Writing an opinion ESSAY

An Essay is a formal text that should answer the questions given and provide a new content point showing your own opinion or view on a particular topic.

 When you are asked to write an essay you have to read very carefully the questions and prompts to understand what you are expected to do and to focus on the topic and get to the point. You have to bear in mind that if you miss any of the given prompts you may be penalised .
 You should support your ideas with examples, give evidence and explain your choices or opinions. That´s why the use of appropriate linking words and the use of cohesive devices is very important in essays.
The introduction and the conclusion should be effective and strong. Compare and contrast the information given and do not give your personal opinion until the final paragraph. Remember to structure your arguments and  include a new idea in each paragraph.

Have a look at this video with some useful information to write a good essay.



SAMPLE

Science is very important in the 21st century. How do you think it could be made more appealing to young people?

Notes

Write about:
1. television programmes
2. interactive museums
3. ________ (your own idea)

Write your essay in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Although young people love gadgets and technology, some see science as uninteresting and 'uncool'. Over time, the number of young people, particularly girls, pursuing science and technology studies and careers has dropped.

One way in which science could be made more attractive would be to have lively television programmes presented by celebrities, with subjects which were relevant to the experience of the young. We live in a celebrity culture and children identify with well-known young people.

Another idea would be to set up interactive science museums in every town, where parents could take their children. It is much better to teach children the principles of science through hands-on experiments than to lecture them in a classroom.

Of course, there would be more incentives if the average scientit were better paid and young people were made aware of the range of jobs available. A lot of people are put off a scientific career because they think it means working in a badly paid job in a boring laboratory.

Whichever way we choose, it is vital that more young people are attracted to science, since society's prosperity depends largely on continuous scientific progress

Some useful expressions you can use are:

1. SEQUENCING: Firstly, First of all, In the first place, To begin/start with, Secondly, Thirdly, Finally
2. ADVANTAGES: One/Another/A further/An additional (major) advantage of… is … The main/greatest/first advantage of… is …
3. DISADVANTAGES:One/Another/ A further/An additional (major) disadvantage/drawback of. The main/greatest/most serious/first disadvantage /drawback of… Another negative aspect of…
4. INTRODUCE ARGUMENTS:One point/argument in favour of… / against, A further common criticism of… / It could be argued that…..often claimed/suggested / It is widely argued/ maintained that…   Some/many/most people/experts/scientist claim/suggest/argue/feel that…/support the view that…oppose the view that…are in favour of/against…are of the opinion that/convinced that…are opposed to…
5. ADDING INFORMATION: in addition (to this), furthermore, moreover, besides, apart from, what is more, as well as, not to mention (the fact) that, also, not only … but also/as well, both
6. CONTRAST: on the other hand, however, still, yet, but, nonetheless, nevertheless, even so,it may be said/argued/claimed that            although, though, even though, while, , whereas, despite/in spite of (the fact that), regardless of the fact that,   
7.  CONCLUSION: In conclusion,On balance, All things considered, Taking everything into account/consideration, To conclude, To sum up, All in all, Finally/Lastly...     it can be said/claimed that..................     it seems/appears that...........   it is likely/unlikely/possible/foreseeable that ……………   it is clear/obvious that……...   there is no/little doubt that.........   it is true to say that ………   although it must be said that …… it may be concluded/said that …