Joy English
Joy English
← Back to the lesson

Joy English · Level B1 · Opinionsjoy-english.com

An opinion paragraph

Name:Date:

Write a well-organised paragraph that gives your opinion on a question, supports it with reasons and examples, and ends with a conclusion.

Should children learn to cook at school?

In my opinion, every child should learn to cook at school. Firstly, cooking is an essential life skill. Many young people leave home without knowing how to make a simple, healthy meal, so they end up eating unhealthy snacks. Secondly, cooking lessons can make other subjects more interesting. For example, children use maths when they weigh ingredients and science when they see how heat changes food. Finally, cooking together teaches teamwork, because students have to share tasks and tools. Some people argue that there is no time in the school day for practical subjects. However, I believe that even one hour a week would make a big difference. To sum up, cooking lessons help children to become healthier, more confident and more independent.

Linking words and topic sentences

Choose the best word, phrase or sentence.

  1. Topic sentence: ___, public transport should be free for all students.
    • a) In my opinion
    • b) For instance
    • c) Such as
  2. Walking to school is healthy. ___, it is better for the environment than driving.
    • a) However
    • b) In addition
    • c) For example
  3. Many teenagers have hobbies ___ painting, music or sport.
    • a) like as
    • b) such as
    • c) as such
  4. Some people say homework is useless. ___, I believe it helps students to remember what they learn.
    • a) Therefore
    • b) For example
    • c) However
  5. ___, there are many good reasons to learn a second language.
    • a) Such as
    • b) Firstly of all
    • c) To sum up
  6. Which is the best topic sentence for a paragraph about sport at school?
    • a) I play football on Saturdays.
    • b) Sport should be a compulsory part of every school day.
    • c) Football, basketball and tennis.
  7. Which sentence does NOT belong in a paragraph arguing that people should read more books?
    • a) Reading improves your vocabulary and concentration.
    • b) Books help us understand people from other cultures.
    • c) My favourite colour is green.

Complete the paragraph

These sentences come from a paragraph about city parks. Type one word in each gap.

  1. In my ___, cities need more green spaces.
  2. ___ example, a short walk in a park can reduce stress.
  3. What is ___, trees help to keep the air clean.
  4. Some people ___ that parks are too expensive to look after.
  5. It is true ___ parks cost money, but they also save money on healthcare.
  6. To ___ up, more parks would make our cities healthier and happier.

Writing task

Write an opinion paragraph to answer this question: 'Is it better to live in a city or in the countryside?' Start with a clear topic sentence, give at least two reasons with examples, mention the other side, and finish with a concluding sentence.

120–180 words

Check your writing

  • My first sentence clearly states my opinion.
  • I gave at least two reasons, each with an example or an explanation.
  • I used linking words such as Firstly, In addition and For example.
  • I mentioned the opposite opinion and answered it with However.
  • My last sentence sums up my opinion in different words.
  • Every sentence is about the main topic.

Answer key

Linking words and topic sentences

  1. a) In my opinionA topic sentence states your opinion, so In my opinion is the best start.
  2. b) In additionIn addition adds another reason that supports the same idea. However would introduce a contrast.
  3. b) such asSuch as introduces examples. Like as and as such are not correct here.
  4. c) HoweverHowever introduces your contrasting view after the opposite opinion.
  5. c) To sum upTo sum up introduces the concluding sentence. Firstly of all is not correct: use First of all or Firstly.
  6. b) Sport should be a compulsory part of every school day.A topic sentence gives a clear opinion that the paragraph can support. The others are a personal fact and a list.
  7. c) My favourite colour is green.Every sentence should support the main idea. Your favourite colour has nothing to do with reading.

Complete the paragraph

  1. opinion / viewIn my opinion (or In my view) introduces your opinion in the topic sentence.
  2. forFor example introduces an example that supports your reason.
  3. moreWhat is more adds another point, like In addition.
  4. argue / say / think / believe / claim / feel / worry / complain / suggestSome people argue that ... introduces the opposite opinion.
  5. thatIt is true that ..., but ... accepts part of the other view and then answers it.
  6. sumTo sum up introduces the concluding sentence.

Model answer

Personally, I believe it is better to live in the countryside than in a city. Firstly, life in the countryside is much calmer and healthier. The air is cleaner, and there is less traffic noise, so people often sleep better and feel less stressed. Secondly, it is easier to spend time in nature. For instance, you can go for a walk in the fields or grow your own vegetables in a garden. In addition, small communities are often friendlier, because neighbours know and help each other. It is true that cities offer more jobs, shops and entertainment. However, many people can now work from home, and towns are usually not far away. For these reasons, I think the countryside offers a better quality of life.

Joy English · free English practice · https://joy-english.com/writing/opinion-paragraph