OPINION

40-60
OPENING (2 sentences)
1. Rephrase the statement
One school of thought holds that …
2. Answer
While I acknowledge the reasons behind this thinking, I would argue …

BODY 1 - Explain why some people think that way

1. Topic sentence:
On the one hand, it is understandable why some people propose + Noun phrase / that +
clause
2. Explain:
The key rationale behind this notion is that …
3. Further explain / Give an example
4. Mini-conclusion (optional)
Given these, the idea of … is justifiable.

BODY 2 - Explain your position

1. Topic sentence:
On the other hand, I am convinced that …
2. Supporting idea 1:
Perhaps the foremost reason that can be put forward would be that …
3. Further explain/ Give an example:
4. Supporting idea 2:
In addition to this, …
5. Further explain/ Give an example:

CONCLUSION
Summarize your ideas
In conclusion, while there are justifications to advocate …(view 1)..., I would contend that …
(view 2)

Some people say that the government should make university education free for everyone no
matter what financial background they have.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

take it for granted -> skip classes/ miss exams … would cost them nothing -> take a toll on their
academic performance.
competitive advantage/edge

One school of thought holds that the government should provide free access to education for
everyone, irrespective/regardless of their socioeconomic background. While I acknowledge
 OPINION

the reasons behind this thinking, I would argue that this proposal could do more harm than
good.
On the one hand, it is understandable why some people propose free-of-charge higher
education. The key rationale behind this notion is that this provision would allow more people,
especially the financially disadvantaged, to access tertiary education. The implication of this is
that they could stand a higher chance of landing a decent job in the future, thereby being able
to provide for themselves and their family. On the societal level, exempting university tuition
fees could reduce the unemployment and poverty rates. Given these, the idea of allowing
people to pursue higher education without paying fees is justifiable.
On the other hand, I am convinced that the drawbacks of free university education are more
pronounced. Perhaps the foremost reason that can be put forward would be this provision
could put a strain on the authorities. To specify this, granting free access to third-level
education is a prohibitively expensive undertaking, and it would require developing and
impoverished countries, whose budgets are meager, to make huge sacrifices. This can be seen
in Vietnam, where overspending on higher education would result in lacking funding for other
important sectors like transportation, thereby possibly placing impediments on their economic
growth. This example is a testament to why tertiary education should not be made free.

In conclusion, while there are justifications to advocate university tuition exemption, I would
contend that it seems not a worthwhile tradeoff.
hinder/ hamper/ impede ~ place impediments on
tradeoff (n) / to trade off (phr.v)

Some say that music, art and drama are as important as other school subjects, especially at
the primary level. Do you agree or disagree?