said that the Internet is harmful for children.
Something is said/reported/assumed/supposed/considered/expected/ known/thought + long
infinitive.
The Internet is said to be harmful for children.
● conditional clauses
If parents fail to understand the necessity to limit their children’s access to the Internet, any
measures taken by the authorities to protect them might prove to be inefficient.
● emphasis / inversions
Seldom do parents remember how important it is for children’s access to the Internet to be limited.
What parents forget is how how important it is for children’s access to the Internet to be limited.
Some parents are indeed oblivious of the fact that it is their duty to limit their children’s access to
the Internet. It is for this reason that many unwanted incidents occur.
● preferring nouns over verbs
Teenagers are more and more interested in computers.
Teenagers’ interest in computers is growing. / Teenagers have a growing interest in computers.
● using inanimate nouns as subjects of a sentence
● using a wide variety of vocabulary structures, using words of Latin origin)
● using connectors and markers to connect paragraphs and sentences within paragraph.
● Using sentences which start with –ing
Knowing that technology is here to stay, it is ludicrous to assume that industries such as will
continue to exist for too much longer without embracing ….
● modal verbs/ modal structures: Such issues are likely to lead to unwanted tension ….
● relative clauses: Employees, most of whom have their own families, will surely be affected by

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…..

USEFUL LANGUAGE
● Opinion: From my point of view, In my opinion, To my mind, It is my belief that, I believe that,
Personally, As far as I’m concerned, It seems to me, I hold the belief that;
● Similar arguments: To begin with, First of all, First and foremost, One argument in order of, To
adress the issue of, In addition to, Additionally, Moreover, Another point worth mentioning,
Furthermore, Another benefit of, On the one hand;
● Contrasting arguments: In contrast, However, Yet, Despite..., In spite of, Contrary to this, On
the other hand, Nonetheless, Nevertheless;
● Explanation: Actually, In other words, This means that, It is proven that, To explain this, This
can be explained by, To justify this, As a matter of fact, In fact;
● Example: For example, For instance, To exemplify this, A useful/ good example is, Namely to
illustrate this, To prove this, Such... are shown in;
● Result: Taking into consideration, As a result, Therefore, Hence, Thus, This way, Consequently,
Accordingly, for this reason, Hence, As a consequence, The outcome of...is, So, Because of that, In
order to, So as to, So that, evidence suggests that, There can be no doubt that, Therefore, Thus,
Hence, This way, These examples show that, We can see that ;
● Emphasising: Basically, Mostly, Actually, Really, Truly, Undoubtely, Without a doubt, Surely,
Clearly, Obviously, Frankly( formal), Basically, To emphasise this, It goes without saying that, It is
obvious that, It is common sense that, It is widely known/ acknowledged that, There is little doubt
that;
● Comparing: In contrast/ Similarly, Comparing this to..., In comparison, Likewise, Same as, Just
as, Unlike, Similar to, Different from, As opposed to, Whereas;
● Concluding: In conclusion, To sum up, Concluding, On balance, Taking everything into
account/ consideration, To conclude, All in all, To draw an inference, All things considered, On the
whole, By and large.

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Task
You have had a class discussion about what makes a student perform better academically. You have
made the following notes:
Students do better when:
- encouraged if they make mistakes
- punished when if they make mistakes
- they are allowed to learn from their own misyakes.
Write an essay for your tutor discussing two of the aspects in your notes. You
should explain which aspect you think is the most important and provide reasons
to support your opinion.

Education, Friend or Foe?

Nowadays teachers are struggling to provide students with the best academic preparation possible.
While some are of the opinion that a stricter education will lead to better outcomes, I am of the
opinion that encouraging pupils in a positive way will ensure progress on the long run.

To begin with, students are more determined to improve if they are rewarded for their work. It is
only natural for people to be driven by positive examples and things they can look forward to.
Moreover, studies have shown that children who were given different small treats when doing
something good, like stickers, for instance, were stimulated to continue doing so. Hence, positive
reinforcement works.

Furthermore, students are generally attracted to people who respond to their actions in a positive
way. Unless students’ merits are acnowledged by those whom they look up to, teachers, in this case,
they might get demotivated. Hence, saying a phrase, as simple as “Great job!” can encourage a
child beyond imagination.

On the other hand, it is sometimes claimed that being coercive is more effective when teaching.
Forcing students to complete certain tasks or giving them bad marks is somehow perceived as the
educators’ way of motivating them to do better. However, while it is important to ensure that
students stay on track, it is also mandatory to create a relaxing and engaging learning environment
where students can thrive.

In conclusion, it is my belief that students are likely to have the best learning outcomes and make
the best of themselves when teachers reward and praise them. After all, positive reinforcement is
the key to success and it comes hand in hand with modern educational approaches.

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Task
You have listened to a panel discussion sbout the pressure to spend money on the latest fashions
and expensive brands. Experts debated what could be done to reduce the pressure on young people
to be fashionable. You have made the notes below:
Which group should help teenagers deal with fashion pressure?
Parents
Schools
Governments
Some opinions expressed in the discussion:
- ’Parents need to give guidance about clothing and spending’;
- ’All schools should have a school uniform’;
- ’Goverments must regulate advertising simed at teenagers’.

Write an essay for your tutor discussing two of the groups in your notes. You
should explain which group you think should help teenagers more with this issue,
providing reasons to support your opinion.
You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the discussion, but you should use
your own words as far as possible. Write your answer in the appropriate style.

In today’s digital world, images of the latest fashions are promoted on social media and as a result
some teenagers may feel pressured to keep up with the fashion trends, which can be stresful and
cause financial hardship. This is why I believe parental support in this respect can play a crucial role
in the way young people deal with this issue, being far more important than the help they may get
from school.
To begin with, since most teenagers live at home, parents can easily help them cope with fassion
pressure. They can offer them guidance about choosing their daily outfits as a form of self-
expression, thus teaching them how to develop their own fashion style and self-esteem without
becoming a slave ot fashion.
Secondly, parents obviously know their own children XXXXX

More useful language below

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Impact - COLLOCATIONS
1 
effect/impression

HAVE AN IMPACT ON SOMETHING

ADJ. considerable, dramatic, enormous, great, high, huge, important, main, major,

massive, powerful, profound, real, significant, strong, substantial, tremendous a
high-impact message aimed at changing high risk behaviour among drug-users |

limited, marginal, minimal/minimum, negligible | full The industrial north of the

country felt the full impact of the recession. |

maximum We'll show you how to dress for maximum impact at the all-important
audition. |

overall, total | growing, increasing | added | disproportionate | uneven the uneven

impact of the debt crisis on developing countries |

aggregate, combined, cumulative considering the cumulative impact of a series of

damaging events |

decisive | direct The railways made a direct physical impact on the landscape. |

immediate, instant | initial, short-term | lasting, long-term | far-reaching, wider It is

important to appreciate the wider impact and implications of this proposal. |

future, likely, possible, potential | beneficial, favourable, positive | adverse,

catastrophic, damaging, devastating, disastrous, heavy, negative, serious, severe |
human The severest human impact on the dolphins has been the loss of habitat. |
personal The personal impact of party leaders has been very important. |

physical, visual seeking to reduce the visual impact of wind farms on the landscape |
cultural, ecological, economic, emotional, environmental, financial, health, political,
psychological, social The environmental impact of power generation is being assessed.

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● Useful expressions for giving opinion:
To my mind/To my way of thinking
It is my (firm) belief/opinion/view/conviction (that)…
In my opinion/view…
I (firmly) believe…
I am (not) convinced that…
I (do not) agree that/with..
It strikes me that…
My opinion is that,…
I (definitely) feel/think that…
I am inclined to believe that…
It seems/appears to me …
As far as I am concerned…
● Useful connectors for stating arguments:
In the first place…
To begin with…
Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly…
● Useful connectors for giving examples:
An example of this…
For example/ instance…
● Useful connectors for explaining:
The reason for this…
So…
● Useful connectors for adding arguments:
Furthermore…
In addition…
● Useful connectors for introducing opposing arguments:
Although…
On the other hand…
In contrast…
Nonetheless…
● Useful connectors for concluding:
All in all…
To sum up…
To conclude…
Taking these points into consideration…
Finally…

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 USEFUL LANGUAGE BY TOPIC
Technology
- vivid media coverage/ popular media
- technological advances/ technological innovations/ the latest technology/ innovative technology
- sophisticated techniques
- innovation didn't catch on
- scientific and technological achievements
- use clever technology
- effective technological circuits
- testing programmes reports
- call into question the benefits of automation
-effects of technology at a societal level
- humanoid robot / driverless car
- the next generation of machines
-machine malfunctions
- nanotechnology
- software
- engineer
- leading experts
-modern robotics
-complex algorithms
-true artificial intelligence (AI) is getting closer
-to be halted by a screen
-digital footprint
Communication
- to present dialogue
-face-to-face communication / one-to-one live conversation
- the voice is the very emblem of the speaker, indelibly woven into the fabric of speech
- all the information that a speaker intends to convey
- regulate conversation with the interlocutor(s)
- social interaction
-non-verbal communication
- cultural and social contexts of communication
- gesticulations, mannerism, facial expression, intonation, physical gesture
-most seasoned speech
-inject passion
-speechwriter
-debating controversial topics
-break from the conversation & restart conversation
-negotiate/communicate effectively
-the way we relate to each other
-lose sense of connection
-speak your mind / get your view/point across
- strong interpersonal skills
Career and jobs
-career path
-full-time/part-time/permanent employment
-work environment

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-beat numerous applicants to win the place
-apply for a position in
-apprenticeship vacancies
-to be offered an interview
-real job experience
-to have a degree in
-lots of aspiration and drive
-serving an apprenticeship
-intensive training courses
-recruitment procedures
-career advisors
-take up/ lay off personnel
-labour force / manpower
Education
→ to do a course on
→ to send one to boarding school
→ to study to be/become something
→ to take a gap-year
→ to do research
→ to do revision
→ to hand in a paper/essay
→ further education
→ mental agility
→ gifted child
→ to win a scholarship
→ to attend school
→ straight a student
→ to secure a place
→ seats of learning
→ to read (english literature)
→ academic year
→ core subject
→ set texts
→ leading authority
→ graduate from (university)
→ formal education
→ sign up for (a course)
→ enroll on (a course)
→ meet the entry requirements
→ mature student
→ to get a place at
→ to mark improvement
→ to let one’s attention wander
→ to have a natural talent for
→ to achieve full marks
→ to be room for improvement
→ to learn by heart
→ to have a thirst for knowledge
→ to be a quick learner
→ to let one’s concentration waver

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 → to demonstrate an ability
→ to show initiative
→ to prove an ability
→ to play truant
→ to submit a report
→ to present one’s findings
→ select a research topic
→ to formulate a working hypothesis
→ (to find data) to support the hypothesis
→ to undertake a study
→ research ethics
→ background reading
→ to provide a rationale
→ to back up the conclusions
→ to lay out one’s results
→ to carry out a research
→ to offer vigorous defence
→ to make the case for something
→ to confront issues
→ to put the case for
→ to tackle an issue
→ to give an exhaustive account of
→ the research indicates ...
→ to formulate new theories
→ to test theories
→ to cover a lot of ground
→ to offer full explanation
→ the thrust of one’s argument
→ first-hand knowledge
→ to provide critical analysis
→ to conduct research
Leisure & Lifestyle
→ to put one at ease
→ to take the weight of one’s feet
→ to make oneself comfortable
→ to take some time off
→ free moments
→ spare time
→ to take things easy
→ to sit back and relax
→ to take a break
→ to take up a hobby
→ to get a bit of pace and quiet
→ all work and no play
→ to came on a flying visit
→ to have a girls’ night out
→ to go out for a meal
→ to stick to one’s diet
→ surprise party
→ to spring a surprise on

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→ to call for a celebration
→ to throw a party
→ to put in an appearance
→ special occasion
→ to spend quality time
→ whirlwind visit
→ social whirl
→ to go clubbing
→ to play host to
→ to make one welcome
→ to pay a visit
→ to join the festivities
→ to attend a formal function
→ a family gathering
→ to wine and dine
→ a convivial atmosphere
→ the perfect venue
→ idle chatter
→ exchange pleasantries
→ to share juicy gossip
→ to exchange news
→ to spread rumors
→ “rumors are always flying around.”
→ engage someone in conversation
→ to open one’s heart to
→ to find yourself drawn into an argument
→ to win an argument
→ to lose an argument
→ to carry on a conversation
→ to hold a conversation
→ to broach the subject
→ to change the subject
→ to bring up the subject
→ to take on seriously
→ to overstate one’s case
→ to bombard one with questions
→ to make broad generalisations
→ to drop the subject
→ bad/foul/strong language
→ four-letter words
→ opening gambit
→ to make rash promises
→ empty promises
→ tough question
→ a festival falls on …
→ to uphold the annual tradition
→ to hold an unusual festival
→ to celebrate a tradition
→ to date back to
→ festive mood

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 → to perform a dance
→ movable feast
→ rich tradition
→ cultural heritage
→ put on a firework display
→ in a break with tradition
→ a long-standing tradition
→ to get hitched
→ to tie the knot
→ pre-wedding nerves
→ to be joined into matrimony
→ to propose/make a toast
→ to raise the glasses
→ wedded bliss
Environment& Nature
→ disposal of household waste
→ to dump waste
→ harmful to the environment
→ to recycle waste
→ toxic waste
→ public health
→ environmental catastrophe
→ weather pattern
→ to change one’s ways
→ searing heat
→ the temperatures soar…
→ widespread flooding
→ to be dire consequences
→ irreversible climate change
→ carbon footprint
→ food miles
→ offsetting carbon emissions
→ vehicle emissions
→ hybrid car
→ solar heating
→ alternative energy sources
→ offshore wind farms
→ (oil supplies) to run dry
→ renewable energy
→ to introduce green taxes
→ eco-friendly design
→ bustling centre
→ urban living
→ reliable public transport
→ long opening hours
→ rustic charm
→ the back of beyond
→ rural idyll
→ quiet backwater
→ in the middle of nowhere

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→ crowded streets
→ hectic pace of life
→ to hail a taxi
→ urban regeneration
→ derelict buildings
→ tree-planting scheme
→ inner city
→ leafy suburbs
→ desirable place to live
→ residential dwellings
→ congested roads
→ within walking distance
→ to be open all hours
→ a flock of seagulls
→ a swarm of bees
→ a herd of elephants
→ a litter of kittens
→ a pack of dogs
→ a plague of locusts
→ (a dog) breed
→ welfare organization
→ to be in danger of extinction
→ to keep something for a pet
→ wildlife park
→ to be a real animal lover
→ animal kingdom
→ to work on a farm
→ free range chickens
→ to harvest the corn
→ to plough the fields
→ to stable the horses
→ to milk the cows
→ to bring in the harvest

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 Food, Sports and Nowadays Problems
1. Food
◊ a heavy meal
◊stale (food item : bread, cheese)
◊ have a sweet tooth = eating sweet or sugary things like cakes, sweets or chocolate
◊ eat sensibly = eat moderate quantities of food, and not over-indulging in unhealthy food
◊ shed weight = become lighter
Types of food:
◊ poultry (or “white meat”) = chicken, turkey, goose, duck
◊ meat (or “red meat”) = lamb, pork or beef
◊ game (“wild” meat) = rabbit, hare, partridge, pheasant
How food is cooked:
◊ fried / sauteed = cooked in oil in a frying pan
◊ stir-fried = fried fast in hot oil
◊ pan-fried = fried in a frying pan
◊ roasted = cooked in oil in the oven
◊ grilled = cooked under a grill or on a ridged pan
◊ baked = cooked in the oven
2. Sports
◊amateur = engaged in something, like playing sports, without payment; non-professional
◊ cheer on = to shout encouragement to a team or a player
◊ coach = a person who trains and directs an athlete or a sports team
◊ field = a piece of land marked out for a sports contest e.g. hockey field
◊ goal = an instance of scoring in a ball game by getting the ball into a target such as between goal-
posts, through a hoop, or into a net.
◊ gym / gymnasium = a room or building equipped for physical exercise◊ half-time = the interval
between the first and second halves of a game
◊ league = a group of sports clubs that play each other over a period for a championship◊ leisure =
free time, or the use of free time for enjoyment
◊ referee = a sports official with authority to make rulings during a contest
◊ serve = to hit the ball to begin play (in tennis, table tennis, squash, volleyball, etc.)
◊ sportsmanship = an attitude of fairness, respect for opponents, and graciousness in winning or
losing
◊ stadium = a sports arena with tiered seating for spectators
◊ plural: stadiums or stadia

3. Nowadays Problems
Relationships
Date = spending time with someone that you are romantically interested in
◊ Fiancé = If you are planning on marrying someone, "fiancé" is the word used to describe that
person if he is a man.
◊ Fiancée = If you are planning on marrying someone, "fiancé" is the word used to describe that
person if she is a woman.
◊ Crush = If you have a crush on someone, that means that you are very attracted to them but you
are not in a relationship with them.
◊ Better half or other half = Sometimes, people use the expression "better half" or "other half" to
describe their husband or wife.
Addiction
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 ◊ Addict = An individual who is addicted to a particular substance or behavior.
◊ Go cold turkey = This refers to the abrupt cessation of a substance dependence and the resulting
unpleasant experience, as opposed to gradually easing the process through reduction over time or by
using replacement medication.
◊ Drug rehabilitation = is the processes of medical or psychotherapeutic treatment for dependency
on alcohol, cocaine, heroin, etc.
◊ Overdose = This refers to an excessive and dangerous dose of a drug.
◊ Habit = This refers to a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give
up.
Consumerism
◊ Warranty = This is a statement made by a manufacturer or seller of a product or service
concerning the responsibility for quality, characteristics, and performance of the product or service.
◊ Monopoly = A market situation in which only one organization produces the entire output of an
industry or sells a product or service for which there is no substitute.
◊ Impulse buying = Unplanned consumer purchases, usually done on the spur of the moment—
usually involving items on display or at reduced prices.
◊ Limited Warranty = May require the consumer to pay labor fees or handling charges and may
require the consumer to ship the product to the seller or an authorized service dealer for repairs.
◊ Implied warranty of merchantability = The product actually is what it is called and does what its
name implies.

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