IES FUENTE LUNA – SONIA

AN OPINION ESSAY
A good opinion essay should present your point of view clearly, and persuade the reader
to support your opinion. You argue why your opinion is right.
STRATEGY:
1. Brainstorm all your ideas about the topic.
2. Organise your ideas into clear paragraphs.
3. Introduce your opinions with suitable phrases, and use linking words to
introduce reasons and results.
4. Check your writing for accuracy, logical argument and appropriate linking
words.
STRUCTURE:
Paragraph 1: INTRODUCTION (state the topic and give a clear opinion).
Nowadays, many people have got mobile phones at home and they often
play games. These are good for you for a number of reasons.
In this essay, I’m going to write about…
This is a controversial topic/issue.
It’s said/ it’s believed.
People may consider that…
Paragraphs 2 and 3: BODY (give reasons to support your argument).
It’s clear that..
First, …
Another important point is that…
Paragraph 4: CONCLUSION + OPINION (sum up arguments and your opinion).
To sum up, …
In conclusion, …
Personally, I think / believe…
As far as I am concerned….
I feel…
In my opinion, …
As I see it, …
In addition, …
 IES FUENTE LUNA – SONIA

GRAMMAR YOU CAN INCLUDE

Modal verbs:
People might live more ecologically…
People should be educated to protect the environment.
We mustn’t download music and films without paying.
We should do more to help other people.
Mobile phones/Computers should be banned at school because….
The government should encourage/support young people to…
Conditionals:
If taxes were lower, people would give more money to charity
What would happen if we banned smoking?
If they hadn’t committed a crime, they wouldn’t have been punished.
I wouldn’t be happier if I had more money.
If our society takes care of the environment, our children will live better.
Relative clauses:
Councils would have to improve services, which would be expensive.
Those who know…
Travelling gives you an opportunity to learn and practice other languages, which
is good for your education.
Passive voice:
It is said that… / It is believed that…
Mobile phones/computers/ are said to be…
For that reason, studying in a foreign country is considered a great advantage.
Most accidents are caused by cars.
Prisons are used to… / Mobile phones are used to…./
It is better to be judged by a group…
Drivers should be educated to drive more carefully.
Mobile phones/Computers should be banned at school because….
People are sent to prison…
Wish:
I wish people were nicer.
 IES FUENTE LUNA – SONIA

I wish people didn’t hurt others.

I wish people didn’t pollute the environment.
I wish students behaved in class.
Gerunds or infinitives:
This is the best way of teaching because it motivates students.
Taking a gap year can be a waste of time if it’s not carefully planned.
Using your mobile phone can be dangerous because…
For that reason, studying in a foreign country is considered a great advantage.