- Overview
- Language and Style
- Structure
- Introduction
- The Thesis Statement
- The “Hook” or “Lead-in”
- Body
- Topic Sentences
- Transitions Between “Meat Paragraphs”
- Conclusion
- Summarize Your Argument
- Expand on Your Position
Overview
An opinion essay is also called an “argumentative essay”. In this format you comment on a given topic. The idea of an opinion essay is to take over a side of an argument and convince the reader of your opinion. Your comment must be based on a thesis statement that will give your writing a tight focus.
Follow these basic steps to complete your essay.
- Study the task
- Take a position
- Form your thesis statement that expresses your opinion clearly
- Argue for your position
- Support your arguments with EXAMPLES
- Persuade the reader of your position/opinion!
Below you find more information for the different steps. Follow them carefully!
Language and Style
It should be written in formal English, no contractions (e.g. can’t, I’m, don’t) and no slang words.
Also it wise to use the linking words and phrases to make your text more fluid and to help you structure it.
Structure
Generally, you have to structure your text into 3 parts: the introduction, the main part and the conclusion. The main part can consist of several paragraphs.
Introduction (10-15%) | You introduce, present the topic you are going to write about. You already say, what your main opinion/thesis is. This means that you should touch briefly on some of the main aspects of the subjects and, if you choose a quote as your essay topic, the quote should be included in the introduction. |
Main part / Development (80-90%) | You take up the points which were hinted at in the introduction. You support your opinion by arguments (against or in favour of the given statement/quote) facts, examples and personal experience. |
Conclusion (10-15%) | You sum up your argument and by referring to your introduction you round the whole essay up. |
To sum up the information above, let’s use a typically American food analogy: A good essay is a lot like a triple-decker burger.
Introduction
The introduction to an essay has to:
- Have a hook to catch the reader’s attention.
- Explain your position on the topic clearly by forming your thesis.
To accomplish these goals, you need three to four sentences in your introduction.
The Thesis Statement
The “Hook” or “Lead-in”
Body
Each body paragraph should make a point in its topic sentence (see below). That point should be followed by specific evidence that proves it and strengthens it.
Each of your three paragraphs should follow this basic format:
- Four to five sentences long.
- In these sentences you show through specific, concrete discussion of facts and situations just how your example supports your essay thesis statement.
Remember: The essay asks you to develop your own point of view. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with using "I" and offering examples that are meaningful to you.
Topic Sentences
Transitions Between “Meat Paragraphs”
Conclusion
The conclusion of your essay should accomplish two main goals:
- Summarize your argument
- Expand your position. Outlook to the future, also called "kicker"
To accomplish these two goals, your conclusion should contain three to four sentences.