When striving for perfect essay writing, many students ask how to write an opening paragraph in an opinion essay in such a way that it makes readers want to read their paper till the end. Still, often the thing is not only about an opening paragraph alone but about the ability to apply critical thinking and analyze the issue in depth.
Since the main purpose of an opinion essay is to provide your personal standpoint on a given topic, you should know how to write an opening paragraph in a proper way to interest your target audience in what you are writing about. Besides, when you look at a properly written opinion essay sample, you will see that it is important not only to be aware of effective ways to start an essay but also clearly state your personal opinion and support it with credible evidence.
So, how to write an opening paragraph? Provide background information on the topic and put forward your opinion.
Many students wonder how to start a body paragraph, and the answer is simple: begin each of the body paragraphs with a strong and clear topic sentence. In an opinion essay in particular, the second and the third body paragraphs refer to your personal opinion supported with argumentative reasons and illustrative examples. In the fourth paragraph, provide the contrary standpoint with adequate examples and supporting evidence. It is also important to refute it in order to make your own opinion stronger.
In the conclusion, restate a thesis in other words and sum up the key points discussed in the paper.
The informal phrases presented below will be suitable for IELTS or TOEFL language tests. However, when you have to submit an academic essay, these phrases will seem overly personal.
“In my opinion …”
In my opinion, classroom education is more effective than online education.
“I believe that …”
I believe that parents should motivate their children to exercise and lead healthy lifestyle.
Among more formal opinion phrases are the ones having “that” after your sentence. If you doubt whether to use a more informal phrase or an academic one, always prefer the latter when you have to submit an essay for college or university.
“It could be argued that …” – use this phrase when you would like to challenge a generally accepted/ known fact/ viewpoint:
It could be argued that the advantages outnumber the disadvantages in this case.
“It would seem that …” – use this phrase when you provide supporting evidence for your standpoint:
It would seem that schoolchildren learn in the most effective way when they feel relaxed and comfortable.
Start each body paragraph with a clearly formulated topic sentence;
Avoid colloquialisms and short forms;
Avoid emotive words and phrases;
Make sure you decide for sure whether you support the essay topic or not. Think of supporting evidence.
Organize the paper into properly structured paragraphs.
One of the most popular opinion essay topics is about the usage of mobile phones in the educational process. The brief sample essay provided below will be about mobile phones at schools:
Mobile phones have become increasingly popular among students of different age groups. Even though I reckon that schoolchildren should be allowed to use mobile phones in situations of emergency, their usage in the classroom should be restricted.
First, many students commute without their parents’ guidance. As such, it is crucial for them to have a mobile phone in case they have some problems or an accident on their way.
Second, working parents may urgently need to contact children in case they have to work extra hours.
Nonetheless, when misused, mobile phones have a negative impact on the studying process as they distract students from the lessons.
Conclusively, mobile phone usage should be restricted in schools, particularly be allowed only in cases of emergency and be switched off during lessons.