The Opinion Essay

LSC 2103
 Why Opinion Essay?
• To convince the reader of a point of view on a
controversial issue (something people disagree
about)
• Examples:
• Are women better parents than men?
• Do our children need to learn more languages in the
future?
• Does modern technology make life more convenient,
or was life better when technology was simpler?
 Structure of The Essay

Introduction:
Hook + Background information + Thesis statement

Reason 1: state your reason –

explain/support (examples, facts,
statistics, in-text citations)

Reason 1: state your reason –

explain/support (examples, facts,
statistics, in-text citations)

Reason 1: state your reason –

explain/support (examples, facts,
statistics, in-text citations)

Conclusion:
Restate the thesis, summarize your points, and consider the
future (warning, advice, prediction)
 Topic
What are some of the potential dangers of
social media?
Support your answer with any relevant examples
from your own knowledge and/or experience.
 Introduction
• Hook
introduces the controversial issue
Can be a surprising/shocking fact that makes the
reader eager to read your essay
• Background Information
Explains the issue with some details (history, people
involved, what they want, how it affects them)
• Thesis statement
Presents a clear opinion on the topic
 Example Introduction
Nowadays, social media is now so integrated into
people’s lives that many people cannot pass a
single day without checking updates on popular
platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. It is
certainly true that this can be very useful as well as
fun. However, there are many drawbacks to social
media. This essay will identify and discuss a
number of potential risks connected with the use
of social media.
 Body Paragraphs
• Each paragraph offers one main reason for
your opinion.
• Support your arguments with examples (facts,
real-life experience, statistics, in-text-citations,
etc.).
• Use the TEXA strategy on the following slide
to develop these paragraphs systematically.
 The TEXA Strategy
Use the TEXA Strategy below to develop each body
paragraph:
T – Topic: State what you will be talking about in the
paragraph.
E – Explain: Elaborate on what you said in the first
sentence by giving more information.
X – Example: Give an example to support what you said
(facts, statistics, real-life experience)
A – Analysis: Think about the result of what you said, or
add a comment (mini-conclusion)
Some Useful Linking Words for Body Paragraphs

Introducing Topic Explaining Giving Examples Analysis /

Sentence Comments
First, … This means that For example, … As such, …
…
Second, … In other words, … For instance, … Then, …
Third, … That is, … To illustrate, … This shows …
Example Body Paragraph Using the TEXA Strategy
T First of all, mobile phones and social media applications can
present a serious threat to students’ academic progress.

E That is, nowadays many students are busy with their phones
instead of listening to their teachers.

X For example, one of my classmates is always on Instagram during

our English classes. Consequently, towards the end of the semester,
his grades decreased significantly and he failed the course.

A This shows that there is a strong chance that students will miss
something important and struggle in their studies if they don’t stop
using social media applications during classes.
• 93 words
Example Body Paragraph Using the TEXA Strategy

T Secondly, social media presents a very real danger to our roads because
too many drivers today are guilty of distracted driving.

E In other words, many drivers are using social media apps on their
mobile devices while driving resulting in lack of focus.

X For instance, in 2011, a famous Emirati international football player lost

his life in a tragic car accident, and reports suggested he was using his
phone while driving.

A Then, it becomes clear that many people are being seriously injured or
even die in tragic road accidents because of mobile phone use.

• 93 words
T In addition, using social media can have very bad effects on your health.
E This means that when people sit all day in front of laptops, iPads, or
other devices, they are more likely to gain weight, become obese, and
suffer from illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.

X To illustrate this, my brother spends most of his time looking at the

small screen of his smartphone. After a few months, he ended up
wearing medical glasses.

A As such, people need to decrease the time they spend using their digital
devices and do physical exercise to stay healthy.

• 96 words
 Conclusion
• Restate your opinion.
• Summarize your reasons.
• Offer a warning, a prediction, or other types
of comments that reinforce your viewpoint.
 Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no doubt that there are many

serious dangers related to the use of social media.
It might present a threat to your academic success and
physical health, or it can even be the reason for your
death on the roads.
It is therefore very important that we raise awareness
and educate people about the real dangers of social
media.

• 62 words
 Example Prompt
What are the potential risks of smart mobile
phones?
Use examples and evidence to support your
opinion.