Writing Opinion Essays

Writing Opinion Essays

Opinion Essays

An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing in which we present our opinion on a particular topic.

State your opinion clearly in the introduction!

Sample Essay 1

Sample Question 1

​In your English class you have been talking about technology. Now, your teacher has asked you to write an essay for homework. Write your essay (140 – 190 words) using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

Modern Technology has changed so many aspects of our daily lives, but has it really made our lives easier?

Write about:

•Communication

•Access to information

•……………………… (your own idea)

​Outline for opinion essays

​One hundred years ago, no one could imagine how important technology would be to humans in the 21st century. Today, technology is all around us and, in my opinion, it makes our lives much easier.

  To begin with, technology makes it easier to communicate. For example, mobile phones and the Internet make it possible for us to send messages to each other quickly and easily. As a result, we can be constantly connected with our friends, family members or business partners.

  Secondly, technology allows us to access huge amounts of information Through the Internet, in particular, we can find out about almost any topic immediately. Consequently, we can become better informed about the world.

  However, some people claim that modern technology has made us less active. For instance, today we can shop and socialise online without the need to leave our homes. Therefore, we are less likely to get the exercise we need to stay healthy.

  In conclusion, I strongly believe that despite making us less active technology helps us communicate and get informed very quickly. As Steve Ballmer said, “it empowers people to do what they want to do.”

​Paragraph 1 – Introduction
Introduce topic, state your opinion clearly

​One hundred years ago, no one could imagine how important technology would be to humans in the 21st century. Today, technology is all around us and, in my opinion, it makes our lives much easier.

​Paragraph 2 – First Viewpoint
First viewpoint with reasons/ examples / results

​To begin with, technology makes it easier to communicate. For example, mobile phones and the Internet make it possible for us to send messages to each other quickly and easily. As a result, we can be constantly connected with our friends, family members or business partners.

​Paragraph 3 - Second Viewpoint
Second viewpoint with reasons/ examples / results

Secondly, technology allows us to access huge amounts of information Through the Internet, in particular, we can find out about almost any topic immediately. Consequently, we can become better informed about the world.

Paragraph 4 - Opposing Viewpoint
Opposing viewpoint with reasons / examples / results

However, some people claim that modern technology has made us less active. For instance, today we can shop and socialise online without the need to leave our homes. Therefore, we are less likely to get the exercise we need to stay healthy.

Paragraph 5 – Conclusion
Summarise viewpoints, restate your opinion

In conclusion, I strongly believe that despite making us less active technology helps us communicate and get informed very quickly. As Steve Ballmer said, “it empowers people to do what they want to do.”

Sample Essay 2

Sample Question 2

Should kindergarten students be taught foreign languages? Can it be helpful for children to learn a second language at such a young age or is it a case of too much, too soon? Write an essay explaining your view. Give specific reasons and examples.

Cool Kids Kindergarten in Chester has caused controversy by introducing foreign language classes for its students – some as young as two years old. Many parents are supportive of the new scheme, claiming that it gives their children a head start when they will learn foreign languages later in life. Others, though, say that these classes will simply confuse the students and delay the development of their language skills in their mother tongue.

​Kindergarten introduces foreign language lessons

​Let's start writing...

​How and where do I start?
What should I write first?

Open Ended

Write your first viewpoint below:

Open Ended

Now, rewrite your first viewpoint in a complete sentence.

Open Ended

Write your second viewpoint below:

Open Ended

Now, rewrite your second viewpoint in a complete sentence:

Open Ended

Write your opposing viewpoint below:

Open Ended

Now, rewrite your opposing viewpoint in a complete sentence:

Ready to read sample essay 2?

​Paragraph 1 – Introduction
Introduce topic, state your opinion clearly

​As Roger Bacon said, “Knowledge of languages is the doorway to wisdom”. In my opinion, the best time to introduce children to foreign languages is when they are in kindergarten.

​Paragraph 2 – First Viewpoint
First viewpoint with reasons/ examples / results

​In the first place, teaching foreign languages to kindergarten students means that they are better prepared to learn languages in later life. For instance, even learning the alphabet of a foreign language can be useful. In this way, students would find it easier to learn languages in more detail when they get older.

​Paragraph 3 - Second Viewpoint
Second viewpoint with reasons/ examples / results

Secondly, giving kindergarten students foreign language lessons teaches them about diversity. For example, they learn that people in foreign countries speak other languages and have different cultures. As a result, students learn to respect other cultures at a young age. 

Paragraph 4 - Opposing Viewpoint
Opposing viewpoint with reasons / examples / results

On the other hand, teaching foreign languages to young children can delay progress in their mother tongue. For instance, when children are still building their based vocabulary in their own language, learning foreign words might disrupt this. Consequently, students could fall behind in their language development.

Paragraph 5 – Conclusion
Summarise viewpoints, restate your opinion

All in all, it is my firm belief that teaching foreign languages to kindergarten students prepares them for future language learning and familiarises them with various cultures despite the fact it can delay progress in their mother tongue. Young children have an amazing ability to learn foreign languages, so why not exploit this as early as possible?