Writing opinion essays

General outline for opinion essay

Para 1: a clear statement of topic and a clear presentation of
your opinion on the topic
Para 2: viewpoint 1 & supporting details
Para 3: viewpoint 2 & supporting details
Para 4: opposing viewpoint & supporting details (optional) and
argument against it
Para 5: direct or indirect statement of your opinion
 A good introduction should contain:
• A catchy opening technique. This can be:
1. a reference to an unusual or striking idea/ scene/situation
e.g. What a monotonous world it would be without the Internet.
2. background information (possibly how this issue came about/what occurred)
e.g. The face of the communications industry has changed because of the development of new
technology.
3. a thought-provoking question (address the reader/rhetorical)
e.g. Have you ever considered what life would be like without technological advances?
4. a clear statement of the topic through paraphrasing techniques (using your own words to state the
issue)
e.g. Topic: “Technology positively influences people’s behaviour.”
Paraphrase: “It is apparent that technology can have beneficial effects on society.”
• A clear presentation of your opinion using expressions such as:
“To my mind, the World Wide Web can function as an important source of knowledge in everyday life.”
 A good conclusion should contain:
• A direct or indirect presentation of the writer's opinion
e.g. - Direct: “In conclusion, it is my belief that the number of active Internet users will continue to grow
in the future.”
- Indirect: “To conclude, there is little doubt that there will be an increase in online users in the years
to come.”
• an interesting ending using:
- a thought-provoking statement
e.g. We cannot succeed unless we embrace technological change.
- a prediction for the future
e.g. Maybe one day the Internet will become obsolete.
- a thought-provoking/rhetorical question
e.g. After all, is it really possible to make true friends on social media sites?
 Linking words and complex structures
To avoid repetition of the same linking words such as ‘and’ or ‘but’, use a wide range of linking
words (see Useful Language box) or structures with:
“With”:
e.g. instead of: “People are migrating from rural areas. Many cities are now crowded.” You can
say: “Many cities are now crowded, with people migrating from rural areas.”
Relative Clauses:
e.g. instead of: “The internet is an important source of information. It has developed in recent
years.”
You can say: “The Internet, which has developed in recent years, is an important source of
information.”
Or instead of: “The purpose of social media is to connect people. It has now become a major
trend among the young.”
You can say: Social media, whose purpose is to connect people, has now become a major trend
among the young, etc.”