Opinion essay question: • To what extent do you agree or disagree?

1) Introduction paragraph (2-3 sentences)

Sentence 1: Paraphrase the topic - use different words but keep the idea the same.
• Write a thesis statement and reasons for your opinion.
Sentence 2: To a certain extent, I agree/ admit that ...
Sentence 3: However, I also believe that ...

2) Body 1 – first you start writing about the side that you agree the least (5-8 sentences)

• Sentence 1: Lead-In (paragraph introduction)

• Then, give 1 or 2 main reasons and explain them. Explanation is necessary but example
sentences are optional.

3) Body 2 – here you start writing about the side that you agree the most and give more
reasons than Body 1 (5-8 sentences)

• Sentence 1: Lead-In (paragraph introduction)

• Then, give 2 or 3 main reasons and explain them. Explanation is necessary but example
sentences are optional.
# Always more reasons in Body 2 than Body 1!

4) Conclusion paragraph (2-3 sentences)

• Share your opinion again (paraphrased S2+S3 in introduction) and end the essay.

# Do not give new idea!

Opinion essay sample:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

When choosing a job, the salary is the most important consideration. To what extent do you
agree or disagree?

Introduction

Many people think that they should choose their jobs based on the size of the salary offered. To
a certain extent, I agree that money is a crucial factor. However, I also believe that other factors
are equally important.

Main Body 1

On the one hand, I admit that money is necessary. People have to meet their basic needs. Most
people want to earn a salary that allows them to cover these needs and have a reasonable quality
of life. For example, we all need money to pay for housing, food, bills, health care and education.
If people choose their jobs based on enjoyment or other non-financial factors, they might find it
difficult to support themselves.

Main Body 2

On the other hand, I believe that other considerations are just as important as what we earn in
our jobs. Firstly, personal relationships and the atmosphere in a workplace are extremely
important. For example, having a good manager or friendly colleagues can make a huge
difference to workers' levels of happiness. Secondly, many people's feelings of job satisfaction
come from their professional achievements. They can only feel content when they reach their
goals. Finally, some people choose a career because they want to help others and contribute
something positive to society. Such individuals enjoy making other people happy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while I admit that salaries certainly affect people's choice of profession, I do not
believe that money is the most important factor to consider. Other factors have more significant
impact.
Phrases to open the essay

... is one of the essential issues ...

It is universally accepted that ...
People are divided in their opinion regarding ...
It is often said that ...
These days ... nowadays ....
Many people claim / opine / believe that ...

Phrases to conclude the essay

In conclusion, ...
To sum up, ...
To summarize, ...

Websites that you can find opinion essay topics:

¨ https://ieltsliz.com/opinion-essay-sample-questions/

¨ https://eliteessaywriters.com/blog/topics-for-opinion-essays/
NOTES:

• Do not start your sentences with these words - ‘and’, ‘but’, ‘also’, ‘because’
Instead of ‘BUT’ - use ‘HOWEVER’
ALSO - IN ADDITION TO THAT
BECAUSE - THEREFORE

• Never use any contractions in academic essays:

can’t – cannot
don’t – do not
haven’t - have not

• Write at least 250 words.

Basic Do’s in Writing an Opinion Essay:

• Write in a formal style. Write your assignment as if you are giving an important
speech.

• Avoid slang and jargon.

• Introduce the topic clearly. Avoid unnecessary phrases and facts that do not relate
directly to the topic.

• Start each paragraph with clear topic sentences; outline the main ideas.