express your opinion essay

Academic Writing: How to Express Your Personal Opinion

von Öykü Coskun | Donnerstag, November 22, 2018 | Learn , Writing effectively | 2 Kommentare

An icon of a group of people, a speech bubble is near one of them

In certain writing tasks that you are required to do for university, for example essays, you will be asked to give your opinion on the topic at hand. There are several different ways to do this: A distinction is made between expressions and phrases that emphasize your views explicitly and those that reflect your opinion implicitly. In this article, you can find out which expressions are best in which context and how to create variety.

While it is possible to say that, as a general rule, implicit expressions that reflect your opinion in a more subtle way are mostly preferred in academic writing, there are also cases in which it might be useful to overtly state your view by using phrases that contain the personal pronouns “I” and “my” to make clear that it is your point of view that you are focusing on right now. Thus, there is no such rule as “Never include “I” in essays.” The key is to use these kinds of expressions when they suit your purpose, so for instance when you clearly want to distance yourself from a certain view. Moreover, avoiding “I” can lead to awkwardness and vagueness, so it can sometimes be more effective to use the first person. Personal pronouns unmistakably show when and where exactly you are building on or departing from your sources of information. Thus, they underline the originality of your ideas and views, which, in turn, improves your writing style.

While this only applies to some academic fields and text types, as far as the Humanities and essays or term papers are concerned, it is generally considered appropriate to use the first person, as your instructor will be interested in reading your original analyses and interpretations. But beware: Don’t confuse giving your personal opinion with writing about your personal experience! Your experiences and anecdotes do not have any place in academic term papers whatsoever, whereas they might be included in some contexts for example when you are asked to write a more personal and less academic text in your language classes. To make sure, always ask your instructor.

Moreover, you should be aware of the fact that some expressions more convincingly underline your assertions than others and that your arguments will always need sufficient explanations and defense. Hence, expressions such as “I think that…” or “I believe that…” , which we often find in speech but less in academic writing, are weaker and less convincing than “I assert that…”, “I am convinced that…”, “I have no doubt that…” or “I hold the impression/ view that…”.

Furthermore, we often find the phrases “In my opinion, …” and “In my view, …” in academic writing and professional reports. To a lesser extent, we have expressions such as “To my mind,…” , From my point of view” and “As far as I am concerned” ; These three phrases are also rather used in speech than in writing.

Another useful way of explicitly stating your opinion is to employ structures that contain adjectives, such as “I consider it important/ crucial/ essential/ useful/ likely/ … to …” or “I deem it necessary/ proper/ appropriate/ … to …” . If you are not quite so adamant about your opinion yourself, you can also utilize weaker expressions such as “I am under the impression that …” , “I suppose that …” , “I assume that …” , “I presume that …” or “I conjecture that …” .

Impersonal expressions, on the other hand, reflect your opinion implicitly. Again, there is the possibility to use structures that contain evaluative adjectives, as is the case with phrases like “It is convenient/ difficult/ hard/ impossible/ reasonable/ easy/ … to …” or “It is apparent/ arguable/ doubtful/ obvious/ remarkable/ desirable/ noteworthy/ conceivable/ … that …” .

In your academic texts, you can furthermore employ structures that consist of “It is worth + present participle of a verb + that”, frequently used collocations being “It is worth examining/ investigating/ remembering/ recalling/ noting/ stressing/ pointing out/ emphasizing/ … that …”. There are moreover evaluative adverbs that stress your opinion, examples for this being “Interestingly, …” , “Arguably, …” , “Obviously, …” , “Evidently, …” , and “Surprisingly, …” .

As you can see, there are plenty of possibilities to express your personal opinion in your academic writing tasks and to create variety in doing so. Including different types of phrases and varying expressions while sticking to the requirements of the writing task at hand will improve your overall writing style.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Writing Center: „Should I Use ‚I‘?“
Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners (2007): „E. Expressing Personal Opinions.“ London: Macmillan, IW 15-16.

2 Kommentare

Your approach and research is significant and appreciative.Applause for you..

I found this article extremely helpful. I found myself struggling writing essays when it came to professionally asserting my opinion or thought. This really outlined some great practices!! Thank you.

Gefördert vom

Dieses Vorhaben wird aus Mitteln des BMBF unter dem Förderkennzeichen 01PL17033 gefördert. Die Verantwortung für den Inhalt dieser Veröffentlichung liegt bei den Autorinnen und Autoren.

10 English Phrases to Express Your Opinion in an Essay

This is a guest post by Sam Pealing. Make sure to visit his website EnglishForStudy.com for more academic English help!

I admire international students. Seriously. If you’re a non-native English speaker doing a degree or doctorate in English, then I take my hat off to you.

I get a lot of questions about writing essays, and I’ve taught hundreds of students how to write effective essays (which get good grades). One of the most common mistakes that I see is a lack of opinion.

Most of the time, students describe a situation, but they don’t give their opinion or stance. This can really damage your grade because lecturers are always looking for ‘critical thinking’. If you don’t give your opinion in your essays, your lecturers can’t see your critical thinking.

To put it simply: If you don’t put your opinion or stance in an essay, then you’ll probably lose marks.

In this article, you’ll learn 10 effective phrases that you can use to give your opinion in your essay. I’ve also created a free lesson pack which will help you to practice the phrases in this article. CLICK HERE to download it.

Introducing the Phrases

If you’re looking for a quick fix for your essay, these phrases should help you to start putting your own opinions in your essays.

But, before you rush over to your essays to start putting these phrases in, there’s something you need to know.

If you’re writing an academic essay, you will need to support your opinions with strong evidence . This is especially true if you are using some of the stronger phrases.

This evidence can be a journal article, a lecture, a textbook, or something else which is a trustworthy source of information.

In a more informal essay, like one in an IELTS or TOEFL language test, you don’t need to support your answers with strong evidence. Your experiences or opinions will be enough.

Quick note : I know! You’re ready to see the phrases.

This won’t take long and it’s really important.

1. For these phrases to be really effective, you’ll need to review your grammar. Shayna has some great videos on her Espresso English Youtube channel .

I recommend these:

Subject/Verb agreement
Formal and Informal English
Correcting Grammar Mistakes

2. If you want to know the structure of a good essay paragraph, check my post here .

Academic English Phrases for Writing an Essay

Informal English Phrases

These phrases are suitable for language tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. In an academic essay, these phrases will probably be too informal because they are too personal.

“In my opinion, + [your sentence]”

In my opinion , a good education is more important than a good car.

“I believe that + [your sentence]”

I believe that schools should encourage students to walk or cycle to school rather than drive.

“In my mind, + [your sentence]”

“ In my mind , no-one should have to pay for medical care.”

More Formal Academic Phrases With ‘That’

These phrases are more suitable for academic essays. If you are unsure whether you should use an informal phrase or an academic phrase, use an academic one. If you think your writing might be informal, read this post to learn more.

The patterns here are quite straightforward. Just add your sentence after ‘that’.

“It would seem that + [your sentence]”

Use this when you support your opinion with evidence.

“ It would seem that children learn best when they are feeling comfortable.”

“It could be argued that + [your sentence]”

Use this when you want to challenge an existing opinion.

“ It could be argued that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks in this situation.”

“This suggests that + [your sentence]”

Use this when you don’t want to fully commit to an opinion. You’re giving yourself some distance.

“ The evidence suggests that people who speak more than one language have more job opportunities.”

“This proves that + [your sentence]”

Use this when you are confident with your opinion. This phrase is quite strong*

“ This proves that the best way to lose weight is through a controlled diet and a good exercise program.”

“This supports the idea that + [your sentence]”

Use this one when you are supporting an opinion that you have already made.

“ This new research supports the idea that successful English learners look for opportunities to use English.”

Other Ways to Express Opinion

“although [idea you disagree with], [idea you agree with]”.

Use this when you want make your opinion seem balanced.

“ Although reports suggest that cigarettes could help people to lose weight, there are too many serious health problems associated with smoking.”

Note: The ‘ although’ pattern is very effective because it shows two sides of the argument. In the example, I support the idea that smoking is bad for your health –BUT- I recognise that it could have some benefits.

Structure your ‘ although’ sentence like this: Although, [weaker argument you disagree with], [stronger argument you agree with].

Using Adverbs, Adjectives and Nouns

You can use adjectives to show your opinion.

“This research was poorly conducted with a lack of control .”

The adjective and nouns in the example are negative . You can get some good ideas from this video on Extreme Adjectives . Note: try not to use any emotional adjectives .

Make Your Own Phrases!

Of course, these phrases aren’t the only ones that you can use! You can find more – or – you can create your own by combining different patterns.

Here’s an example of #7, #9 and #10 used together.

“Although it is difficult for older adults to learn a second language, an important study by Smith (2014) proved that the elderly can successfully learn new languages.”

What Should You Do Now?

So now you should have a better idea of how to include more opinions in your essays. But that’s not all; there are probably some new words here that you don’t know.

So here’s what you should do:

Choose three of the opinion expressions and phrases that you want to try.
Practice writing sentences using them (if you don’t have a topic, try this: should students do homework? You can see examples of this in the lesson pack )
Get the Lesson Pack for this lesson (which contains the vocabulary and the phrases from this lesson) CLICK HERE to download it .

Learn more:

Basic English phrases
Intermediate English phrases
Advanced English phrases

About Sam Pealing

Sam Pealing is an English language coach who specialises in two important areas: 1. helping you to get great grades at university, and 2. helping you to become an effective and confident English user. If you’re feeling frustrated or confused with English, Sam has created the perfect email course for you! You can join his course here –or- you can read more by him on English For Study .

Get corrections on your written English:

You might also like...

100 Superlatives: List & Examples

24 Examples of Adjective + Preposition Combinations

Relative Clauses + Exercises

Hi, I’m Shayna. I create courses helping English as a Second Language learners become more fluent in just a few minutes a day – so they can speak English naturally and confidently in work and daily life.

Files Missing!

Please upload all relevant files for quick & complete assistance.

Opinion Essays – Step-by-Step Instructions

Home / Blog / Write An Opinion Essay

Introduction

What makes an opinion essay truly compelling? Why do some essays resonate while others fall flat? The art of opinion writing is not just about sharing your thoughts; it is about persuading, informing, and engaging your readers. Today, we will learn all about crafting an impactful opinion essay.

So, how do you transform your opinions into powerful words that leave a lasting impression? Let us dive in and discover the keys to success in opinion writing.

What Is an Opinion Essay?

An opinion essay is a written work where an author expresses their viewpoint on a particular topic or issue. Unlike other essays that primarily rely on factual information and objective analysis, an opinion essay is inherently subjective, emphasizing the writer's beliefs, feelings, and perspectives.

Opinion essays are prevalent in various contexts, from academic assignments and journalism to blogs and editorials. They serve as a platform for individuals to express themselves, share their unique perspectives, and contribute to meaningful discussions on various subjects.

What Kind of Student Faces an Opinion Essay?

Let us explore the characteristics and educational contexts where opinion essays are commonly encountered:

1. High School Students:

High school students are frequently introduced to opinion essays as part of their English or language arts curriculum. These essay help students develop fundamental writing skills and the ability to express their viewpoints coherently. Opinion essays at this level often revolve around personal experiences, literary analysis, or current events, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.

2. College and University Students:

College and university students encounter opinion essays across various disciplines, from humanities and social sciences to natural sciences and engineering. In college, opinion essays become more sophisticated, requiring students to delve into scholarly research, cite academic sources, and formulate well-supported arguments. These essays are instrumental in promoting research skills, academic writing proficiency, and the ability to synthesize complex information.

3. Graduates and Postgraduates:

Graduate and postgraduate students frequently engage in opinion essays as part of their coursework and research activities. At this level, opinion essays may take the form of thesis proposals, research position papers, or responses to academic debates. These essays serve as essential paraphrasing tool for contributing to the scholarly discourse within their fields.

4. Law Students:

Law students encounter opinion essays in the form of legal memoranda, case briefs, or persuasive arguments. These essays hone their legal writing and argumentative essay topics skills.

In the legal profession, constructing well-reasoned opinions is vital, as lawyers often need to advocate for their clients' positions.

5. Journalism and Communication Students:

Students pursuing journalism or communication degrees frequently write opinion pieces, such as editorials and op-eds. Opinion essays in this context train students to effectively convey their thoughts to a broader audience while adhering to ethical and journalistic standards.

6. Political Science and Philosophy Students:

Political science or philosophy students delve into opinion essays as they explore complex political ideologies, ethical dilemmas, and philosophical debates. Opinion essays in these disciplines require students to analyze and critically evaluate different perspectives, fostering a deep understanding of complex issues.

7. MBA and Business Students:

MBA and business students encounter opinion essays in business ethics, strategic management, and decision-making courses. These essays sharpen their ability to make informed, ethical business judgments and communicate their rationale effectively.

8. ESL and Non-Native English Speakers:

Students learning English as a second language (ESL) or non-native English speakers may face opinion essays to enhance their language proficiency. Opinion essays help ESL students develop language skills while expressing their thoughts on diverse essay topics .

What Are the Requirements of an Opinion Essay?

Here are the key elements that should be present in an opinion essay:

1. Clear and Concise Thesis Statement:

Every opinion essay should start with a well-defined thesis statement. This statement is the heart of your essay, succinctly summarizing your main argument or viewpoint. It should be placed in the introduction, typically towards the end of that section.

2. Introduction:

The introduction serves as the opening of your essay, capturing the reader's attention and providing essential context for the topic.
Begin with a compelling hook, which can be a thought-provoking question, an interesting fact, a relevant quote, or a brief anecdote.
Clearly present your thesis statement, outlining your opinion on the issue.
Provide a brief overview of the points you intend to discuss in the essay's body, setting the reader's expectations.

3. Well-Structured Body Paragraphs:

The body of your opinion essay should consist of several well-organized paragraphs, each dedicated to a specific aspect or supporting point related to your thesis.
Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence directly connecting to your thesis statement.
Offer substantial evidence, examples, statistics, or personal experiences to support your viewpoint. Ensure the evidence is relevant and convincing.
Maintain a logical flow between paragraphs, using transitional words and phrases to guide the reader seamlessly through your arguments.

4. Acknowledgment of Counterarguments:

A robust opinion essay acknowledges opposing viewpoints or counterarguments. This demonstrates your ability to consider alternative perspectives and strengthens your own argument.
Counterarguments can be addressed within the body paragraphs or in a dedicated paragraph where you present, discuss, and ultimately refute opposing views.

5. Conclusion:

The conclusion should serve as the closing of your essay, summarizing your thesis statement and the main points presented in the body.
However, avoid mere repetition of the introduction. Instead, offer a broader perspective, leaving the reader with something to contemplate, such as a thought-provoking idea, a call to action, or a suggestion for further exploration.
Conclude your essay with a sense of closure, ensuring your final words leave a lasting impression.

6. Evidence and Examples:

Support your opinion with credible evidence, such as research findings, assignment expert opinions, or real-life examples. This lends credibility to your argument and makes it more persuasive.

7. Proper Citation:

If your essay includes external sources or references, ensure proper citation following the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). Correct citation is essential to maintain academic integrity and prevent plagiarism.

8. Editing and Proofreading:

Before finalizing your opinion essay, perform a thorough edit and proofread. Check for grammar and spelling errors, as well as clarity and coherence.
Consider seeking peer, instructor, or professional editor feedback to ensure your essay is polished and error-free.

Opinion Essay Topics

Here are ten broad subject areas for opinion essay topics

1. Technology:

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment
Is Social Media Beneficial or Harmful for Society?
The Ethics of Data Privacy in the Digital Age
Should Technology Be Used in Education More Extensively?
Is Online Learning as Effective as Traditional Education?
The Role of Technology in Solving Environmental Issues
Are Smartphones a Necessity or a Distraction in Daily Life?
The Pros and Cons of Video Games for Children
Is Technology Making Us More or Less Connected to Each Other?
The Future of Work in a World Dominated by Automation

2. Education:

Standardized Testing: Does It Accurately Measure Student Abilities?
The Impact of Homeschooling on Children's Development
Should Schools Implement Uniform Dress Codes?
The Role of Arts Education in Academic Curriculum
Are College Degrees Still Worth the Investment?
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Education
Should Schools Teach Financial Literacy as a Mandatory Subject?
The Influence of Teachers on Students' Success
Does Homework Enhance or Impede Learning?
The Importance of Inclusive Education for Special Needs Students

3. Environment:

The Responsibility of Individuals in Combating Climate Change
Should Plastic Bags and Bottles Be Banned to Reduce Pollution?
The Impact of Deforestation on Biodiversity
Renewable Energy Sources vs. Fossil Fuels: Which is Better?
Should Governments Implement Carbon Tax to Reduce Emissions?
The Ethics of Animal Testing in Scientific Research
Is Sustainable Living Achievable for Everyone?
The Role of Urban Planning in Creating Eco-Friendly Cities
Are Electric Vehicles the Future of Transportation?
The Effectiveness of Recycling Programs in Reducing Waste

4. Politics and Government:

The Importance of Voting in a Democracy
Is Political Correctness Beneficial or Restrictive to Free Speech?
Should Term Limits Be Imposed on Elected Officials?
The Role of Social Media in Shaping Political Opinions
Universal Healthcare vs. Private Healthcare: Pros and Cons
The Impact of Immigration Policies on Society
Should Affirmative Action Still Be Implemented?
Is Political Polarization a Threat to Democracy?
The Influence of Lobbying and Special Interest Groups on Politics
Should the Voting Age Be Lowered or Raised?

5. Health and Wellness:

The Pros and Cons of a Vegetarian or Vegan Diet
The Impact of Fast Food on Public Health
Should Vaccination Be Mandatory for All Children?
The Benefits and Risks of Legalizing Marijuana
The Role of Mental Health Education in Schools
Is Healthcare a Basic Human Right?
The Ethics of Genetic Engineering and Designer Babies
The Impact of Stress on Physical and Mental Health
Is Alternative Medicine a Valid Alternative to Conventional Medicine?
The Influence of Advertising on Unhealthy Eating Habits

6. Social Issues:

The Role of Social Media in Promoting Body Image Issues
The Impact of Income Inequality on Society
Is Capital Punishment Ethical or Inhumane?
The Importance of Gender Equality in the Workplace
Should Animal Testing Be Banned for Cosmetic Products?
The Ethics of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
The Influence of Celebrity Culture on Young People
Is Online Bullying a Serious Threat to Mental Health?
The Role of Government in Combating Homelessness

7. Economics:

The Effects of Inflation on Consumer Purchasing Power
Is Globalization Beneficial or Harmful to Developing Countries?
The Impact of Minimum Wage Laws on Employment
The Role of Cryptocurrency in Modern Finance
Should Governments Provide Universal Basic Income?
The Ethics of Corporate Social Responsibility
The Pros and Cons of Trade Tariffs
Is Economic Growth Sustainable in the Long Term?
The Influence of Consumerism on Environmental Degradation
The Role of Government Regulation in Preventing Financial Crises

8. Science and Technology Ethics:

The Ethical Implications of Human Gene Editing
Should Artificial Intelligence Have Legal Rights?
The Use of Facial Recognition Technology: Privacy vs. Security
The Dangers and Benefits of Biotechnology Advancements
The Ethics of Cloning Animals for Human Consumption
Is Privacy Invasion Justified in the Name of National Security?
The Impact of 3D Printing on Intellectual Property Rights
Should Autonomous Weapons Be Banned?
The Ethical Considerations of Using CRISPR for Genetic Enhancement
Is Space Exploration Worth the Cost and Environmental Impact?

9. Culture and Society:

The Influence of Pop Culture on Young People's Behavior
Should Cultural Appropriation Be Condemned or Celebrated?
The Importance of Preserving Indigenous Languages and Cultures
The Role of Music in Shaping Social and Political Movements
Should Museums Return Stolen Artifacts to Their Countries of Origin?
The Impact of Reality TV Shows on Society's Perception of Reality
Is Online Dating a Positive or Negative Trend in Modern Relationships?
The Ethics of Cultural Tourism and Its Impact on Local Communities
Should Schools Teach More Diverse History and Literature?
The Role of Literature and Art in Promoting Social Change

10. Ethics and Morality:

The Ethics of Physician-Assisted Suicide for Terminal Patients
Is Lying Ever Justified in Moral Dilemmas?
The Role of Religion in Shaping Personal Morality
The Ethics of Animal Rights: Should Animals Have Legal Personhood?
Is Forgiveness a Virtue or a Weakness?
The Moral Implications of Cloning Humans
The Ethics of Nuclear Weapons and Deterrence
Should Government Surveillance Be Permitted for National Security?
The Role of Free Will in Determining Moral Responsibility
Is It Ethical to Experiment on Animals for Scientific Research?

Opinion Essay Structure

Here is a breakdown of the essential elements:

1. Introduction:

Hook: Begin with an attention-grabbing hook, such as a question, fact, quote, or anecdote, to engage the reader's interest.
Thesis Statement: Present your clear and concise thesis statement. This statement is the foundation of your essay and encapsulates your main argument or opinion on the topic.
Preview: Offer a brief overview of the main points or arguments you will discuss in the body of the essay. This sets the reader's expectations.

2. Body Paragraphs:

Topic Sentences: Start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence that relates directly to your thesis statement.
Supporting Evidence: Provide evidence, examples, statistics, or expert opinions that support each argument. Ensure that the evidence is relevant and compelling.
Transition Sentences: Use transitional words and phrases to guide the reader smoothly from one point to the next. This creates coherence and logical flow.
Counterarguments: Address opposing viewpoints within the body of your essay, demonstrating your ability to evaluate different perspectives critically. This adds depth and persuasiveness to your argument.

3. Conclusion:

Restate Thesis: Restate your thesis statement and summarize your main argument.
Summarize Main Points: Summarize the key points or arguments you've presented in the essay's body.
Broaden Perspective: Move beyond mere repetition of the introduction. Offer a broader perspective on the topic, leaving the reader with something to contemplate, such as the significance of your opinion or a call to action.
Closing Thoughts: End with a thought-provoking closing thought, question, or statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Opinion Essay Examples

Here is an example for you -

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Social media has become an integral part of our lives in today's digital age. While it offers various benefits, like staying connected with friends and accessing information, its influence on mental health has been a growing concern. This essay explores the impact of social media on mental well-being, arguing that while it has some advantages, it can also have detrimental effects.

Introduction:

The introduction provides a clear thesis statement: "This essay argues that social media has both positive and negative impacts on mental health." It engages the reader's interest with a hook, such as a startling statistic about social media usage or a relevant quote.

Body Paragraphs:

The body of the essay is divided into several paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of the argument:

Positive Aspects: This paragraph discusses the positive impact of social media, such as fostering connections, providing support networks, and raising awareness of mental health issues. It includes examples and statistics to support these points.

Negative Aspects: Here, the essay delves into the negative effects of social media, including cyberbullying, social comparison, and addiction. Real-life examples and studies are cited to illustrate these harmful consequences.

Counterarguments: To address opposing viewpoints, the essay checker acknowledges that some studies suggest a limited negative impact of social media. However, it refutes these arguments with counter-studies and expert opinions, emphasizing the overall negative trend.

Conclusion:

The conclusion restates the thesis and summarizes the main points from the body paragraphs. It provides a balanced perspective by acknowledging the positive and negative aspects of social media's impact on mental health. The essay ends with a thought-provoking statement, encouraging the reader to consider their own relationship with social media and its effects on their well-being.

Additional Considerations:

The essay's clear topic sentences, evidence, and transitions between paragraphs maintain coherence. The essay follows a formal tone, uses proper grammar and citations, and avoids jargon. It provides a comprehensive overview of the topic while presenting a well-structured argument that engages the reader and encourages critical thinking.

Crafting top-notch and perfect opinion essay writing is not just about expressing your viewpoint; it is about constructing a persuasive and well-structured argument. You can effectively communicate your opinions by adhering to the fundamental elements of a clear thesis statement, an engaging introduction, well-supported body paragraphs, and a thought-provoking conclusion.

Remember to acknowledge opposing viewpoints, use evidence judiciously, and maintain a formal tone. Opinion essays are a powerful platform for sharing your thoughts, contributing to meaningful discussions, and refining your writing and critical thinking skills. You can craft opinion essays that resonate and persuade effectively with the right structure and approach.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. what is the key to a successful opinion essay.

The key to a successful opinion essay is a clear and compelling thesis statement that presents your main argument. Support your viewpoint with relevant evidence, maintain a logical structure, and acknowledge opposing perspectives.

Q2. How can I make my introduction engaging?

Start with a captivating hook, like a thought-provoking question or a surprising fact. Clearly state your thesis statement, and briefly preview the main points you will discuss.

Q3. What role do counterarguments play in an opinion essay?

Counterarguments demonstrate your critical thinking skills and strengthen your argument by addressing opposing viewpoints. You can acknowledge counterarguments within your essay and then refute them.

Q4. How can I ensure my opinion essay is well-structured?

Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs focusing on specific points, and a conclusion summarizing your argument. Use transitional words for coherence.

Q5. Should I include personal experiences in my opinion essay?

Yes, personal experiences can enhance your essay's authenticity. However, ensure they are relevant to your argument and used as supporting evidence, not as the sole basis of your viewpoint.

Q6. How can I find credible evidence for my opinion essay?

Utilize reputable sources like academic journals, books, and expert opinions. Ensure your sources are recent and authoritative to bolster the credibility of your argument.

Q7. What is the difference between an opinion and a persuasive essay?

While both aim to persuade, an opinion essay primarily expresses your viewpoint. A persuasive essay focuses on convincing the reader to adopt your perspective through strong argumentation.

Q8. How can I maintain a formal tone in my opinion essay?

Avoid overly casual language and slang. Use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and follow the conventions of academic writing, such as citing sources correctly.

Q9. Can I use personal anecdotes in my conclusion?

Yes, personal anecdotes can be effective in the conclusion to leave a lasting impression. Relate your personal experience back to your thesis or the broader implications of your opinion.

Q10. What is the most important aspect of revising my opinion essay?

The most crucial revision aspect is ensuring your essay is clear and well-organized. Check for logical flow between paragraphs, and edit for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Do you want to share?

Discursive Essay Topics for Students

How to Write an Essay Introduction?

How to Write a Law Essay: Writing Guide with Examples

How to Choose Ideal Argumentative Essay Topics to Work On

PEEL Paragraph a Guide to Write a Perfect Essay

100 Effective Persuasive Essay Topics

How to Write a Descriptive Essay?- Guide with Examples

Who Am I Essay : How to Write it?

Subscribe Newsletter

You can place your order for free now. Simply submit your order and see what our writers can Subscribe to get regular update!

Thank you for commenting.

Thank you for subscribed newsletter.

Thank You For Commenting.

Get acquainted with the top essay helpers in the country and glide smoothly towards your academic goals with the necessary essay writing help online from US’s top professionals.

Want quick $20? Share your details with us.

Thank you for subscribing our newsletter

Have any Query? Contact with us

Opinion Writing: a Guide to Writing a Successful Essay Easily

An opinion essay requires students to write their thoughts regarding a subject matter. Relevant examples and explanations back their point of view. Before starting an opinion paper, it is important to study the definition, topics, requirements, and structure. Referring to examples is also highly useful. Perhaps you need help with our admission essay writing service ? Take a look at this guide from our dissertation writing service to learn how to write an opinion essay like an expert.

What Is an Opinion Essay

A common question among students is: ‘What is an Opinion Essay?' It is an assignment that contains questions that allow students to share their point-of-view on a subject matter. Students should express their thoughts precisely while providing opinions on the issue related to the field within reasonable logic. Some opinion essays type require references to back the writer's claims.

Opinion writing involves using a student's personal point-of-view, which is segregated into a point. It is backed by examples and explanations. The paper addresses the audience directly by stating ‘Dear Readers' or the equivalent. The introduction involves a reference to a speech, book, or play. This is normally followed by a rhetorical question like ‘is the pope Catholic?' or something along those lines.

What Kind of Student Faces an Opinion Essay

Non-native English-speaking students enrolled in the International English Language Testing System by the British Council & Cambridge Assessment English are tasked with learning how to write the opinion essays. This can be high-school or college students. It is designed to enhance the level of English among students. It enables them to express their thoughts and opinions while writing good opinion essay in English.

Get Your Opinion ESSAY READY TODAY!

We will write you a plagiarism-free opinion essay, with a title page, unlimited revisions, and bunch of other cool features included!

What Are the Requirements of an Opinion Essay?

Avoid Going Off-Topic: Always write an opinion essay within relevance to answer the assigned question. This is also known as ‘beating around the bush' and should not be included in any opinion paragraph as it may lower your grade.

Indent the First Paragraph: With most academic papers, opinion writing is not different. Therefore, it contains the rule of indenting the first line of the introduction.

A Well-Thought Thesis: The full thesis statement is a brief description of the opinion essay. It determines the rest of the paper. Include all the information that you wish to include in the body paragraphs

The Use of Formal Languages: Although it is okay to write informally, keep a wide range of professional and formal words. This includes: ‘Furthermore,' ‘As Stated By,' ‘However', & ‘Thus'.

Avoid Internet Slang: In the opinion paper, avoid writing using slang words. Don'tDon't include words like ‘LOL', ‘OMG', ‘LMAO', etc.

The Use of First Person Language (Optional): For the reason of providing personal thought, it is acceptable to write your personal opinion essay in the first person.

Avoid Informal Punctuation: Although the requirements allow custom essay for the first-person language, they do not permit informal punctuation. This includes dashes, exclamation marks, and emojis.

Avoid Including Contradictions: Always make sure all spelling and grammar is correct.

We also recommend reading about types of sentences with examples .

Opinion Essay Topics

Before learning about the structure, choosing from a wide range of opinion essay topics is important. Picking an essay theme is something that can be done very simply. Choosing an excellent opinion essay topic that you are interested in or have a passion for is advisable. Otherwise, you may find the writing process boring. This also ensures that your paper will be both effective and well-written.

Do sports differ from ordinary board games?
Is using animals in circus performances immoral?
Why should we be honest with our peers?
Should all humans be entitled to a 4-day workweek?
Should all humans become vegetarians?
Does a CEO earn too much?
Should teens be barred from having sleepovers?
Should everyone vote for their leader?
The Pros & Cons of Day-Light Saving Hours.
What are the most energy-efficient and safest cars of X year?

Opinion Essay Structure

When it comes to opinion paragraphs, students may struggle with the opinion essay format. The standard five-paragraph-essay structure usually works well for opinion essays. Figuring out what one is supposed to include in each section may be difficult for beginners. This is why following the opinion essay structure is something all beginners should do, for their own revision before writing the entire essay.

You might also be interested in getting more information about: 5 PARAGRAPH ESSAY

Opinion essay introduction

Address the audience directly, and state the subject matter.
Reference a speech, poem, book, or play.
Include the author's name and date of publication in brackets.
1 or 2 sentences to make up a short description.
1 or 2 summarizing sentences of the entire paper.
1 sentence that links to the first body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 1

Supporting arguments
Explanation
A linking sentence to the second body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 2

Supporting argument
A linking sentence to the third body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 3

A linking sentence to the conclusion.

Conclusion paragraph

Summary of the entire paper
A conclusive sentence (the bigger picture in conclusion)

If you need some help, leave us a message ' write my essay cheap ' and we'll help.

Opinion Essay Examples

Do you need something for reference? Reading opinion essay examples can expand your knowledge of this style of writing, as you get to see exactly how this form of an essay is written. Take a look at our samples to get an insight into this form of academic writing.

Over the past, American popular culture has been strong in creating racial stereotypes. Images displayed through television, music, and the internet have an impact on how individuals behave and what individuals believe. People find their identities and belief systems from popular culture. Evidently, I believe that American pop culture has created racial stereotypes that predominantly affect other ethnic minorities. Analyzing the history of America reveals that African Americans have always had a problem defining themselves as Americans ever since the era of slavery. AfricanAmericans have always had a hard time being integrated into American culture. The result is that African Americans have been subjected to ridicule and shame. American pop culture has compounded the problem by enhancing the negative stereotypes ofAfrican American. In theatre, film, and music, African Americans have been associated with vices such as murder, theft, and violence.

The family systems theory has a significant revelation on family relations. I firmly agree that to understand a particular family or a member, they should be around other family members. The emotional connection among different family members may create functional or dysfunctional coexistence, which is not easy to identify when an individual is further from the other members. Taking an example of the extended family, the relationship between the mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law may be tense, but once they are outside the family, they can pretend to have a good relationship. Therefore, I agree with the theory that the existing emotional attachment and developed culture in the family is distinctively understood when the family is together.

Opinion writing is a form of academic paper that asks students to include their thoughts on a particular topic. This is then backed by a logical explanation and examples. Becoming more knowledgeable is a practical way to successfully learn how to write an opinion paper. Before writing anything, it is essential to refer to important information. That includes the definition, topics, opinion writing examples, and requirements. This is what turns amateur writers into master writers.

Feeling like you need some assistance with your essay? No matter what kind of writer you need, opinion or persuasive essay writing service online , our team consists of experts in all fields. Our college essay writing service helps those students who need an extra push when it comes to their assignments.

Need Qualified Essay Help?

Are you struggling with your opinion paper? Hit the button below to get writer's help. All your requests are processed fast.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Write an Opinion Essay + Examples

A personal opinion essay is an essential part of an educational process. Wherever you study, you will surely come across this kind of work. And if you’re stuck with finding ideas, you have come to the right place. In this article, you will learn all the intricacies of writing and get some good opinion essay topics.

Let’s start!

🤔 What Is an Opinion Essay?

🖊️ how to write an opinion essay.

🔗 Linkers and Transition Words

💡 Opinion Essay Ideas

👨‍🎓 opinion essay examples.

An opinion essay is a type of work that involves the expression of one’s own opinion, which has become the product of processing facts and arguments. However, this does not mean there should be no argumentation in the essay. It will be a big plus if you have a couple of examples from your own life or the lives of historical figures, illustrating some facts in your stock. Writing an opinion essay requires the author to clearly state his thoughts on any occasion, without excessive water and long reasoning.

Among other things, it should be remembered that, technically, an opinion essay is a formal type of work that many graduates write at the end of their studies. And this means it has its structure and specific writing rules that must be adhered to. To fully understand the meaning of this type of work, try reading a couple of our free essay samples .

🎯 The Purpose of an Opinion Essay

An opinion essay is an excellent tool for teaching students how to express their position correctly. And also to test the depth of their knowledge and thinking. An opinion essay can help you to boost your skills:

Ability to convey your thoughts . Regardless of the topic of the essay, the teacher wants to see that his wards, leaving the educational institution, will be independent individuals. Therefore, the student needs to show the ability to convey their thoughts on any occasion.
Competent writing skills . Even in the modern world, writing skills do not lose their relevance. This type of work allows you to form it as efficiently as possible. So if you want to impress your boss, remember to pay attention to grammar and punctuation.
Topic knowledge . Unfortunately, there is no error-free way to test a student’s ability. However, opinion essays allow the teacher to examine everyone and ensure that the topic has been mastered. This is especially true for subjects such as history and literature.

And, of course, you should understand that the purpose of any text is to be read. So just be creative, and you will have a fantastic essay!

🗝️ Key Features of an Opinion Essay

Like any other type of writing, an opinion essay has characteristics that make it unique. And, of course, to compose a competent text, you need to know about them.

Focus on the author’s clear and well-reasoned subjective opinion . All proofs, as well as the conclusion, are based on it.
Logical-based structure . Moreover, it entirely depends on the intentions of the writer.
Examples and arguments come primarily from personal experience . However, an author may use history and social life quotes and examples of literary heroes to prove their position.
Speech instruments used . As an author, you will benefit significantly from using a variety of speech constructs . They can help you influence other people. Connecting constructs and clear speech will keep the reader interested and get the most out of the reader.

You just need to get used to all the features to get a little practice. You will succeed!

⚖️ Argumentative, Opinion or Persuasive Essay: the Difference

Before proceeding directly to writing the text, it is worth learning one more important thing. Even towards the end of high school, many people confuse opinion and persuasive essays. These papers look similar.

To help you distinguish the argumentative, opinion, and persuasive essays, we prepare a table of comparisons where you can easily indicate the difference between these papers:

Criteria	Opinion Essay	Persuasive Essay	Argumentative Essay
Purpose	To provide the author’s opinion	To convince audience	To prove a point
General technique	To explain an opinion and provide arguments supporting this point of view	Opinions and supporting arguments aimed to convince the audience why this point of view is right	Credible evidence must support and prove the author’s arguments validity
Point of view	First-person	First-person and second-person	Third-person
Support	Author’s opinion and feelings	Author’s opinion and feelings	Facts, data, evidence, expert quotes

Now let’s move on to which sections the essay consists of and how it should be written. You can safely use this information as a synopsis when completing the assignment.

So, the first one!

📃 Opinion Essay Format

As mentioned earlier, a specific opinion essay structure must be followed. Therefore, before you prepare writing, make up a small outline, which will contain all the components of the text and your ideas for their content. So, how to start an opinion essay?

Opinion Essay Introduction

Of course, any text starts with a short opening. This section should summarize the essence of the problem you are writing about. The main task of the introduction is to entice the audience and familiarize them with the paper’s main topic. Therefore, by the first paragraph, a person will build an impression of your talents.

Moreover, remember that the introduction should be catchy. How to write a hook for an opinion essay? In simple words, this is a proposal that should interest the reader and draw his attention. It should be subject-related and relatively accurate. All you have to do is show the reader that the topic of the essay will be critical and even touch it.

Let’s take a look at some opinion essay introduction examples from our authors, in which you can see all the listed components:

As Ronald Reagan said in one of his speeches, everyone who advocates abortion has been born. The topic of abortion is very controversial, and people still cannot come to a standard solution. That is why, in this abortion opinion essay, I will try to sort out my thoughts and answer whether abortion is a panacea or a hidden evil.
Global warming is a global problem. As Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez aptly put it, we cannot sit back while our planet is on fire. But can one person influence the fate of all humanity? I think so, and in this essay, I will try to explain my position

Of course, these examples are conditional, and you can change them as you need to achieve a quality result.

Opinion Essay: Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the final sentence of an introduction . It is an integral part of the entire text. And if your essay will be evaluated, then the absence of the thesis will significantly underestimate the point. So how do you write the last sentence competently so that the reader will like it?

At its core, in the thesis, you should summarize everything that you indicated in the introduction and, in a nutshell, make it clear what will be discussed. You are expected to state your position on the issue clearly. And then, the entire text should be directed precisely to reinforce your words.

For example, take this essay topic: “ Is globalization a positive phenomenon? ” In this case, a good thesis would be “ In my opinion, globalization has many more advantages than disadvantages. ”

See how one small phrase can dramatically improve your overall performance score. Therefore, pay due attention to it!

Opinion Essay: Body Paragraphs

Finally, you come to the main body of your essay, namely the argumentation. The body paragraphs of an opinion essay are aimed at correctly explaining the author’s position to the audience. Here you are expected to have good arguments and examples that will become your assistants in proving your case.

Body paragraphs have two parts: an argument and an example supporting what you said. For example, you might say that the lack of responsibility for actions leads to the corruption of the mind and soul. And as an explanation to these words, briefly support your statement with the story of the protagonist of the novel by Jack London, “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”

Moreover, no one limits the number of these same arguments, and often it depends on the maximum volume of the text itself. The standard case is two good arguments, supported by examples from life or literature. Then you can be sure that the reader will correctly understand your idea.

🔗 Linkers and Transitional Words for Opinion Essay

Connecting structures are an invisible companion for the reader throughout the entire essay. They are also called linkers or transitional words . At their core, these two concepts mean the exact phrases. Their task is to make the text more readable and smoothly translate the reader from one idea to another. Moreover, all these constructions are divided into subgroups depending on their purpose. Let’s take a look at a couple of examples of good transition words for an opinion essay:

In my opinion…
It is clear that…, etc.
It is widely known that…
It is a well-known fact that…
Research has shown that…
There are definitely…
It is a fact that…, etc.

There are also brilliant linkers for opinion essays on these themes:

In spite of…
However, etc.
To conclude…
In conclusion…, etc.

Using these constructions, you will significantly increase the consistency of your text and help the reader to perceive it better.

Now that you have a basic understanding of writing an essay, let’s look at some good opinion essay topics. Feel free to use them for your creative work and get good points.

💡 30 Opinion Essay Prompts

So, our team has selected 30 excellent opinion essay topics for you. Look for what resonates in your soul and get to work!

Opinion essay: success in life depends on being successful at school. Many of us were assured that it is impossible to reach heights without a good performance at school. What do you think about it?
Mobile phone addiction is the scourge of the 21st century. Give arguments from your life and tell about personal experiences.
Opinion essay about GMO : pros and cons. For many, this topic remains a secret. It’s time to dispel all inaccuracies and find out the whole truth.
Should university study be free? What is your position?
Opinion essay about technologies in our life . What impact do they have?
Compulsory vaccination : pros and cons. If you have any personal experience with this topic, feel free to share it.
Opinion on abortion essay: do people have the right to choose?
US neutrality in World War II : what would have gone differently?
Opinion essay about video games. Is it an addiction or just leisure ? What do you think?
Does the motivation from famous people have an effect, or is it a dummy? Do you have an opinion on this matter?
Essay opinion on junk food : how dangerous it is. Everyone was warned that junk food and junk food kill the body, but maybe it’s all about the quantity?
Parenting is the foundation of a child’s success. Do you think that the parents are responsible for the future education and work of their child?
Opinion essay: buy nothing day or Black Friday sales. What do you choose and why?
The advantages of living in a metropolis and a small town . Which would you choose?
Essay: opinion about global warming . Do you think this is a real threat, or is it just a panic among people?
Homemade food or dining out in restaurants? What do you and your family prefer?
Social media impact opinion essay. Billions of people spend their time on social media. What consequences can this have for humanity?
Consequences of increasing the budget for road construction. How will this affect our cities?
Opinion essay: television promotes violence through broadcasting abusive behavior. Do you agree with this thesis?
Humanity is destroying the ecosystem and making the earth uninhabitable. What arguments can be for and against?
Opinion essay about homework : is this system outdated? How do you feel about this from a student’s point of view?
Artists and internet bloggers make vast amounts of money. Do you support this?
Opinion essay about racism in modern life. What are the dangers of this behavior? Tell us about your personal experience or give an example from the community’s life.
Some people dream of changing their place of residence. Do you think that moving to another country will help you in self-realization?
The best profession to choose opinion essay. What are your thoughts? Where would you like to be after finishing your studies?
People prefer online communication over live communication. How do you feel about this trend?
Opinion essay about same-sex marriages. For some people, this is unacceptable. What do you think about it?
How can movies and television affect human behavior ? Do you think certain viewing films should be limited for people with a weak mentality?
Opinion essay about immigration . Should the state provide maximum assistance to everyone who wants to get into it?
Should people be allowed to carry weapons with them? What restrictions can be used, in your opinion?

These themes are ideal for getting good results.

Now let’s look at some small sample essays from our authors. You can see all the listed components and highlight some interesting ideas for yourself!

Climate change opinion essay, truth or fiction? (250 words)

Climate change has been heading the news for decades. Almost everyone is puzzled by this problem in the modern world, but is there any reason to believe that this is just exaggerated media panic? I think not, and in this essay, I will try to explain my position. The first thing worth paying attention to is the changes that we can see every day. But nature is changing, and this is noticeable with the naked eye. For example, you can look at how the temperature regime has changed over the past decades. In my region, real winter began in the last days of November. Then the temperature dropped to zero, and there was already snow outside the window. However, I would be thrilled to see snowfall this year, at least at Christmas. This raises questions about the veracity of statements from the media and various organizations. You should also look at the publicly available facts. International organizations conduct ongoing research, which clearly shows that the climate is changing, and it is difficult to fix it. One of the most respected teams, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), regularly issues climate change reports. And in them, you can see what reasons for this and what it can lead to. This is excellent and detailed work that deserves everyone’s attention. In summary, we can say that climate change can be seen with the naked eye. This problem affects all people on the planet, and to ignore it is to expose yourself to great danger. Humanity is destroying our world, and can we deny it?

Opinion on death penalty essay, is it moral? (300 words)

Many international treaties have long banned the death penalty, but this does not prevent several countries from regularly using it against criminals. I think this is a terrible practice that has no place in our civilized world. The argument for this may be the simple idea that every creature has a right to life. And this right cannot be taken away under any condition because you can take a dangerous path by creating an incident. One Russian scientist Andrei Sakharov spoke very accurately about this: “The existence of the institution of the death penalty dehumanizes society. I spoke out and am opposed to the death penalty also because this punishment provides for the presence of a constantly terrible apparatus of executors, the whole institution of the death penalty ”. I fully support his words because there is no reason not to kill the second after killing once. It should also be understood that people sentenced to death are not always, in fact, guilty. There is a miscarriage of justice, and no one can be insured against it. The most resonant was the story from 1949. Timothy Evans was hanged on charges of murdering his pregnant wife and two-year-old daughter. Four years later, it wasn’t until serial killer John Christie, who had testified in court against Evans, confessed to the murder. He was hanged, and Timothy Evans was posthumously rehabilitated. The Timothy Evans case is one of the most remarkable stories in the death penalty dispute. To summarize, I can say that there are many reasons for the absolute ban on the death penalty in the world. This is not only inhuman but can lead to unnecessary deaths. Fighting crime in this way, the people who defend the law themselves break it.

Opinion essay on smoking: should the state intervene? (300 words)

Smoking is a global problem. Experts predict that in the coming decades, the number of smokers will reach one billion people worldwide. In my opinion, governments should take strict measures to limit nicotine use among the population. Firstly, smoking poses enormous hardships for addicts. All this can increase the number of cancer patients and people suffering from heart and lung diseases. At the same time, it can be tough to give up cigarettes on your own. We all understand that nicotine in quantities that a person receives from cigarettes is not characteristic of the body. Therefore, our body can react in an extraordinary way to its appearance. An example may well be my family, suffering from heart problems for several generations. All men, from my great-grandfather to my father, visit doctors all the time. And they all have one reason – excessive smoking. At the same time, they cannot quit smoking on their own due to a banal addiction. Secondly, smokers can damage the health of other people nearby. It is a well-known fact that secondhand smoke is no less harmful than the regular use of nicotine. And unfortunately, non-smokers, in most cases, have no choice. You can see it yourself in everyday life. People who are forced to breathe smoke while sitting at bus stops or in public places simply cannot do anything about it. The only way to help them is to introduce more and more restrictions from the state. So, in conclusion, we can say that smoking is not only a problem for the person addicted to cigarettes. Everyone suffers from this, from his family to strangers around him. Unfortunately, these difficulties cannot be resolved on their own. But is the state and society doing enough to help people with addiction?

❓ What Are the Characteristics of an Opinion?

The opinion is an entirely subjective position formed due to the influence of certain factors on the mind. It can be characterized as a personal judgment, point of view, and not an exact fact. However, an opinion can be valid only if it is supported by actual knowledge. Otherwise, it can be called more of a guess.

❓ How Many Paragraphs is an Opinion Essay?

The standard structure consists of four main parts: an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Nevertheless, if it is not specified in the assignment, it can deviate slightly from such a system. It is pretty standard practice to write three or more body paragraphs. Conversely, if one section fully covers the topic, then the need for other explanations may disappear.

❓ What Is the Structure of an Opinion Essay?

An essay structure is a precise sequence of your thoughts, which will help the reader to understand the topic better. The standard system consists of an introduction, two arguments, and a conclusion. In addition, there are less visible components like a hook, thesis statement, and linkers words. You can expand the structure by adding more argument parts. However, the sequence must remain the same.

❓ What Is a Supported Opinion Essay?

An essay based on a person’s personal opinion implies a clear statement of the author’s thoughts on a specific topic. However, to show understanding of the problem, one should rely on facts, research, or examples from life. A supported opinion essay is precisely when the author’s opinion is based on objective factors.

📎 References

Basic Essay Structure. Port. Ac
An opinion essay. British Council
How to Write an Opinion Based Essay. UCT Language Centre
Recognizing Transitions. MPC.Edu
Writing Your Paper: Transitions. EWU.Edu
Transition Sentences. The College of Saint Rose
Writing Effective Conclusions. Richmond University
Conclusion – How to write an essay. University of Newcastle
Writing a thesis statement. IELTS Buddy
CCSS Argument versus Opinion Writing
Essay Structure. Harvard College Writing Centre
Share to Facebook
Share to LinkedIn

List of 350 brilliant nursing research topics to investigate in 2024, ultimate list of 265 research topics for college students, memorable human trafficking essay: topics & outline [2024].

+44 (0) 207 391 9032

How to Write an Opinion Essay

Since 2006, oxbridge essays has been the uk’s leading paid essay-writing and dissertation service.

We have helped 10,000s of undergraduate, Masters and PhD students to maximise their grades in essays, dissertations, model-exam answers, applications and other materials. If you would like a free chat about your project with one of our UK staff, then please just reach out on one of the methods below.

An opinion essay stands as a potent tool for expressing personal viewpoints, beliefs, and perspectives on various subjects. Unlike other forms of essays , that heavily rely on facts and evidence, an opinion essay invites writers to showcase their unique thoughts and emotions on a given topic. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to write an opinion essay. We will offer invaluable insights and practical tips to help you navigate this expressive form of writing.

What is an Opinion Essay?

An opinion essay is a literary form that allows writers to articulate their personal stance on a particular issue. An opinion essay encourages the author to convey their beliefs and support them with reasoning and evidence. The core objective is to persuade readers to adopt the author's perspective or, at the very least, to consider it thoughtfully.

How to Write an Opinion Essay in 5 Steps

1. Develop a Clear Thesis Statement Crafting a robust thesis statement is paramount to the success of your opinion essay. This should encapsulate your main argument and provide a roadmap for your readers. Decide whether or not you agree with your given question and put together a list of two or three compelling reasons bolstering your stance.

As you contemplate your position, delve deeper into each reason. Think about data, statistics, or anecdotes that you could use not only to substantiate your viewpoint but also to lend credibility to your argument.

2. Plan Your Structure Organise your thoughts and arguments logically by structuring your essay appropriately. Start with an engaging introduction that introduces the topic and presents your thesis statement. Follow this with well-organised body paragraphs, each dedicated to a specific point supporting your thesis. Finally, conclude your essay with a succinct summary of your main arguments and a powerful restatement of your thesis.

3. Provide Strong Supporting Evidence While an opinion essay is inherently subjective, it is essential to bolster your arguments with relevant evidence. This may include real-life examples, statistics, expert opinions, or historical references. The more compelling your evidence, the more persuasive your essay becomes.

4. Address Counterarguments Anticipate and address potential counterarguments to strengthen your position. Acknowledging opposing viewpoints demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic and adds credibility to your essay. Refute counterarguments with well-reasoned responses, reinforcing the robustness of your perspective.

5. Craft a Compelling Conclusion End your essay with a strong conclusion that summarises your key points and reiterates your thesis. Leave a lasting impression on your readers by offering a thought-provoking insight, a call to action, or a compelling final thought that reinforces the significance of your viewpoint.

Opinion Essay Writing Tips

1. Clarity is Key Ensure your writing is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and avoid unnecessary jargon. A well-articulated opinion essay is easily understood and resonates with a broader audience.

2. Stay Focused Maintain a clear focus on your chosen topic. Avoid veering off into unrelated tangents, as this can dilute the impact of your arguments. A focused essay is more persuasive and engaging.

3. Embrace Your Voice An opinion essay is your chance to showcase your unique voice and perspective. Don't shy away from injecting personality into your writing. A strong, authentic voice resonates with readers and makes your essay memorable.

4. Revise and Edit Take the time to revise and edit your essay meticulously . Check for grammatical errors, clarity, and coherence. A polished essay demonstrates your commitment to delivering a high-quality piece of writing.

The Importance of Persuasive Writing

Mastering the art of opinion essay writing is a skill that opens doors to effective communication and persuasion. By choosing compelling topics, crafting a clear thesis, providing strong evidence, and addressing counterarguments, you can create an essay that not only expresses your opinions but also captivates and convinces your audience. Remember, the key lies in embracing your unique voice, staying focused, and refining your writing through careful revision.

Essay exams: how to answer ‘To what extent…’

How to write a master’s essay

Writing Services

Essay Plans
Critical Reviews
Literature Reviews
Presentations
Dissertation Title Creation
Dissertation Proposals
Dissertation Chapters
PhD Proposals
Journal Publication
CV Writing Service
Business Proofreading Services

Editing Services

Proofreading Service
Editing Service
Academic Editing Service

Additional Services

Marking Services
Consultation Calls
Personal Statements
Tutoring Services

Our Company

Frequently Asked Questions
Become a Writer

Terms & Policies

Fair Use Policy
Policy for Students in England
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
[email protected]
Contact Form

Payment Methods

Cryptocurrency payments.

How to write an opinion essay

Published September 27, 2020. Updated May 17, 2022.

Opinion Essay Definition

An opinion essay is a piece of writing that reflects the author’s point of view on a particular topic.

Overview of an Opinion Essay

Learning how to express your opinion and back it up in a constructive argument is an important life skill. Whether in a casual conversation or a more serious situation, being able to express yourself and your opinions will help you in the long run. There are a few steps to be followed to create a successful opinion essay: prewriting (finding the best topic), developing a strong thesis, writing an enticing introduction paragraph, writing three clear body paragraphs, writing a gripping conclusion, revising, and editing, polishing, and consulting an expert.

Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.

Prewriting: Finding the Best Topic

Your essay will only be as good as your opinion, so spending some time prewriting will work in your favor. Prewriting literally means “writing before” and refers to preparation you do before you start writing. It is an important step of the process to organize your thoughts.

Brainstorming all possible opinion ideas is a great way to start. This is a good time to go over the professor’s instructions and review the parameters.

Are there any overarching topics that you need to focus on?
Are there any topics that must be avoided because they are trite, controversial, or don’t fit the motif of the class?
Finally, consider what YOU feel strongly about. If you choose an opinion that you already have some passion about, the whole process will be easier.

The final step in prewriting is to do some research if needed. You might hold an opinion but not know everything about it. This is a great time to get your facts straight and to find out what you need to know. By organizing your thoughts first, you will know what holes you need to fill in your knowledge, and you will have a better understanding of what needs to be researched.

Develop a Strong Thesis

A thesis sentence is like the road map for the paper. If you write a strong thesis, your paper will be easier to write AND to read. The thesis statement is (typically) one sentence that expresses your opinion and shows what the paper is about. Make sure that your thesis statement includes all of the following:

An explicit opinion that you will be able to elaborate on. Choose something unique so that it stands out from the crowd, and make sure you already have some knowledge about it to get you started.
Clear, specific vocabulary that makes your opinion sound strong. Since this thesis sentence is so important to the scope of the paper, take great care in choosing each word.
Use the third-person point of view . This means using pronouns like he, she , and they (avoiding pronouns like I, me , we , and you ). Using the third-person perspective strengthens your argument right from the thesis sentence.
Write a complete sentence with a strong action verb. Along with the specific vocabulary mentioned above, make sure to use a strong action verb that will add energy and specificity to your writing.

Write an Enticing Introduction Paragraph

A solid introduction paragraph needs to ease the reader into the paper and help them make connections to their own lives. A good introduction will also make your opinion clear, so the reader knows just what to expect throughout the rest of the paper. Take special care to entice your reader into reading. If the first few lines of the paper don’t grab the reader’s attention, they will not want to continue reading. Taking a few moments to set up the paper in an interesting way will pay dividends as you complete the project and gain the reader’s interest.

An introduction has three basic sections. Including these three sections and using transitions between them will ensure a great introduction paragraph.

Begin the introduction paragraph with a startling fact, quote, or statistic . This strategy helps to get your audience’s attention and will lure them into the rest of the paper.
The second section is a connection section . This section sets up the entire essay and clarifies what it will be about. The connector section links the anecdote or fact to the thesis, and shows the reader what they can look forward to in the paper.
The third part of the introduction paragraph is the strong thesis statement. Use the sentence you already created in the section above.

Write Clear Body Paragraphs

Now you come to the meat of your essay and the section where you will try to persuade the reader why your opinion is justified or matters. Here are some general tips to help you write a clearly articulated and organized paper.

Have at least three main points

In order to organize your writing, it is important to have at least three body paragraphs, each focusing on a different point. Before you begin writing these, ask yourself which three main points you would like to make to back up your opinion. These become your body paragraphs.

Put the ideas in the best order for maximum benefit

Organization is key to a strong opinion essay. Many opinion writers like to put the strongest idea at the end of the essay to pack the most punch.

Use transitional words to link your ideas

Transitions are words that show a relationship. If you are stuck, a quick search for transitional words and phrases will give you many more to choose from. Here are a few example words:

Ordinal words : first, second, last
Proving words : definitely, evidently
Words introducing exceptions: yet, but, however

Use strong language

When writing an opinion essay, it is important to use strong and descriptive language. You can’t sit on the fence for this one, so you need to use vivid language to show your side of the opinion. For example:

Weak: He went to school.

Strong : He ran hurriedly to school.

Weak: Without water , the plants would die.

Strong: Without life-saving water , the plants would shrivel up and die.

Think of it as painting a picture with your words. You want the reader to be able to picture what you are talking about and understand why you feel so strongly about the topic.

Be specific

When possible, it’s better to be specific than general. For example, if you are writing about how it is important to get involved in extra-curricular activities , be very specific. Saying “Join a club” is generic, but if you say “Join the Chess Club” or “Join the Fishing Club,” your reader will be able to picture what you are talking about.

Use vocabulary correctly

Use the right word for the job and write as an educated person. For example, you wouldn’t include a sentence like, “OMG, that experiment totally rocked” in a formal essay. Writing with an educated voice adds to your credibility, which strengthens your opinion.

Also, avoid the thesaurus trap, where you just plug in words and choose any random synonym. Use vocabulary you already know, especially since this is your opinion, but make it as clear and specific as possible.

Write a gripping conclusion

Keeping the reader focused on your topic until the very end of the paper is important. Writing a focused conclusion paragraph will do just that. Just like in a strong introduction paragraph, there are three major parts, only this time they are reversed.

Rewrite the thesis statement in different words, but keep the original meaning intact. This will help remind your audience what your opinion was and why it is important.
Clarify the three main points of your paper as evidenced by the three body paragraphs you used. Just remember not to be too repetitive.
Dive a little deeper as you conclude, in order to answer the question, “So what?” Why is this topic important? Why is your opinion valuable? This is also a good time to link back to your introduction paragraph. This is called framework and is a great organizational technique.

When revising your opinion essay, you need to focus on the big picture. Analyze the thesis and the paragraphs to do this.

Look at your thesis in both the introduction and conclusion paragraphs to make sure they show what the paper is proving.
Consider the order of the body paragraphs. Does the order make sense or could the paragraphs be rearranged to build importance?
Are there any points or information that are missing but could be added to strengthen your argument?
Are there any points or information included that weaken your argument and should be revised or edited?

The choice is yours, but double checking the scope of the paragraphs will make sure your writing is holistically organized and makes sense to the reader.

Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.

Edit, Polish, Consult an Expert

Editing and polishing a paper include looking at the picky little pieces. Even though you are probably tired by now and tempted to turn it in as-is, this step is important so that your work can be published.

Double check spelling and grammar . Even if you run your paper through an automatic check, there are usually words or typos that could be missed.
Check the flow of your paper . Make sure you have used transitional words to link your ideas.
Think of varying your sentence structures. This helps reduce redundancy and helps make the paper more readable. Start some sentences with a subject/verb and others with phrases or clauses.
Get an outside review of your paper . After you have completed your paper, consulting with an expert can help ensure further success. Using a tool like Chegg Writing is a great way to polish your piece and help you develop the best possible draft.

Example Opinion Essay

If you would like the downloadable version, open this opinion essay example .

Common Writing Assignments, Apps & Tests

Analytical Essay
AP synthesis Essay
Argumentative Essay
Book Report
Compare and Contrast Essay
Cause and Effect Essay
College Admissions Essay
Critical Analysis Essay
Definition Essay
Descriptive Essay
Dissertation
Explanatory Essay
Expository Essay
Informative Essay
Narrative Essay
Opinion Essay
Personal Essay
Persuasive Essay
Reflective Essay
Research Paper
Rhetorical Analysis
Scholarship Essay
Short Essay
Thesis Paper

What’s included with a Chegg Writing subscription

Unlimited number of paper scans
Plagiarism detection: Check against billions of sources
Expert proofreading for papers on any subject
Grammar scans for 200+ types of common errors
Automatically create & save citations in 7,000+ styles
Cancel subscription anytime, no obligation

Essay Papers Writing Online

A step-by-step guide to crafting an effective opinion essay.

Expressing your opinion on a particular topic can be a powerful way to engage with your audience and showcase your critical thinking skills. Opinion essays allow you to share your perspective, argue your position, and persuade others to see things from your point of view.

However, crafting a compelling opinion essay requires careful planning, structure, and effective communication. In this ultimate guide, we will provide you with valuable tips and tricks to help you master the art of writing an opinion essay that captivates readers and makes a lasting impression.

The Importance of Opinion Essays

Opinion essays are a valuable form of writing that allows individuals to express their thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives on various topics. These essays provide a platform for individuals to share their opinions in a structured and organized manner, allowing them to make compelling arguments and persuade readers to see their point of view.

Additionally, opinion essays encourage critical thinking and analytical skills as writers must consider different viewpoints, conduct research to support their arguments, and present their ideas in a clear and concise manner. By engaging in opinion essay writing, individuals can refine their communication skills and develop their ability to articulate complex ideas effectively.

Furthermore, opinion essays play a crucial role in fostering discussions and debates on important issues, allowing individuals to engage in meaningful dialogue and exchange ideas with others. Through opinion essays, writers can contribute to the collective understanding of diverse topics and promote intellectual growth and development.

In conclusion, opinion essays are an essential form of writing that enables individuals to express their opinions, engage in critical thinking, and contribute to the broader conversation on various subjects. By honing their writing skills through opinion essays, individuals can become more effective communicators and thoughtful participants in discussions and debates.

Understanding the Purpose

Before delving into writing an opinion essay, it is crucial to understand its purpose. An opinion essay aims to express the writer’s viewpoint on a particular topic or issue. It allows the writer to share their thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives in a structured and coherent manner. The purpose of an opinion essay is not only to inform readers about the writer’s opinion but also to persuade and convince them of the validity of that opinion.

Key Points:

Choosing a Compelling Topic

When it comes to writing an opinion essay, one of the most crucial steps is selecting a compelling topic. The topic you choose will set the tone for your entire essay and will determine how engaging and persuasive your arguments will be. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect topic for your opinion essay:

Consider your interests and passions: Choose a topic that you feel strongly about and that you can write about passionately. Your genuine interest in the topic will shine through in your writing.
Research current events: Look for topics that are relevant and timely. Writing about current events or trending issues can make your essay more engaging and relatable to your readers.
Think about your audience: Consider who will be reading your essay and choose a topic that will resonate with them. Make sure your topic is appropriate for the audience you are targeting.
Avoid overly broad topics: Narrow down your focus to a specific aspect of a larger issue. This will allow you to delve deeper into the topic and present a more nuanced argument.
Brainstorm ideas: Take some time to brainstorm potential topics and jot down any ideas that come to mind. Consider different angles and perspectives to find a unique and interesting topic.

By following these tips, you can choose a compelling topic that will capture your readers’ attention and make your opinion essay stand out.

Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the backbone of your opinion essay. It summarizes the main point or claim of your essay in one or two sentences. To craft a strong thesis statement, you should make sure it is clear, specific, and arguable. Avoid vague and broad statements and instead focus on a specific argument that you can support with evidence.

Additionally, your thesis statement should be concise and to the point. It should clearly state your opinion on the topic and provide a roadmap for the reader to follow. A strong thesis statement will help guide the rest of your essay and keep you focused on your main argument throughout.

When crafting your thesis statement, take the time to brainstorm and refine your ideas. Consider the main points you want to make in your essay and how they all relate back to your overall opinion. By taking the time to craft a strong thesis statement, you will set yourself up for success in writing a persuasive and impactful opinion essay.

Structuring Your Essay Properly

When writing an opinion essay, it is crucial to structure your text properly to ensure clarity and coherence. Follow these guidelines to create a well-organized and engaging essay:

Introduction: Start with a strong thesis statement that clearly states your opinion on the topic. Provide a brief overview of your main points and grab the reader’s attention.

Body paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on a single main idea and provide supporting evidence or examples. Use topic sentences to introduce each paragraph, and make sure to include smooth transitions between paragraphs.

Counterarguments: Address potential counterarguments to your opinion and provide a reasoned response to strengthen your argument.

Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your thesis. Leave the reader with a thought-provoking final statement that reinforces your opinion.

By structuring your essay in this way, you can effectively present your opinion and persuade your audience to consider your viewpoint.

Supporting Your Opinion with Evidence

When writing an opinion essay, it is crucial to back up your opinions with solid evidence. Without supporting evidence, your argument may seem weak and unconvincing. To strengthen your opinion, consider the following tips:

Research reputable sources to gather information that supports your stance.
Cite statistics, studies, and expert opinions to provide credibility to your argument.
Use specific examples, anecdotes, and real-life situations to illustrate your points.
Avoid using vague statements without any proof or supporting details.
Present counterarguments and refute them with counter-evidence to show a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

By incorporating strong evidence into your opinion essay, you can make a compelling case for your point of view and persuade your readers to agree with you.

Using Persuasive Language Techniques

When writing an opinion essay, it is essential to use persuasive language techniques to convince your readers of your viewpoint. Here are some effective techniques to incorporate:

1. Emotive Language: Use words that evoke strong emotions in your readers, such as anger, compassion, or excitement. This can help create a connection with your audience and make them more receptive to your argument.

2. Rhetorical Questions: Pose thought-provoking questions that prompt your readers to consider the topic from a different perspective. This can encourage critical thinking and engage your audience in the discussion.

3. Repetition: Repeat key phrases or arguments throughout your essay to emphasize their importance and reinforce your point of view. This can help drive your message home and make it more memorable.

4. Anecdotes: Share personal stories or examples to illustrate your argument and add a human element to your essay. This can make your writing more relatable and persuasive to your readers.

5. Power words: Use strong, impactful words that resonate with your readers and command attention. Words like “imperative,” “crucial,” or “transformative” can help convey the urgency of your message and persuade your audience to take action.

By employing these persuasive language techniques in your opinion essay, you can effectively communicate your viewpoint and sway your readers to agree with your argument.

Concluding Your Essay Effectively

When writing the conclusion of your opinion essay, it is important to effectively summarize your main points and restate your opinion clearly. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion, as it should primarily serve as a closure for your argument.

To conclude your essay effectively:

Summarize your key points: Remind the reader of the main arguments you have made throughout the essay. This will help reinforce your position and make your conclusion more impactful.
Restate your opinion: Clearly restate your opinion on the topic, making sure it aligns with the arguments you have presented. This will leave a lasting impression on the reader.
Provide a final thought: End your conclusion with a thought-provoking statement, call to action, or suggestion for further exploration of the topic. This will leave the reader with something to think about after finishing your essay.

How to master the art of writing expository essays and captivate your audience, convenient and reliable source to purchase college essays online, step-by-step guide to crafting a powerful literary analysis essay, unlock success with a comprehensive business research paper example guide, unlock your writing potential with writers college – transform your passion into profession, “unlocking the secrets of academic success – navigating the world of research papers in college”, master the art of sociological expression – elevate your writing skills in sociology.

How to Write an Opinion Essay: Express Your Opinion Correctly

Every human has their own point of view. Some of them can easily express personal opinions, while others prefer to keep it down. The first stage in which a person learns how to express his/her point of view is through college papers. Students are often assigned various writing tasks in order to master their skills. Of course, working with an opinion essay for the first time can be pretty challenging, and in this case, you can always rely on our professionals and leave your “ write my essays ” orders on our website. It is important to know how to express your point of view correctly, so it will be understandable for the reader.

Opinion essay definition

An opinion essay is an academic paper that presents a personal point of view on a particular subject or event. A good opinion essay should clearly state the writer’s point of view and be based on evidence. An opinion essay is usually assigned to help students learn how to express their point of view on a particular topic. An opinion essay can be presented in the following ways: as an essay, review, poster, PowerPoint presentation, and more. Just do it yourself not to get caught by an AI detector .

How to write an opinion essay

It is no problem if you ask yourself, “How should I write my college essay ?” or “How should I write my term pape r?” When you face an assignment, you need some theory first. Typically, opinion essay writing technique follows the basic rules of essay writing. It will consist of three main parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion. The number of paragraphs will depend on your assignment or the number of viewpoints you wish to consider in your paper. In this guide prepared by our paper writing service we will tell you how to write a basic five-paragraph opinion essay.

1. Start with brainstorming about the topic . If you were given a chance to choose a topic on your own, then you will need to pick an interesting topic first. Think what side you will choose: for or against. Then use a simple brainstorming technique: start writing everything you know about the topic. Don’t think about the grammar or text structure, just write until you feel that you are empty of ideas. Touch such points as your future audience and the main points that you want to express in your paper.

2. Analyze the information that you received after the brainstorming session and try to eliminate the main points. Think what ideas can be composed in one paragraph and what order will be more applicable to your case. Here, you can see what a classical five-paragraph opinion essay looks like. As an example, we have chosen the following topic: “Watching YouTube has a positive influence on a child’s development.”

Paragraph 1. Introduction (here you need to state that watching YouTube is great for a child’s development, as the world is constantly developing). Paragraph 2. Express your first reason and arguments for it (e.g. learning from educational channels). Paragraph 3. Express your second reason and arguments for it (e.g. source of entertainment). Paragraph 4. Express your third reason and arguments for it (e.g. source of interaction between parent and child). Paragraph 5. Conclusion (restate your opinion on the topic and sum up your thoughts).

Also, you can consider a limitation of your point of view. For the example from above, you can state that to avoid possible problems with children using YouTube, a parent can control the content and set time limitations for the child.

3. When all previous points are done, you are ready to start writing the introduction. Introduce the subject to the reader, state your opinion in the thesis statement, and list the reasons for your point of view.

Follow the outline and write the body paragraphs. Dedicate one paragraph for each reason and support each with evidence. Think what arguments will be best to prove your viewpoint and convince the reader. To make your arguments more effective, try to use such tools as comparing and contrasting, analogies, causes and effects, etc.

In conclusion, restate your opinion you have written in the thesis statement at the very beginning. Sum up your viewpoints and express them briefly in other words. If you want to make your ending more impressive, you can add a quotation, an open or provocative question, warn the reader, or tell about possible consequences/results.

4. When your text will be completed, don’t forget to proofread it. Make sure that your entire text sticks to the thesis statement. Did you state your opinion clearly? Have you stated strong arguments and facts for your point of view? Have you supported each reason with evidence? Evaluate the text layout and the quality of content – look whether the text is logical and each point is fully described. Revise grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and punctuation. Then, check whether the text follows the right format and style.

Opinion essay: how to write it right

To organize a good opinion essay on a particular topic, it is important to consider the following points before you start to write:

Be strong and confident. You are expressing your point of view and what you really think about the subject.
Consider your audience when writing. To make your text more persuasive, you need to talk directly to the reader. Think what opinion words and transitions to choose, how to hook the audience, and what evidence will be more powerful.
Use a formal style, as you are writing an academic paper. Avoid using emotive vocabulary, idioms, and contractions.
Don’t make excuses for your point of view. You are learning to come up with your point of view and become more confident in your thoughts.
List all reasons and supporting evidence. It will be easier to choose the most interesting points for your paper.
Use expressions to state your opinion. There are many phrases that structure your text and get the reader’s attention: “I am convinced that,” “in my opinion,” “I believe,” “I think that,” “according to experts,” “in conclusion,” etc.
Refer your evidence to supporting facts and situations. Keep in mind that your personal experience or statistics without proper reference is not evidence.
Use opening sentences and linking phrases to connect each viewpoint in your paper.

Actually, these tips will come in handy not only when you need assistance with your essay. If you are one of those students who think, “After this essay, I have to write my dissertation , and I also have no idea how to handle this task,” you only need to adjust these points to your dissertation demands. Many college learners come to us asking, “Can you write my paper for cheap ?” Of course, we understand that most students are pressed for budget, yet our prices are relatively low on the market. For those customers who can’t afford customized assistance, we have a large number of free content that can help you handle your academic tasks. From a step-by-step guide on how to complete a women rights essay or a practical Rogerian argument essay example to relevant ideas of informal essay topics , these are just some helpful articles that you can find on our website.

How to write opinion essay example

We know that students often face difficulties in using theoretical knowledge in practice; thus, our experts provide various sample papers so that you can follow them when writing your piece. If you come to us with your “ write my coursework ” or “ write my personal statement ” request, you can first take a look at our free samples and use them as writing guides. To show you what a finished opinion essay looks like, we will share an opinion essay about women in sports. Look how the author presents their own point of view and adds arguments to prove an opinion. You can use this sample as a template for your own essay or consider the structure while writing.

Opinion Essay: Women In Sport

It has been a difficult path for women to gain equality in sports. For many decades it has been a battle for women to prove they should have the same rights and opportunities as men. The situation started changing in the past century, when numerous movements and organizations started sharing promotion all around the world supporting the rights of women in sports and many different areas. Today, the world has progressed to the point where both women and men have the same rights in sports. Nowadays, women participate in such popular sporting events as the Olympic Games and Women’s Soccer World Cup. It is proof that women are strong and independent parts of society who have gone through many complications to become as famous and talented sportswomen as they are today.

It has been a complicated path for women to have the same possibilities in sports as men. This situation started changing only in the past century. World War II was the first step for women to prove their equality not only in sports but also in many others areas, including the domestic front. In the 1950s and 1960s, in the Civil Rights Movement it was a huge difficulty for women to speak up loudly for their rights (Bell). Also, many sport athletic organizations were created to support women during that period. The result of these events was Title IX, which banned all forms of sex-based discrimination in education programs. This law had started a new era for women in sports, because there were no more limits for women who wanted to reach goals in a sport career. Many famous sportswomen have become known, including Serena Williams, Danica Patrick, Ronda Rousey, Hope Solo, and Lindsey Vonn (Bell). Since the end of the twentieth century, limits for women in sports have dissolved, but the media coverage is still mainly focused on men even though, for example, “in America forty percent of sportspeople are women, but only six-eight percent of the total sports media coverage is devoted to them” (Bell). For every fifty-three articles written about men in sports, there is one about women. It shows that even though women have finally reached their goal of being on the same level in the sport as men, there is still a long way to go for what has to be done.

Women have always felt the huge pressure of discrimination against them in different areas of life, including sports. This problem has not been solved yet. Women still have to deal with a lot of negative opinions about their participation in sports. There are many famous people who think that women are not allowed to be sportswomen. For example, the world’s number one men’s tennis player, Novak Djokovic, felt free to say that men should be better paid than women just because they are more popular. Also, a British track cyclist once was told to quit her career and start taking care of her family and have children (“Sexism in Sport”). Also, there is a law in Iran that does not let women visit stadiums for the events. If the police find a woman there, she will immediately be arrested. There are many events that prove women still have a lot of pressure from the entire world every day.

Cheerleading also turns out to be the area of sports where women feel the pressure of discrimination. It happens very often that women who participate in cheerleading become offended. Many people think that being a cheerleader does not deserve any respect and can not be treated as a social group which works hard to show appropriate performance (“Scoring for Gender Equality Through Sport”). This issue needs more media coverage to prove that it is a position that deserves success and respect.

Because of the bad influence, statistics prove women still are not at the same level of participation in sports as men. For example, there is a big gap between the money that women and men earn. The salary cap for “a WNBA team is around $878,000 while the NBA’s is $58 million per team” (“Sexism in Sport”). It shows that the WNBA players do not get paid as well as men even though they do the same work. Because of such a situation, there is no possibility for women to get as much promotion as male teams and individuals get. Statistics show that “women all around the world get only about four percent of all sports media coverage” (“Sexism in Sport”). It leads to the fact that many people do not have the ability to get to know enough information about the contributions of women in sports.

Gender discrimination is one of the main things that should be changed. In the 21st century, it is time to look forward and understand that both genders deserve to express themselves in all areas of life. If any time soon the trend of discriminating against females in sports disappears, it will give women the possibilities to be at the same professional level as men.

Nowadays, children should be raised with an understanding that there is no difference in ability between men and women in any area of life. Many people have heard such a phrase as “you play like a girl” (“Scoring for Gender Equality Through Sport”). This phrase shows the sexism that many women deal with. It is difficult to understand what it should mean because both men and women have the power to become qualified professionals in sports. Avoiding such phrases in childhood and teaching children that women and men have the same rights and possibilities is one of the ways to start avoiding this issue in the future.

There is a difference of weight, body size, speed, and strength for males and females, but it does not mean there is any area of sport where women and men are unable to compete. For example, such kinds of sports as bowling, darts, and billiards do not need physical strength (“Sexism in Sport”). It is an excellent way for men and women to compete and find out who can become champions.

Also, men have advantages over women, but there are some sports where women express themselves better than men. For example, “women are better than men in tennis, golf, boxing and ice hockey” (“Scoring for Gender Equality Through Sport”). Michelle Wie, Margaret McGregor, Manon Rheaume, and Margaret Court are the women who prove to the world that men are not always the champions when it comes to competition between genders (“Sexism in Sport”). Such kinds of sports prove that it is possible to create a competition where men and women have the same rights and power to participate.

The current situation of women in sports shows that females have gotten more rights and recognition than they used to have. There are many famous sportswomen who have made a huge influence on women in sports today. The main factor that has a negative impact on women today is gender discrimination, which should be abolished. No matter what statistics show compared to a few decades ago, there has been huge progress in letting women express themselves in different areas of sport. It is important to show the world that discrimination does not have a right to influence people. There are many kinds of sports where both genders have the same chances and rights to win, including bowling, tennis, and golf. Society needs more media promotion of the topic of women in sports because the lack of awareness of female achievements can have a negative effect on people who still do not consider women as able to fully participate in sports. If the trend of female recognition in sports keeps rising, the future will show that both genders deserve to play equal parts of the sport.

Works Cited

Bell, Richard C. “A History of Women in Sport Prior to Title IX.” The Sport Journal, United States Sports Academy, 12 Oct. 2016, http://thesportjournal.org/article/a-history-of-women-in-sport-prior-to-title-ix/. Accessed 31 Aug. 2018. “Scoring for Gender Equality Through Sport.” UN Women , http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/in-focus/women-and-sport. Accessed 31 Aug. 2018. “Sexism in Sport.” Women in Sport, https://www.womeninsport.org/about-us/sexism-in-sport/. Accessed 31 Aug. 2018.

Learn to express your own opinion

To be able to express your opinion clearly in written and oral form, you need to practice.

Read. Reading will help you formulate your own thoughts. Choose classical literature using active reading. Analyze the material you have read. Also, reading aloud will help you strengthen your voice and harden your vocal chords.
Expand your vocabulary. If you want to deliver your thoughts effectively, you need to choose the right words. Expand your vocabulary with new words.
Start a diary. It’s a universal tool to improve your thinking skills. Start writing about your everyday routine and proceed to discuss your thoughts about a particular event or topic.
Learn to use the right arguments for your point of view. The best way to prove your point of view is to support it with objective facts and expert opinions.
Talk to people. Start conversations on various topics and don’t be afraid to start a discussion on controversial topics. This will help you form your thoughts clearly. Debate, argue, criticize, explain, defend – try to use it in practice. If you are afraid of live talk, start practicing over the internet.
When expressing your point of view, concentrate on one single thought that you want to convey. Avoid empty rhetoric and try not to lose the focus on the topic.

Knowing how to express your opinion will help you in your studies, work, and daily life. It plays a great role during conversations between friends, co-workers, or business partners. Misunderstandings among people arise from the inability to correctly formulate thoughts. Of course, this is an essential point when it comes to academic writing as well because your main goal is to attract your readers and hook their attention. And it does not even matter if you are looking for “ write my APA paper ” assistance or if you need some professional help with your “ write my research paper ” request; this knowledge will definitely help you in any of these situations. Hopefully, our guide will help you write a marvelous opinion essay. Don’t be shy and show your opinion!

Remember that our experts are here at your disposal 24/7 to handle any of your “ write my PowerPoint presentation ” or “ write my assignment ” requests. Place your order, and let us help you!

If you can’t cope with writing such paper type, request “ write paper for me ” help from our experts and get a unique paper written according to your needs.

What our customers say

Our website uses secure cookies. More details

Get professional help from best writers right from your phone

Grab our 3 e-books bundle for $27 FREE

How to Write an Opinion Essay: Examples, Structure, & Tips

An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing which presents the author’s point of view on a particular subject supported by reasoning and examples . The opposing viewpoint is also suggested, but it is followed by arguments that show its inconsistency. Take a look at the guide prepared by Custom-writing experts to learn how to write a perfect opinion essay!

🔤 Opinion Essay Basics
📑 Essay Structure

🖊️ Opinion Essay Format

💬 How to Start an Opinion Essay
✅ Dos and Don’ts

👌 Opinion Essay Examples

💡 Essay Tips

🏁 Concluding Remarks

🔗 references, 🔤 writing an opinion essay: basics.

You may be wondering: How do I write an opinion essay? How is it different from a persuasive, an argumentative, or a pros and cons essay ?

It’s simple: When you write an argumentative or persuasive essay , you should provide counterpoints and describe the essay topic from different perspectives. In an opinion paper, you don’t have to focus on the advantages and disadvantages in comparison. Instead, focus only on your opinion about the issue .

What Is an Opinion Essay?

An opinion essay, sometimes called “argumentative” or “persuasive,” presents the author’s perception of a subject and supporting arguments. It is written in a standard essay format. In such essays, authors usually try to persuade readers that their opinion is correct.

You may say: “I’m afraid to take a stand,” or “I don’t know what to say.” Relax. There’s nothing to worry about if your arguments are based on well-researched data. Speaking about opinion essay topics, some students find it difficult enough to choose the perfect one. But it’s not so hard: Think about something that engages you and that you feel strongly about.

Do you still have no clues about what to write? Check our 100 free ideas for an argumentative or persuasive essay and choose the topic that you have a strong opinion on. Then pick up a few reasons supporting your point of view and gather the facts that you’ll use as evidence.

📑 Opinion Essay Structure

The next step is to write an opinion essay outline . First of all, it will help you to overcome the fear of the blank page. Second, you’ll have a broken-down list of ideas and an organized place for your random thoughts. This will help you write an assignment faster.

Here’s an example of an opinion paper outline:

An introduction . Write a thesis statement and the reasons that support your opinion. Give your readers a hook to engage them with the topic
The main body . Break it into several paragraphs where you provide arguments and supporting examples, statements, and facts.
A conclusion . When ending a paper, restate the main thesis and summarize the central points of the essay.

Develop an outline while you’re researching the topic and place the pieces of evidence where they make the most sense. You don’t have to write the whole assignment at a time. Just put stand-alone examples and facts in the places where they should go.

A well-prepared outline for an opinion essay is almost 70 percent of the work. All you’ll need to do is simply join your arguments by bridging the language.

Now that you’re familiar with the basic opinion essay structure, let’s see how exactly you should format each part of your paper.

Opinion Essay Introduction

Start your writing with a hook sentence that grabs the reader’s interest. You can use a surprising fact, a provocative question, or a relevant quote as a hook.

Have you ever stopped to consider the impact that social media has on our lives and society as a whole?

Then, provide background information and a thesis statement. It should present your opinion on the topic and the main arguments that support your point of view.

The rise of social media platforms has had detrimental effects on teenagers’ mental health due to increased feelings of loneliness, heightened levels of anxiety, and the negative impact on self-esteem.

Opinion Essay Body

In the body paragraphs, you need to explain your arguments and provide evidence to support them. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that introduces the point you are discussing.

The constant exposure to idealized and unrealistic images on social media platforms can contribute to insecurities and anxiety among teenagers, affecting their mental well-being.

Then, provide specific examples, facts, or statistics to support your reason. You may also include personal experiences or anecdotes to make your points more convincing.

According to The Mental Health Foundation’s survey in 2019, four in ten teenagers (40%) admitted that posts on social media had caused them to worry about body image. This statistic highlights the concerning impact of social media on teenagers’ mental well-being.

Opinion Essay Conclusion

The last paragraph of your opinion essay is the conclusion. Here, you restate your thesis and summarize the main points from the body paragraphs.

Social media platforms have negatively impacted teenagers’ mental well-being through the feelings of isolation, increased depression levels, and detrimental effects on the body image.

Finally, you should end with a strong and memorable closing statement or a call to action. This will help you leave a lasting impression on the reader.

If all people work together raising awareness and advocating for change, we will eventually build a healthier online environment.

Opinion Essay Format

Correct formattion is another essential aspect of essay writing. Here are helpful guidelines you can use:

Stick to a readable 12-point font, such as Times New Roman or Arial.
Set 1-inch margins on all sides of the document.
Double-space the entire essay, including the title and headings.
Properly cite any sources used in your essay according to your required citation style (APA, MLA, Harvard, etc.)

If you are unsure about any specific formatting requirements for your opinion essay, we recommend consulting your school’s writing guidelines or asking your professor for clarification.

💬 How to Start an Opinion Essay – 30 Ideas

When it comes to opinion writing, a lot of students can’t explain their point of view. This shows a lack of critical thinking skills and leads to low grades. Even the perfect opinion essay format won’t save the situation in this case.

If you need a quick fix for your assignment, check our list of transition words and phrases to help you start putting your opinions:

As far as I am concerned, …
I am (not) convinced that …
In my opinion/view …
My opinion is that …
I (firmly)believe that …
I (definitely) feel/think that …
I am inclined to believe that …
Personally, I believe that…
It is clear that…
It seems to me that…
In my mind…
As I see it…
My principal reason is…
Another reason is…
It is widely known that…
It could be argued that…
The well-known fact is…
Research has shown that…
For instance/for example…
This suggests that…
It would seem that…
This proves that…
This supports the …
Even though / Although…
In contrast…
Despite the fact that…
In spite of…
In order to…
In conclusion…

And don’t forget to use nouns, adjectives, and adverbs, or make your own phrases.

✅ Opinion Essay Rules

Writing an opinion essay may seem challenging, but if you keep the following dos and don’ts in mind, you will easily craft a compelling and well-structured essay. Check out the opinion essay rules we’ve collected for you below.

Opinion Essay Dos

Use formal style. When writing an opinion essay, you should use a formal style, avoiding slang and colloquial language. It means using proper grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary suitable for an academic setting.
Choose a side on the issue. You should take a clear stance on a particular topic in your essay. For instance, if the prompt is “Should school uniforms be mandatory?” you would need to choose whether you are for or against the idea and prove your position.
Arrange your supporting points in emphatic order. Start with the weakest argument and end with the strongest. It will help to persuade the reader and leave a lasting impression.
Begin each body paragraph with a topic sentence . This way, your readers will understand the point you are trying to make from the very beginning.
Provide support for your arguments. It is essential to back up your opinions with evidence, examples, and reasoning. You can include statistics, research findings, or expert opinions.
Stay on topic. It is crucial to remain focused on the main issue or question throughout your paper. Be careful not to go off on a tangent or discuss irrelevant topics that do not directly support your argument.
Use a diplomatic and professional tone. It means avoiding personal attacks, derogatory language, or overly emotional statements. Instead, present your ideas and respond to opposing viewpoints calmly and respectfully.

Opinion Essay Don’ts

Don’t use informal language. Avoid using colloquial expressions, slang, jargon, or contractions. Instead, use formal language and non-abbreviated word forms.
Don’t use emotive vocabulary. Emotive vocabulary includes words that provoke strong emotions or bias, such as “amazing,” “horrible,” or “disgusting.” In an opinion essay, it’s essential to use neutral language.
Don’t overgeneralize. Avoid making broad statements that assume something is true for everyone or everything. Instead, be specific.
Don’t use sources without proper referencing. When including information from other sources in your opinion essay, it’s crucial to provide appropriate citations and references. This way, you’ll show that you have done a thorough research and give credit to the original author.
Don’t rely on personal examples. While personal anecdotes can sometimes strengthen an argument, it’s important not to rely solely on them. Instead, try to use different types of evidence, including statistics, expert opinions, and studies.
Don’t address your readers. Directly addressing the reader by using “you” is considered informal and should be avoided in an opinion essay. Instead, it’s better to present the arguments and evidence without involving the reader directly.

Do you want to better understand what an opinion essay is? You are welcome to use our opinion essay examples! Reading them will help you gain an insight into this form of academic writing.

Opinion Essay Example #1

The USA is a multinational and multicultural country that is advanced in many areas, including healthcare, medicine, and science in general. However, some of the experiments, such as the syphilis studies discussed in this paper, show that the country is still in the process of overcoming intolerance, racial segregation, and social inequality. Talking about these studies aloud brings the question of research ethics to the forefront. In particular, people who participated in those scientific experiments were misled and misinformed about their health. The research group observed how the participants suffered from the disease’s symptoms until death (Brandt, 24). There are a number of diseases and conditions that have not been researched enough. The experience gained during the studies in Tuskegee and Guatemala should be used to eliminate the possibility of unethical conduct and ensure transparency in all the activities.

Opinion Essay Example #2

To confront cyberbullying effectively, it is vital to know how to identify what it is and spread this awareness among the children who may unwarily become participants. The tendency to raise this issue in the scientific and public spheres has positive dynamics. As there is legal protection for cyberbullying victims in the USA, it is vital to detect harassment cases. For this purpose, parents and teachers should cooperate to create trustworthy relationships so the child can ask for help from adults. That is why a high level of emotional support from parents and peers is necessary to combat bullying before it has occurred.

Opinion Essay Topics

Your personal view on money and expenditures.
Analyze your attitude towards obesity as a public health problem.
Give your opinion on the importance of container deposit legislation.
What do you think of different belief systems?
Discuss your point of view on The Scream by Edvard Munch.
Describe your opinion on the climate change issue.
What do you think of the media’s influence on people’s views ?
Your opinion on the film Argo directed by Affleck .
Express your opinion on diets and weight loss programs.
Analyze the impact of war on society and present your opinion.
Present your opinion on the question of gay marriage.
Describe your attitude towards gender stereotypes.
Do you support the Biblical point of view on divorce?
Explain what you think about racism in employment.
Discuss your attitude to photography.
Describe what love is, in your opinion.
Give your opinion on genetic engineering.
Analyze the necessity of vaccination for public school students and present your opinion.
Express your views on the death penalty.
Discuss your views on aging changes .
Do you like the music of a Classical Era?
Is it ethical to use animals in research, in your opinion?
Do you think the government should increase the minimum wage?
Explain whether you agree that soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world.
Do you think the Internet plays an important role in your life?
Describe your point of view on the controversial topic of human cloning .
Present your opinion on tattoos as a form of art.
What does the ideal social meeting place look like?
How do you think bullies should be punished?
Do you support the opinion that celebrities should be positive role models ?
Is remote work more convenient than working in an office?
Describe your attitude towards social networks .
What is justice, in your opinion?
Give your opinion on American football.
What do you think about classical music?
Is the government monitoring its citizens justified by safety concerns?
Explain what you think about steroid use in competitive sports.
Discuss the necessity to ban violent computer games .
Your personal opinion on using cell phones while driving.
Do you think the government should interfere with the contents of TV shows ?
Express your opinion on net neutrality.
Describe your views on online dating.
Is protectionism necessary for saving a country’s economy?
What do you think of a vegan lifestyle?
Present your attitude towards physician-assisted suicide.
Do you support the opinion that college athletes should be paid ?
Your point of view on cigarette smoking and suggestion to ban it.
Explain whether you think that public colleges and universities should be tuition-free.
How do you understand responsibility?
Express your opinion on canceling grades at schools .

💡 Opinion Essay Tips for an A+ Paper

Want to make your essay truly outstanding? Follow the pro tips below:

Read the question carefully. Take time to fully understand what you are asked to write about. It will help you stay on topic and ensure your essay addresses it effectively.
Plan your ideas before you start writing. Before beginning the writing process, take time to brainstorm and outline your ideas. Then, evaluate and select the strongest arguments or points to include in your essay.
Show an understanding of both sides of the argument. Acknowledging different perspectives demonstrates a well-rounded view and can strengthen your position by addressing counterarguments.
Make use of linking words and phrases. Transitions such as “however,” “in addition,” and “on the other hand” help create a smooth flow between paragraphs and make your essay easier to read. Our transition words generator can assist you with it.
Don’t introduce any new ideas in the conclusion. In the last paragraph, summarize your main points and restate your thesis without bringing up new information that wasn’t discussed in the body of your essay.

Thank you for reading! Our free tips will help you get through any kind of essay. Still, if you’re stuck with your essay, you can always count on professional writers’ tips and recommendations!

With the help of the tips above, you’ll be able to create the most unbelievable papers in a blink of an eye. Now that you know the secrets of professional writers, try writing your opinion essay!

The final piece of advice : Don’t forget to proofread your paper. Revise your content, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, etc. Make sure that your essay answers the main question. Check if the evidence you provided is accurate and up-to-date.

Essay Structure | – Harvard College Writing Center
An opinion essay | Writing – Advanced C1 | British Council
5 Tips for Writing an Opinion Essay – ThoughtCo
Share to Facebook
Share to LinkedIn
Share to email

How to Write a Discursive Essay: Tips to Succeed & Examples

So, you need to accomplish your discursive essay writing. The typical questions most students ask are: How do you write it? What is discursive essay? A discursive essay is an academic paper that involves a discussion on a particular topic. It is usually assigned to college students. You may be...

How to Write a Good Narrative Essay: Tips, Examples, & Step-by-Step Guide

How to write a narrative essay? To do that, you need to know what a narrative essay is. It is an academic text usually written as a story and containing all the usual elements of a story. Narrative essays are often personal, experiential, and creative. Still, they should be made...

College Essay Writing 101—the Comprehensive Guide [2024]

So, you can’t wait to get into college and join a fraternity, sorority, or student union. Well, we have some incredibly useful tips and helpful information for college admission essay writing! Remember: getting into college takes more than money. And outstanding essays get you great college scholarships!

Americanism Essay: Examples, Tips & Topics [2024 Update]

It’s not hard to see why Americanism is one of the most popular essay topics. The concept of Americanism is in the center of the US identity. Writing an essay about it is an excellent way to find out more about this great country.

How to Write an Art Critique: Examples & Strategies

An art critique paper involves a comprehensive analysis and assessment of an artwork. Though this looks a bit complicated, the task doesn’t require a lot of time if you have sufficient critique writing skills. It’s an interesting assignment for students of art colleges as well as high schoolers. All you...

How to Write an Article Review: Template & Examples

An article review is an academic assignment that invites you to study a piece of academic research closely. Then, you should present its summary and critically evaluate it using the knowledge you’ve gained in class and during your independent study. If you get such a task at college or university,...

Spiritual Leadership Topics, Summary Essay, & Guide

When you hear the phrase “spiritual leadership,” you probably think it’s only associated with religion. But did you know that this form of leadership can also be found in business? The book Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God’s Agenda by Henry and Richard Blackaby is a good starting point...

Compare and Contrast Essay Outline: Template and Example

High school and college students often face challenges when crafting a compare-and-contrast essay. A well-written paper of this kind needs to be structured appropriately to earn you good grades. Knowing how to organize your ideas allows you to present your ideas in a coherent and logical manner This article by...

If a Tree Falls in the Forest: Answer, Essay Sample & Guide

“If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound?” is one of the most debatable philosophical questions regarding observation and perception. Many tried to answer it, including the English philosopher John Locke. Do you need to explore Locke’s perspective on this question in your essay? You are on the right...

Abortion Research Paper: Example, Outline, & Topics

The long-standing debate surrounding abortion has many opponents and advocates. Groups known as Pro-Choice and Pro-Life argue which approach is better, with no easy solution in sight. This ethical complexity is what makes abortion a popular topic for argumentative writing. As a student, you need to tackle it appropriately. If...

How to Restate a Thesis Statement: Examples & Tips

What is the most important part of any essay or research paper? Of course, it’s the thesis statement—a sentence that expresses the paper’s main idea and guides the readers through your arguments. But where do you place the thesis? You’ve probably answered, “in the introduction.” However, that’s not all of...

How to Write a Formal Essay: Format, Rules, & Example

If you’re a student, you’ve heard about a formal essay: a factual, research-based paper written in 3rd person. Most students have to produce dozens of them during their educational career.  Writing a formal essay may not be the easiest task. But fear not: our custom-writing team is here to guide...

Thanks a lot. This was helpful

thank you alot this really helped me

I hope this is gonna help me with my opinion essay

Thanks for the help. Really needed it for my opinion essay due tomorrow. -_-

Thanks for the help keep the good work gentlemen

This was great it really helped out.Thanks.

Expressing Opinions in English: Agreeing and Disagreeing

By: Author John

Posted on Last updated: October 26, 2023

Sharing is caring!

In this article, you’ll learn how to effectively express your opinion, agree and disagree with someone’s opinions with ESL images.

Express Your Opinion

1. sentence starters.

I prefer…
I think…
I feel…
I know…
I believe…
In my opinion…
The best thing about…
The greatest part about…
The worst part about…
Everyone should…
…is better than … because…
If you liked… than you will love….

2. General Point of View

It is thought that…
Some people say that…
It is considered…
It is generally accepted that…
Disagreeing with an opinion
Yes, but…
I’m afraid I have to disagree.
I’m sorry to disagree with you, but…
That’s not entirely true.
On the contrary…
I’m not so sure about that.

3. Personal Point of View

I have seen/noticed/observed that…
I just don’t think it’s right that…
One argument in favour of … is that…
I think people should (have the right to) …
In my experience…
As far as I’m concerned…
Personally, I think…
I’d say that…
I’d like to point out that..
I believe that…
Speaking for myself…
Personally, I believe (feel)…
I tend to think that…
I am sure/certain/convinced that…
As far as I understand/ can see, …

4. Giving the opposite opinion

Maybe, but it seems to me that…
I partly agree, but I still believe that…
I don’t agree. In my opinion,…
I completely disagree. To me,…

5. Clarifying your opinion

No, that’s not what I’m trying to say.
What I mean is …
No, that’s not what I mean.
All I’m saying is that …

6. Giving yourself time to think

That’s an interesting point.
I’ve never really thought about that.
Um, let me think.
It’s hard to say.

7. Agreeing with an opinion

You’re absolutely right.
Yes, I agree.
I think so too.
That’s a good point.
That’s true.
Neither do I.
I couldn’t agree more.

8. Making Suggestions

I suggest/ think you should …
It might be better to …
We/ you ought to …
If I were you …, I would …
I (don’t) think we/ you should…
You/ we could …
Couldn’t you/we…?
Shall we …?
How/What about…?
Why don’t you/we …?
Why not …?
Let’s …

9. Responding to suggestions

I was thinking exactly that myself.
Sounds good (to me).
OK, let’s do/try that.
Yes, let’s do that.
You’re right.
That’s a good idea.
It’s a good idea, but…
But what if…?
The only thing/ problem is…

Expressing Your Opinions

1. In my experience …

2. As far as I’m concerned …

3. In my opinion …

4. Personally, I think …

5. I’d like to point out that …

6. I believe that …

7. From my point of view …

8. If you ask me …

9. The way I see things …

10. I feel like …

11. I take the view that …

12. In my mind …

13. Speaking for myself…

14. As I see it …

15. My point of view is that …

16. In my view …

17. It seems to me that …

18. I figure out that …

19. I’m of the opinion that …

20. To be honest …

21. Well, I think …

22. I have no idea.

23. According to me …

24. In my case …

25. As I thought about this problem, I realized that …

26. Based on my own experience, I find that …

27. I don’t know about you, but I think …

Agreeing with Someone’s Opinion

1. Exactly.

2. Totally.

3. Definitely.

4. Of course.

5. That’s a good point.

6. You’re absolutely right.

7. That’s so true.

8. That’s for sure.

9. I’m with you 100%.

10. I couldn’t agree with you more.

11. I guess so.

12. I suppose.

13. Yes, I agree.

14. I think so too.

15. That’s a (very) good point.

16. Oh yes, that’s right.

17. I don’t think so either.

18. That’s true.

19. That’s just what I was thinking.

20. That’s exactly what I think.

21. I think you’re right.

22. I hear you.

23. Yes, me too / me neither.

24. I totally agree with you

25. You’re so very right!

26. You’re reading my mind.

27. My view about this is positive.

28. I agree with this idea.

29. I agree completely with this idea.

30. I agree partially with this idea.

31. This idea is absolutely right.

32. This idea is partially right.

33. I couldn’t agree more on this.

34. I think this idea is good.

Disagreeing with Someone’s Opinion

1. I don’t think I completely agree.

2. I’m not so sure about that.

3. I don’t think that’s the case.

4. That’s not necessarily true.

6. Absolutely not!

7. Are you kidding me?

8. I see, but that’s different.

9. Sorry, I don’t agree with you.

10. I don’t see it that way.

11. That’s not entirely true.

12. That’s partly true but…

13. I see your point but…

14. I’m sorry to disagree with you but…

15. Yes, but don’t you think…?

16. I think that’s not the same thing at all.

17. On the contrary…

18. Well, I’m not so sure about that.

19. Sorry, I think that’s wrong.

20. Yeah, but the problem is that…

21. Well, I think it’s not as simple as that.

22. I think this idea is impossible …

23. I think this idea is possible, but……

24. I think this idea cannot be implemented.

25. I think you’re totally wrong.

26. That doesn’t make any sense.

27. Absolutely wrong.

28. I don’t agree with this idea.

29. I think it is a bad idea.

30. I’m not sure that I agree with this idea.

31. The project is feasible, but …

32. Yes, but …

33. I’m afraid I have to disagree.

34. I’m sorry to disagree with you, but …

35. I see things differently.

36. I tend to disagree with that idea.

37. I agree up to a point, however …

38. You have a point there, but …

39. You could be right, however …

40. The idea is worth considering, but …

41. Perhaps a weakness of this is that …

42. I strongly disapprove of the plan.

43. I’m absolutely against the proposal .

How to Effectively Express Your Opinion | Image

How to effectively express your opinion | Image 1

Expressing Opinions in English: Agreeing and Disagreeing 1

How to effectively express your opinion | Image 2

Expressing Opinions in English: Agreeing and Disagreeing 2

How to effectively express your opinion | Image 3

Expressing Opinions in English: Agreeing and Disagreeing 3

How to effectively express your opinion | Image 4

Expressing Opinions in English: Agreeing and Disagreeing 4

Recent Posts
Plural of Scarf: Understanding the Correct Usage - October 3, 2023
Plural of Address: Mastering English Grammar Through Understanding Plurals - October 2, 2023
Elegant Names: How to Choose a Sophisticated Name for Your Baby - September 30, 2023

It’s Time to Learn How to Tell the Time in English
How to Describe Someone’s Character and Personality in English
How to Be Polite in English! with Useful Expressions
How to Confidently Introduce Yourself in English

Rohan Kottege

Wednesday 12th of July 2023

This article is really good but it can serve better by adding full-sentence examples..

Maude tandama

Thursday 27th of October 2022

How can i down the pdf please

Opinion Essay

A Step-by-Step Guide to Write an Effective Opinion Essay

16 min read

Published on: Feb 28, 2023

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

What Exactly is an Opinion Essay?

An opinion essay is a piece of writing that presents and defends an opinion or viewpoint on a particular topic. To make your argument convincing, you must back it up with facts, evidence, and logical reasoning.

What Makes an Opinion Essay Different from Other Types of Essays?

Opinion essays differ from other types of essays, such as argumentative or persuasive essays. It requires the writer to express their own opinion on a given topic.

Here's a table that compares the three types of essays:


	Share personal viewpoint on a topic	Based on personal experience or knowledge
		States an opinion without necessarily arguing for it
		Does not require evidence or research
	Convince the reader of a particular view	Presents a claim or argument with evidence
		Refutes opposing views
		Uses formal language and logic
	Influence the reader's behavior or belief	Appeals to emotions or values
		Uses rhetorical devices such as pathos and ethos
		Presents evidence to support the argument

How to Structure an Opinion Essay?

When crafting an opinion essay, it's important to follow a specific essay structure. The basic opinion essay structure is as follows:

Introduction: An opinion essay introduction should introduce the topic and provide a clear statement of the author's opinion. It should also include any background information necessary to understand the argument.
Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph should present a point or argument in favor of the writer's opinion. It would be followed by evidence or examples to support it. Counter-arguments against the opinion can also be presented and discussed in this section. Although, they should not detract from the main points being made.
Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points and arguments made throughout the essay. Also, restate the author's opinion in a clear, concise way. It may also point out any potential implications of accepting or rejecting their viewpoint.

Struggling to write an opinion essay? Check out this video for some helpful pointers!

Opinion Essay Outline

An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing that presents an argument or point of view on a particular topic. An outline will help organize your thoughts and provide structure for your essay.

Here is an example of what an outline for a great essay might look like:

A. Introduce the topic and provide a brief description of the issue
B. Provide a debatable thesis statement

A. State and explain your first point of view
B. Provide evidence to support your opinion
C. Explain how this evidence supports your opinion

A. State and explain your second point of view
B. Provide evidence to support your opinion
C. Explain how this evidence supports your opinion

A. State and explain a third point of view
B. Provide evidence to support your opinion
C. Explain how this evidence supports your opinion

A. Summarize the main points of the essay
B. Restate your thesis statement
C. Provide a final thought or call to action (optional)

Here is another example for opinion essay ielts - structure:

Introduce the topic and state your opinion
Provide some background information to give context to the reader
Thesis statement: Clearly state your main argument

Topic sentence: Introduce the first reason why you hold this opinion
Supporting details: Provide evidence and examples to support your argument
Counterargument: Address a possible counterargument and explain why it is not valid
Concluding sentence: Summarize the main points of the paragraph

Topic sentence: Introduce the second reason why you hold this opinion
Supporting details: Provide evidence and examples to support your argument
Counterargument: Address a possible counterargument and explain why it is not valid
Concluding sentence: Summarize the main points of the paragraph

Topic sentence: Introduce the third reason why you hold this opinion (if applicable)
Supporting details: Provide evidence and examples to support your argument
Counterargument: Address a possible counterargument and explain why it is not valid
Concluding sentence: Summarize the main points of the paragraph

Present a counterargument against your opinion
Acknowledge the validity of the counterargument
Refute the counterargument with evidence and explanation
Concluding sentence: Restate your thesis and summarize your argument

Summarize the main points of the essay
Restate your thesis statement in a new way
Provide a final thought or call to action

By following this basic outline, you can ensure that your opinion essay will be well-structured and organized.

What to Include in an Opinion Essay

To craft a compelling opinion essay, it is important to include the following elements:

Logical Reasoning: Use logical reasoning to connect your evidence to your opinion. Clearly explain how the evidence supports your viewpoint and address any potential counterarguments. Ensure that your reasoning is clear, coherent, and easy for the reader to follow.

Personal Reflection: Share your personal experiences or observations that have influenced your opinion. This adds depth and authenticity to your essay and helps the reader understand the perspective from which you're approaching the topic.

Counter Arguments: Anticipate and address counterarguments to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Present counterarguments objectively and refute them with well-reasoned responses. This shows that you have considered alternative viewpoints and strengthens your position.

Clear Structure: Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph should focus on a single point or supporting argument. Use topic sentences to introduce each paragraph and provide smooth transitions between ideas.

Use of Persuasive Techniques: Employ persuasive techniques such as rhetorical questions, analogies, or emotional appeals to engage and persuade your readers. However, be cautious not to rely solely on emotional appeals without logical reasoning.

Proper Citations: If you use external sources or references, ensure proper citations and adhere to the appropriate citation style (e.g., MLA, APA). This demonstrates integrity and strengthens the credibility of your essay.

What not To Include

While writing an opinion essay, it is important to be mindful of certain elements that should be avoided. Here are some things you should not include in an opinion essay:

Personal Bias: Avoid basing your arguments solely on personal beliefs or biases. Instead, support your opinion with objective evidence and logical reasoning.

Emotional Appeals without Reasoning: While it is acceptable to evoke emotions in your readers, do not rely solely on emotional appeals without providing solid reasoning and evidence. Emotions should supplement your arguments, not substitute for them.

Sweeping Generalizations: Avoid making broad generalizations without sufficient evidence or support. Ensure that your claims are backed by credible sources and specific examples.

Lack of Counterarguments: Failing to acknowledge or address opposing viewpoints weakens your essay. Engage with counterarguments and provide counter-evidence to demonstrate your ability to consider different perspectives.

Informal Language: Maintain a formal tone throughout your essay. Avoid slang, colloquialisms, or overly casual language. Use appropriate academic language and vocabulary.

How to Write an Opinion Essay?

Writing an opinion essay requires careful organization and evidence in order to make your point convincingly.

Here are the necessary steps to write an opinion essay:

Choose a Topic

The first step is to decide on a topic that appeals to you and that you can research easily. Make sure you are familiar with the subject matter. It would help you to write about it from an informed perspective.

Organize Your Thoughts

Before beginning to write, take some time to organize your thoughts and opinions on the topic. Jot down notes or draw diagrams to visualize how each of your points relates to the main argument.

Find Evidence to Support Your Point of View

After you have taken the time to organize your thoughts, it is important to find evidence that supports your opinion. Research reputable sources and collect quotes, facts, or other information relevant to each point you are making.

Write Essay Conclusion

End with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and reiterates your main argument. Give a final thought about your chosen topic. Keep in mind how it has impacted you and how it could be used to make a difference.

Be sure to reference the evidence that you have gathered throughout your essay as well.

Finally, proofread and edit your work for clarity and accuracy. Reviewing what you have written can help ensure that everything flows logically. Check grammar, punctuation, and spelling while you're at it!

Do's and Don't of Writing an Opinion Essay

When it comes to writing an opinion essay, there are certain guidelines that should be followed.

Here are some essential do's and don'ts of writing an opinion essay:

Evidence: In order to make a convincing argument, your essay should include evidence that supports your point of view.
Relevant facts and statistics: Use facts and statistics from reliable sources to back up your arguments.
Logical flow: Make sure the points you are making logically follow one another in a clear and cohesive manner.
Counter-arguments: Address any counter-arguments against your opinion by providing evidence that disproves them.
Clear conclusion: The conclusion should restate your opinion clearly. It summarizes the main points made throughout the essay.
Unsupportive evidence: Make sure to avoid any irrelevant evidence in your essay that isn't valid. Do not make claims that you cannot back up with facts or examples.
Unrelated information: Stick to the topic at hand and avoid introducing any irrelevant ideas or tangents into your essay.
Too much opinion: Although an opinion essay is based on personal beliefs, it should still be supported by evidence-based arguments.
Weak conclusion: Avoid summarizing the main points without restating your opinion or taking a stand on the issue you are discussing.
Poor grammar and punctuation: Make sure to review your work for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes before submitting it.

Examples of Opinion Essays

An opinion essay can be written on any topic that has two or more sides to it.

Here are these opinion essay examples:

Learn how to write with these potential opinion essay examples:

Opinion Essay PDF Example

Opinion 3 Paragraph Essay Example

Short Opinion Essay Examples PDF

Opinion Essay IELTS Example

Opinion Essay IELTS Band 9 Example

Opinion Essay About Internet Example

Opinion Essay Topics 5th Grade

5-paragraph Opinion Essay Examples

Abortion Opinion Essay Example

Climate Change Opinion Essay Example

Opinion Essay Topics

Looking for opinion essay topics? Opinion essays are a great way to express your beliefs and thoughts on various subjects.

Here are some topics to consider when writing an opinion essay:

Social media sites create more harm than good, Agree or Disagree?
Should the legal drinking age be lowered?
Is animal testing necessary?
Should the voting age be lowered?
Are video games beneficial or harmful to children's development?
Should the death penalty be abolished?
Are beauty pageants beneficial to society?
Is it important to consume organic foods?
Should nuclear energy be used in place of fossil fuels?
What are the positive and negative effects of technology on our lives?

Here are some more opinion essays topics - IELTS:

Should governments ban smoking in public places?
Should the government fund space exploration?
Should students be required to wear school uniforms?
Is social media a positive or negative influence on society?
Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

If you're looking for advice on expressing your beliefs in an opinion essay without sounding too "preachy". Read this blog for more useful tips!

Opinion Essay Template

Check out the opinion essay template below to help you get started:

Transition Words for an Opinion Essay

Transition words are an essential part of any opinion essay. These words help to link your ideas and provide a logical flow for your paper.

Here are some examples of opinion essay phrases :

In my opinion
On the whole
I strongly believe
Besides that
To conclude
For this reason
Most importantly
Nevertheless
Accordingly
As a result
In conclusion
Without doubt
Likewise/similarly
On the contrary

Using transition words effectively can help make your opinion essay easier to read and understand.

Tips for Writing an Effective Opinion Essay

Writing an effective opinion essay requires good research skills and an understanding of how to present your argument clearly.

Here are some tips to help you get started.

Research: Before writing an opinion essay it is important to do research. Familiarize yourself with different arguments surrounding the topic.
Organizing Your Thoughts: Take some time to think about your main points and organize them into a logical order.
Gathering Evidence: Find evidence or examples to support each of your points.
Structuring Your Work: Organize the evidence into a clear and logical structure. Make sure each body paragraph is focused on one main point and develops this idea in detail.
Writing the Introduction: Provide a brief overview of the topic and state your opinion clearly.
Writing the Conclusion: Summarize the main points made throughout the essay and restate your opinion.

Need help with structuring your essay conclusion? Check out this Read and learn how to write an impactful conclusion for any essay!

Follow these tips to make sure your opinion paper is well-written, organized, and persuasive!

To wrap it all up,

Writing an opinion essay is a great way to express your thoughts and opinions on any given topic. With some research, organization, and structure, you can easily convey your point of view. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can write an effective opinion essay and make a strong argument.

Do you need help with essay writing? We provide essay writing help online for your academic writing needs. Our team of professionals ensures that every essay is written to perfection and meets the highest academic standards.

You can also trust our essay writer to deliver quality papers to you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 3 parts of the opinion paragraph.

The 3 parts of the opinion paragraph includes:

Introduction: It should provide the reader with an overview.
Body Paragraphs: The paragraphs should present information to support your arguments.
Conclusion: It should summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement.

What are some examples of opinion writing?

Examples of opinion writing include opinion articles, persuasive essays, editorial pieces, and reviews.

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Legal & Policies

Privacy Policy
Cookies Policy
Terms of Use
Refunds & Cancellations
Our Writers
Success Stories
Our Guarantees
Affiliate Program
Referral Program
AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

65 Useful Phrases for Expressing Opinions in English

You have lots of wonderful opinions, but you don’t know how to say them?

That’s got to change. After all, an opinion is a personal belief based on your thoughts, feelings and experiences. It’s your individual perspective—your unique view of the world. Because of this, stating your opinion is an important skill to have in English.

In this post, I’m going to teach you exactly how to express your opinion, make your opinion stronger, explain your opinion, conclude your opinion and lastly, ask someone else about their opinion. And I’ll include a list of useful English phrases to use to accomplish these goals.

Phrases for Expressing Your Opinion

Making your statement stronger, phrases for agreeing with someone’s opinion, phrases for disagreeing with someone’s opinion, phrases for explaining your opinion, phrases for concluding your opinion, asking for someone’s opinion, tips for expressing your opinion in english, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Expressing your opinion is important, especially with friends and colleagues. To do so easily, check out this list of functional phrases:

In my opinion…
From my perspective…
Personally, I believe…
I feel that…
It seems to me that…
I am of the view that…
As far as I’m concerned…
I’m inclined to think that…
If you ask me…
I hold the opinion that…
It’s my belief that…

This phrase is slightly formal and is used more in writing or debating.

I have a strong feeling that…
It’s clear to me that…
In my experience…
It’s my contention that…

This is formal and is usually reserved for professional settings.

I am convinced that…

This phrase is good for expressing a very long held belief.

I think that…
My take on this is…
In my eyes…
I’m of the mind that…
I think…
I feel like…

This is a good casual phrase to use with friends and family.

Thousands of learner friendly videos (especially beginners)
Handpicked, organized, and annotated by FluentU's experts
Integrated into courses for beginners

I believe that…

This phrase can be used for larger opinions, say, your feelings on marriage or some other big issue.

What I mean is…

This is a good phrase to use to clarify your opinion further.

You can make your opinion statement stronger by adding adverbs such as: really, truly, strongly, absolutely, completely, utterly, totally, unquestionably, certainly, fully, unarguably and decidedly.

Here are a couple of examples:

I truly believe that the American Dream is at risk.
I feel strongly that all men deserve universal healthcare.
I really like this movie.

Sometimes, two or more people have the same opinion. In such cases, this is how you express your agreement with them.

Yes, definitely!
I feel the same way.
I agree with you.
That’s a very valid point.
I think what you said is true.
You’re right!

There may be situations when you disagree with someone on certain topics.

Interactive subtitles: click any word to see detailed examples and explanations
Slow down or loop the tricky parts
Show or hide subtitles
Review words with our powerful learning engine

That’s when you have to politely express your disagreement while avoiding an argument or fight.

You have to make the listener realize that while you heard and understood what they said, you don’t agree and have a different opinion.

I understand.
I see your point.
That makes sense.
I couldn’t agree more.
You’ve got a good point there.
I’m on the same page as you.
Let’s agree to disagree, shall we?

This last funny phrase means that you feel that you and the person you’re talking to are never going to agree on this issue, so you decide to move on to another subject. You’re agreeing that you disagree on the issue. It’s a good phrase to use to avoid an argument.

In several situations, such as in meetings and group discussions, we’re asked to explain our opinions. There are many ways of doing this.

My reasons are…
Firstly… secondly… thirdly…

We can simply state or list our reasons (firstly, secondly, thirdly) in a certain way, like in this example:

Firstly , horror movies are scary. Secondly , I don’t believe in ghosts. Thirdly , I can’t sleep after watching scary movies!

Moreover…
In addition to…
Most importantly…
Another example is…
Mostly because…

You can also use conjunctions (such as because) or other connecting words and phrases to explain thoughts in a logical manner.

Learn words in the context of sentences
Swipe left or right to see more examples from other videos
Go beyond just a superficial understanding

After you’ve stated an opinion, you may want to conclude the topic.

You can do that using these phrases:

In conclusion…
From this, we can conclude…
To sum up…
This proves that…
What do you think?

Asking a question is a great way to wrap up your own argument.

That is why…
Can you suggest an alternative?

It’s important to ask others’ opinions, too.

You can use these handy phrases to easily do that:

What do you think about…?
How do you feel about…?
What is your opinion on…?
In your view, is…?
What are your thoughts on…?
Could you share your perspective on…?
Do you have any views on…?
What is your take on…?
Would you mind telling me your opinion about…?
What is your stance on…?
Can you give me your impression of…?
What do you believe about…?
Are you of the opinion that…?
Do you think that…?
How would you evaluate…?

Before diving into common phrases, here are some tips that’ll help you express your opinion in English as well as improve your speaking and writing skills .

Keep a diary to talk about your feelings/opinions . Make it a point to write in your diary every day. You can write about what you did that day, your likes and dislikes or use specific prompts to give you ideas.

FluentU takes authentic videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Try FluentU for FREE!

Watch an English movie and write about it . You can talk about what you liked and disliked about the movie in your diary!
Pick a topic and try talking about it . You can practice expressing your opinion by choosing a topic, setting a timer and speaking about it in front of the mirror. Notice your tone and body language. You can also have discussions or “debates” with your friends. A debate is two or more people agreeing or disagreeing with a topic. You can also find online language partners on apps like HelloTalk or Tandem .

Well, I hope that made the art of expressing your opinions in English much easier and clearer than before!

You can always follow the three-step guide and practice the common phrases we use when sharing our thoughts and beliefs.

FluentU builds you up, so you can build sentences on your own
Start with multiple-choice questions and advance through sentence building to producing your own output
Go from understanding to speaking in a natural progression.

Of course, you’ll make mistakes and that’s an important part of learning. So get some practice, be sincere and try your best. Before you know it, you’ll be a confident and fluent English speaker!

If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials , as you can see here:

If you want to watch it, the FluentU app has probably got it.

The FluentU app and website makes it really easy to watch English videos. There are captions that are interactive. That means you can tap on any word to see an image, definition, and useful examples.

learn-english-with-subtitled-television-show-clips

FluentU lets you learn engaging content with world famous celebrities.

For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you see this:

learn-conversational-english-with-interactive-captioned-dialogue

FluentU lets you tap to look up any word.

Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.

FluentU helps you learn fast with useful questions and multiple examples. Learn more.

The best part? FluentU remembers the vocabulary that you’re learning. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You have a truly personalized experience.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Enter your e-mail address to get your free PDF!

We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe

How To Tackle The Weirdest Supplemental Essay Prompts For This Application Cycle

Share to Facebook
Share to Twitter
Share to Linkedin

Writing the college essay

How do you write a letter to a friend that shows you’re a good candidate for the University of Pennsylvania? What reading list will help the Columbia University admissions committee understand your interdisciplinary interests? How can you convey your desire to attend Yale by inventing a course description for a topic you’re interested in studying?

These are the challenges students must overcome when writing their supplemental essays . Supplemental essays are a critical component of college applications—like the personal statement, they provide students with the opportunity to showcase their authentic voice and perspective beyond the quantitative elements of their applications. However, unlike the personal essay, supplemental essays allow colleges to read students’ responses to targeted prompts and evaluate their candidacy for their specific institution. For this reason, supplemental essay prompts are often abstract, requiring students to get creative, read between the lines, and ditch the traditional essay-writing format when crafting their responses.

While many schools simply want to know “why do you want to attend our school?” others break the mold, inviting students to think outside of the box and answer prompts that are original, head-scratching, or downright weird. This year, the following five colleges pushed students to get creative—if you’re struggling to rise to the challenge, here are some tips for tackling their unique prompts:

University of Chicago

Prompt: We’re all familiar with green-eyed envy or feeling blue, but what about being “caught purple-handed”? Or “tickled orange”? Give an old color-infused expression a new hue and tell us what it represents. – Inspired by Ramsey Bottorff, Class of 2026

What Makes it Unique: No discussion of unique supplemental essay prompts would be complete without mentioning the University of Chicago, a school notorious for its puzzling and original prompts (perhaps the most well-known of these has been the recurring prompt “Find x”). This prompt challenges you to invent a new color-based expression, encouraging both linguistic creativity and a deep dive into the emotional or cultural connotations of color. It’s a prompt that allows you to play with language, think abstractly, and show off your ability to forge connections between concepts that aren’t typically linked—all qualities that likewise demonstrate your preparedness for UChicago’s unique academic environment.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

How to Answer it: While it may be easy to get distracted by the open-ended nature of the prompt, remember that both the substance and structure of your response should give some insight into your personality, perspective, and characteristics. With this in mind, begin by considering the emotions, experiences, or ideas that most resonate with you. Then, use your imagination to consider how a specific color could represent that feeling or concept. Remember that the prompt is ultimately an opportunity to showcase your creativity and original way of looking at the world, so your explanation does not need to be unnecessarily deep or complex—if you have a playful personality, convey your playfulness in your response; if you are known for your sarcasm, consider how you can weave in your biting wit; if you are an amateur poet, consider how you might take inspiration from poetry as you write, or offer a response in the form of a poem.

The goal is to take a familiar concept and turn it into something new and meaningful through a creative lens. Use this essay to showcase your ability to think inventively and to draw surprising connections between language and life.

Harvard University

Prompt: Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.

What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in both form and substance—first, you only have 150 words to write about all 3 things. Consider using a form other than a traditional essay or short answer response, such as a bullet list or short letter. Additionally, note that the things your roommate might like to learn about you do not necessarily overlap with the things you would traditionally share with an admissions committee. The aim of the prompt is to get to know your quirks and foibles—who are you as a person and a friend? What distinguishes you outside of academics and accolades?

How to Answer it: First and foremost, feel free to get creative with your response to this prompt. While you are producing a supplemental essay and thus a professional piece of writing, the prompt invites you to share more personal qualities, and you should aim to demonstrate your unique characteristics in your own voice. Consider things such as: How would your friends describe you? What funny stories do your parents and siblings share that encapsulate your personality? Or, consider what someone might want to know about living with you: do you snore? Do you have a collection of vintage posters? Are you particularly fastidious? While these may seem like trivial things to mention, the true creativity is in how you connect these qualities to deeper truths about yourself—perhaps your sleepwalking is consistent with your reputation for being the first to raise your hand in class or speak up about a cause you’re passionate about. Perhaps your living conditions are a metaphor for how your brain works—though it looks like a mess to everyone else, you have a place for everything and know exactly where to find it. Whatever qualities you choose, embrace the opportunity to think outside of the box and showcase something that admissions officers won’t learn about anywhere else on your application.

University of Pennsylvania

Prompt: Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge.

What Makes it Unique: Breaking from the traditional essay format, this supplement invites you to write directly to a third party in the form of a 150-200 word long letter. The challenge in answering this distinct prompt is to remember that your letter should say as much about you, your unique qualities and what you value as it does about the recipient—all while not seeming overly boastful or contrived.

How to Answer it: As you select a recipient, consider the relationships that have been most formative in your high school experience—writing to someone who has played a large part in your story will allow the admissions committee some insight into your development and the meaningful relationships that guided you on your journey. Once you’ve identified the person, craft a thank-you note that is specific and heartfelt—unlike other essays, this prompt invites you to be sentimental and emotional, as long as doing so would authentically convey your feelings of gratitude. Describe the impact they’ve had on you, what you’ve learned from them, and how their influence has shaped your path. For example, if you’re thanking a teacher, don’t just say they helped you become a better student—explain how their encouragement gave you the confidence to pursue your passions. Keep the tone sincere and personal, avoid clichés and focus on the unique role this person has played in your life.

University of Notre Dame

Prompt: What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?

What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in that it invites students to share something about themselves by reflecting on someone else’s words in 50-100 words.

How to Answer it: The key to answering this prompt is to avoid focusing too much on the complement itself and instead focus on your response to receiving it and why it was so important to you. Note that this prompt is not an opportunity to brag about your achievements, but instead to showcase what truly matters to you. Select a compliment that truly speaks to who you are and what you value. It could be related to your character, work ethic, kindness, creativity, or any other quality that you hold in high regard. The compliment doesn’t have to be grand or come from someone with authority—it could be something small but significant that left a lasting impression on you, or it could have particular meaning for you because it came from someone you didn’t expect it to come from. Be brief in setting the stage and explaining the context of the compliment—what is most important is your reflection on its significance and how it shaped your understanding of yourself.

Stanford University

Prompt: List five things that are important to you.

What Makes it Unique: This prompt’s simplicity is what makes it so challenging. Stanford asks for a list, not an essay, which means you have very limited space (50 words) to convey something meaningful about yourself. Additionally, the prompt does not specify what these “things” must be—they could be a physical item, an idea, a concept, or even a pastime. Whatever you choose, these five items should add depth to your identity, values, and priorities.

How to Answer it: Start by brainstorming what matters most to you—these could be values, activities, people, places, or even abstract concepts. The key is to choose items or concepts that, when considered together, provide a comprehensive snapshot of who you are. For example, you might select something tangible and specific such as “an antique telescope gifted by my grandfather” alongside something conceptual such as “the willingness to admit when you’re wrong.” The beauty of this prompt is that it doesn’t require complex sentences or elaborate explanations—just a clear and honest reflection of what you hold dear. Be thoughtful in your selections, and use this prompt to showcase your creativity and core values.

While the supplemental essays should convey something meaningful about you, your values, and your unique qualifications for the university to which you are applying, the best essays are those that are playful, original, and unexpected. By starting early and taking the time to draft and revise their ideas, students can showcase their authentic personalities and distinguish themselves from other applicants through their supplemental essays.

Editorial Standards
Reprints & Permissions

What happened in the Kolkata rape case that triggered doctors’ protests?

Activists and doctors in India demand better safeguarding of women and medical professionals after a trainee medic was raped and murdered in Kolkata.

Following a murder of a 31 year old post-graduate trainee (PGT) doctor by rape and torture inside a government hospital, activists of different humanitarian and political organisations and medical professionals participate in a rally with posters and torches demanding adequate intervention of the ruling government and exemplary punishment of the culprits, in Kolkata, India, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024.

Activists and doctors across India continued to protest on Wednesday to demand justice for a female doctor, who was raped and murdered while on duty in a hospital in the eastern city of Kolkata.

Feminist groups rallied on the streets in protests titled “Reclaim the Night” in Kolkata overnight on Wednesday – on the eve of India’s independence day – in solidarity with the victim, demanding the principal of RG Kar Medical College resign. Some feminist protesters also marched well beyond Kolkata, including in the capital Delhi.

Keep reading

Doctors across india protest rape and murder of medic in kolkata, india supreme court to monitor investigations into manipur sexual violence, goals not guns: how a girls football team in india’s manipur beats violence, four arrested after spanish blogger on india motorcycle tour gangraped.

While the protests were largely peaceful, a small mob of men stormed the medical college and vandalised property. This group was dispersed by the police.

This comes after two days of nationwide protests by doctors following the incident at RG Kar Medical College in West Bengal’s capital city. “Sit-in demonstrations and agitation in the hospital campus will continue,” one of the protesting doctors, identified as Dr Mridul, told Al Jazeera.

Services in some medical centres were halted indefinitely, and marches and vigils shed light on issues of sexual violence, as well as doctors’ safety in the world’s most populous nation.

What happened to the doctor in Kolkata?

A 31-year-old trainee doctor’s dead body, bearing multiple injuries, was found on August 9 in a government teaching hospital in Kolkata.

The parents of the victim were initially told “by hospital authorities that their daughter had committed suicide,” lawyer and women’s rights activist Vrinda Grover told Al Jazeera. But an autopsy confirmed that the victim was raped and killed.

Grover has appeared for victims in sexual violence cases in India in the past, including Bilkis Bano , a Muslim woman who was gang-raped during the 2002 Gujarat riots, and Soni Sori, a tribal activist based in Chhattisgarh state.

Thousands of doctors marched in Kolkata on Monday, demanding better security measures and justice for the victim.

On Tuesday, the Kolkata High Court transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) called for a nationwide halting of elective services in hospitals starting on Monday. Elective services are medical treatments that can be deferred or are not deemed medically necessary.

Doctors hold posters to protest the rape and murder of a young medic from Kolkata, at the Government General Hospital in Vijayawada on August 14

On Tuesday, FORDA announced on its X account that it is calling off the strike after Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda accepted protest demands.

One of these demands was solidifying the Central Protection Act, intended to be a central law to protect medical professionals from violence, which was proposed in the parliament’s lower house in 2022, but has not yet been enacted.

FORDA said that the ministry would begin working on the Act within 15 days of the news release, and that a written statement from the ministry was expected to be released soon.

Press release regarding call off of strike. In our fight for the sad incident at R G Kar, the demands raised by us have been met in full by the @OfficeofJPNadda , with concrete steps in place, and not just verbal assurances. Central Healthcare Protection Act ratification… pic.twitter.com/OXdSZgM1Jc — FORDA INDIA (@FordaIndia) August 13, 2024

Why are some Indian doctors continuing to protest?

However, other doctors’ federations and hospitals have said they will not back down on the strike until a concrete solution is found, including a central law to curb attacks on doctors.

Those continuing to strike included the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA), Delhi-based All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Indira Gandhi Hospital, local media reported.

Ragunandan Dixit, the general secretary of the AIIMS Resident Doctors’ Association, said that the indefinite strike will continue until their demands are met, including a written guarantee of the implementation of the Central Protection Act.

Medical professionals in India want a central law that makes violence against doctors a non-bailable, punishable offence, in hopes that it deters such violent crimes against doctors in the future.

Those continuing to protest also call for the dismissal of the principal of the college, who was transferred. “We’re demanding his termination, not just transfer,” Dr Abdul Waqim Khan, a protesting doctor told ANI news agency. “We’re also demanding a death penalty for the criminal,” he added.

“Calling off the strike now would mean that female resident doctors might never receive justice,” Dr Dhruv Chauhan, member of the National Council of the Indian Medical Association’s Junior Doctors’ Network told local news agency Press Trust of India (PTI).

Which states in India saw doctors’ protests?

While the protests started in West Bengal’s Kolkata on Monday, they spread across the country on Tuesday.

The capital New Delhi, union territory Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow and city Prayagraj, Bihar capital Patna and southern state Goa also saw doctors’ protests.

Interactive_India_doctor_rape_protests_August14_2024

Who is the suspect in the Kolkata rape case?

Local media reported that the police arrested suspect Sanjoy Roy, a civic volunteer who would visit the hospital often. He has unrestricted access to the ward and the police found compelling evidence against him.

The parents of the victim told the court that they suspect that it was a case of gang rape, local media reported.

Why is sexual violence on the rise in India?

Sexual violence is rampant in India, where 90 rapes were reported on average every day in 2022.

Laws against sexual violence were made stricter following a rape case in 2012, when a 22-year-old physiotherapy intern was brutally gang-raped and murdered on a bus in Delhi. Four men were hanged for the gang rape, which had triggered a nationwide protests.

But despite new laws in place, “the graph of sexual violence in India continues to spiral unabated,” said Grover.

She added that in her experience at most workplaces, scant attention is paid to diligent and rigorous enforcement of the laws.

“It is regrettable that government and institutions respond only after the woman has already suffered sexual assault and often succumbed to death in the incident,” she added, saying preventive measures are not taken.

In many rape cases in India, perpetrators have not been held accountable. In 2002, Bano was raped by 11 men, who were sentenced to life imprisonment. In 2022, the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi authorised the release of the men, who were greeted with applause and garlands upon their release.

However, their remission was overruled and the Supreme Court sent the rapists back to jail after public outcry.

Grover believes that the death penalty will not deter rapists until India addresses the deeply entrenched problem of sexual violence. “For any change, India as a society will have to confront and challenge, patriarchy, discrimination and inequality that is embedded in our homes, families, cultural practices, social norms and religious traditions”.

What makes this case particularly prominent is that it happened in Kolkata, Sandip Roy, a freelance contributor to NPR, told Al Jazeera. “Kolkata actually prided itself for a long time on being really low in the case of violence against women and being relatively safe for women.”

A National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report said that Kolkata had the lowest number of rape cases in 2021 among 19 metropolitan cities, with 11 cases in the whole year. In comparison, New Delhi was reported to have recorded 1, 226 cases that year.

Prime Minister Modi’s governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for dismissing the government in West Bengal, where Kolkata is located, led by Mamata Banerjee of All India Trinamool Congress (AITC). Banerjee’s party is part of the opposition alliance.

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in parliament, also called for justice for the victim.

“The attempt to save the accused instead of providing justice to the victim raises serious questions on the hospital and the local administration,” he posted on X on Wednesday.

Roy spoke about the politicisation of the case since an opposition party governs West Bengal. “The local government’s opposition will try to make this an issue of women’s safety in the state,” he said.

Have doctors in India protested before?

Roy explained to Al Jazeera that this case is an overlap of two kinds of violence, the violence against a woman, as well as violence against “an overworked medical professional”.

Doctors in India do not have sufficient workplace security, and attacks on doctors have started protests in India before.

In 2019, two junior doctors were physically assaulted in Kolkata’s Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital (NRSMCH) by a mob of people after a 75-year-old patient passed away in the hospital.

Those attacks set off doctors’ protests in Kolkata, and senior doctors in West Bengal offered to resign from their positions to express solidarity with the junior doctors who were attacked.

More than 75 percent of Indian doctors have faced some form of violence, according to a survey by the Indian Medical Association in 2015.

What happens next?

The case will now be handled by the CBI, which sent a team to the hospital premises to inspect the crime scene on Wednesday morning, local media reported.

According to Indian law, the investigation into a case of rape or gang rape is to be completed within two months from the date of lodging of the First Information Report (police complaint), according to Grover, the lawyer.

The highest court in West Bengal, which transferred the case from the local police to the CBI on Tuesday, has directed the central investigating agency to file periodic status reports regarding the progress of the investigation.

The FIR was filed on August 9, which means the investigation is expected to be completed by October 9.

Bengal women will create history with a night long protest in various major locations in the state for at 11.55pm on 14th of August’24,the night that’ll mark our 78th year as an independent country. The campaign, 'Women, Reclaim the Night: The Night is Ours', is aimed at seeking… pic.twitter.com/Si9fd6YGNb — purpleready (@epicnephrin_e) August 13, 2024

10 Red Flags of Emotional Neglect in a Relationship

10. you only feel positive emotions during sex..

Posted January 9, 2022 | Reviewed by Kaja Perina

Making Marriage Work
Take our Relationship Satisfaction Test
Find a marriage therapist near me
The key to emotional connection in a marriage is responding to each other's emotional needs.
Even though it's hard to see and recognize, emotional neglect in a marriage causes real pain.
Emotional connection is not a thing that you either have or don't have; it's an action that you can take.

Emotional neglect in a relationship is the absence of enough emotional awareness and response. It may be invisible to everyone, even the couple themselves, yet it's painful. Both partners are hurt by what is not there .

In a now-classic 2004 study, researcher John Gottman found that the difference between couples that thrive and those that divorce is the frequency with which couples meet each other’s requests for emotional connection.

When it comes to relationships, feelings provide the connection, the warmth, the fire, and the glue. It is vital that couples reach out and respond to each other emotionally.

So what happens if you or your partner simply isn’t capable of requesting or responding? Beyond that, what if it’s no one’s fault?

The Emotionally Neglectful Relationship

If I had to describe an emotionally neglectful marriage in one word, it would probably be lonely . It’s as if you have someone right beside you, yet they are a thousand miles away emotionally. You can see them but you can’t feel their presence. You can talk to them but you can’t talk the way you want to talk. You are with them, but you feel alone.

It’s almost as if there is a wall between you blocking you from them, and them from you. A wall you can see through, but you can’t get through. That wall is made up of emotional neglect.

How Childhood Emotional Neglect Creeps Into a Marriage

Actually, it doesn’t exactly creep in. Instead, it strides through the back door, silently and stealthily undermining communication, connection, compassion, and warmth in your relationship.

Usually, emotional neglect is brought into the marriage through the childhood of one or both of the partners. When one or both partners comes from a family that’s not aware of feelings and under-attends to them (childhood emotional neglect), that partner naturally continues that process.

Growing up with emotional neglect makes you blind to your own emotions, the essential ingredient that is absolutely necessary to connect in a real way with your spouse. The “ emotion blindness” also extends to your partner. You may have difficulty noticing and responding to their feelings as well. This may result in an emotionally lonely partner.

If you and your partner both brought the emotional blind spot into your relationship, then a somewhat different problem ensues, because neither of you can see what’s missing. Neither of you may realize what should be happening and what you should be feeling. With no one able to call out the problem, you are in danger of slowly, painfully drifting apart until the growing wall of emotional neglect distorts your vision of each other, and the positive, healthy feelings that brought you together slowly drain away.

The Issue of Blame

In most families, blame has no place when it comes to emotional neglect. No child asks to be emotionally neglected, and most parents have no idea they’re emotionally neglectful. That’s how emotional neglect works: The emotional blind spot transfers silently from one generation to the next.

But, while no one is responsible for the emotional neglect they received, once we are aware of the problem, we are responsible for the emotional neglect we give. Once we see it in ourselves, we become the change agent. We become responsible for stopping the cycle.

No one says it’s an easy “fix.” But the problem of emotional neglect in a marriage can be resolved. The skills of emotional intimacy and connection are learnable.

10 Signs That Emotional Neglect Is Silently Undermining Your Relationship

You and your partner misread each other’s true feelings, actions, thoughts, or intentions very often.
As a couple, you avoid bringing up difficult things so as not to upset the other.
You haven’t figured out how to argue productively.
Your conversations are mostly focused on facts, events, or logistics.
Your spouse is not the first person you want to tell when something great happens or a problem comes up.
If you seek comfort from your spouse they often say the wrong thing.
You don’t feel like you’re a team taking on life together.
You often feel alone when you’re with your partner.
It can be difficult to find something to talk about together.
Positive emotions like love, warmth, or emotional bonding feel awkward or only happen during sex .

So What Now?

First, if some of these 10 apply to your marriage, consider the possibility that emotional neglect is at work. Then, remind yourself that blame is unhelpful and unnecessary here.

Now, keeping the Gottman research in mind, think of emotional connection in a new way. Instead of thinking of it as a thing that you either do or don’t have, think of it as an action— a process of give-and-take that you and your partner actively do.

Ask your spouse for emotional support, or to share in a happy, sad, or painful moment. Watch for times when they are requesting an emotional bond with you, and provide it.

Ask – Give – Take. Ask – Give – Take. Each time you do it, you are removing the invisible pain from your marriage. You are healing the emotional neglect, one step at a time.

Finally, instead of being silently hurt by what isn't there, you will be connected and enriched by what you have created together.

Facebook image: Travelpixs/Shutterstock

Driver, J. L, and Gottman, J.M., (2004). Turning Toward Versus Turning Away: A Coding System of Daily Interactions. In P.K. Kerig and D.H. Baucom (Eds.), Couple Observational Coding Systems, Chapter 13, 209-225. NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates;

Bonnie M. Le, Stéphane Côté, Jennifer Stellar, Emily A. Impett. The Distinct Effects of Empathic Accuracy for a Romantic Partner’s Appeasement and Dominance Emotions. Psychological Science, 2020; 095679762090497 DOI: 10.1177/0956797620904975

Lameese Eldesouky, Tammy English, James J. Gross. Out of Sight, Out of Mind? Accuracy and Bias in Emotion Regulation Trait Judgments. Journal of Personality, 2016; DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12259

Jonice Webb, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and author of two books, Running On Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect and Running On Empty No More: Transform Your Relationships.

Find a Therapist
Find a Treatment Center
Find a Psychiatrist
Find a Support Group
Find Online Therapy
United States
Brooklyn, NY
Chicago, IL
Houston, TX
Los Angeles, CA
New York, NY
Portland, OR
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Seattle, WA
Washington, DC
Asperger's
Bipolar Disorder
Chronic Pain
Eating Disorders
Passive Aggression
Personality
Goal Setting
Positive Psychology
Stopping Smoking
Low Sexual Desire
Relationships
Child Development
Self Tests NEW
Therapy Center
Diagnosis Dictionary
Types of Therapy

Sticking up for yourself is no easy task. But there are concrete skills you can use to hone your assertiveness and advocate for yourself.

Emotional Intelligence
Gaslighting
Affective Forecasting
Neuroscience

Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Read our research on:

Full Topic List

Regions & Countries

Publications
Our Methods
Short Reads
Tools & Resources

Read Our Research On:

Americans see many federal agencies favorably, but Republicans grow more critical of Justice Department

A view of the National Mall in Washington. (Getty Images)

Americans continue to express positive views of several departments and agencies of the federal government. But there are partisan differences in many of these attitudes.

Most of these partisan gaps are similar to those seen last year, but Republicans and Democrats have grown further apart in their opinions of the Department of Justice. Republicans’ evaluations of the department have turned more negative.

A chart showing that Republicans’ views of the Justice Department have become less favorable; little change among Democrats.

Today, a majority of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents (56%) say they have an unfavorable opinion of the Justice Department, up from 50% last year. A third have a favorable opinion of the DOJ, while 11% say they are not sure.

By contrast, 55% of Democrats and Democratic leaners have a favorable impression of the DOJ. About a third of Democrats (32%) say they have an unfavorable opinion and 12% are not sure. Views among Democrats are similar to those measured a year ago.

Republicans’ evaluations of the Department of Homeland Security have also turned more negative over the last year: 41% now have a favorable view, down from 47% in 2023.

Pew Research Center regularly conducts surveys to gauge the public’s attitudes about the federal government, including government agencies and departments. For this analysis, we surveyed 9,424 adults from July 1 to 7, 2024.

Everyone who took part in this survey is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), a group of people recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses who have agreed to take surveys regularly. This kind of recruitment gives nearly all U.S. adults a chance of selection. Surveys were conducted either online or by telephone with a live interviewer. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other factors. Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

Here are the questions used for this analysis , the topline and the survey methodology .

Many federal agencies are viewed positively overall

A diverging bar chart showing that large majorities of Americans see the National Park Service, U.S. Postal Service and NASA favorably.

On balance, Americans view 13 of 16 federal agencies we asked about more favorably than unfavorably, according to our survey of 9,424 adults conducted July 1-7. Of those 13 agencies, 10 have net favorable ratings of 15 percentage points or more.

Topping the list are the National Park Service (76% favorable), the U.S. Postal Service (72%) and NASA (67%).

Smaller majorities have favorable impressions of other agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (55% favorable), the Department of Transportation (53%) and the Social Security Administration (53%).

Americans have mixed views of the Department of Education (44% favorable, 45% unfavorable, 11% unsure) and the Department of Justice (43% favorable, 44% unfavorable, 13% unsure).

The least popular federal agency of the 16 asked about is the Internal Revenue Service. Half of Americans have an unfavorable opinion of the IRS, while 38% have a favorable view.

The agencies that are viewed favorably in our recent online surveys were also among the most favorably viewed in past Pew Research Center surveys conducted by telephone. However, because of differences in question wording and survey mode, the specific percentages in recent web surveys and past telephone surveys are not directly comparable. (Refer to the drop-down box below for more.)

This survey is the second time Pew Research Center has measured the public’s attitudes about federal government agencies on our online American Trends Panel . We previously did so in 2023 . Earlier surveys measuring views of federal agencies, including polls fielded in 2020 and in 2019 , were conducted by telephone.

The findings in our 2024 and 2023 web surveys are not directly comparable with those past telephone surveys for two reasons:

The web surveys use different question wording than past telephone surveys. Online survey respondents receive an explicit “not sure” response option. Telephone respondents, by contrast, had to volunteer that they did not have an opinion about an agency. This change generally results in a larger share of respondents declining to offer an opinion.
Surveys conducted online and by telephone often produce different results because respondents sometimes answer similar questions differently across modes. This is called a “ mode effect .”

These two factors mean that point estimates (for instance, the share of respondents who express a favorable opinion about a single agency in our new survey and in a prior phone survey) should not be directly compared to measure change over time. Doing so would conflate question wording and mode differences with change over time.

Despite this limitation, some broad comparisons can be made. For example, if a wide partisan gap is evident for one agency that was not apparent in past surveys – whereas the partisan gap has remained relatively stable for other agencies – that change is likely not only a result of the transition to online polling from phone polling.

Republicans have mostly negative views of CDC, Department of Education

Diverging bar charts showing wide partisan differences in views of most federal agencies, but Americans in both parties view National Park Service, U.S. Postal Service and NASA favorably.

There are wide partisan gaps in Americans’ views of several federal agencies.

Democrats and Democratic leaners hold consistently favorable views of all 16 agencies asked about.

Republicans and GOP leaners express more unfavorable than favorable views for 11 of the 16 agencies.

The partisan divisions in favorability are deepest for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (78% favorable among Democrats vs. 33% among Republicans) and the Environmental Protection Agency (73% vs. 32%).

There are also wide partisan gaps over the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, the FBI, the Department of Transportation, the IRS and other agencies.

In contrast, clear majorities of both Democrats and Republicans give positive ratings to the National Park Service (80% vs. 75%, respectively), the U.S. Postal Service (76% vs. 68%) and NASA (74% vs. 62%).

Among Democrats, the CDC and EPA receive some of the highest net favorability ratings

A dot plot showing that Democrats feel more favorably than unfavorably toward 16 federal agencies; Republicans have net favorable views of only 5 agencies.

A large majority of Democrats (78%) rate the CDC favorably, while just 12% see the agency unfavorably. That amounts to a 66-point net advantage for the CDC.

For the EPA, 73% of Democrats see the agency favorably – 61 points more than the share who see it unfavorably.

Democrats view the IRS least favorably of the 16 federal agencies. They are only 13 points more likely to view it favorably than unfavorably (50% vs. 37%).

Republicans are much less favorable than Democrats toward most agencies

The agencies that Republicans feel most favorably toward are the National Park Service (67-point net favorability), NASA (45 points) and the Postal Service (41 points).

While it is not possible to make direct percentage point comparisons to past surveys due to a shift in survey mode, Republicans are more likely today than in the past to have substantially more negative than positive views of several agencies.

Republicans’ negative opinions of the CDC, in particular, appear to reflect a shift related to the coronavirus pandemic . Past Center surveys showed that Republicans were especially critical of the CDC’s handling of the outbreak.

Note: This is an update of a post originally published March 30, 2023. Here are the questions used for this analysis , the topline and the survey methodology .

Federal Government
Politics & Policy

Andy Cerda is a research analyst focusing on politics at Pew Research Center .

9 facts about Americans and marijuana

Nearly three-quarters of americans say it would be ‘too risky’ to give presidents more power, america’s abortion quandary, biden nears 100-day mark with strong approval, positive rating for vaccine rollout, biden begins presidency with positive ratings; trump departs with lowest-ever job mark, most popular.

901 E St. NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20004 USA (+1) 202-419-4300 | Main (+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax (+1) 202-419-4372 | Media Inquiries

Research Topics

Email Newsletters

ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .

Share full article

Supported by

Modern Love

Tiny Love Stories: ‘My Father, Autistic Like Me’

Modern Love in miniature, featuring reader-submitted stories of no more than 100 words.

A banner of six illustrations, in green, of people in various settings. From left to right: A large topless man lying down in sprinklers, while two kids look at him; a father holding a sleeping child on his chest while looking at a train schedule board; two people doing yoga together and looking at each other; a man fishing on a dock, while a bird looks on; a little girl mimicking a tubular figure; and a couple sitting at the edge of a dock, the woman’s head on the man’s shoulder.

Keeping Her Shot Glass Collection Alive

Cleaning out cousin Toney’s house cracked me open. Thirteen years older, Toney was like a sister, moving in with my family when I was 5, traveling with me when I won my first writing competition. Now Toney’s gone, unexpectedly dying at 49. “Fentanyl,” read the coroner’s report. Laced Ecstasy. Toney didn’t even drink much, buying shot glasses for their gemlike beauty. I took them all home: the ruby red glass I got her in Montreal, the cobalt blue piece from our time in Saratoga, and the wooden Honduran one she filled with multicolored sea glass I collected for her. — Jeff Dingler

Official Guide: Excellent Husband

Despite my persistent desire to become a writer, I have never felt confident in my own words. In graduate school, I told Omair that I wanted to inspire people. Later that week, he brought home “The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking” and inscribed inside: “The world would be lucky enough to hear the things I get to hear every day.” Whenever I have doubts, I look to the person who treats my words with the reverence of those of a Nobel laureate. If I only ever write for him, I will consider myself to be a successful author. — Mashal Mirza

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber? Log in .

Want all of The Times? Subscribe .

IMAGES

How to Express Your Opinion Archives
How to Express Your Opinions in English • 7ESL
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Write an Opinion Essay + Examples
Useful Ways of Expressing Opinions in English
An opinion essay
How to Express Your Opinion

COMMENTS

How to Write an Opinion Essay in 6 Steps
Paragraph 1: Introduction. Capture your reader's attention with a good hook. Present the prompt and state your opinion. Some tips for a good opinion essay hook: Use a surprising statistic. Profess an unpopular opinion. Ask a rhetorical question. Share an anecdote.
Academic Writing: How to Express Your Personal Opinion
To a lesser extent, we have expressions such as "To my mind,…", From my point of view" and "As far as I am concerned"; These three phrases are also rather used in speech than in writing. Another useful way of explicitly stating your opinion is to employ structures that contain adjectives, such as "I consider it important/ crucial ...
10 English Phrases to Express Your Opinion in an Essay
This won't take long and it's really important. 1. For these phrases to be really effective, you'll need to review your grammar. Shayna has some great videos on her Espresso English Youtube channel. I recommend these: Subject/Verb agreement. Formal and Informal English.
How to Write an Opinion Essay (With Tips and Examples)
1. Introduction: Hook: Begin with an attention-grabbing hook, such as a question, fact, quote, or anecdote, to engage the reader's interest. Thesis Statement: Present your clear and concise thesis statement. This statement is the foundation of your essay and encapsulates your main argument or opinion on the topic.
How to Write an Opinion Essay: Structure, Examples
Opinion essay introduction. Address the audience directly, and state the subject matter. Reference a speech, poem, book, or play. Include the author's name and date of publication in brackets. Thesis. 1 or 2 sentences to make up a short description. 1 or 2 summarizing sentences of the entire paper.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Write an Opinion Essay + Examples
An essay based on a person's personal opinion implies a clear statement of the author's thoughts on a specific topic. However, to show understanding of the problem, one should rely on facts, research, or examples from life. A supported opinion essay is precisely when the author's opinion is based on objective factors.
How To Assert Your Opinion in Writing
Expressing your opinion in writing—whether through an email, a report for work, or on a social media post—is a way to share new ideas and your unique perspective. However, asserting your opinion in a way that exudes confidence and conviction, instead of self-righteousness and force, takes skill. ... >>READ MORE: 5 Essay Types Students ...
How to Write an Opinion Essay in 5 Steps
Opinion Essay Writing Tips. 1. Clarity is Key. Ensure your writing is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and avoid unnecessary jargon. A well-articulated opinion essay is easily understood and resonates with a broader audience. 2. Stay Focused. Maintain a clear focus on your chosen topic.
How to Write an Opinion Essay
Overview of an Opinion Essay. Learning how to express your opinion and back it up in a constructive argument is an important life skill. Whether in a casual conversation or a more serious situation, being able to express yourself and your opinions will help you in the long run. There are a few steps to be followed to create a successful opinion ...
How to write an excellent opinion essay: tips and tricks
Step 5: Polishing Your Writing. To write an exceptional opinion essay, it is essential to pay attention to the finer details of your writing. Ensure that your grammar, spelling, and punctuation are flawless. Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas effectively, and avoid vague or ambiguous statements.
An opinion essay
Top Tips for writing. Write your essay in clear paragraphs. Use phrases like First of all, In addition and To sum up to start each paragraph. Express your own opinion using I think, In my opinion or I believe. Mention other viewpoints with phrases like Some people think and say whether you agree or disagree with them.
Writing an opinion essay
Organise your text. An opinion essay has three parts: Introduction; Arguments or reasons that support your view. Conclusion; Introduction. Paragraph 1. Introduce the topic and give your opinion. Say whether you agree or disagree with the statement or question. It can be a good idea to use a question to grab the reader's attention. Check the ...
Ultimate Guide to Writing an Opinion Essay: Tips and Tricks
An opinion essay aims to express the writer's viewpoint on a particular topic or issue. It allows the writer to share their thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives in a structured and coherent manner. ... When writing the conclusion of your opinion essay, it is important to effectively summarize your main points and restate your opinion clearly ...
How to Write an Opinion Essay: Express Your Opinion Correctly
Paragraph 4. Express your third reason and arguments for it (e.g. source of interaction between parent and child). Paragraph 5. Conclusion (restate your opinion on the topic and sum up your thoughts). Also, you can consider a limitation of your point of view.
Ultimate Guide To Writing An Opinion Essay
Here are the steps to follow when writing an opinion essay: 1. Pre-writing strategies: Before you start writing, it's important to brainstorm ideas and gather information on your topic. This can include researching your topic, making a list of arguments and counterarguments, and creating a mind map or outline. 2.
How to Write an Opinion Essay: Examples, Structure, & Tips
Use formal style. When writing an opinion essay, you should use a formal style, avoiding slang and colloquial language. It means using proper grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary suitable for an academic setting. Choose a side on the issue. You should take a clear stance on a particular topic in your essay.
Expressing Opinions in English: Agreeing and Disagreeing
Maybe, but it seems to me that…. I partly agree, but I still believe that…. I don't agree. In my opinion,…. I completely disagree. To me,…. 5. Clarifying your opinion. No, that's not what I'm trying to say.
Writing an Engaging Opinion Essay: Examples & Tips
Writing an opinion essay is a great way to express your thoughts and opinions on any given topic. With some research, organization, and structure, you can easily convey your point of view. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can write an effective opinion essay and make a strong argument.
65 Useful Phrases for Expressing Opinions in English
Expressing your opinion is important, especially with friends and colleagues. To do so easily, check out this list of functional phrases: In my opinion…. From my perspective…. Personally, I believe…. I feel that…. It seems to me that…. I am of the view that…. As far as I'm concerned….
How To Tackle The Weirdest Supplemental Essay Prompts For This ...
How to Answer it: While it may be easy to get distracted by the open-ended nature of the prompt, remember that both the substance and structure of your response should give some insight into your ...
What happened in the Kolkata rape case that triggered doctors' protests
Activists and doctors across India continued to protest on Wednesday to demand justice for a female doctor, who was raped and murdered while on duty in a hospital in the eastern city of Kolkata ...
Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist
Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist
Here Are the Olympic Moments We Won't Forget
Novak Djokovic, a 37-year-old Serb, has done so much in his tennis career: winning 24 Grand Slam singles titles, earning the world No. 1 ranking and raking in over $180 million in prize money.
How Americans see federal departments and agencies
Americans continue to express positive views of several departments and agencies of the federal government. But there are partisan differences in many of these attitudes. Most of these partisan gaps are similar to those seen last year, but Republicans and Democrats have grown further apart in their opinions of the Department of Justice.
Regulations.gov
Regulations.gov
Writing an opinion essay
Writing an opinion essay. When you write an opinion essay, you must say what you think about a topic and try to convince the reader of your point of view on that topic. To do that, you should first introduce the topic and state your opinion. ... Expressing contrast, purpose and reason. You may also need or want to use some connectors of ...
Hot Summer Threatens Efficacy of Mail-Order Medications
The temperatures inside delivery trucks can reach twice the recommended threshold, but federal rules on drug storage conditions do not apply to the booming world of mail-order delivery.
Trump and Allies Forge Plans to Increase Presidential Power in 2025
The former president and his backers aim to strengthen the power of the White House and limit the independence of federal agencies.
ICJ Opinion Declares Israeli Occupation of Palestinian Territories Illegal
The opinion is the second time the top international court has taken up the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (A third, South Africa's case accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, is ongoing.)
Tiny Love Stories: 'My Father, Autistic Like Me'
Keeping Her Shot Glass Collection Alive. Cleaning out cousin Toney's house cracked me open. Thirteen years older, Toney was like a sister, moving in with my family when I was 5, traveling with ...

Academic Writing: How to Express Your Personal Opinion

2 Kommentare

Gefördert vom

10 English Phrases to Express Your Opinion in an Essay

Introducing the Phrases

Informal English Phrases

“In my opinion, + [your sentence]”

“I believe that + [your sentence]”

“In my mind, + [your sentence]”

More Formal Academic Phrases With ‘That’

“It would seem that + [your sentence]”

“It could be argued that + [your sentence]”

“This suggests that + [your sentence]”

“This proves that + [your sentence]”

“This supports the idea that + [your sentence]”

Other Ways to Express Opinion

Using Adverbs, Adjectives and Nouns

Make Your Own Phrases!

What Should You Do Now?

About Sam Pealing

Get corrections on your written English:

You might also like...

100 Superlatives: List & Examples

24 Examples of Adjective + Preposition Combinations

Relative Clauses + Exercises

Opinion Essays – Step-by-Step Instructions

Introduction

What Is an Opinion Essay?

What Kind of Student Faces an Opinion Essay?

What Are the Requirements of an Opinion Essay?

1. Clear and Concise Thesis Statement:

2. Introduction:

3. Well-Structured Body Paragraphs:

4. Acknowledgment of Counterarguments:

5. Conclusion:

6. Evidence and Examples:

7. Proper Citation:

8. Editing and Proofreading:

Opinion Essay Topics

1. Technology:

2. Education:

3. Environment:

4. Politics and Government:

5. Health and Wellness:

6. Social Issues:

7. Economics:

8. Science and Technology Ethics:

9. Culture and Society:

10. Ethics and Morality:

Opinion Essay Structure

1. Introduction:

2. Body Paragraphs:

3. Conclusion:

Opinion Essay Examples

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Introduction:

Body Paragraphs:

Conclusion:

Additional Considerations:

Frequently asked questions

Q2. How can I make my introduction engaging?

Q3. What role do counterarguments play in an opinion essay?

Q4. How can I ensure my opinion essay is well-structured?

Q5. Should I include personal experiences in my opinion essay?

Q6. How can I find credible evidence for my opinion essay?

Q7. What is the difference between an opinion and a persuasive essay?

Q8. How can I maintain a formal tone in my opinion essay?

Q9. Can I use personal anecdotes in my conclusion?

Q10. What is the most important aspect of revising my opinion essay?

Do you want to share?

Top 100 Persuasive Essay Topics/Ideas for Students

Discursive Essay Topics for Students

How to Write an Essay Introduction?

How to Write a Law Essay: Writing Guide with Examples

How to Choose Ideal Argumentative Essay Topics to Work On

PEEL Paragraph a Guide to Write a Perfect Essay

100 Effective Persuasive Essay Topics

How to Write a Descriptive Essay?- Guide with Examples

Who Am I Essay : How to Write it?

Subscribe Newsletter