WRITING AN OPINION PARAGRAPH

By Mai Phan
WRITING AN OPINION PARAGRAPH

1. Structure
2. Useful phrases
3. Writing Sample
4. Self-writing
 WHAT IS AN OPINION PARAGRAPH?

 In an opinion paragraph, the writer expresses and

supports an opinion on a particular topic.

 The writer must give reasons and examples that help

persuade the readers to agree with him/ her.

 Paragraph structure
 Topic:
 Your opinion
 Topic sentence
- Reason 1
- Reason 2
- Reason 3
 Concluding sentence
 WRITING SAMPLE
LOTTERIES
I strongly agree that lotteries should be banned. To begin with, I strongly
believe that lotteries are a waste of money. Every time we buy the lottery we
have less money to buy things we need such as medicines or food. Another
reason is that playing the lottery is addictive. When we buy a lottery ticket
and we don’t win, we may buy more and more tickets. Finally, I consider
that playing the lottery is not a really good chance to make money because
we can’t use our abilities or skills to win the lottery. Winning the lottery
depends only on luck. To conclude, I believe that it is not a good idea to buy
the lottery because it is a waste of money, it is addictive, and it is not really
a good chance to make money.
Answer these questions before writing down

 What is the main idea of the paragraph?

 What is the topic sentence of the paragraph?
 What are the supporting details?
 What is the concluding sentence?
USEFUL EXPRESSIONS – GROUP WORK

GROUP A: FOR AN INTRODUCTION

GROUP B: FOR THE REASONS

GROUP C: FOR THE CONCLUSION

GROUP D: PHRASES TO GIVE OPINION

FOR AN INTRODUCTION/
TOPIC SENTENCE

I agree or disagree that ... S+V

I agree or disagree with ... for ...reasons
I am for/against the idea that .. S + V
There are ... reasons why ... S+ V
FOR THE REASONS

1. The first (second, third...) Reason is ...

2. Another reason is ...
3. First (firstly), second
4. (Secondly), Third (thirdly)
5. Moreover/ Furthermore /
6. In addition
FOR THE CONCLUSION

• In conclusion
• In summary
• To sum up
• To conclude
• In short
• In brief
 EXPRESSIONS TO GIVE OPINION

• I believe/think that ...

• I strongly/firmly believe that ...
• I am convinced/ certain that ...
• My opinion is that ...
• In my opinion/ in my point of view/ in my
view ...
 WRITING TOPIC
“THE IDEAL PLACE TO LIVE”
Activity 1: Brainstorming ideas

Ideal places to live Reasons

1.

2.

3.
 WRITING TOPIC
“THE IDEAL PLACE TO LIVE”
Activity 2: Brainstorming vocabulary
Attractions Opportunities Cost of living People

- temperate - low unemployment - inexpensive - talented

climate - excellent colleges restaurants cooks
- beautiful - world-class - convenient public - diverse
scenery Museums transportation communities
- interesting - affordable housing - colorful
architecture personalities
 WRITING TOPIC
“THE IDEAL PLACE TO LIVE”
Activity 3: Self-writing
 WRITING TOPIC
“THE IDEAL PLACE TO LIVE”
Activity 4: Peer editing