opinion essay structure linking words

Opinion Writing: a Guide to Writing a Successful Essay Easily

opinion essay structure linking words

An opinion essay requires students to write their thoughts regarding a subject matter. Relevant examples and explanations back their point of view. Before starting an opinion paper, it is important to study the definition, topics, requirements, and structure. Referring to examples is also highly useful. Perhaps you need help with our admission essay writing service ? Take a look at this guide from our dissertation writing service to learn how to write an opinion essay like an expert.

What Is an Opinion Essay

A common question among students is: ‘What is an Opinion Essay?' It is an assignment that contains questions that allow students to share their point-of-view on a subject matter. Students should express their thoughts precisely while providing opinions on the issue related to the field within reasonable logic. Some opinion essays type require references to back the writer's claims.

Opinion writing involves using a student's personal point-of-view, which is segregated into a point. It is backed by examples and explanations. The paper addresses the audience directly by stating ‘Dear Readers' or the equivalent. The introduction involves a reference to a speech, book, or play. This is normally followed by a rhetorical question like ‘is the pope Catholic?' or something along those lines.

What Kind of Student Faces an Opinion Essay

Non-native English-speaking students enrolled in the International English Language Testing System by the British Council & Cambridge Assessment English are tasked with learning how to write the opinion essays. This can be high-school or college students. It is designed to enhance the level of English among students. It enables them to express their thoughts and opinions while writing good opinion essay in English.

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What Are the Requirements of an Opinion Essay?

What Are the Requirements of an Opinion Essay

Avoid Going Off-Topic: Always write an opinion essay within relevance to answer the assigned question. This is also known as ‘beating around the bush' and should not be included in any opinion paragraph as it may lower your grade.

Indent the First Paragraph: With most academic papers, opinion writing is not different. Therefore, it contains the rule of indenting the first line of the introduction.

A Well-Thought Thesis: The full thesis statement is a brief description of the opinion essay. It determines the rest of the paper. Include all the information that you wish to include in the body paragraphs

The Use of Formal Languages: Although it is okay to write informally, keep a wide range of professional and formal words. This includes: ‘Furthermore,' ‘As Stated By,' ‘However', & ‘Thus'.

Avoid Internet Slang: In the opinion paper, avoid writing using slang words. Don'tDon't include words like ‘LOL', ‘OMG', ‘LMAO', etc.

The Use of First Person Language (Optional): For the reason of providing personal thought, it is acceptable to write your personal opinion essay in the first person.

Avoid Informal Punctuation: Although the requirements allow custom essay for the first-person language, they do not permit informal punctuation. This includes dashes, exclamation marks, and emojis.

Avoid Including Contradictions: Always make sure all spelling and grammar is correct.

We also recommend reading about types of sentences with examples .

Opinion Essay Topics

Before learning about the structure, choosing from a wide range of opinion essay topics is important. Picking an essay theme is something that can be done very simply. Choosing an excellent opinion essay topic that you are interested in or have a passion for is advisable. Otherwise, you may find the writing process boring. This also ensures that your paper will be both effective and well-written.

  • Do sports differ from ordinary board games?
  • Is using animals in circus performances immoral?
  • Why should we be honest with our peers?
  • Should all humans be entitled to a 4-day workweek?
  • Should all humans become vegetarians?
  • Does a CEO earn too much?
  • Should teens be barred from having sleepovers?
  • Should everyone vote for their leader?
  • The Pros & Cons of Day-Light Saving Hours.
  • What are the most energy-efficient and safest cars of X year?

Opinion Essay Structure

When it comes to opinion paragraphs, students may struggle with the opinion essay format. The standard five-paragraph-essay structure usually works well for opinion essays. Figuring out what one is supposed to include in each section may be difficult for beginners. This is why following the opinion essay structure is something all beginners should do, for their own revision before writing the entire essay.

You might also be interested in getting more information about: 5 PARAGRAPH ESSAY

Opinion Essay Structure

Opinion essay introduction

  • Address the audience directly, and state the subject matter.
  • Reference a speech, poem, book, or play.
  • Include the author's name and date of publication in brackets.
  • 1 or 2 sentences to make up a short description.
  • 1 or 2 summarizing sentences of the entire paper.
  • 1 sentence that links to the first body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 1

  • Supporting arguments
  • Explanation
  • A linking sentence to the second body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 2

  • Supporting argument
  • A linking sentence to the third body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 3

  • A linking sentence to the conclusion.

Conclusion paragraph

  • Summary of the entire paper
  • A conclusive sentence (the bigger picture in conclusion)

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Opinion Essay Examples

Do you need something for reference? Reading opinion essay examples can expand your knowledge of this style of writing, as you get to see exactly how this form of an essay is written. Take a look at our samples to get an insight into this form of academic writing.

Over the past, American popular culture has been strong in creating racial stereotypes. Images displayed through television, music, and the internet have an impact on how individuals behave and what individuals believe. People find their identities and belief systems from popular culture. Evidently, I believe that American pop culture has created racial stereotypes that predominantly affect other ethnic minorities. Analyzing the history of America reveals that African Americans have always had a problem defining themselves as Americans ever since the era of slavery. AfricanAmericans have always had a hard time being integrated into American culture. The result is that African Americans have been subjected to ridicule and shame. American pop culture has compounded the problem by enhancing the negative stereotypes ofAfrican American. In theatre, film, and music, African Americans have been associated with vices such as murder, theft, and violence.
The family systems theory has a significant revelation on family relations. I firmly agree that to understand a particular family or a member, they should be around other family members. The emotional connection among different family members may create functional or dysfunctional coexistence, which is not easy to identify when an individual is further from the other members. Taking an example of the extended family, the relationship between the mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law may be tense, but once they are outside the family, they can pretend to have a good relationship. Therefore, I agree with the theory that the existing emotional attachment and developed culture in the family is distinctively understood when the family is together.

Opinion writing is a form of academic paper that asks students to include their thoughts on a particular topic. This is then backed by a logical explanation and examples. Becoming more knowledgeable is a practical way to successfully learn how to write an opinion paper. Before writing anything, it is essential to refer to important information. That includes the definition, topics, opinion writing examples, and requirements. This is what turns amateur writers into master writers.

Feeling like you need some assistance with your essay? No matter what kind of writer you need, opinion or persuasive essay writer , our team consists of experts in all fields. Our college essay writing service helps those students who need an extra push when it comes to their assignments.

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  • Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Published on May 29, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 23, 2023.

Transition words and phrases (also called linking words, connecting words, or transitional words) are used to link together different ideas in your text. They help the reader to follow your arguments by expressing the relationships between different sentences or parts of a sentence.

The proposed solution to the problem did not work. Therefore , we attempted a second solution. However , this solution was also unsuccessful.

For clear writing, it’s essential to understand the meaning of transition words and use them correctly.

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Table of contents

When and how to use transition words, types and examples of transition words, common mistakes with transition words, other interesting articles.

Transition words commonly appear at the start of a new sentence or clause (followed by a comma ), serving to express how this clause relates to the previous one.

Transition words can also appear in the middle of a clause. It’s important to place them correctly to convey the meaning you intend.

Example text with and without transition words

The text below describes all the events it needs to, but it does not use any transition words to connect them. Because of this, it’s not clear exactly how these different events are related or what point the author is making by telling us about them.

If we add some transition words at appropriate moments, the text reads more smoothly and the relationship among the events described becomes clearer.

Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Consequently , France and the United Kingdom declared war on Germany. The Soviet Union initially worked with Germany in order to partition Poland. However , Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.

Don’t overuse transition words

While transition words are essential to clear writing, it’s possible to use too many of them. Consider the following example, in which the overuse of linking words slows down the text and makes it feel repetitive.

In this case the best way to fix the problem is to simplify the text so that fewer linking words are needed.

The key to using transition words effectively is striking the right balance. It is difficult to follow the logic of a text with no transition words, but a text where every sentence begins with a transition word can feel over-explained.

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There are four main types of transition word: additive, adversative, causal, and sequential. Within each category, words are divided into several more specific functions.

Remember that transition words with similar meanings are not necessarily interchangeable. It’s important to understand the meaning of all the transition words you use. If unsure, consult a dictionary to find the precise definition.

Additive transition words

Additive transition words introduce new information or examples. They can be used to expand upon, compare with, or clarify the preceding text.

Adversative transition words

Adversative transition words always signal a contrast of some kind. They can be used to introduce information that disagrees or contrasts with the preceding text.

Causal transition words

Causal transition words are used to describe cause and effect. They can be used to express purpose, consequence, and condition.

Sequential transition words

Sequential transition words indicate a sequence, whether it’s the order in which events occurred chronologically or the order you’re presenting them in your text. They can be used for signposting in academic texts.

Transition words are often used incorrectly. Make sure you understand the proper usage of transition words and phrases, and remember that words with similar meanings don’t necessarily work the same way grammatically.

Misused transition words can make your writing unclear or illogical. Your audience will be easily lost if you misrepresent the connections between your sentences and ideas.

Confused use of therefore

“Therefore” and similar cause-and-effect words are used to state that something is the result of, or follows logically from, the previous. Make sure not to use these words in a way that implies illogical connections.

  • We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. Therefore , the average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

The use of “therefore” in this example is illogical: it suggests that the result of 7.5 follows logically from the question being asked, when in fact many other results were possible. To fix this, we simply remove the word “therefore.”

  • We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. The average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

Starting a sentence with also , and , or so

While the words “also,” “and,” and “so” are used in academic writing, they are considered too informal when used at the start of a sentence.

  • Also , a second round of testing was carried out.

To fix this issue, we can either move the transition word to a different point in the sentence or use a more formal alternative.

  • A second round of testing was also carried out.
  • Additionally , a second round of testing was carried out.

Transition words creating sentence fragments

Words like “although” and “because” are called subordinating conjunctions . This means that they introduce clauses which cannot stand on their own. A clause introduced by one of these words should always follow or be followed by another clause in the same sentence.

The second sentence in this example is a fragment, because it consists only of the “although” clause.

  • Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. Although other researchers disagree.

We can fix this in two different ways. One option is to combine the two sentences into one using a comma. The other option is to use a different transition word that does not create this problem, like “however.”

  • Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed, although other researchers disagree.
  • Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. However , other researchers disagree.

And vs. as well as

Students often use the phrase “ as well as ” in place of “and,” but its usage is slightly different. Using “and” suggests that the things you’re listing are of equal importance, while “as well as” introduces additional information that is less important.

  • Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf, as well as presenting my analysis of To the Lighthouse .

In this example, the analysis is more important than the background information. To fix this mistake, we can use “and,” or we can change the order of the sentence so that the most important information comes first. Note that we add a comma before “as well as” but not before “and.”

  • Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf and presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse .
  • Chapter 1 presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse , as well as discussing some background information on Woolf.

Note that in fixed phrases like “both x and y ,” you must use “and,” not “as well as.”

  • Both my results as well as my interpretations are presented below.
  • Both my results and my interpretations are presented below.

Use of and/or

The combination of transition words “and/or” should generally be avoided in academic writing. It makes your text look messy and is usually unnecessary to your meaning.

First consider whether you really do mean “and/or” and not just “and” or “or.” If you are certain that you need both, it’s best to separate them to make your meaning as clear as possible.

  • Participants were asked whether they used the bus and/or the train.
  • Participants were asked whether they used the bus, the train, or both.

Archaic transition words

Words like “hereby,” “therewith,” and most others formed by the combination of “here,” “there,” or “where” with a preposition are typically avoided in modern academic writing. Using them makes your writing feel old-fashioned and strained and can sometimes obscure your meaning.

  • Poverty is best understood as a disease. Hereby , we not only see that it is hereditary, but acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

These words should usually be replaced with a more explicit phrasing expressing how the current statement relates to the preceding one.

  • Poverty is best understood as a disease. Understanding it as such , we not only see that it is hereditary, but also acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

Using a paraphrasing tool for clear writing

With the use of certain tools, you can make your writing clear. One of these tools is a paraphrasing tool . One thing the tool does is help your sentences make more sense. It has different modes where it checks how your text can be improved. For example, automatically adding transition words where needed.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or writing rules make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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How to Write an Opinion Essay Like a Pro

So, they want you to write an opinion essay on a particular topic. What is that? What makes it different from other paper types? And, if this piece is so specific, how to structure it for a high grade?

Opinion papers have specifics. At schools or universities, educators assign them for students to learn how to build arguments and prove their position with logic and evidence. While its format resembles standard 5-paragraph academic papers, it’s critical to structure it with a particular tone and argument sequence.

In this blog post, we’ll tell you how to write an opinion essay. If you don’t have time to read or need practical help with writing, you can always ask our specialists for assistance.

What is an Opinion Essay?

An opinion essay  is a writing piece that presents the author’s point of view on a particular topic backed by reasoning, evidence, and examples. It also shares an opposing viewpoint but suggests arguments as to why it’s inconsistent.

Why write opinion pieces?

The purpose is to articulate your position, demonstrating  what  you think on a topic (question) and  why  you think so. The whys behind your thoughts come in handy when you  write reflective essays .

In academia, educators assign opinion essays to students so they learn how to express their views right. With these papers, teachers test students’ critical thinking, writing skills, ability to convey thoughts, and knowledge of a particular subject.

Opinions are also trendy online. (We all write social media posts expressing our thoughts on something.) You can also find them in personal blogs and Op-Ed sections of newspapers like the  New York Times.

When structured and presented right, opinion papers can impact how people think about a particular question. Millions of online users read them, and opinions expose the audiences to a massive array of points! How do you understand which one to believe?

The opinion writing skill will help you recognize a solid argument that is logical, reasoning, and backed with substantial evidence.

How is it different from other essay types?

Some students confuse opinion pieces with other paper types. Thus, argumentative or persuasive essays also convey points supported by research and other evidence. How do you know when it’s an opinion essay?

All these essay types have different goals.

  • Opinion essays  are for sharing your views and explaining  why  you think so.
  • Persuasive essays  are for convincing readers to agree with your statement.
  • Argumentative essays  are for stating a fact and using even more arguments to back it up.

There’s also an  expository essay  where you explain a topic (not your point of view), providing the evidence but not trying to prove anything or convince anyone.

For an even deeper understanding of the opinion essay specifics, below are its criteria and guidelines to consider when writing it:

opinion-essay-format

Opinion writing:

  • Addresses a question from both sides;
  • Provides a well-reasoned statement;
  • Supports the opinion with arguments, evidence, and examples;
  • Follows a logical structure;
  • Incorporates writing instruments like power words, diverse language, and transition words to engage readers and motivate them to proceed.

Opinion Essay: How to Write (7 Steps)

  • Choose a topic
  • Outline your essay
  • Write an opinion essay introduction
  • Draft a 3-paragraph essay body
  • Write a conclusion

Now, to practice:

Below are your seven steps on how to write an opinion essay. They aren’t tricky to follow but are a must to consider if you want your paper to sound argumentative, logical, and reasoning for readers to understand you.

1 – Choose a topic

In school or college life, a teacher assigns essay topics for students to cover. But if you don’t have a prompt and are free to choose a topic, your first step would be brainstorming:

Decide what you might want to cover in your opinion essay.

Important:  Remember that your task is to form an opinion and back it up with reasoning and evidence. You’ll need to not only agree or disagree with an issue but explain  why  you think so.

Here are some topics for opinion essays to inspire you:

  • Children watch too much television
  • Sex education in the schools
  • The acceptance of using animals in scientific research
  • Parents are the best teachers. Yes or no?
  • Children should grow up in the countryside than in a big city.
  • Are women better parents than men? 
  • There are situations when it’s better to hide the truth 
  • The mass media shape and influence people’s ideas. Agree?
  •  Should rich countries forgive all the debts of poor ones? 
  • Schools should ask students to evaluate their teachers. 

Once you have a topic, decide on your opinion and think of the arguments (and data) to support it. Investigate the topic and research sources you’ll use in an essay. Also, ensure to research counterarguments or alternative perspectives: You’ll need to present them in your paper and explain why they are inconsistent.

2 – Outline your essay

While researching the topic, do your best to develop an outline for your future paper. It’s a plan (structure of opinion essay) to place all the arguments where they make the most sense.

Use a 5-paragraph essay structure (1): Your opinion paper will need an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Feel free to use this template:

opinion-essay-outline

The outline will save you tons of time in writing an essay. Once you have all the arguments, facts, and examples of where they should go, it will be easier (and faster!) to write a draft. All you’ll need to do is join them in a coherent text.

3 – Write an opinion essay introduction

Now, it’s time to start writing a draft. The introduction of your opinion essay is one paragraph with a hook, topic intro, and thesis statement explaining your point of view to readers.

How to write an introduction paragraph for an opinion essay?

  • A writing hook — one sentence
  • Stating the subject matter — one or two sentences
  • Thesis statement and introducing your first argument — one or two sentences

Remember that opinion essays are about brevity and accuracy. Write a concise introduction, using a scholarly tone and introducing your subject (topic) with clarity.

How do you write a hook for an opinion essay? You can start with a statement, a question, surprising statistics, or an intriguing and rare quote related to your topic. A writing hook is an instrument to capture interest and motivate the audience to keep reading.

4 – Draft a 3-paragraph essay body

After the introduction, the essay body comes. A standard opinion essay consists of three body paragraphs, each with a claim, explanations with proofs and examples, and a transitional sentence to the next paragraph.

The first two paragraphs are for the arguments supporting your point of view. The third paragraph is for alternative opinions and your explanation of why they are inconsistent.

When writing, include references (quotes, examples, etc.) you’ve gathered when researching. Address the outline to ensure your points are reasoning and presented in a logical consequence.

5 – Write a conclusion

How to write a conclusion for an opinion essay?

  • Summarize all points — one or two sentences
  • Restate your thesis — one sentence
  • Round up the subject — one sentence

The conclusion of an opinion essay is one final paragraph organizing all the information for readers to remember. It’s a summary repeating your opinion statement with the arguments you introduced to prove it’s valid. You can also provide another related fact, ask a rhetorical question, or leave readers with a call to action.

6 – Revise

Once your opinion essay draft is ready, it’s time to revise it. Reread it several times to check for logic, reasoning, and flow. Re-check the evidence you used to support your opinion, remove colloquial expressions and repetitions, and ensure it sounds scholarly and crystal clear.

7 – Proofread

The final stage before submitting an essay to a teacher or publishing it online is proofreading:

Reread your draft (yes, once again!) to “catch” all possible typos or slight grammar mistakes. A little trick can help here: Read the essay aloud! It allows you to “hear” how it sounds and notice tiny details you might miss when working on the draft.

Opinion Essay Examples

Any questions left on how to start an opinion essay, what is an opinion essay format, or how does it look when completed? The below samples will help. Seeing once is better than hearing twice, right?

Please note that the below opinion essay examples are for informative and educational purposes only. Do not copy them to submit to teachers.

A 500-word essay sample:

A 300 words essay sample:

Dos and Don’ts of Writing an Opinion Essay

We’ve asked our writers to share practical tips on writing an A-worthy opinion essay. Here come their dos and don’ts of crafting this type of academic paper:

opinion-writing-tips

Bonus! Opinion Words and Phrases

They allow your writing to flow, linking the points together to ensure a logical sequence and help readers follow your train of thought. In opinion writing, these words are introductory phrases, transitions, and opinion clues to explain your view and make the audience understand how your ideas relate.

For those wondering how to write an opinion essay without using I, the phrases could be as follows:

Sure enough, they work for standard first-person opinion essays, too.

That is it! Opinion essay writing is not that challenging to master:

Be concise, use a clear thesis, support it with arguments and references, and ensure its logical consequence.

Any doubts or questions left on how to write an opinion essay? Don’t hesitate to ask: Our professional academic writers are here to help!

References:

  • https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/ace/downloads/tipsheets/writingtipsheets/fivparstr.pdf
  • Essay samples
  • Essay writing
  • Writing tips

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Opinion Essay

Last updated on: Jun 9, 2023

How to Write an Opinion Essay - Structure, Topics & Examples

By: Cordon J.

Reviewed By: Rylee W.

Published on: Nov 2, 2021

Opinion essay

The opinion essay is a type of persuasive writing that reflects the writer's point of view. It shows what the writer thinks or how they feel about a specific subject.

Moreover, such an essay requires good writing skills as well as an understanding of its format. Continue reading to know more about how to write a good opinion essay in no time. Also, find below the examples and topics for better guidance.

Opinion essay

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What is an Opinion Essay?

An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing in which the writer expresses their viewpoints on a specific issue. It is done to persuade or convince readers.

To do this successfully, you need to present your opinions and reasoning with logical examples for both sides of the argument. The opposing viewpoint is also presented.

Similarly, an opinion essay is also known as agree or disagree essay. Writing an opinion essay is similar to writing a persuasive essay. It requires you to explain why your viewpoint is right, but it's more like the conclusion of a research paper. Here, the writer defends rather than trying to convince someone else about what they should think or do about the topic.

Consider the following points while writing a good opinion paper.

  • Always support your opinion by using a strong piece of evidence from credible sources.
  • Write all sentences in a proper sequence.
  • Avoid using copied content from the internet and state your own opinion.
  • Write formally and avoid using slang words.
  • Ensure that the essay is free from any grammatical and spelling mistakes.

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Opinion Essay Structure

Writing any type of essay requires proper format and structure. The same is the case with an opinion essay that follows a standard five-paragraph structure.

Let us have a look at the detailed opinion essay format structure given below.

Introduction

  • Grab the audience’s interest with a hook statement
  • Present your opinion
  • Introduce the main topic
  • State the thesis statement

Body Paragraph 1

  • Write a topic sentence with the first reason
  • Supporting evidence
  • Facts/ Examples

Body Paragraph 2

  • Write a topic sentence with the second reason

Body Paragraph 3

  • Write a topic sentence with the third reason
  • Summarize your opinion
  • Restate the thesis statement

How to Write an Opinion Essay?

Writing an opinion essay requires proper planning and preparation. Here are some important steps that you should follow to write a perfect essay in no time.

1. Prewriting Stage

Before you start writing your opinion essay, collect evidence to support your viewpoint. Make sure that the information collected is relevant in order for it to be considered a good argument.

After you start brainstorming, consider answering these questions to get more ideas.

  • What are the central arguments being conveyed in the essay?
  • What did the audiences want to know?
  • Is my opinion relevant to the main theme?
  • How can I improve my opinion?

Look at this list for ideas and organize their answers in a detailed opinion essay outline.

2. Begin Writing the Essay

There are three major sections included in an opinion essay. These comprise an introduction paragraph, main body, and a conclusion. The following is a detailed description of these sections.

  • Introduction -  It is the first section that discusses the subject and states your opinion about it. Always start this paragraph with an attention-grabbing hook statement and present the thesis statement at the end.
  • Body Paragraphs -  These paragraphs contain all the relevant information to support the main thesis. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence and use present tense while writing this essay. Never use phrasal verbs and idioms and add in-text citations properly. Lastly, make sure to use transitions for a logical flow of ideas. The opposing side who disagrees with the statement should also be represented in your writing.
  • Conclusion -  This section is as important as the introduction. It should not only be restating the thesis statement but also present the central arguments. However, you should avoid introducing any new ideas.

3. Proofreading and Editing

The final step to your essay is proofreading. Make sure that the grammar, vocabulary, and spellings are all correct before submitting the final draft. Check for plagiarism, as this will also help protect you from being accused of cheating.

Don't forget about the essay’s structure. Make sure there is a clear introduction followed by well-developed body paragraphs and a conclusion.

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Opinion Essay Examples

Examples are a great way to get a detailed idea of writing any type of essay. Below we have attached some samples for you to get a comprehensive understanding of the writing process.

OPINION ESSAY SAMPLE

OPINION ESSAY ABOUT COVID 19

OPINION ESSAY ABOUT FAST FOOD

Opinion Essay Topics

Here is a list of topics for an opinion essay that you can select for writing your own paper.

  • Is social media damaging to our personal relationships?
  • Does traveling benefit young people?
  • Are high school dress codes biased against female students?
  • Should primary schools still teach handwriting?
  • Should public transportation be free for city residents?
  • Should college and university be free?
  • Should doping be allowed in competitive sports?
  • Are professional sports players’ salaries too high?
  • Should physical education be mandatory in high school?
  • Should hormonal birth control be sold over the counter?

The comprehensive guide mentioned above will help you write a perfect opinion essay in no time. However, if you still need help with the writing process, contact a professional  essay writing service  like  5StarEssays.com .

Tired of the tedious research and writing that goes into every paper you write?

Our expert essay writers have what it takes to make your work stand out from everyone else's. With years of experience, they know how to get things done in no time at all!

Just tell them exactly what you need help with - whether that be a simple high school essay or an advanced dissertation, we'll take care of everything for you. Call us now and place your  order  to get an impressive opinion essay at affordable rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an opinion essay called.

An opinion essay is also known as an argumentative, persuasive, or position essay.

What is the purpose of an opinion essay?

An opinion essay aims to explain something from a subjective position of a writer. It is also used to convince someone of anything by proving the stance.

What are the features of opinion writing?

Some of the main features of opinion writing include:

  • Concrete details
  • Language and content-specific words
  • Relationships between and among ideas
  • Linking reasons and evidence to the opinion

How do you introduce an opinion in writing?

An opinion is mainly introduced by stating the topic and providing reasons that are supported by facts and details drawn from credible sources.

What is a supported opinion essay?

Supported opinion essays are a great way to show your opinion on the subject and back it up with sound evidence. The goal of this essay isn't just convincing readers that you're right but also letting them see how well-researched all aspects were for their own learning.

Can you use I in an opinion essay?

It's not true that there is such a rule as, never use (I) in an opinion essay . It depends on the circumstances, but these kinds of expressions should be used when you think it will help your writing and thematics to get across to the readers.

Cordon J.

College Admission Essay, Law

Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

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opinion essay structure linking words

How to Write an Opinion Essay A2/B1

An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing in which you share your thoughts on a specific topic. You should express your opinion clearly and give reasons and examples to support your point of view.

Remember that when we write in formal style , we must not use contractions or informal words or expressions.

Parts of an opinion essay

An opinion essay must have 3 parts:

1. Introduction

In this paragraph you have to introduce the topic. You introduce the topic by restating the question or the title of the essay in your own words. Here you have to say if you agree or not with the question or the title of the essay. You can agree, disagree or partially agree.

In this section you have to support your opinion with reasons and examples. You must include at least three reasons. Break it into several paragraphs. Write one paragraph for each supporting reason. Don’t forget to include examples or facts.

3. Conclusion

Summarize your ideas and restate your opinion using different words.

Transition words and phrases

In your essay you have to organize all your ideas in a logical and coherent way. You can use different transition words or phrases to connect your ideas . Transition words and phrases help the reader understand your point of view easily.

In the table below there is a list of common transition words that you can use in your opinion essays.

opinion essay structure linking words

Essay question: A1/B2 English learners should learn how to write an opinion essay. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

opinion essay structure linking words

Here you can download a simple template that you can use to organize your ideas. You can replace the red words with other transition or linking words from the chart. You can also add more transition words to connect your ideas more clearly.

opinion essay structure linking words

PRACTICE TIME

Dogs are better pets than cats. Do you agree or disagree. Why?

Write your answer in the comments below.

How to Express your Opinion in English

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24 thoughts on “ How to Write an Opinion Essay A2/B1 ”

Dogs are better pets than cats.

Nowadays, many people prefer to adopt dogs or cats, but which of them are the better pets? Personally, I think that it is better to have cats as pets for the following reasons:

First of all, cats are more independent than dogs. For example, if you need to go on a trip, cats can live alone for 3 or 4 days. In addition, you only need to put enough water and food in a bowl and a sandbox so they can pee and poop when they need.

Secondly, cats are very clean and you don´t need to pay for someone to bathe them, unlike dogs, which must be bathed at least every week, because they smell bad. In my experience, I had a cat 7 years ago and only needed to bathe him 3 times during 5 years, because, he used to bathe himself.

Finally, cats are more calm and quiet than dogs. For instance, cats sleep during the day and at night they wake up. However, they are very quiet so you can sleep relaxed. In addition, cats only meow softly and do not bark loudly like dogs.

In conclusion, cats are more lovely and better pets than dogs because they are very independent, clean, and calm animals. They are beautiful and they do not need a lot of care.

Great job Camila!!!! Please read the final essay and compare it with your draft.

Nowadays most people say that dogs are better compared to cats. However, I consider that you couldn’t say who is better because just by existing they are incredible. Therefore, I do not agree that any one is better than the other for the following reasons.

First of all, dogs and cats are house pets adaptable to any home. However, it depends a lot on the space where they are going to be. However, in terms of size, they can be perfectly adapted to each home.

Secondly, dogs and cats, if you educate them correctly, will have good grooming habits. So both of them are going to do the right thing and we wouldn’t say that one is better than the other.

Finally, I consider that dogs and cats are the best friends of humans in the world. They both give love unconditionally in any situation. Also, on the contrary, you can know when pets are happy, sad or have a health problem.

To conclude, dogs are not better than cats because both are excellent domestic pets and they adapt to each place and lifestyle, it only depends on us humans giving them love and care.

Like Liked by 1 person

Nowadays more and more pets walk into human families and become a member of them. Some people like dogs and others like cats. In my opinion cats are better pets than dogs.

First of all, you could have a cat no matter how big your family room is. Cats are smaller than most dogs so you do not need to have a big place for cats. Cats could sleep anywhere in your house and what you need to do is just prepare some food for them. However, if you have a dog, you need to prepare a big doghouse. So it is a little difficult if you live in a small apartment.

Second cats are more friendly than dogs. Most cats will not bark at people but dogs often do that to someone who is not familiar with them. It is a terrible feeling when your dogs bark at your neighbors.

Finally, the time you spend on taking care of your pets is less for cats. For instance, you do not need to take the cat out of your house every day if you are very busy after work.

In conclusion, cats are easy to take care of, for that reason I think cats are better pets than dogs.

Great job Li Yang. Please compare the final essay with your initial draft. 🙂

Dogs are better pets than cats. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

There is a dispute between those who love dogs and those who love cats. Each side believes that their pet is the best. In my opinion, every animal has pluses and minuses. However, I will say that cats are better pets than dogs.

Firstly, cats are 100 percent pets. They can sleep for hours, play, and look out the window.

Secondly, cats do not need a walk. And this means that cats do not need to wash their paws. They keep their bodies clean.

Thirdly, if cats love their owners, they like to sleep on them. Cats say mur-mur and calm their owners when they are sad or something hurts them.

Finally, cats behave calmly to guests. They can leave the room if they do not like something or someone.

Let’s sum it up. Should people buy a cat or a dog?. It is up to us. However, I will buy a cat. A cat is an ideal pet for me because I am an introvert.

Well done Olga! Please compare your first draft with the final version ☝️

Thank you very much for your help, Julietta! It’s so important to look at yourself from the outside.

Excellent material (for an otherwise dull topic)- Thanks a million from faraway Argentina!

Hi Maria! I’m happy to hear that this post was helpful. I know! Teaching/learning writing sometimes is quite challenging.

[…] factual information using a formal tone. As with other pieces of formal writing (for example, essays, formal emails, articles, etc.), there is a special format used to write reports in […]

Most people can say dogs are good pets for humans compared to cats. Personally, I think, it is not possible to say who is better because both are amazing pets. For this reason , I disagree that dogs are better than cats.

First of all, dogs and cats are perfect domestic pets. Nowadays, people live in different spaces and dogs and cats can live perfectly in this place only depending on the size of the pets. Additionally, both can adapt perfectly to a different lifestyle for families or single people.

Secondly, dogs and cats are amazing because they have facial expressions closer to humans and sometimes they are more expressive than humans. For example, you can know when pets are happy, sad or have any health problems.

Lastly, dogs and cats are humans’ best friends in the world. Both give love unconditionally to people and stay at all times (good and bad) with them . Furthermore, it is so difficult to say one love is better than the other .

That is clear, dogs are not better than cats because both are excellent domestic pets and they adapted to every place and lifestyle only depend only that humans give love and care.

Well done Karla!! ⭐

Nowadays, adopting dogs and cats is hands down the most popular option for people who want to get a pet . Personally, I consider, it is imposible to say which one is a better option because both are awsome. However, I think that cats are good pets for a number of reason s . To begin with, cats are loving. For instance, when you are upset or depressed, they always try to cheer you up with their company. Furthermore, they love sleeping with you. Secondly, cats do not need to go for a walk . And this means that you have more spare time for yourself or for playing with them. In addition, you can go out all day knowing that your cat is going to be fine all by itself . Last but not least, cats are friendlier than dogs. If they do not like something or somebody they will simply go out of the room. What is more, they sometimes enjoy playing alone. To sum up, cats are more affectionate than dogs, making then better pets than other animals.

Amazing job Gloria!!!

Nowadays dogs and cats have become part of the family, they are like people who cannot talk, but communicate through different acts, I particularly prefer dogs.

First of all, I prefer dogs because they are more friendly, affectionate and loyal. These pets have easily won anyone is heart. Their willingness to be part of the family, their enthusiasm when we come home and their ability to provide emotional support are irreplaceable qualities.

Secondly, walking with them not only helps with exercise, but is an opportunity to strengthen the bond between us and the dogs. Their playful nature and willingness to learn make living with a dog an exciting and joyful experience.

Finally, I think dogs are ideal for those looking for an active and affectionate companion, while cats are great for people who value independence and feline elegance.

In conclusion, although I love dogs more, the choice between a dog and a cat as a pet depends a lot on each person’s personal preferences and lifestyle.

In almost every home there is a pet, whether cats, dogs or other animals that become part of the family. However, everyone has their own preferences, in my opinion dogs are better than cats for the following reasons. First of all, if you have a more active lifestyle. Dogs are very active animals that like to walk, run and play to stay healthy and happy, while cats are more sedentary and prefer to sleep all day. Secondly, dogs are very obedient animals. If trained correctly, they can learn tricks and commands. In addition to being very affectionate animals. Lastly, dogs are very protective and loyal animals. If they see something they don’t like or something that could be a threat to their family, they will be willing to protect them. In conclusion, dogs are very good companions, they are affectionate, active, protective, and they are the best if you have a more active lifestyle, but I also think that it depends a lot on the person in charge, on their type of life.

Moderation in cell phone use is crucial in contemporary society for various reasons. Firstly, the abuse of mobile devices can have negative impacts on mental health, contributing to increased stress and anxiety due to constant exposure to social networks and notifications. Additionally, excessive use can affect interpersonal relationships by distracting people during face-to-face encounters.

Additionally, cell phone dependency can affect productivity and concentration in daily activities. The constant interruption by notifications and the compulsion to check the phone can undermine the quality of work and academic performance.

On the other hand, moderation in cell phone use is essential for road safety. Distracted driving due to phone use has been a major cause of traffic accidents. Implementing limits on cell phone use while driving is a necessary measure to prevent tragedies.

to conclusion, moderation in cell phone use is imperative to safeguard mental health, strengthen personal relationships, improve productivity and guarantee public safety. Setting conscious boundaries and encouraging responsible use of technology is essential for a healthy balance between digital life and reality.

Today, dogs and cats are the perfect companion in the home of the world. However, in my opinion, I prefer cats, this pet is wonderful and special partner of adventures and madness. Following, I say three reason for that cat is the best friend for human.

First, cat isn´t noisy, this pet is very quiet and calm, inside of house cat keep silence, because theirs legs are padding and when walking not make noise. In addition, meows of cats are soft and do not bark loudly like dogs.

Secondly, I considerer cats are clean because, this pet bathe with their tongue for this reason your cat not needed take shower always. For example, I bathe my cat « Mihos » every six months.

Finally, cats are more independent than dogs. In my experience, my pet go for a walk alone. For this reason, my cat not need to that stroll with me.

To conclude, cats are excellent domestic pets, they are pretty and mystics. And they will take care of your home and your heart. I always adore cats.

In Defense of Dogs: Man’s Best Friend The age-old debate of whether cats or dogs make better pets has long been a topic of discussion among animal lovers. While both animals have their merits, I firmly believe that dogs hold a special place in our lives as faithful companions. In this essay, I will present the reasons, in my opinion, why dogs are superior pets, offering unwavering loyalty, companionship, and numerous other qualities that make them man’s best friend.

First of all, dogs are renowned for their loyalty and unwavering devotion to their owners. They form deep emotional bonds and are always there to provide comfort and support, making them invaluable companions in both good and challenging times.

Secondly, dogs thrive on social interaction and physical activity, encouraging their owners to lead a more active and healthier lifestyle. Their enthusiasm for outdoor activities and playtime fosters a strong and positive relationship between humans and their pets, promoting a sense of well-being and happiness.

Therefore, dogs come in a wide variety of breeds, each with its unique personality and traits. Whether as service animals, working dogs, or loving family pets, they display remarkable adaptability and versatility, making them suitable for a diverse range of roles and environments.

In conclusion, the qualities that dogs possess, including unwavering loyalty, companionship, and their ability to enhance our physical and emotional well-being, make them exceptional companions. Their impact on human lives is immeasurable, as they provide love, support, and joy to countless individuals and families worldwide. Therefore, I firmly believe that dogs are, without a doubt, man’s best friend and make superior pets in numerous ways.

Chat GPT diserves full marks 100%

Why are dogs better than cats? In my opinion, dogs are better than cats for many reasons. In this essay I will address various topics, such as fidelity, company, cleanliness, protection, among others, and I will try to defend man’s best friends.

First of all, dogs are man’s best friends because they are very faithful to humans. For instance, in risky situations for their owners they act as defenders and help detect risky situations. Dogs can also work in the police department as detectors of prohibited substances, and they can also serve as a company for people with mental illnesses who need support .

Second, dogs are more affectionate with their owners. They can recognize their owners after a long time. They have a super developed and very effective sense of smell. This is why in many occasions when people disappear, dogs track them alone .

Finally , dogs have a lower loss rate compared to cats. In addtion, dogs are kept in their homes, and there are many cases in which lost dogs lead people to their “wanted” files in order to return to their homes. Dogs often defend their owners even if they get hurt or, in many cases dogs die.

To sum up , dogs are better than cats due to their loyalty, their defense tactics towards their owners, and in many cases also their intelligence, which is why they are called man’s best friends.

Good effort!

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opinion essay structure linking words

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6 strong anchor charts for opinion writing.

opinion essay structure linking words

Opinion Writing may seem like the most simple of the writing standards, but without adequate modeling and practice, students won’t be able to fully develop their opinion writing skills. Today, I am going to talk about 6 strong anchor charts for opinion writing. Anchor charts are always a great tool for instruction, especially when introducing a new skill. They are visual, interactive, and they can help students organize their thoughts!

Introducing Opinion Writing Structure

Check out these great opinion writing anchor charts. From introductions to conclusions, these 6 anchor charts will engage your students. Start by teaching the opinion writing overall skill, then move on to using anchor charts to teach specific parts of opinion writing!

When introducing opinion writing, you will want to preview the overall structure. Students need to know what they’re looking for in writing examples and modeling. This is always one of my 6 anchor charts for opinion writing because the “OREO” acronym is very helpful! This is an easy way for students to remember what to include in an opinion writing piece. The first O is the introduction (which we will talk about later in the post). The introduction will need to include the writer’s opinion. This is followed by the R, reasons, and E, examples, or evidence. Finally, students will need to restate their O, opinion in the conclusion. If they can remember OREO, they can remember the Opinion Writing structure!

Teaching How to State an Opinion

Check out these great opinion writing anchor charts. From introductions to conclusions, these 6 anchor charts will engage your students. Start by teaching the opinion writing overall skill, then move on to using anchor charts to teach specific parts of opinion writing!

After introducing the structure, students will need to start developing their own opinion statements. This simple anchor chart can be an interactive lesson, with your students’ involvement in the process. Students will need to have a collection of Opinion Stems in their mental writing toolbox so that they can develop strong opinion statements. They will need to learn to include an opinion stem in the statement. So, instead of saying, “cats are the best,” they will say, “In my opinion,” or “I believe that cats are the best type of pet.” Providing examples for the students to reference will help them state their opinions across all content areas, too!

Anchor Charts that Teach Supporting Reasons

Check out these great opinion writing anchor charts. From introductions to conclusions, these 6 anchor charts will engage your students. Start by teaching the opinion writing overall skill, then move on to using anchor charts to teach specific parts of opinion writing!

Next, comes another reusable anchor chart for opinion writing. Students are going to benefit from learning how to supply reasons within their opinion writing and throughout the rest of their skill development. Not only with they use this skill in writing class, but across all content areas and in their real lives. When teaching this skill, you will want to focus on the question: Why? I also like to reference the phrase: Prove it. Provide plentiful examples for reasons and evidence so that students are able to pick out quality over quantity.

This easy, reusable anchor chart allows students to think about reasons and evidence. When discussing an opinion topic, record two solid pieces of evidence or reasons, written in strong opinion statements. If you laminate it, you can have students record their own examples throughout your opinion writing unit. The more they practice, even when seeing other student examples, the more they learn!

Teaching Introductions and Conclusions Explicitly

Check out these great opinion writing anchor charts. From introductions to conclusions, these 6 anchor charts will engage your students. Start by teaching the opinion writing overall skill, then move on to using anchor charts to teach specific parts of opinion writing!

Now, just because opinion writing follows more of a formula than the other types of writing, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be interesting. Hooking your reader and reminding them of your purpose is going to improve any type of writing. So, it is important to have explicit instruction and practice for introductions and opinions. These anchor charts could be reused and referenced for opinion writing pieces throughout your year.

Create an anchor chart with different examples of interesting introductions. Again, these can be changed throughout your unit. In fact, as a positive reinforcement tool, when you read a great introduction from one of your students, stop and call attention to it. “Wow! I have just read a great introduction by _______. It hooked me! ________ would you like to add that to our introductions poster?”

With conclusions, students will need to learn solid conclusion stems. So, another simple anchor chart with sticky notes should do! Keep the focus on redirecting the reader. Students will want their readers to finish the piece knowing exactly what their opinion is.

Don’t Forget Linking Words and Transitions

Check out these great opinion writing anchor charts. From introductions to conclusions, these 6 anchor charts will engage your students. Start by teaching the opinion writing overall skill, then move on to using anchor charts to teach specific parts of opinion writing!

Finally, the last of my 6 anchor charts for opinion writing! We can’t forget linking and transition words. Use an anchor chart like the one above to create a collection of strong linking and transition words. Students will most likely need plenty of modeling and examples for this part of the process. It is very easy for students to get stuck on a few transition words that they end up repeating again and again. These can be taught or revisited in the editing and revision process to clean up their pieces. Then, keep the anchor chart accessible so that it can be easily referenced and added to.

Interested in Ready-Made Lesson Plans for Opinion Writing?

If you’re interested in getting your students to master opinion writing without having to spend hours on planning and prep, I have all-inclusive units for you! These no-prep units have everything you need to teach opinion writing in your classroom!

opinion essay structure linking words

Opinion Writing Units come complete with anchor charts, lesson plans, graphic organizers, writing prompts, and more! Click the button for your grade-level below:

Want a free set of Narrative Graphic Organizers?

Want to learn more about opinion writing.

  • How to Teach Opinion Writing
  • Mentor Texts: Opinion Writing
  • Read more about: Anchor Charts , Common Core Aligned , Writing Blog Posts

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Essential Opinion Writing Anchor Charts

January 18, 2023 | Leave a Comment

Learn the essential opinion writing anchor charts for your first or second grade classroom in this post.

Opinion writing anchor charts are a must-have in my classroom. While I don’t usually feel I have the time in my day to make a cute anchor chart, I like to project my charts during lessons. 

The opinion writing anchor charts that I'll walk you through today are posted in my room during my opinion writing unit for students to reference frequently. I just simply print them from my computer rather than hand make them.

Understanding Facts and Opinions

When introducing opinion writing, I like to go over what makes an opinion. For me, that is teaching my students to recognize a fact versus an opinion. Although it seems like a simple concept, the majority of my second graders struggle with this. 

Reviewing my opinion and fact charts each day during my lessons, helps them grasp the difference. Every time I review these opinion writing anchor charts, I provide specific kid-friendly examples. 

  • I believe slime is horrible.
  • I feel there should be longer recess times.
  • I think second grade is the best grade.

Using these examples are always guaranteed to get my students joining in on the conversation.

The first essential opinion writing anchor charts to use are facts and opinions.

Stating an Opinion

After I teach my students how to identify between facts and opinions, the next step is to teach the introduction. In my second grade class the introduction and stating their opinion is taught as the same thing. I tell them, “When you state your opinion, you are introducing it.” 

As I move through my opinion unit, we expand on the introduction to be part of a paragraph. Like most of my lessons we take small steps to get to our end goal. My opinion writing anchor charts are kept simple so students can focus on the one skill I want them to learn for the lesson (or lessons).

After students learn the difference between facts and opinions your next opinion writing anchor chart should be to state an opinion.

Proving Reasons for an Opinion

Are you noticing a pattern? My recommended opinion writing anchor charts are taken from the Common Core Standards. Each poster is based on one of the necessary skills that the standard requires students to learn and this next anchor chart is no different.

After we talk about what our opinion is and stating it, we move onto providing reasons for our opinion. This is perhaps my most simple anchor chart where students learn the answer to the question “Why?” is providing the reason. I like to put the linking words on the chart to help students get started in providing multiple reasons.

Another essential opinion writing anchor chart is to explain the reason for your opinion.

Using Linking Words

Now of course my second graders need a bit more discussion and practice with linking words than the previous opinion writing anchor chart. For second grade I am pushing my students beyond first, next, and last linking words they hopefully learned in first grade. First grade teachers, take note!

Using the linking words anchor chart during my opinion writing unit, I am wanting students to learn that different linking words are used for different parts of the writing piece. I designed this anchor chart with that in mind and labeled the linking words for reasons and conclusions. 

Using linking words are an important part of the opinion writing process.

Writing a Conclusion

The last of the essential opinion writing anchor charts is writing a conclusion. I actually have a series of anchor charts for conclusions as they can be a difficult concept for second graders. I like to be explicit in my lessons that the introduction and conclusion are closely related sentences.

My initial anchor chart for conclusions shows students a visual of where they can find a conclusion. The second anchor chart I introduce references an introductory sentence and a concluding sentence so I can point out the different word choices between the sentences. I really want students to see this relationship between the two sentences.

The last of the essential opinion writing anchor charts is conclusions.

Want Ready-to-Use Opinion Writing Anchor Charts with a Full Curriculum?

You can be one of the first to get my Second Grade Opinion Writing Unit when it is ready at the end of January 2023. I am pre-selling it in my store now. This unit includes over 300 teacher slides walking you step-by-step through all the mini lessons, student worksheets in print and digital formats, and printable anchor charts (including the ones in this post). 

Check it out by clicking on the picture below.

Click the image to purchase the 2nd grade opinion writing unit.

Related Post: How to Teach Opinion Writing in Primary Grades

What anchor charts do you feel are essential when teaching opinion writing? Feel free to share below!

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Formal Linking Words / Cohesive Devices

Linking words can also be referred to as connectors, conjunctions, and cohesive devices. This webpage includes a useful lesson on helping improve students’ knowledge of these linking words. It includes a lesson plan using a kinaesthetic matching activity and worksheet.

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  • How to write a C1 Advanced Essay

How to write a C1 Advanced Essay | Oxford House Barcelona

  • Posted on 26/02/2020
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The Cambridge C1 Advanced is an excellent qualification to aim for if you’re thinking of studying or working abroad. It’s recognised by universities and governments all over the world and also helps you prove your language skills to future employers.

One of the most demanding parts of the exam is Part 1 of the Writing paper, which includes writing an essay. For many of you, this won’t come naturally… especially in another language.

So, to give you the best chance at success, we’ve created this in-depth guide full of Cambridge C1 Advanced Writing tips and useful language to get you producing excellent essays in no time.

So, pick up your pen, and let’s get started!

If you’d like to get more help with the C1 Advanced, consider our exam preparation class!

C1 Advanced Writing Requirements

The C1 Advanced Writing exam has two writing parts, which you must complete in 90 minutes. Both parts have a word limit of between 220-260 words. We recommend getting lots of writing practice under these conditions!

Part 1 is always a discursive essay . It requires you to think about arguments for and against a topic.

Part 2 is a situationally based writing task. This could be a letter , an email , a report , a proposal or a review and you have three options to choose from.

Today, we’ll be looking at how to do your best in part 1.

Before you begin

When you turn over the paper and begin Writing Part 1, take some time to read the task instructions. Identify all parts of the question, underlining which parts are obligatory and noting which parts are optional.

Let’s take a look at an example question!

How to write a C1 Advanced Essay - Example Question | Oxford House Barcelona

Remember, you don’t have to use the opinions expressed in the box, but they may help you to get the ball rolling . Also, you only have to talk about two of the options given, not all three.

Make a plan

Take ten minutes to lay out your ideas. Make a pros and cons list for each of the three options and then decide which two you feel most confident with. Here’s some things you might come up with, can you think of any more?

How to write a C1 Advanced Essay - Make a Plan | Oxford House Barcelona

Structure your essay

The essence of a good essay is a clear structure.

Introduction

Here you want to introduce the topic in your own words. Your first line should also grab the reader’s attention, then you should paraphrase the question. Finally, try using a statistic or a rhetorical question. This will make them want to read on, right?

Paragraph 1

Discuss the first option you’ve chosen. Include a good topic sentence and remember to give reasons for your answer. Describe some of the advantages, and even some of the disadvantages too. This will give a well-balanced argument.

Paragraph 2

Here’s where you introduce the second option. Again, try to present both sides of the argument and give reasons for your ideas. Gradually work towards the conclusion.

State your final opinion. This should be a summary of the rest of the essay and point clearly to which option you think is the most important. Do not introduce any new arguments at this stage. The conclusion is where you tie-up any loose ends .

This is an advanced piece of writing, so make sure your choice of language reflects it. You will get marked for accuracy, however, occasional errors can still be present as long as they do not impede understanding. So don’t play it too safe . This is your opportunity to show what you can do, so take some risks and have fun with it!

In the writing paper you should use a range of vocabulary, including less common lexis. Brainstorm some vocabulary related to the topic. Take your time to think of nouns and compound nouns that you know at C1 level. Really let your vocabulary sparkle .

How to write a C1 Advanced Essay - Vocabulary | Oxford House Barcelona

No one likes a broken record . Find synonyms for simple words. You want to use a variety of language, and try not to repeat yourself too much. Check out these different ways of saying the same thing:

advantage = benefit, positive, upside

disadvantage = downside, drawback

effect = influence, impact, result, outcome

problem = issue, challenge, difficulty, obstacle, setback, complication

important = valuable, essential, beneficial

expensive = costly, dear, high-priced, extortionate

cheap = inexpensive, affordable, economical

big = great, large, sizeable, considerable, wide, vast

small = slight, tiny, little

Quick tip: Visit Thesaurus.com to study more synonyms!

Experiment with different grammatical forms. At this level you’re expected to have a good grasp on the grammar. You should use a range of simple and complex grammatical forms with control and flexibility. So challenge yourself with some of these…

  • Participle clauses
  • Conditionals
  • Modal verbs
  • Passive with reporting verbs
  • Cleft sentences
  • Comparatives
  • Relative clauses

Useful expressions

To make your essay flow it’s best to use some key phrases. These will link all your ideas together, and help it sound semi-formal. Take a look at the expressions below. Why not use some in your next essay?

Introduction:

It is often said that…

Many people feel that…

We live in an age when..

More and more…

Introducing & Addition:

Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

On the one hand…

In addition…

What is more…

For example…

For instance…

As a case in point…

Contrasting:

In contrast…

On the other hand…

Alternatively…

However…

Conclusion:

All things considered…

As far as I’m concerned…

In light of the above…

What the examiners are looking for

When writing your essay, bear in mind what you’ll be marked on:

Have you answered all parts of the question? Is everything relevant to the question?

Communicative Achievement

Is the style and tone appropriate? Remember it should be semi-formal and neutral.

Organisation

Does it follow a logical order? Have you used paragraphs and linking devices?

Are you using a variety of grammar and vocabulary? Is it accurate?

Now your masterpiece has come together. Remember to take time to check your work. Here’s the official Writing Checklist from Cambridge Assessment English . And our list of the most common mistakes:

  • subject + verb agreement
  • singulars / plurals
  • question formation
  • variety of tenses
  • dependent prepositions

Some final tips

Avoid contractions (I’m, they’re, we’re) as this is a formal writing.

Don’t use first person pronouns (I, my, our, us).

Practise under timed conditions.

Use model answers to practise fixed expressions.

——

Looking for more help with your Cambridge C1 Advanced exam? Here are our other guides from our blog:

C1 Advanced Reading and Use of English – Part 1 , Part 2 , Part 3

And if you are not sure if you’re ready for the C1 Advanced, check out our article Am I ready for the C1 Advanced exam? to find out!

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

Get the ball rolling (exp) : to start something.

Lay out (v): to explain something in detail.

Paraphrase (v): to say the same thing in a different way.

Tie-up any loose ends (exp): to resolve issues.

Play it safe (exp): to act cautiously.

A broken record (exp): when someone repeats themself.

Sparkle (v) : to shine.

Good grasp (exp): a good knowledge.

Bear in mind (exp) : to consider.

Masterpiece (n): an incredible work of art.

exp = expression

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  • Posted on 19/02/2020

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opinion essay structure linking words

EL Education Curriculum

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  • ELA G3:M4:U2:L10

Writing an Opinion Essay: Drafting Proof Paragraph 2

In this lesson, daily learning targets, ongoing assessment.

  • Technology and Multimedia

Supporting English Language Learners

Universal design for learning, closing & assessments, you are here:.

  • ELA Grade 3
  • ELA G3:M4:U2

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These are the CCS Standards addressed in this lesson:

  • RI.3.1:  Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
  • W.3.1:  Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.
  • W.3.1b: Provide reasons that support the opinion.
  • W.3.1c: Use linking words and phrases (e.g., because, therefore, since, for example) to connect opinion and reasons.
  • I can connect my opinion to the reasons in the proof paragraphs of my essay with linking words and phrases. ( W.3.1c )
  • I can write Proof Paragraph 2 of my opinion essay using evidence from my research to support one reason for my opinion. ( RI.3.1, W.3.1b )
  • Proof Paragraph 2 of Opinion Essay: Water Pollution ( RI.3.1, W.3.1b, W.3.1c )
  • Pre-determine pairs for work throughout the lesson.
  • Post: Learning targets and applicable anchor charts (see materials list).

Tech and Multimedia

  • Continue to use the technology tools recommended throughout Modules 1-3 to create anchor charts to share with families; to record students as they participate in discussions and protocols to review with students later and to share with families; and for students to listen to and annotate text, record ideas on note-catchers, and word-process writing.

Supports guided in part by CA ELD Standards 3.I.C.10, 3.I.C.11, 3.I.C.12, 3.II.A.1, 3.II.A.2, 3.II.C.6, 3.II.C.7

Important points in the lesson itself  

  • The basic design of this lesson supports ELLs with opportunities to work closely with essay structure, building on their understanding one paragraph at a time. In this lesson, students focus on writing Proof Paragraph 2 for their opinion essay and continue to benefit from the color-coding system established in prior lessons for visual support. Additionally, the explicit focus on linking words and phrases is particularly supportive of ELLs, as understanding how linking language works is a key entry point into complex texts and the English language system.
  • ELLs may find it challenging to keep pace with the class as they work through each sentence of Proof Paragraph 2 while also ensuring they are using linking words and phrases. Additionally, they may find it challenging to determine the most relevant evidence to support the reason for their opinion. Consider working with a small group after working with the class and help them create their paragraph together. The group can begin writing and revising as an interactive experience and finish independently.

Levels of support For lighter support:

  • Remove the linking words and phrases from Proof Paragraph 1, substituting the words with blank spaces. Invite students to add linking words back into the blanks during Work Time A. Challenge them to consider alternative linking words that could be used as well, rearranging sentences as needed. (Example: Farmers do not have enough water to grow crops, so food has become scarce = Since farmers do not have enough water to grow crops, food has become scarce.)

For heavier support:

  • Consider creating a practice worksheet that has sentences with blanks for linking words. Provide a word bank with several options and have students match the appropriate linking word to the sentence, preparing them for writing their own sentences with linking words during Work Time B.
  • During Work Time B, consider providing an outline for students to organize Proof Paragraph 2 and make connections between the information on the note-catchers and information they need to include in their paragraphs. (Example: [Point 2 for opinion, from Action Box] __________. [Evidence] _______________. [Evidence]____________. [Evidence] ____________. [Conclusion] ______________.)
  • Multiple Means of Representation (MMR): Continue to support active information processing skills as students integrate new information with prior knowledge. Provide options for comprehension by linking to and activating relevant prior knowledge.
  • Multiple Means of Action and Expression (MMAE): Similar to previous lessons in this unit, this lesson offers several opportunities for students to engage in discussion with partners. Continue to support those who may struggle with expressive language by providing sentence frames to help them organize their thoughts.
  • Multiple Means of Engagement (MME): Continue to emphasize sustained effort and process by modeling how to sound out a word with tricky spelling and demonstrate how to use environmental print to support spelling accuracy.

Key: Lesson-Specific Vocabulary (L); Text-Specific Vocabulary (T); Vocabulary Used in Writing (W)

  • connect, opinion, reason (L)
  • solution, pollute, organize, cleanup (W)
  • Close Readers Do These Things anchor chart (begun in Module 1)
  • Academic Word Wall (begun in Module 1)
  • Vocabulary logs (begun in Module 1; one per student)
  • Opinion Essay: Water Pollution Prompt (from Lesson 1; one per student and one to display)
  • Working to Become Effective Learners anchor chart (begun in Module 1)
  • Linking Words and Phrases (from Module 1; one per student and one to display)
  • Model Opinion Essay: Access to Water (from Lesson 5; one per student and one to display)
  • Linking Words in Proof Paragraphs 1 and 2 (for teacher reference)
  • Opinion Writing Checklist (from Lesson 5; one per student and one to display; see Assessment Overview and Resources)
  • Opinion Essay: Water Pollution (begun in Lesson 8; added to during Work Time B; one per student)
  • Research Note-catcher: Water Pollution (from Unit 1, Lesson 11; one per student)
  • Working to Become Ethical People anchor chart (begun in Module 1)
  • Working to Contribute to a Better World anchor chart (begun in Module 1)
  • Characteristics of Opinion Essays anchor chart (begun in Lesson 8)
  • Paper (lined; one piece per student)
  • Domain-Specific Word Wall (begun in Unit 1, Lesson 1)

Each unit in the 3-5 Language Arts Curriculum has two standards-based assessments built in, one mid-unit assessment and one end of unit assessment. The module concludes with a performance task at the end of Unit 3 to synthesize their understanding of what they accomplished through supported, standards-based writing.

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ESLBUZZ

Useful Linking Words and Phrases to Use in Your Essays

By: Author Sophia

Posted on Last updated: October 26, 2023

Sharing is caring!

Linking words and phrases are used to show relationships between ideas. They can be used to join two or more sentences or clauses.

We can use linking words to give a result , add information , summarize , give illustrations , emphasize a point , sequence information , compare or to contrast idea .

Useful Linking Words and Phrases

In this article, you will learn about the most common linking words and phrases:

Useful Linking Words and Phrases

Giving a Result

Usage : To provide the result of what has been stated or has occurred

Linking W ords :

  • As a result
  • As a consequence
  • Consequently
  • For this reason
  • His wife left him.  As a result , he became very depressed.
  • She has lived in France, and  as a consequence  she speaks French fluently.
  • We do not have enough money.  T herefore  we cannot afford to buy the new car.
  • We do not own the building.  Thus , it would be impossible for us to make any major changes to it.
  • There has been a great deal of rain and  consequently  the reservoirs are full.
  • The customer was displeased with her meal,  hence  the chef prepared a replacement.
  • For this reason , they are not a good choice for exterior use.
  • Due to  a broken wing, this bird can’t fly.

Useful Linking Words and Phrases

Adding Information

Usage : To add to what has been previously stated

Linking Words:

  • Additionally / an additional
  • Furthermore
  • As well as that
  • In addition
  • In addition to this
  • Apart from this
  • Additionally , the bus service will run on Sundays, every two hours.
  • He said he had not discussed the matter with her.  Furthermore , he had not even contacted her.
  • We are unable to repair this watch.  Also , this is the fourth time this has happened.
  • I love wearing earrings. I design and make them  too .
  • We went to the park today.  As well as that , we did some shopping.
  • Along with  parties and parliaments, elections have lost their charm.
  • I can’t afford to go to the concert.  Besides , I don’t really like classical music.
  • You haven’t paid the rent yet.   In addition , you owe me money.
  • The report is badly presented.  Moreover , it contains inaccuracies.
  • John’s grades are terrible because he has been so lazy these days.  In addition to this , his relationship to his parents got worse.
  • Apart from this  paragraph, the report contains a number of sensible initiatives.

Adding information

Summarizing

Usage : To sump up what has been previously stated

Linking words :

  • In conclusion
  • To summarize
  • To conclude
  • In conclusion , walking is a cheap, safe, enjoyable and readily available form of exercise.
  • To summarize , this is a clever approach to a common problem.
  • The food was good and we loved the music.  Altogether  it was a great evening.
  • His novels belong to a great but vanished age. They are,  in short , old-fashioned.
  • To sum up , there are three main ways of tackling the problem…
  • In summary , this was a disappointing performance.
  • Briefly , our team is now one of the best in the world.
  • To conclude , I want to wish you all a very happy holiday season.

Giving Examples

Usage : To provide examples

Linking words:

  • For example/ For instance
  • In this case
  • Proof of this
  • There are many interesting places to visit in the city,  for example / for instance , the botanical garden or the art museum.
  • I prefer to wear casual clothes,  such as  jeans and a sweatshirt.
  • Including  Christmas Day and Boxing Day, I’ve got a week off work.
  • We need to concentrate on our target audience,  namely  women aged between 20 and 30.
  • I think I would have made a difference  in this case .
  • This building are a living  proof of this  existence, so we must preserve it.
  • I also make other jewellery  like  rings and bracelets.

Emphasizing a Point

Usage : To put forward a point or idea more forcefully

  • Undoubtedly
  • Particularly / in particular
  • Importantly
  • Without a doubt
  • It should be noted
  • Unquestionably
  • Undoubtedly , the story itself is one of the main attractions.
  • I don’t mind at all.  Indeed , I would be delighted to help.
  • Obviously , we don’t want to spend too much money.
  • I love silver earrings,  in particular  ones from Mexico
  • The car is quite small,  especially  if you have children.
  • Clearly , this will cost a lot more than we realized.
  • More importantly , can he be trusted?
  • He’s an  absolutely  brilliant cook.
  • I  definitely  remember sending the letter.
  • We still believe we can win this series  without a doubt .
  • I’m  neve r  surprised at what I do.
  • It should be noted  that   if you have something to note, then note it
  • Unquestionably , teaching has been a paramount part of his career.
  • Above all , this forest is designed for wear and tear.
  • This is  positively  the worst thing that I can even imagine.

Useful Linking Words and Phrases

Sequencing Ideas

Usage : To indicate the order of what is being said

  • First/ firstly (Second/ secondly, Third/ thirdly, Finally)
  • At this time
  • Subsequently
  • Lastly and most importantly
  • Last but not least
  • First and foremost
  • Firstly , I prefer the train because I can see the landscape.
  • At this time , the young man leapt into the air and flew off towards sunset.
  • They arrived on Monday evening and we got there the  following  day.
  • I had visited them three days  previously .
  • Your name is  before  mine on the list.
  • Subsequently , new guidelines were issued to all employees.
  • Above all , keep in touch.
  • Lastly, and most importantly , you should be optimistic.
  • Last but not least , I find I seriously cannot relate to women.
  • We will continue to focus on our players  first and foremost .

Sequencing Ideas

Comparing Ideas

Usage:  To show how things are similar

  • Compare / compare(d) to(with)
  • By the same token
  • In the same way
  • Correspondingly
  • Similarly , the basketball and hockey games draw nearly full attendance.
  • Equally , not all customers are honest.
  • Her second marriage was  likewise  unhappy.
  • She’s  just as  smart as her sister.
  • Working with housecats is  just like  working with lions or tigers.
  • Some people say I have a running style  similar to  him.
  • Having a power is not  the same as  using the power.
  • He gets the ball off quickly  compared to  two years ago.
  • Teenagers should be more respectful;  by the same token , parents should be more understanding.
  • Alex enjoys telling jokes;  in the same way/similarly/likewise ,his son adores funny stories.
  • Correspondingly , the roles each of them played were soon different.

Contrasting Ideas

Usage : To show how things are different

  • Nevertheless
  • On the other hand
  • Nonetheless
  • Despite / in spite of
  • In contrast (to)
  • Alternatively
  • Differing from
  • Contrary to
  • Unlike  most systems, this one is very easy to install.
  • There is little chance that we will succeed in changing the law.  Nevertheless , it is important that we try.
  • Laptops are convenient;  O n the other hand , they can be expensive.
  • The problems are not serious.  Nonetheless , we shall need to tackle them soon.
  • Despite/ In spite of  the rain, I went for a walk.
  • In contrast to  the diligent bee, the butterfly flies hither and yon with no apparent purpose.
  • The agency will make travel arrangements for you.  Alternatively , you can organize your own transport.
  • Northern European countries had a great summer.  On the contrary/conversely , Southern Europe had poor weather.
  • Even so , many old friends were shocked at the announcement.
  • Differing from  his white colleagues, he preferred instructing his scholars to the ambition of acquiring personal renown.
  • The situation in Ireland is quite  contrary to  this principle.

Useful Linking Words and Phrases

Linking Words for Essays | Images

Below is a handy list of words that are both useful and appropriate to academic language:

Linking Words for Essays

Other linking words to give an example or an illustration:

  • In  this  case,
  • In  another  case
  • Take  the  case  of
  • To  illustrate
  • As  an
  • Illustration
  • To  take  another  example
  • That  is
  • As  shown  by
  • As  illustrated  by
  • As expressed by

Linking Words for Essays

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Sunday 26th of November 2023

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Thursday 10th of November 2022

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Sunday 16th of October 2022

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Tuesday 23rd of August 2022

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Friday 21st of January 2022

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IMAGES

  1. Linking Words for Essay Writing

    opinion essay structure linking words

  2. List of Linking Words & Phrases in English

    opinion essay structure linking words

  3. Useful Linking Words for Writing Essay in English

    opinion essay structure linking words

  4. Essay Connectors in English, Connection Words for Essay

    opinion essay structure linking words

  5. Useful Linking Words and Phrases to Use in Your Essays

    opinion essay structure linking words

  6. Graphic Organizers for Opinion Writing

    opinion essay structure linking words

VIDEO

  1. Linking words to express opinion in writing task 2 #shortvideo #shortsvideo #shorts #short #viral

  2. IELTS Writing Task 2: Opinion essay (5)| Language Barriers

  3. IELTS Writing: Opinion Essay Structure

  4. Opinion Essay/IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Academic/ Essay Structure/ Essay Templates

  5. How to use cohesive linking words correctly in IELTS Writing Task 2

  6. Opinion Essay Structure| Do you Agree or Disagree?| IELTS Writing task 2 #canadapr #sinhalavlog

COMMENTS

  1. PDF Opinion Essay- Expressions and Linkers You Can Use

    OPINION ESSAY- EXPRESSIONS AND LINKERS YOU CAN USE TO EXPRESS OPINION To express opinion In my opinion, Personally, I think/ I believe (that I strongly believe that…. It is clear (to me) that I (completely) agree/disagree with … It seems to me that… As I see it, … In my view,...

  2. An opinion essay

    Read the question carefully. Respond to all ideas in it or all parts of it. Plan your ideas first and then choose the best ones. Introduce your essay by restating the question in your own words. Show understanding of both sides of the argument. Use linking words to connect your ideas. Draw your conclusion from the main ideas in your essay.

  3. Linking Words

    Worried that your essay lacks structure and coherence? Perhaps you should use linking words, transition words, or connectors to give it a boost. ... so you'll find them in academic writing, opinion writing, critical essays, dialectic essays, journalism, and business documents. Some linking verbs link clauses within a sentence, ...

  4. How to Write an Opinion Essay: Structure, Examples

    Body Paragraph 3. Supporting argument. Example. Explanation. A linking sentence to the conclusion. Conclusion paragraph. Summary of the entire paper. A conclusive sentence (the bigger picture in conclusion) If you need some help, leave us a message ' write my essay cheap ' and we'll help.

  5. Writing an opinion essay

    An opinion essay has three parts: Introduction; Arguments or reasons that support your view. Conclusion; Introduction. Paragraph 1. Introduce the topic and give your opinion. Say whether you agree or disagree with the statement or question. It can be a good idea to use a question to grab the reader's attention. Check the two examples below:

  6. Transition Words & Phrases

    While transition words are essential to clear writing, it's possible to use too many of them. Consider the following example, in which the overuse of linking words slows down the text and makes it feel repetitive. The first experiment yielded a positive result. However, the second experiment yielded a negative result.

  7. An opinion essay

    Introduce your essay by restating the question in your own words. If the essay asks you to what extent do you agree?, make your opinion clear throughout. You can either agree, partially agree or disagree with the statement, explaining and justifying your opinion. The structure should be: Introduction.

  8. PDF An opinion essay

    Task 1. Write a number (1-5) to put the essay paragraphs in order. Main point - the advantages of using memory over searching online. Main point - the negative social effects of internet use. Introduction - an explanation of the essay question in other words. Conclusion - the internet cannot replace memory.

  9. How to Write an Opinion Essay Like a Pro

    Use a 5-paragraph essay structure (1): Your opinion paper will need an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. ... They allow your writing to flow, linking the points together to ensure a logical sequence and help readers follow your train of thought. In opinion writing, these words are introductory phrases, transitions, and ...

  10. Opinion Essay Writing

    Let us have a look at the detailed opinion essay format structure given below. Introduction. Grab the audience's interest with a hook statement. Present your opinion. Introduce the main topic. State the thesis statement. Body Paragraph 1. Write a topic sentence with the first reason. Supporting evidence.

  11. PDF B2 First for Schools Writing Part 1 (An opinion essay) Summary

    Paragraph 1 Introduce the topic using a general statement and give your opinion. Say whether you agree or disagree with the statement. Paragraph 2 Give the first reason to support your opinion. Provide specific justifications for your opinion, using examples if necessary. Paragraph 3 Give the second reason to support your opinion.

  12. How to Write an Opinion Essay A2/B1

    An opinion essay must have 3 parts: 1. Introduction. In this paragraph you have to introduce the topic. You introduce the topic by restating the question or the title of the essay in your own words. Here you have to say if you agree or not with the question or the title of the essay. You can agree, disagree or partially agree.

  13. 6 Strong Anchor Charts for Opinion Writing

    This is always one of my 6 anchor charts for opinion writing because the "OREO" acronym is very helpful! This is an easy way for students to remember what to include in an opinion writing piece. The first O is the introduction (which we will talk about later in the post). The introduction will need to include the writer's opinion.

  14. Writing an Opinion Essay: Drafting Proof Paragraphs

    W.5.1: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information. W.5.1a: Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which ideas are logically grouped to support the writer's purpose. W.5.1b: Provide logically ordered reasons that are supported by facts ...

  15. Essential Opinion Writing Anchor Charts

    Using Linking Words. Now of course my second graders need a bit more discussion and practice with linking words than the previous opinion writing anchor chart. For second grade I am pushing my students beyond first, next, and last linking words they hopefully learned in first grade. First grade teachers, take note!

  16. Linking words in academic writing / AEUK

    Linking words can also be referred to as connectors, conjunctions, and cohesive devices. ... Fact vs Opinion Argument essays ... Sentence Str. [3] Punctuation Academic Posters new. Structure Essay Structure Introductions Thesis statements Paragraphing Topic Sentences [1] Topic Sentences [2] Definitions Exemplification ...

  17. PDF Uses linking words

    not linked to a clear opinion or in an organizational structure. The student used a few linking words in the sample. The concluding statement provided adequate closure to the piece. The writer demonstrates adequate command in conventions in capitalization and spelling, however lacks appropriate use of punctuation. Focus and Organization Evidence &

  18. A for and against essay

    Check your writing: reordering - essay structure. Check your writing: typing - linking words. Worksheets and downloads. A for and against essay - exercises 945.25 KB. A for and against essay - answers 293.66 KB. ... As for my opinion, reality TV is very strange and I can never understand it. In my country reality shows are not very popular, but ...

  19. How to write a C1 Advanced Essay

    State your final opinion. This should be a summary of the rest of the essay and point clearly to which option you think is the most important. Do not introduce any new arguments at this stage. The conclusion is where you tie-up any loose ends. Language . This is an advanced piece of writing, so make sure your choice of language reflects it.

  20. Writing an Opinion Essay: Drafting Proof Paragraph 2

    In this lesson, students reread the proof paragraph of the model opinion essay, analyzing the linking words and phrases the author included to link her opinion to her reasons (W.3.1c). ... In Lessons 5-9, students analyzed the structure of the Model Opinion Essay: Access to Water using the Painted Essay(r) template, planned their essays, and ...

  21. Useful Linking Words and Phrases to Use in Your Essays

    Sharing is caring! Linking words and phrases are used to show relationships between ideas. They can be used to join two or more sentences or clauses. We can use linking words to give a result, add information, summarize, give illustrations, emphasize a point, sequence information, compare or to contrast idea.

  22. Discourse markers

    Discourse markers. Discourse markers are very important to structure text or speech to connect sentences in a meaningful and logical way. They are used to express contrast, reason, purpose, result, etc. Here you can find some very common discourse markers, their meaning and some examples.