STUDY AND WRITING SKILLS
55
5.5
5
a
You are now going to practise ‘thinking critically’ about a text.
Read the essay again and answer the questions below.
Looking at the text:
1
Identify and underline the main opinion of the writer.
2
What facts (things that cannot be debated) does the writer use to
support his opinion?
3
What statements, if any, in paragraph 2 do you question?
4
Identify and underline opinions of people who do not agree with
the writer. Why does the writer mention these?
5
What is the style and tone of this article? Is it persuasive, objective,
biased or critical?
6
Find words or phrases in the text that the writer uses to persuade
you to accept his point of view, e.g.
undoubtedly
(para 1, line 5).
Thinking about the topic:
7
Do you agree with the writer or with people who are against
banning unhealthy products?
8
What other products (if any) do you think should not be shown in
TV adverts?
5
b
Work in small groups to compare and discuss your answers to
Exercise 5a.
WRITING SKILLS
AN OPINION-LED ESSAY
6
Complete the description below with the words in the box.
weaknesses disadvantages correct opinion persuasive
8
Look at the essay again and find an
expression to add to the groups below.
Giving an opinion
In my opinion …
Personally I think …
I feel strongly that …
(para 1)
Giving facts
There is/are definitely…
It is well known that …
It is true that …
(para 2)
Giving reasons and results
This is because …
As a result, …
(para 3)
Adding a surprising fact /
an opposing argument
Nevertheless …
On the other hand …
(para 3 & 4)
Using persuasive language
clearly …
undoubtedly …
(para 4)
Adding information
What’s more …
In addition …
Moreover …
(para 4)
Concluding
In conclusion, …
It is clear that …
(para 5)
9
a
Planning your essay
Choose one
of the topics for an opinion-led essay.
Decide what your opinion is. Note
your reasons for your opinion and any
evidence to support your point of view.
Think of arguments against your opinion.
• To what extent do you think people are
influenced by TV advertisements?
• There are too many unacceptable
methods in advertising today.
• Businesses should not be allowed to
advertise on social networks.
9
b
Use the following structure to plan your
essay. Write a maximum of 300 words.
•
Introduction (Introduce the subject and
your opinion.)
•
Main body of the essay – reasons and
evidence (Most important ideas come
first. Mention opposing opinions, but
attack them!)
•
Conclusion (Summarise and restate
your opinion.)
There are two common kinds of discursive essay. The first kind of
essay does not generally include a strong
1
. It presents the
advantages and
2
of an action or contains different ideas
and facts about a topic.
It is called a ‘for and against’ essay. The second type of essay is
an ‘opinion-led’ essay. The writer expresses his or her opinion
strongly on a controversial topic. He or she argues strongly that
their opinion is
3
, and the style and tone of the text is
4
. In an opinion-led essay, the writer may introduce
opposing opinions, but this is usually to show their
5
.
7
Read the statements about opinion-led essays. Which two
statements are
NOT
generally considered good practice?
1
In your first paragraph, you may rephrase the essay question.
2
It is a good idea to copy several phrases from the essay question.
3
After the first paragraph, you use some paragraphs to give reasons
for your opinions.
4
It is not necessary to give evidence for your statements, for
example by quoting people or referring to surveys.
5
You present arguments, showing that you disagree with something
or question whether it is right.
6
In your last paragraph, you restate your opinion, so it links with the
opening paragraph.
