An opinion essay is, as its name suggests, a piece of writing in which we express personal opinions on a given topic. Starting 2015, the essay willl become a compulsory task in the FCE and CAE exams, Writing part 1.
The structure of the opinion essay resembles that of the For and Against essay and its purpose can be summarized by Joey Smallwood’s – 
Former premier of Newfoundland – words about givig speeches: “First I tell them what I’m going to tell them, then I tell them, then I tell them what I told them”.
You should start your opinion essay with an introduction(introductory paragraph) in which you state both the topic of your writing( a thesis statement), and your opinion about it. The introduction is followed by a main body consisting of 3 paragraphs. The first two paragraphs should include and explain one reason in support of your viewpoint. You must also give an example or an illustration to sustain each of your reasons. However, the third paragraph of the main body should present the opposing viewpoint in order to give a balanced view of the topic. Finally, the conclusion (the 5th paragraph) is a restatement of the thesis and of your opinion.
Don’t forget to write well developed paragraphs! Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence and use appropriate linking words and phrases to connect your sentences and ideas. Here are a few suggestions:
To state your opinion: I believe, in my opinion, in my view, it seems to me that, the way I see it.
To introduce a viewpoint: What is more, also, furthermore, moreover, in addition to this/that, apart from this,
To introduce an opposing viewpoint: People argue that, opponents of this view say,contrary to what most people believe.
To conclude: To sum up, all in all, all things considered, taking everything into account
If you want to write an opinion essay, here is a suggestion: share your opinions about what should be changed and improved in the nowadays school system! Participate in our Essay Competition and become the lucky winner of a 2-week summer camp in the UK!
