Opinion essay (1)

OPINION ESSAY

O Introduction
Paragraph 1
State the topic and your opinion clearly
Main Body
Paragraph 2
Viewpoint 1 and reason
Paragraph 3 *
Viewpoint 2 and reason
Paragraph 4
Give the opposing viewpoint and reasons
Conclusion
Final paragraph
Restate your opinion, using different words
* you may include more viewpoints, and therefore more paragraphs in the main body
pinion essays are formal in style. They require your opinion on a topic which must be clearly stated and supported by reasons. It is necessary to include the opposing viewpoint in another paragraph.
A successful opinion essay should have:
a) an introductory paragraph in which you state the topic and your opinion;
b) a main body which consists of two or more paragraphs. Each paragraph should present a separate viewpoint supported by your reasons. Another paragraph giving the opposing viewpoint and reasons may be included ; and
c) a conclusion in which you restate your opinion using different words.
Points to consider

• First decide whether you agree or disagree with the subject of the topic and make a list of your points and reasons.
  
• Write well-developed paragraphs consisting of more than one sentence.
  
• Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence which summarises what the paragraph is about.
  
• Linking words should be used throughout your composition .
  

Useful Language
To express opinion: I believe, In my opinion, I think, In my view, I strongly believe, The way I see it, It seems to me (that)
To list points: In the first place , first of all, to start with, Firstly, to begin with
To add more points: what is more, another major reason, also, furthermore , moreover, in addition to this/that, besides, apart from this, not to mention the fact that
To introduce contrasting viewpoints: It is argued that, People argue that, Opponents of this view say, There are people who oppose, Contrary to what most people believe, As opposed to the above ideas
To introduce examples: for example, for instance , such as, in particular , especially
To conclude: To sum up, All in all, All things considered, Taking everything into account
OPINION ESSAY EXAMPLE

Will life be better in the future?

Can you imagine doing your shopping without having to leave the house, or working at home rather than going to the office? In my opinion, life in the future will be much more pleasant than it is today .
In the first place, there will be many improvements in the field of medicine. Scientists are confident that cures for diseases such as cancer and AIDS will have been found . Therefore, the lives of thousands of people will be saved.
Also, new technological breakthroughs will make our lives easier. Computers will be able to perform more time- saving functions, transport will be faster and more efficient and new inventions will continue to help us carry out daily tasks with ease and comfort.
On the other hand , there are those who believe that life in the future will not be so trouble-free. We will have used up the world's natural resources, therefore our planet will be on the verge of destruction. What is more, some fear that pollution will have increased due to problems such as deforestation and that acid rain will only have been made worse . They do not consider, however, that modern technology can solve environ­mental problems as well as less pressing ones .
All in all, I feel that life in the future will definitely be better. We are all searching for ways to improve our lives and we can only look ahead in order to do this.
(V. Evans Successful Writing)