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HOW TO WRITE AN OPINION ESSAY

What is an opinion essay?

An opinion essay is where a writer shares a clearly formed opinion

backed by research, logic, and anecdotal evidence. The purpose of an
opinion essay is to clearly articulate a position, often in response to a
question. It’s a way of stating an opinion and backing it up with facts.
It’s a writer’s way of demonstrating both what they think and why they
think it.

Being able to express an opinion well is an important skill to have in

the world. For example, being on social media exposes you to a wide
array of opinions, so it’s good to be able to recognize which opinions
are backed up with substantial evidence and which ones aren’t.

You will also find opinion essays in the Op-Ed sections of newspapers.
The most famous op-eds, like those printed in the New York Times, are
read by millions of readers and can have a serious impact on the way
that people think.

How to structure an opinion essay

Paragraph 1: Introduction
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Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4: Body

Paragraph 5: Conclusion
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Opinion essay outline (example)

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Now it’s your turn!

Using the guidelines and the example above, write an essay about
whether video games are a good way to stay fit.