A Personal Opinion Essay
300-350 words (or more)
~30 min
Preparation: ~5 min (planning, structuring)
Score: 0-5 points
Structure
3 parts
1) Introduction (1 paragraph)
2) Body (2-3 paragraphs)
3) Conclusion (1 paragraph)
Detailed structure
Paragraph 1 (Introduction)
- Sentence 1: The “Hook”
This is an interesting sentence that introduces the general theme or topic of the essay. - Sentence 2: The Main Point
This is the main argument and direct answer to the question. Express your opinion: Personally, I consider… - Sentence 3: The Transition
e.g. I believe so for two reasons, which I will explore in the following essay.
Paragraph 2 (Body 1)
- Sentence 1: A Topic Sentence
This summarizes your first supporting reason.
First of all, …
- Sentences 2 to 4: The Explanation
Explain what you mean, without talking directly about personal experience. - Sentence 5: The Transition
My personal experience is an example of this.
- Sentence 6 to End: The Personal Example
An example that illustrates this argument.
Paragraph 3 (Body 2)
- Sentence 1: A Topic Sentence
This summarizes your second supporting reason.
Secondly …
- Sentences 2 to 4: The Explanation
Explain what you mean, without talking directly about personal experience. - Sentence Five: The Transition
For instance, …
- Sentence Six to End: The Personal Example
An example that illustrates this argument.
Paragraph 4 (conclusion)
- Sentence 1: Restate the Thesis
Paraphrase your thesis.
In conclusion, I am of the opinion that…
- Sentence 2: Restate the Two Reasons
This is because …, and …
Essay types
1) Agree or Disagree
E.g.
- Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: ‘Reading a newspaper or online news sources is a waste of time’. Provide reasons and examples to support your opinion.
- Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: ‘It is always better to study with a teacher then it is to study alone.’ Support your response with reasons and examples.
2) Support or Oppose – writing if some future initiative is a good or bad idea.
E.g. It has recently been announced that a new high school may be built in your community. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details in your answer.
3) Preference:
E.g. Some people like to travel with a companion. Other people prefer to travel alone. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
4) Imagine / If:
E.g. If you could travel back in time to meet a famous person from history, what person would you like to meet? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
5) Description / Explanation:
E.g. Some people say that computers have made life easier and more convenient. Other people say that computers have made life more complex and stressful. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
6) Compare and contrast (advantages and disadvantages):
E.g. ‘Not everything that is learned is contained in books.’ Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?