Write a well-organised paragraph that gives your opinion on a question, supports it with reasons and examples, and ends with a conclusion.
An opinion paragraph answers a question such as 'Should students wear a uniform?' It starts with a topic sentence that clearly states your opinion. Then it gives two or three reasons, each supported by an example or an explanation, and it finishes with a concluding sentence that repeats the main idea in different words. Linking words show the reader how your ideas connect.
Model text
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.
Useful language
Purpose
Useful language
State your opinion
In my opinion, ... / I strongly believe that ... / Personally, I think ...
Order your reasons
Firstly, ... / Secondly, ... / Another reason is that ... / Finally, ...
Give an example
For example, ... / For instance, ... / ... such as ...
Add an idea
In addition, ... / What is more, ... / Also, ...
Show the other side
Some people argue that ... / It is true that ..., but ...
Contrast
However, ... / On the other hand, ...
Conclude
To sum up, ... / In conclusion, ... / For these reasons, ...
Exercise 1 of 2
Linking words and topic sentences
Choose the best word, phrase or sentence.
Exercise 2 of 2
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.
Your turn
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.
0 words
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Sample 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.
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Source
Original lesson by Joy English.
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