Material Unit 2
Writing
In an opinion essay you say what you think about a statement or a topic, giving reasons for your views
‘Playing computer games is a waste of time.’ Write an essay giving your opinion..
- Think about the statement or topic. What do you already know? ( = the background information)
- Decide what your own opinion is. Remember, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer!
- Think of as many arguments as you can to support your opinion.
- Choose your two or three best ideas.
- Organize your ideas into paragraphs. Use a new paragraph for each main subject or argument.
For example:
Paragraph 1
- Introduction to the topic
Paragraph 2
- Your first main argument
Paragraph 3
- Your next main argument
Paragraph 4
- Summary of your opinion
Structure your paragraphs logically
Providing personal information
Some / Many people think / believe /
argue / consider (that) …
According to (the media, etc.), …
Studies show / suggest that …
It is well-known that …
It is generally agreed that …
Expressing opinions
I think / believe / feel (that) ….
Personally, I think …
I personally think (that) …
I (strongly) agree / disagree that … /
with the statement that …
In my opinion / view, …
It is clear (to me) that …
It seems to me that …
Adding ideas
Furthermore, …
Moreover, …
What is more, …
In addition (to this), …
Contrasting ideas
On the one hand, … . On the other
hand …
However, …
Although … , …
Giving reasons and results
… , because / as …
Because of this, …
As a result of this, …
One result / effect of this is that …
Consequently, / As a
consequence, …
Giving examples
For example, …
For instance, …
One (possible consequence might be
/ reason for this is, etc.) …
… , such as … (e.g. illnesses, such as
colds.)
… , like … (e.g. illnesses, like colds.)
Highlighting specific ideas
… , especially … ( + )
… , particularly … ( + )
… , apart from … ( – )
Concluding
All in all, / To sum up, …
In conclusion, / To conclude, …
In general, I think … . However, …
On the whole, I think … .
However, …