From Successful Writing Upper-Intermediate

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Raul Cabezalí 2011

What are they?

Structure

Points to consider before starting to write

Useful language

Beginnings and Endings

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Opinion essays 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.

They are formal in style

Formal vocabulary and grammar

No contractions

Raul Cabezalí 2011

A successful opinion essay should have:

a. An introductory paragraph where you state the topic and your opinion clearly

b. A main body consisting of two or more paragraphs. Each paragraph presents a separate viewpoint supported by your reasons.

c. A conclusion, where you restate your opinion using different words

Raul Cabezalí 2011

Introduction

• Paragraph 1- state the topic and your opinion

Main body

• Paragraph 2 – viewpoint 1 and reason

• Paragraph 3 – viewpoint 2 and reason

• Paragraph 4 – opposing viewpoint and reason

Conclusion

• Final paragraph – restate your opinion, using different words

*You may include more viewpoints, and therefore more paragraphs in the main body

Raul Cabezalí 2011

Ready?

Hold on a minute … Don’t start yet!

Raul Cabezalí 2011

1) First decide whether you agree or not and make a list of your points and reasons.

2) Write well-developed paragraphs consisting of more than one sentence

3) Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence which summarizes what the paragraph is about

4) Use linking words throughout your composition

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Tip: Time is usually tight in an exam – do not write a draft of your essay first and then re-write a final version on the exam paper (as you might run out of time or

else not have enough time for a final revision and correction of possible mistakes.)

Write an outline with the structure of your essay plus your main points and reasons, and use it as a guideline.

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To express opinion:

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I believe I strongly believe

I think

in my opinion

in my view the way I see it

It seems to me that

…

To list points:

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In the first place

First of all To start with

Firstly To begin with

…

To add more points:

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What is more

Another major reason

also

furthermore moreover In addition to this/that

Besides Apart form this

Not to mention the fact that

To introduce contrasting viewpoints:

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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:

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For example For instance Such as

In particular especially

To conclude:

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To sum up All in all All things considered

Taking everything into account

…

Raul Cabezalí 2011