Session 7: Themed Post: Opinions

What do you think this quote means? Do you agree with it? Discuss with a classmate.

In this session we'll practise how to write an opinion essay.

One possible structure is as follows:

- Open your essay with an interesting or surprising fact, or a quote, or a rhetorical question. This is called a 'hook sentence', and it intends to catch your readers' attention so that they want to know your opinion.

- Present your point of view in the first two lines of the next paragraph. That way the reader will identify what you believe immediately.

- Provide examples, hypothetical situations, logic and /or facts to support your position.

- Avoid overgeneralisations because these will weaken your reasons. Instead of saying: everybody, everyone, people, etc, say most people, the majority of, some men/women/teenagers/ etc.

- Use a variety of tenses and vocabulary. Use synonyms for words like 'good' or 'bad'

-Use connectors. (however, then, next, in addition, etc)

- Finish with a short conclusion that restates your opinion and does not offer new information.

Now it's your turn:

Choose one of the following quotes:

INSTRUCTIONS: Write an opinion essay using the quote you chose. You should:

- Write a hook sentence

- Say what your opinion about the topic you chose

- Give reasons and examples to support your viewpoint

- Conclude the essay by paraphrasing your own opinion.

Word count: 230

Comment on this entry and in one of your classmate's. This must be done during the lab time.

Look at the sample below. Some useful expressions and words have been highlighted to help you.

Most of us like to think our friends are honest with us, but is complete honesty really such a good idea?

Most people would agree that there are times when honesty is important. However, you need to learn to differentiate when telling the truth will cause a positive or a negative effect on your friend. For instance, when a friend asks you for advice on their love life, their family life or their choice of career, even though telling them the truth may hurt the person’s feelings,  it will problably be more benefitial in the long run, because your friend will be able to realise what is best for him or her. Furthermore, a friend can help someone become a more responsible and sensible individual by being honest about their faults and problems.

Nevertheless, it can also happen that sometimes honesty is not the most recommendable path to take. For example, if someone says that they don’t like a friend’s new clothes, they’re hurting their friend’s feelings for no reason  but just because their own taste is not the same as theirs. Moreover, when they hear other people criticising their friend, they shouldn’t always tell their friend what has been said. People don’t always mean what they say; in fact, some people say what they say because they are mean; they may simply be jealous or upset or too self-centred.

In conclusion, though I agree that in most circumstances (especially serious or important ones) a friend should be honest, there may also be plenty of situations in which it can be better to think before you speak in order to avoid causing harm.