Essay Writing Skills (useful words like in my opinion, however...)

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• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 2

Writing Skills

How to write an essay

Writing Skills

Today: Practice with a written text

Write a short essay (200 words)

Does the writer agree or disagree with the title/statement
"Watching television is a waste of time"?

1. Agree
2. Disagree

Take a look at the five words in italics

Look at the words in italics. Which
two words are used to say what you think?

Look at the words in italics. Which two words are used to add another argument?

Look at the words in italics. Which word is used to give an opposing argument

Useful words to use in your essay

To say what you think

PERSONALLY - Personally, I don't think you can say that watching TV is a waste of time.

wat mij betreft

IN MY OPINION - In my opinion, as long as we monitor what we watch it can be an important part of our lives.

naar mijn mening

Words to add another argument

FURTHERMORE - This plant has a quiet charm and furthermore, is an easy house plant.

bovendien, verder

MOREOVER - Texting while driving is dangerous.  Moreover, it’s not allowed in our country.

bovendien

Word to give an opposing argument

HOWEVER - On the river, however, the adventurers seemed to be perfectly safe.

echter, maar

Match the purposes to the paragraphs

Arguments to support the title

Arguments against the title

The writer's own opinion

An introduction to the topic

For or against?

A: 'Going to the cinema is always better

than watching a movie at home.'

B: 'Film stars get paid too much money.'

Sentence A:

For

Sentence A:

Against

Sentence B:

Against

Sentence B:

For

We need to support our local cinemas.

You can stop and start when you want.

No one should get that amount of money.

They make the film companies a lot of money.

You can watch it as many times as you want.

Films always look better on a big screen.

How to structure your essay

Title/Statement

Introduction - make an impact but don't give your opinion here (yet)!

Paragraph to support the title

Paragraph to argue against the title

Conclusion - summarize and give your opinion

These may be switched  

Title    

Introduction (no opinion!)

Argument(s)

against

Argument(s)

for

Conclusion/Opinion

Homework: Write a practice essay (200 words)

on one of the following statements:

'Going to the cinema is always better than watching a movie at home.'

'Movie stars/Football players get paid too much money.'