Capital Punishment and Opinion
Opinion Essays
Structure of the Opinion Essay:
Introduction – introduces the topic and state your opinion clearly
Body - consists of three or more paragraphs each presenting a separate viewpoint supported by reasons/examples
Conclusion – summarizes/restates your opinion using different words
Useful Language
То express opinion: I believe, In my opinion, I think, In my view, I strongly believe, I see it, It seems to me (that), As far as I am concerned, I am (not) convinced that..., In my opinion/view …My opinion is that …, I (firmly) believe …, I (definitely) feel/think that, I am inclined to believe that ……
То list points: In the first place, first of all, to start with, Firstly, to begin with
То add more points: what is more, another major reason, also, furthermore, moreover, in addition to this/that, besides, apart from this, not to mention the fact that
То introduce contrasting viewpoints: It is argued that, People argue that, There are people who oppose, Contrary to what most people believe,
As opposed to the above ideas
To introduce examples: for example, for instance, such as, in particular, especially
To conclude: To sum up, All in all, All things considered, Taking everything into account.
Exercise 1
Read the following models and answer these questions:
a) Which is an "advantages and disadvantages" argumentative essay?
b) Which are the advantages and disadvantages mentioned?
c) Which is an argumentative essay expressing opinion?
d) How is each viewpoint supported?
Finally, give the paragraph outline.
Computers: A blessing or a curse?
Almost every home, office or school has a computer of some kind these days. Many people feel that these machines are now an essential part of our lives, but how necessary are they really?
One of the main advantages is the time that can be saved by using a computer. This is especially beneficial in the workplace, where employees can do their work far faster than they could in the
Structure of the Opinion Essay:
Introduction – introduces the topic and state your opinion clearly
Body - consists of three or more paragraphs each presenting a separate viewpoint supported by reasons/examples
Conclusion – summarizes/restates your opinion using different words
Useful Language
То express opinion: I believe, In my opinion, I think, In my view, I strongly believe, I see it, It seems to me (that), As far as I am concerned, I am (not) convinced that..., In my opinion/view …My opinion is that …, I (firmly) believe …, I (definitely) feel/think that, I am inclined to believe that ……
То list points: In the first place, first of all, to start with, Firstly, to begin with
То add more points: what is more, another major reason, also, furthermore, moreover, in addition to this/that, besides, apart from this, not to mention the fact that
То introduce contrasting viewpoints: It is argued that, People argue that, There are people who oppose, Contrary to what most people believe,
As opposed to the above ideas
To introduce examples: for example, for instance, such as, in particular, especially
To conclude: To sum up, All in all, All things considered, Taking everything into account.
Exercise 1
Read the following models and answer these questions:
a) Which is an "advantages and disadvantages" argumentative essay?
b) Which are the advantages and disadvantages mentioned?
c) Which is an argumentative essay expressing opinion?
d) How is each viewpoint supported?
Finally, give the paragraph outline.
Computers: A blessing or a curse?
Almost every home, office or school has a computer of some kind these days. Many people feel that these machines are now an essential part of our lives, but how necessary are they really?
One of the main advantages is the time that can be saved by using a computer. This is especially beneficial in the workplace, where employees can do their work far faster than they could in the