Opinion Essays

What Opinion Essays Test

Opinion essays ask "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" or "Do you agree or disagree?" Your position must be clear, consistent, and well-supported throughout the entire essay. Changing your view midway costs significant marks.

The Two Valid Approaches

Fully agree or fully disagree: State your position clearly in the introduction and defend it throughout. Body Paragraph 1 and Body Paragraph 2 both support your view. Acknowledge the opposing view briefly in one paragraph but immediately refute it.

Partially agree: Acknowledge that both sides have merit but explain which side you find more convincing and why. This is more sophisticated but harder to execute. Do not sit on the fence without making a final clear judgment.

The Four-Paragraph Structure

Introduction (2-3 sentences): Paraphrase the topic, state your clear position.

Body Paragraph 1 — Main reason supporting your view: Topic sentence ? Explanation ? Example ? Link back.

Body Paragraph 2 — Second reason or counter-argument refuted: Present a reason someone might disagree ? immediately explain why this view is flawed or less important ? reinforce your original position.

Conclusion (2 sentences): Restate your position in different words. Do not introduce new ideas.

The PEEL Structure for Body Paragraphs

P — Point: Your main argument in one sentence. "The primary reason why X is that..." E — Explanation: Explain the logic. "This is because..." E — Example: Provide a specific example. "For instance..." or "A clear illustration of this is..." L — Link: Connect back to the question and your thesis. "Therefore, it is evident that..."

Band Comparison — Topic Sentences

Band 5: "I think working from home is good."

Band 7: "The primary advantage of remote working is the significant improvement in employee work-life balance."

Band 9: "Perhaps the most compelling argument in favour of remote working is its demonstrable impact on employee productivity and psychological wellbeing, both of which have been shown to improve substantially when individuals are freed from lengthy daily commutes."

Common Mistakes

Not taking a clear position — examiners need to know your view by the end of the introduction.

Changing your opinion between paragraphs — decide before you start writing and stay consistent.

Using personal examples only — "In my country..." and "In my experience..." are weak. Reference broader social trends or logical reasoning.

Writing a three-sentence conclusion that introduces new arguments — conclusions should only summarize.

Practice Question

Some people believe that the best way to improve public health is to increase the number of sports facilities. Others, however, believe that this would have little effect and other measures are required. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Write at least 250 words.