V4 practice essay

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 5,6

Practice essay V4

The topic of this practice essay is:

"Tik Tok should be banned"

Write an opinion essay constisting of 5 paragraphs, focusing on two aspects: mental health and privacy.

What are you going to do?

- Use your handout: HOW TO WRITE AN OPINION ESSAY

Follow the instructions on the next slides:

Paragraph 1:

1. Begin your essay by introducing the topic you will be discussing.

2. Make it clear what your opinion is.

3. Say which two aspects will be discussed.

(You can use "mental health" and "privacy" but you can also come up with your own example)

Paragraph 2:

1. Introduce the first aspect in two or three sentences.

2. Provide examples.

Paragraph 3: 

1. Introduce the second aspect in two or three sentences.

2. Provide examples.

Paragraph 4:

1. Acknowledge an opposing opinion.

2. Say why you disagree with it.

Paragraph 5 (conclusion):

1. Restate your opinion.

2. Include a final comment.

Introduction (paragraph 1)

Does the essay have a clear introduction of the topic?

• In this day and age,
• It is widely believed that
• With the increasing importance of
• In recent years,

Introduction (paragraph 1 continued)

Did the writer give their main opinion?

• I firmly believe that
• I am of the opinion that
• I am convinced that
• In my view

Introduction (paragraph 1 continued)

Does that essay contain two aspects that are being discussed?

• To explain the reasons for my view, I will examine the issue in terms of...and...
• The topic will be explored from the perspectives of...and...
• The issue will be considered from two distinct angles-...and...

Discuss first aspect (paragraph 2)

Did the writer introduce the first aspect in two or three sentences?

• First of all,
• To begin with,
• When it comes to

Did the writer provide examples?

• For example,
• For instance

Discuss second aspect (paragraph 3)

Did the writer introduce the second aspect in two or three sentences?

• It is also important to consider the issue with regard to...
• Moreover, another important aspect to examine is...
• Furthermore, it is crucial to consider...
• In addition to this, ...is another important aspect of the issue.
• Another important aspect/angle of the issue is....

Did the writer provide examples?

Acknowledge an opposing opinion (paragraph 4)

Did the writer acknowledge an opposing opinion?

Did the writer say why they disagree with it?

• It is true that.....however, I am of the opinion that...
• While some people say...., I ....
• It is a valid point that...., nevertheless, I believe...
• While it is true that...I believe...

Conclusion (paragraph 5)

Did the writer restate their main opinion ?

• In conclusion,
• To sum up,
• All things considered,
• All in all,

Final recommendations

• Study the handout: how to write an opinion essay
  
• Use a variety of formal linking words to express opposing points
• Use a variety of formal linking words to add points
• Use advanced grammar (V4 level)
• Use advanced vocabulary (V4 level)
• No slang
• No contractions
• Pay attention to correct spelling
• Use correct punctuation (capital letter/period)

Any questions?