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What is an opinion essay?
What is an opinion essay?
An opinion essay is a type of writing in which you state your point of view in relation to some kind of question or controversial topic. It is based on supporting your thesis statement by giving reasons and facts that reinforce it.
- Structure
Your opinion essay should follow a clear structure in order to be coherent and easy to read and understand. The following structure is very efficient and is an excellent way to make sure you get a good mark. It consists of four paragraphs, each one of them with a clear purpose.
1.1. Introduction
1.1. Introduction
In this paragraph you will introduce the issue you are going to write about. It's crucial that you include here your thesis statement. This is a sentence that summarizes your opinion regarding the topic being discussed; it is the heart of the essay, around which the remaining paragraphs will revolve around.
In the introduction, you should also try to catch the interest of the reader. There are different ways to do it, but one of the most effective is to ask a question about the topic. If the task given is already based on a question, you can rephrase it. Let's see an example of an introduction for the following topic (the sentence in blue is the question used to grab the attention of the reader; the underscored sentence in green is the thesis statement):
Does it make any sense to continue teaching handwriting nowadays?
We live in a world surrounded by technology. As a result, handwriting is being replaced by electronic writing. Does it make any sense to continue teaching handwriting in this context? In my opinion, the benefits of handwriting are multiple and go far beyond the purpose of generating written works, improving the learning skills of people and helping to keep a healthy brain, and therefore it is important to keep teaching it.
1.2. First topic sentence.
1.2. First topic sentence.
Once we have introduced the topic and given our thesis statement, we have to provide reasons to support it. In order to do this, we will use topic sentences. Topic sentences are sentences that summarize the idea of each paragraph. Therefore, we will start with a topic sentence and explain it giving reasons and facts. Let's continue with the previous example (the sentence in orange is the topic sentence):
In the first place, handwriting has proven to be more effective than typing when taking notes. Research has shown that it is easier to remember the information that has been written by hand than the information taken by other methods. It seems that when notes are written by hand, the brain processes the information in a more effective way.
1.3. Second topic sentence
1.3. Second topic sentence
The following paragraph will consist of a second reason to support your opinion. We will use a second topic sentence. This way, your opinion is more strongly supported, not only depending on one reason or fact (the sentence in purple is the second topic sentence):
Secondly, when we write by hand instead of typing, we are cultivating other abilities. Our fine motor skills are being exercised and improved. Furthermore, we need to pay attention to other aspects such as order, cleanliness, clearness, and intelligibility among others. As a result, our brain will work more thoroughly, becoming healthier and more active in the process.
1.4. Conclusion
1.4. Conclusion
The last paragraph will be the conclusion. The main aim here is to summarize the previous information and restate your opinion. When we arrive here your opinion remains the same, but now we understand the reasons that support it. Here, you have to mention briefly all the points stated in the first, second and third paragraphs.
In conclusion, it is crucial that we keep teaching handwriting to younger generations [thesis statement]. Not only is handwriting a practice that improves learning and memorization [topic sentence 1], but it is also an excellent way to keep a healthy and active brain [topic sentence 2].
Let's have a look at the complete example
Let's have a look at the complete example
Does it make any sense to continue teaching handwriting nowadays?
We live in a world surrounded by technology. As a result, handwriting is being replaced by electronic writing. Does it make any sense to continue teaching handwriting in this context? In my opinion, the benefits of handwriting are multiple and go far beyond the purpose of generating written works, improving the learning skills of people and helping to keep a healthy brain, and therefore it is important to keep teaching it.
In the first place, handwriting has proven to be more effective than typing when taking notes. Research has shown that it is easier to remember the information that has been written by hand than the information taken by other methods. It seems that when notes are written by hand, the brain processes the information in a more effective way.
Secondly, when we write by hand instead of typing, we are cultivating other abilities. Our fine motor skills are being exercised and improved. Furthermore, we need to pay attention to other aspects such as order, cleanliness, clearness, and intelligibility among others. As a result, our brain will work more thoroughly, becoming healthier and more active in the process.
In conclusion, it is crucial that we keep teaching handwriting to younger generations [thesis statement]. Not only is handwriting a practice that improves learning and memorization [topic sentence 1], but it is also an excellent way to keep a healthy and active brain [topic sentence 2].
Wordcount: 224
A note about style
A note about style
An essay (opinion essay, for and against essay...) is a type of academic writing. That means that you are expected to use a formal language. Therefore, you should not use contractions, a very direct style or informal resources such as phrasal verbs.
Important resources to have in mind
Important resources to have in mind
Once the structure is clear, there are some resources that will enrich your writing. It is important to pay attention to them, and try to use as many as possible. Let's see some of the most relevant:
Expressions to start each paragraph:
Nowadays...
To start with
In the first place
Firstly
On the one hand
Secondly
In the second place
On the other hand
In conclusion
To sum it all up
To wrap it up
Finally...
Connectors (you should learn as many of them as possible)
In addition, besides, moreover, furthermore, as well as, not only... but also...
However, in spite of this, despite this, although...
Such as, for instance, as an example...
Grammatical resources:
Passive voice
Conditionals
Use of modal verbs
Causatives
Etc...
I hope all these tips will help you improve your writing. Remember, the best way to get good at something is through practice, so... why not start writing an opinion essay right now?
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