How to write

an opinion essay
 What is an opinion essay?

An opinion essay is
there to show
your viewpoint on
a particular topic,
to prove your
ideas.
The parts of the essay

• The introduction. This is where the subject

or topic is introduced. The big picture, points, and
ideas are briefly written here.
• The body. All the main ideas, topics, and subject
are discussed here in details. This also includes
evidence or information that support the essay.
• The conclusion. The last part of an essay and
usually summarizes the overall topic or ideas of an
essay.
 Basic Dos in Writing an Opinion Essay
• Use formal style. Write your assignment as if you are giving an
important speech.
• Avoid slang and jargon.
• Introduce the topic clearly. Avoid unnecessary phrases and
useless facts that do not relate directly to the topic.
• Outline the main ideas. Start each paragraph with a clear
topic sentence.
• Use generalizations.
• Use the present tense when writing an opinion article.
• Properly cite your sources.
• Stay brief. Especially when writing conclusions. If you don’t
feel like a professsional summary typer, use specialized tools.
• Be logical. Make sure that there is a logical sequence that
allows your readers easy to follow.
 Basic Don’ts in Writing an Opinion Essay
• Don’t use colloquial expressions. Even though the slang
language is expressive and vivid, jargon words come and go
quickly.
• Don’t use short forms. Replace the contractions with the
non-contracted versions of the word
• Don’t give personal examples. Stick to a formal writing
style and mood.
• Don’t repeat arguments. If you have a few similar facts,
group them as a single argument.
• Avoid unnecessary abbreviations. Your reader should
understand what you’re writing about.
• Don’t overuse short and straightforward sentences. They
are not typical for academic writing.
• Don’t address your readers as “you”.
• Don’t use emotive vocabulary.
 Useful language
an opinion essay
Main body (your opinion)
Introduction • First of all…
• As a general rule… • To start with…
• It is often suggested... • Moreover…
• People often claim that... • Secondly…
• A lot of people think that.... • Finally…
• We all know that... • Last but not least…
• Many people are in favour of... • Besides,….
• Everything has two sides: positive • In addition to this…
and negative... • What is more…
• Many people are in favour of… • As I see it…
• Can you imagine …….? Isn’t it • To my mind…
amazing……..? • In my view…
• Is too much emphasis placed
on……?
• There is no doubt that……..
 Useful language
an opinion essay Conclusion
Main body • To conclude…
• To sum up…
(opposing opinion) • All in all…
• Opponents of this view say…
• All things considered…
• People argue that…
• On the whole…
• On the other hand…
• As was previously
• It is argued that… stated…
• There are people who oppose… • Taking everything into
• Contrary to what most account…
believe…
• However…
• In spite of…
 Decide which of the following statements are T (true)
and which are F (false) when writing an opinion essay.

• 1. Decide on your opinion before you start writing.                                 T \ F

• 2. Write in formal style.                                                                          T \ F
• 3. Use present tenses.                                                                             T \ F
• 4. Include personal examples.                                           T\F
• 5. State your opinion in the first paragraph only.                                     T \ F
• 6. Use the variety of linking words.                                                           T \ F
• 7. State the topic in the introduction.                                                   T \ F
• 8. When presenting a new viewpoint, begin a new paragraph.                     T \ F
• 9. Never include a quotation.                                                                      T \ F
• 10. Present the opposing viewpoint first.                                                    T \ F
• 11. Begin each paragraph however you like.                                                  T \ F
• 12. You don’t have to support every viewpoint with reasons or examples.     T \ F
• 13. State your opinion again in the conclusion.                                                
T \F
 Decide which of the following statements are T (true)

and which are F (false) when writing an opinion essay.

• 1Decide on your opinion before you start writing.                             T

• 2 Write in formal style.                                                                T
• 3 Use present tenses.                                                                       T
• 4 Include personal examples.                                            F
• 5 State your opinion in the first paragraph only.                                F
• 6 Use the variety of linking words.                                                     T
• 7 State the topic in the introduction.                                                 T
• 8 When presenting a new viewpoint, begin a new paragraph.               T
• 9 Never include a quotation.                                                                F
• 10 Present the opposing viewpoint first.                                               F
• 11 Begin each paragraph however you like.                                              F
• 12 You don’t have to support every viewpoint with reasons or examples.     F
• 13 State your opinion again in the conclusion.                                          T