Example 1
Here is the form of an opinion essay. It is taken from the essay on zoos in a textbook.
The topic of the essay is: Zoos still have a useful function in the modern world. Do you agree?
Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic. State your opinion in the last sentence of the introduction.
Paragraph One: In this paragraph, you write in more detail about your opinion. You provide examples and arguments for your opinion. Some useful expressions:
Notice how you should give your strongest argument at the end of the paragraph.
Paragraph Two: In this paragraph you give arguments for other people's opinion. In this way, you show the reader that you are aware there are opinions different from your own, and that you treat them with respect. Writing about other people's opinions also develops critical thinking, and enables you to look at things from various perspectives. Some useful expressions:
Conclusion: In the last part of your essay you summarise your arguments, and state once again why you think you are right. Some useful expressions:
- In conclusion, ...
- To sum up, ...
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Example 2
Example 3
Example 4
Example 5
An opinion essay is different from a For and Against essay, because you don't give arguments for and against the topic, but you state your opinion, and then give arguments for YOUR OPINION. You also provide arguments about what other people think about the topic.
Here is the table from our textbook with the differences between these two types of essay:
Ex. 2
