TIP 1

Opinion essays present the writer's opinion on a specific topic. The writer of the essay  clearly gives an opinion and supports this opinion by giving examples.

In which of the examples below is the writer giving an opinion?

TIP 2

If you answered correctly, then you are on the right track.

This type of essay gives an opinion, but the opinion MUST BE SUSTAINED BY REASONS AND/OR EXAMPLES.

For example, in which of the examples below do you think the writer is giving a reason?

We will use an example from an essay where students wrote  an opinion essay on the following topic:

"It would be better for students to be taught at home online instead of going to school" 

TIP 3

Opinion essays are very formal.

Which example below do you think is more formal?

According to this plan, in which paragraph would the extract that you see below belong to?

" There is no doubt that the Internet has brought many benefits to modern life, and that more and more courses are available to people who want to study. But would it benefit a child’s education to be taught via email, websites and webcams instead of going to school? As far as I am concerned, I believe that it is better for students to be taught in the traditional way."

In which paragraphs would you typically read the following lines from an essay?

"First of all, if children and teenagers did not go to school, they would not have the opportunity to interact with other children and develop friendships. As a result, they may lack the social skills that they need to be successful in a workplace."

In which paragraphs would you typically read the following lines from an essay?

Secondly, learning on the Internet would make certain methods of teaching and learning impossible. The students would not benefit from the variety of learning methods commonly found in traditional classrooms, such as group work, class discussions and giving presentations to the class.

In which paragraphs would you typically read the following lines from an essay?

"On the other hand, some people argue that there could be some benefits to education online. For example, it may be easier to concentrate and people could save energy as they would not need to travel so often. While this may be a good solution for adults, it would also mean that children will not be able to socialize."

In which paragraphs would you typically read the following lines from an essay?

"In conclusion, online education can benefit students to a certain extent. However, it seems to me that the personal contact within the classroom is more beneficial."

Look at the following wordcloud and select the items that refer to a personal opinion.

Look at the following wordcloud and select the items that refer to a contrast.

Look at the following wordcloud and select the items that refer to organising the information/examples/reasons.