Structured Opinion Writing
Compose opinion pieces that introduce a topic, state a clear point of view, provide organised reasons linked with connecting words, and include a concluding statement or section
What a learner can do afterwards
- Write an opinion piece that introduces the topic, states a clear opinion, and provides at least two reasons
- Use linking words (because, and, also, for example) to connect the opinion to supporting reasons
- End an opinion piece with a concluding statement that restates or reinforces the opinion
1 · Read
You already know how to share what you think, like asking for a longer lunch break. Structured opinion writing puts that wish in an order that is easy to follow. Start by naming the topic and stating your opinion. Then give at least two reasons, one at a time, using linking words. Finish by saying your opinion again in new words.
Read this one about lunch break: 'I think our lunch break should be longer. First, kids need more time to eat without rushing. Also, a longer break gives everyone time to play before class starts again. Lunch break should be longer, because happy, rested kids learn better in the afternoon.'
Words like because, also, and for example connect your opinion to your reasons, so the reader can follow your thinking.
A strong conclusion does not add a new idea. It says your opinion again, using different words, so the reader remembers exactly what you think.
State your opinion, link your reasons with words like because and also, then end by restating your opinion.
The rewritten readings were written for this dataset.
More to read
An opinion in five paragraphs
Use five paragraphs to explain what you think about a topic.
Begin with an introduction. Name your topic and clearly state your opinion.
Use the next paragraph for your first reason. Explain why you hold that opinion. You could begin with First or One reason is.
Give a second reason in the third paragraph. Also or Another reason is can connect it to your earlier idea. You can add an example using for example.
The fourth paragraph gives a third reason to support your view.
Finish with a conclusion. Remind readers of your opinion using different words.
Read the whole essay aloud. Check that you have a clear opinion at the beginning, reasons joined by linking words, and an ending that returns to your opinion.
Help readers follow your ideas
Linking words help readers follow a change of idea. Another name for them is transitions.
Plan before writing. Put your opinion and reasons in the order you want to share them.
Choose a linking word that fits. Also and another reason introduce more support for your opinion. Because explains a reason. For example introduces an example. So connects an idea to its result.
Listen as you read your work aloud. If the connection between two sentences is unclear, a linking word may help.
Turn an opinion into a joke
An opinion and a joke can share a plan: say what you think, explain why, give an example, then finish.
Stand-up comedy is one person telling jokes on a stage. Your own way of seeing things can give you ideas for jokes. Start by writing a strong feeling, perhaps about pizza night or brushing your teeth.
For a pizza-night joke, you could explain that you love it because your whole family sits together. Then tell how your dog watched your slice the whole time last Friday. That example adds detail to your opinion.
End with a funny way to say your opinion again. This helps the audience remember it.
Share your view in a column
A newspaper column can be a short piece that shares a writer's opinion.
Choose something that matters to you, such as longer recess or having dogs as pets.
Let readers know your view at the start. 'Recess should last longer' tells them what you think.
Explain each reason separately. First and also help connect your reasons. For example introduces an example that supports one.
Close by reminding readers of your view in different words.
Your voice is the way your writing sounds. Use friendly words that feel like the way you speak.
2 · Watch
En anglaisTake it off screen
Where it sits
Learn first
Optional connections
This opens up
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.