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 …

Writing an ARTICLE

When you are asked to write an ARTICLE the main purpose is to inform about a topic that is usually written for a magazine, newsletter, etc. Therefore, you will have to inform, entertain and show some kind of interest to involve the readers that may share your opinion or not. That´s why, articles should include some personal opinion or comment.

In the Article...
- you will have to include a title. Sometimes it is given in the question and you may add it or create one of your own which is relevant to the topic.
- We have to introduce the topic and address the target audience directly. We can include rhethorical questions to involve them.
- Depending on the input and the ideas we want to comment we will need different paragraphs. Develop your ideas in the different paragraphs and use a personal style, not too formal, not too informal.
- Finally conclude by making a summary of the previous ideas and include some personal comment.

In the following video you have some tips to write a perfect article



SAMPLE.  Articles wanted

Lucky winners
What would you do if you won a large sume of money. How would your life change?
Write us an article answering these questions. Give reasons.
We will publish the best articles next month.

Write your article in 140-190 words in an appropriate style

Don't throw it all away!

Have you ever dreamt of becoming rich unexpectedly? Just imagine what your life would be like! However, some people who get rich quickly are very careless with their money and end up being poorer than they were before.

That's why I'd be very careful. I wouldn't want a completely different kind of life, so I'd start by putting some of it away, in case everything went wrong - set up a kind of "emergency fund". Then I would buy my hard-working parents a new home. They deserve it because they have always provided me with everything I've always wanted, even if it meant they had to go without. I would also give some money away to needy people who are struggling in the world and have no food. It would not be right to just spend the money on myself. Then I think I would take a year off from studying and travel round the world in great comfort. I've spent most of my live travelling on a limited budget and sleeping in hostels.

After that, who knows? I'll see, but I certainly won't be buying any luxury cars!



DON´T FORGET...
- to involve the reader 
- make your article interesting, lively,
- develop your points, your ideas, compare, contrast 
- focus on a strong opening and conclusion

You can use phrases such as:

•  Have you ever....?
• Are you one of those who...?
• What would you think if...?
• Just imagine....
• How would you feel if....?
• I was absolutely .......  when I saw, realised...
• It was the most amazing experience I have ever had...
• More importantly, it was something that / I
• Not surprisingly, it was / I was.....
• To my mind....
• It seems to me that....
• One advantage of that is that....
• On top of that.....
• Let´s start with...