How to write opinion essays

I.What is an opinion essay?

– Do you agree or disagree … ?
– To what extent do you agree or disagree …?
– What is your opinion/view about … ?
– Give your opinion about … ?
– Do you think …
- Discuss both views and give your opinion …

II.Structure

1) Introduction
- Lead in (hook): set up sentence (optional)
– Paraphrase the question
– Give your opinion
– State supporting reasons

2) Main body paragraph 1

– Topic sentence – outline 1st reason for supporting this view
– Explanation – explain this idea
– Example – give an example or expand the idea

3) Main body paragraph 2

– Topic sentence – outline 2nd reason for supporting this view
– Explanation – explain this idea
– Example – give an example or expand the idea

4) Conclusion
– Summarise opinion and key reasons
- Personal feeling (optional)

III. Sample

Question:
A big salary is much more important than job satisfaction.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Answer: (for reference)

It is often argued that it is more advantageous to choose a job with a high wage, even if it doesn’t
appeal to you at all. I completely disagree with this opinion and think that job satisfaction is much
more important than salary.

First of all, I believe that job satisfaction gives people a sense of fulfillment that no money can
guarantee. Even if someone is earning a high salary, but feels tense and compromises with his
conscience, this person won’t enjoy his life. While pursuing one’s interests will always bring pleasure
and a feeling of satisfaction. For example, a lot of famous researchers made their career choices, not
because of appealing wages, but because they were passionate about science. That’s why it’s more
important to choose the kind of work that makes you happy than to look only at a high salary.
Secondly, doing what you like keeps you motivated and therefore leads to career growth. In other
words, there is a strong relationship between job satisfaction and productivity. People who love their
jobs can easily excel in their fields of work and achieve better results than those, who put salaries in the
first place. For instance, Henry Miller decided to leave his everyday job despite a good wage and
ventured to become a writer. And after enduring years of ups and downs, he became one of the most
famous and well-paid authors of the twentieth century. Thus, the advantages of jobs that keep you
satisfied outweigh the drawback of a low salary from a long-term perspective.

To conclude, I strongly believe that job satisfaction is more beneficial than a high salary because it
makes people happy and motivated.

Notes:
- A hook in the introduction (optional)
- the two reasons could be expressed in one paragraph
- Personal feeling in the conclusion (optional)

IV. Steps for writing an opinion essay

The difference between an opinion essay and a persuasive essay.

Opinion essay: in an opinion essay the writer states his opinion and supports it with facts,
evidence and examples but he doesn’t try to convince the reader.

Persuasive essay: in a persuasive essay the writer tries to convince the reader to agree with
his opinion. The author uses logic and facts, definitions and examples in order to persuade
the reader to share his point of view.

Top tips for writing an opinion essay

1 Basic do’s when writing an opinion essay
 Introduce each paragraph with a topic sentence, outlining the main ideas.
 Do not write about advantages or disadvantages or points for or against.
 Write in formal style.
2. Basic don’ts when writing an opinion essay
 Don’t use colloquial expressions.
 Don’t use short forms.
 Don’t use emotive vocabulary.
3. Decide whether you agree or disagree with the title. Try to think of at least two or three
good reasons to support your opinion, including examples of why you think the alternative
point of view is wrong.
4. Organise your essay into clear paragraphs.
 Introduction: Introduce the topic and give your opinion. Say whether you agree or
disagree with the statement.
 Body: 2 or 3 paragraphs. For each paragraph give a reason to support your opinion.
 Conclusion: Summarize your ideas and repeat your opinion using different words.
5. There is a process to writing. Try to follow it. It will help you a lot
Useful expressions and linkers (file attached)