An expressing opinion argumentative essay is a formal piece of writing which requires your own opinion on the topic clearly stated and supported by reasons.
The structure of this type of essay is the same: Introduction
Main body
Conclusion.
Introduction
Paragraph 1 in which you state the topic and your opinion
Main body
Paragraph 2, 3, 4 …. which contain your viewpoints
supported by logical reasons. Each viewpoint with the
sufficient justification should be presented in a separate
paragraph. The opposing viewpoints and reason why you
think it is an unconvincing viewpoint may be mentioned.
Conclusion
Final paragraph in which you sum up your arguments and
restate your opinion using different words.
Points to remember:
.Decide whether you agree or disagree with the subject of the topic, then make a list of your viewpoints and reasons.
.Write well-developed paragraphs, joining the sentences with appropriate linking words and phrases. Do not forget to start each paragraph with a key sentence containing your argument and supporting the thesis.
. Each argument should be joined to the others with linking or sequence words: e.g. in the first place, to start with, what is more, also, furthermore, besides, apart from this, it is argued that.
.You should not discuss alternative points of view, but instead you should provide evidence which either supports or disproves the statement given in the title.
. You may want to evaluate the statement briefly in your introduction or conclusion, but be
relevant and concise. Try to echo or mirror the words of the title or introduction in your
conclusion.
.Don’t get too emotional. Comments like “Such a statement is stupid…” are inappropriate in an essay.
. Don’t use over-generalization and clichés, avoid too categorical statements.
Comprehension task: answer the following T/F statements:
1. All viewpoints are given in one paragraph.
2. The writer’s opinion is presented in the first paragraph only.
3. Viewpoints should be linked with sequence words.
4. A topic sentence summarizes each paragraph.
5. The opposing viewpoints should be stated.
6. The tone of your arguments should be strident.
Practice 1
A. Read the following paragraph, which is from an essay about the Internet. Ignore the underlining for the moment. Is the tone of the paragraph:
Too indecisive?
Too blunt and direct?
More appropriate for a report than an essay?
Large numbers of people use the Internet these days at home and in the office. (1) This trendwill continue as people become aware of the ease with which they can send and receive information in any format and communicate with others around the world by means of e-mail. Although the benefits of this new technology are apparent, the negative aspects of the Internet (2 ) have been ignored. (3) People dismiss any view that is even mildly critical as being alarmist or perhaps uninformed. (4) It is unfortunate, for example, that many parents (5) do not worry about the amount of time their children spend ‘surfing the net’. Even though doctors and psychologists have warned about the possibility of Internet addiction, few parents take these warnings seriously.
B. The writer has been rather blunt in tone. We often use expressions which ‘tone down’ statements, to avoid appearing aggressive. Rewrite the underlined parts, using the words or phrases from the list below. More than one answer is possible.
To a large extent/largely, to some extent/rather, in all probability/there is every likelihood,it is likely that, seem to/appear to, is/are apt to/tend to, there is a tendency for.
. Use these expressions in your essays, they will help you express your ideas clearly but not too bluntly.
Practice 2
A. Read the following list of features which could be included in the introduction of an opinion essay. Which would you include if you were writing an introduction to an essay on the following topic: Improvements in communications technology increasingly mean that people are becoming isolated from one another.
1. A sentence quoting the words of a famous person.
2. A brief outline of the situation today.
3. An explanation of the meaning of the title.
4. The aspects of technology which will be discussed.
5. A detailed discussion of the benefits of improved communications technology.
6. A sentence which echoes the negative aspect of technology mentioned in the title.