Essays (opinion/for and against)

An opinion essay is a formal piece of essay writing which presents the author's point of view on a particular subject supported by reasons and examples.

In a for and against essay you must state the advantages and disadvantages of a problem and include your personal opinion about it.

Paragraph 1

Summarize the essay title and give your opinion about the statement.

Paragraph 2

Give your main arguments for or against the statement. Give reasons and examples to back your opinions.

Paragraph 3

Give your second argument for or against the statement. Give reasons and examples to back your opinions.

Paragraph 4

Conclusion: summarize the main points and give your opinion.

Include a variety of expressions for giving an opinion:

In my opinion..

I think that...

It is clear that ...

I (completely) agree/ disagree with...

As far as I am concerned...

I am (not) convinced that...

I (firmly) believe that ...

I am inclined to believe that ...

It seems to me that ...


Use linking words and phrases to join the sentences and the paragraphs witihin the text. Here is a list which includes different linguistic functions:

Expressing contrast

  • However
  • Although
  • Despite/ in spite of (+ verb -ing)
  • Nevertheless
  • On the one hand ... On the other hand...

Listing points

  • Firstly/ first of all
  • Secondly
  • Finally/ last but not least

Adding extra information

  • In addition
  • Furthemore
  • Besides
  • Moreover
  • What is more

Expressing cause and effect

  • Because
  • Since
  • As
  • Due to the fact that
  • So
  • Therefore
  • as a result
  • As a consequence
  • For this reason
  • This is why (+ clause)

Giving examples

  • For example
  • For instance
  • Such as

Expressing purpose

  • In order to
  • To + infinitive
  • So as (not) to
  • So that (+clause)

Making generalizations

  • In general
  • Broadly speaking
  • Basically

Concluding

  • To conclude
  • To finish
  • In conclusion
  • In short
  • To sum up