Writing an Opinion Essay | Part 2

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 1,2

Organizing an opinion essay

In part 1, you learned about the introduction, supporting paragraphs, and the conclusion.

First paragraph: Introduction

Middle paragraphs: Support

 Last paragraph : Conclusion

Now you'll learn how to structure the support paragraphs.

Organizing the middle paragraphs

The introduction of an opinion piece is the first part that people will read. The introduction should clearly state your opinion. This is the topic of your piece. It should also give the reader an idea of how you will support it. You can use an interesting fact or story to get your reader’s attention. Then state your opinion and list your reasons for it.

You can show the reader that the statement is an opinion by using phrases like “I think,” “for me” or “my favorite.” Adjectives can also show that a statement is an opinion. Words like “best,” “worst,” “most beautiful” and “tastiest” all suggest that a statement is an opinion because what is the best for one person may not be the best for another person. Be careful about adjectives though. They don’t all show opinions. “Oldest,” “longest” and “fastest” are all things that can be measured and might point out facts!

Use the opinion statement that you wrote in part 1. 

Think of three reasons that support your opinion. For each reason, give an example.

Opinion: we should have silent work time during the school day.

Reason 1: We could work on our homework.

Example: We wouldn't have to take so many books home with us.

Reason 2: ...

Example:

 

Write your opinion statement, reasons, and examples on the next slide.

Opinion Statement
Reason 1 & Example 1
Reason 2 & Example 2
Reason 3 & Example 3

On the following slide, there are phrases you can use to 

introduce arguments or give opinions. 

Complete the drag and drop.

Match the phrases with the correct heading.

Introducing arguments

Giving opinions

My first reason for...is...

To my mind, ...

It is also important to note that...

My point of view is that ...

In my opinion, ...

I am convinced that ...

I believe that...

First of all, ...

The main argument for (against)... is...

Another argument for (against)... is...

Write down any useful phrases in your notebook.

For more practice, see Insight p. 50 #5 & 6 

By hand, write a 

simple 5-paragraph opinion essay.

 

Use your opinion statement, reasons, and examples PLUS the phrases 

you just learned.  

When you're done, check your essay 

using the writing guide on page 51. 

(Use the "check" section.) 

An example is on the next slide, or page 50 in your book.

Now you are ready to write your first opinion essay.