Opinion essays

Hello friends,

I hope you’re all fine there and ready for another lesson on writing.

First, read the title of the article in the newspaper.

ARE YOUNG PEOPLE ENJOYING LIFE?

What things do you enjoy doing? How would you answer the question in the article?

Listen to the news report.

What is your opinion of the politician’s comments?

Do you know anyone who you think is addicted to the Internet?

After a class discussion on this news item, Nicolas wrote an opinion essay.

Let’s read the essay.

Do you agree with the points he makes?

It is not unusual for older generations to criticise younger people’s lifestyles. For instance, a politician said recently that the young people in this country were lazy and did not know how to enjoy life. In my view, these comments are incorrect and unfair.

To begin with, I would like to point out that not all young people are addicted to the Internet. Many youngsters communicate and share interests online, but most of us do not spend all our free time there.

For example, my friends and I regularly meet and spend time doing and talking about the things we enjoy. In other words, we have real lives.

Next, as far as I am concerned, most young people are not lazy. For instance, like many of my friends, I am studying for my final exams and learning to drive at the moment. In addition, I play the guitar and go mountain biking most weekends. Put another way, we are too busy to be lazy.

Lastly, it seems to me that the majority of young people do enjoy life. Many of us have social lives which include a range of sports, hobbies and interests. Moreover, plenty of these activities involve spending time with friends and making the most of our beautiful country.

In summary, I do not think the politician who made these comments understands today’s young people. I think he should visit some local schools, talk to some teenagers and find out what their lives are really like.

Complete the list below with the highlighted linkers in Oliver’s essay.

Use linkers to:

·                   introduce the main paragraphs: To begin with, Next, Lastly

·                   give personal opinions: I would like to point out that, It seems to me that, In my view, As far as I am concerned

·                   give examples: For example, For instance

·                   add further support: In addition, Moreover

·                   emphasise a point by repeat in other words, Put another way

·                   introduce the conclusion: In conclusion, In summary.

Complete the linkers in the phrases. Some letters are given.

1. To begin with, I think it’s wrong to suggest …

2. I would like to point out that not everyone feels the same about …

3. For instance, there are currently several female Prime Ministers who …

4. It seems to me that we needed to change our attitude towards …

5. In summary, if we are really serious about saving the planet, then …

6. Put another way, it is not acceptable for children to …

7. Moreover, such changes would also benefit …

Replace the underlined words with linkers from the table, adding commas where necessary.

Sometimes more than one answer is possible.

1. It seems to me that the celebrity’s comments were extremely negative and unhelpful.

2. Next, although some young people may be unfriendly, this is not true for all of us.

3. My parents taught me to be well-mannered. In addition, we are expected to be polite at school.

4. In my view, there are many selfish people in the world and not all of them are young.

5. For instance, lots of young people do voluntary work or raise money for charity.

6. In other words, most young people are aware of the importance of being a good citizen.

Learn the table and complete it with the words in the box.

OPENING

Introduce the topic and give a clear statement or your main point of view.

BODY

Include 2 or 3 paragraphs with more detailed personal opinions and support these with reasons and examples.

CLOSING

Include a summary or your main point of view. Use different words to the statement in the introduction.

Include a final comment which leaves the reader with something to think about.

Remember to use linkers to make your essay easier to follow.

In your English class you have been talking about politeness and manners. Now your teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write your essay using all the notes below and give reasons for your point of view.

Follow these steps.

·                   Start by stating your opinion on the comment.

·                   Write about all the notes in the question.

·                   Support your reasons with examples.

·                   Use linkers to help the readers to follow your essay.

·                   In the last paragraph, include a summary of your view with different words to your opening opinion statement.

·                   End with a final comment to give the reader something to consider.

Useful language

·                   It is not unusual for young people to …

·                   To begin with, I’d like to point out …

·                   Next, as far as I am concerned, most …

·                   For example, many of my friends like to …

·                   In addition, many young people today …

·                   Lastly, it seems to me that …

·                   In summary, I do not think that …

Check your work

Have you started by clearly stating your opinion?

Have you written about all the notes in the question?

Have you supported your reasons with examples?

Have you used linkers to introduce main paragraphs, add ideas or emphasise points?

Have you included a summary of your view using different words to your statement in the introduction?

Have you left the reader with something to consider?