FROM PARAGRAPH TO ESSAY

An essay is a group of paragraphs about a specific subject. Like a paragraph, an essay makes and
supports one main point. However, the subject of an essay is too complex to discuss in one paragraph.
Several paragraphs are needed to fully support the main point of an essay. A typical essay has four or
five paragraphs, but many other types of essays are longer or shorter.

PARTS OF AN ESSAY
An essay has three main parts:
an introduction (an introductory paragraph)
a body (two or more paragraphs)
a conclusion (a concluding paragraph)
The following chart shows you the similar organizational patterns of a paragraph and a five-
paragraph essay.
Compare and analyze the opinion paragraph and opinion essay below in terms of the structural
aspects.

OPINION PARAGRAPH: In Support of Homeschooling

TOPIC I am in favor of homeschooling for three reasons. First,
SENTENCE homeschooling effectively uses time. For example, homeschooling
REASON #1 parents can decide flexibly on the times of the lessons according to their
JUSTIFICATION Children can finish their lessons in a shorter time, so there will
be more time for play, the outdoors, projects, the arts, and real
REASON #2 experiments. The second reason is that students can follow their interests
JUSTIFICATION and study subjects more deeply. They can choose some of the topics that
they want to investigate. For instance, they might study ancient Chinese
REASON #3 history, quantum physics, or computer animation. Lastly, they are
JUSTIFICATION physically and mentally
have to get up early or travel to school every day. This also makes them
CONCLUDING feel more relaxed and peaceful. In conclusion, there are a lot of benefits
SENTENCE of homeschooling for children. (144 words)

OPINION ESSAY: In Support of Homeschooling

INTRODUCTION An increasing number of parents in countries such as Australia,
Canada, and the United States have decided not to send their children to
elementary or secondary school. Instead, parents devote their time and
THESIS energy to teaching their children at home. Although in most countries,
STATEMENT governments require children to attend schools, I am in favor of
homeschooling for two main reasons.

REASON 1 First, homeschooling uses time effectively. Children who are

+JUSTIFICATION homeschooled can finish their lessons in a shorter time. For example, the
average school day is six to seven hours long in many countries. However,
homeschooled children can finish their lessons in four to five hours. As a
result, they have more time to play sports, enjoy hobbies, or continue
studying.

The second reason is that homeschooling offers additional

schoolwork and the opportunity for children and teens to become
REASON 2 independent learners. With the extra time they have, they can follow their
+JUSTIFICATION interests and study subjects more deeply. They can choose some of the
topics that they want to investigate. For example, they might study ancient
Chinese history, quantum physics, or computer animation.

On the other hand, some people argue that homeschooling isolates

+REFUTATION children from society and their peers, and due to their lack of interaction
with their peers, homeschooled students have fewer social skills and less
practice with teamwork. However, they seem to neglect the fact that
 homeschooling contributes significantly to the social development of young
individuals. Homeschooled students have many opportunities to engage
socially, not only with their family members but also with peers in similar
educational settings.
CONCLUSION All in all, homeschooled students can complete their lessons in less
time than students in a formal classroom, and they learn how to ask
questions and find answers on their own. I feel that even more parents
should consider the option of homeschooling because of the benefits it
offers. (306 words)

OPINION ESSAYS

OPINION ESSAY ORGANIZATION

TITLE

General statements
Thesis statement (State the topic and your
INTRODUCTION
opinion clearly.)
(e.g. I believe that/I think that physical education should be taught at schools.)
Your 1st VIEWPOINT/REASON supporting the thesis statement
+
Justifications (Support your reason by explaining, giving examples, and details.)
Your 2nd VIEWPOINT/REASON supporting the thesis statement
+
Justifications (Support your reason by explaining, giving examples, and details.)

MAIN BODY

+
Reason(s) for the opposing viewpoint (State why opponents think that way, at least 1
or 2 sentences)
+
Refutation (Prove that they are wrong, or their argument is not powerful enough (at
least 2 or more sentences)

CONCLUSION In conclusion, /All in All, /To conclude,

(Restate the thesis or summarize the main ideas and make final comments/give
suggestions or solutions.)
 This type of topic asks for your own opinion starting from the first paragraph which should be clearly
stated and supported by reasons in the main body paragraphs.

SAMPLE OPINION ESSAYS

Is the Metrobus a solution?
Istanbul, whose population has already exceeded 16 million, has a big network of public
transportation. In addition to the classical services of bus, tram, subway and ferryboat, people in this
big city have been using the metrobus as a means of public transportation since 2007. Around 2 billion
330 million passengers travelled by metrobus in the year 2022 and the numbers rise every year.
However, there are also hot debates about its efficiency. As far as I am concerned, the metrobus is
not an effective solution to the public transportation system of Istanbul.
My first reason is that it has already surpassed its capacity and cannot function properly. Nearly
800.000 people take the metrobus every day. The buses, the platforms, the footbridges are full of
people who try to reach their destination. It is impossible to get on or get off the bus, especially during
rush hour. Therefore, the system of the metrobus does not work accurately.
My second reason is that it does not relieve traffic congestion on E5 motorway. Actually, it
causes more traffic. The lanes for automobiles are fewer and narrower than before since two separate
lanes for the metrobus were constructed. This leads to many problems during the day. For example,
there are long queues of cars every day and night, especially during rush hour. Moreover, drivers using
the emergency lane block the way of the ambulance.
On the other hand, there are some people who claim that the metrobus is a highly effective
solution for public transportation system in Istanbul. They say that because it enables people to travel
long distances faster and in shorter time. They might have a point. However, the metrobuses can be
crowded with hundreds of people. You cannot even find a place to stand or read a book. It is also not
comfortable to travel during summer months because of the heat, so it might be a faster means of
transport, but it is definitely not a comfortable journey.
All in all, I believe the metrobus is not an effective means of transportation for a megacity like
Istanbul. It was a short-term solution, and now, Istanbul needs to replace it with a more stable, safe,
comfortable means of public transportation. (366 words)

Travelling Alone
Travelling to new places is a wonderful way to learn about the world and get away from your daily
routine. Some people believe that travelling alone will be boring, so they prefer travelling with their
friends or families to make it more enjoyable. However, I think travelling alone is a better experience
than travelling with other people because of two reasons.
First of all, while travelling alone, you get the opportunity to plan your own route and the places
you want to visit. This means that you get to choose the extra activities you want to do and plan your
trip as you wish. However, when you are travelling with other people, you often have to compromise
going to some places so that everyone is happy about it. This can demotivate you or you may feel that
you are wasting your time.
Secondly, being on your own on the road will help you gain valuable skills and turn you into a
more confident person. The experience will challenge your limits and ability to cope with obstacles on
the way which will make you a stronger person. For example, you might have to explain where you are
going to a local person or do hiking for hours in the mountains alone. These experiences will test your
ability to overcome problems and help you grow as an individual.
On the other hand, many people think that travelling with family or friends is a better option than
travelling alone. They claim that it is always good to have someone familiar around and that they always
want to make sure that they are safe. However,
dangerous situations,
detailed plans, you can have trouble while travelling with others as well, so the important thing is to get
prepared well and ask for help when you need.
All things considered, I strongly believe that it is better to travel alone than travelling with other
people. It gives you the opportunity to embrace independence and self-discovery. Besides, navigating
the world alone is not only a transformative experience but also a catalyst for personal growth. Now,
t it time to get out of your comfort zone and make a change in your travelling habits? (393 words)

INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH

An essay introduction consists of two parts:

1. a few general statements to attract the
2. a thesis statement

After giving general or background information about the topic, you

need to narrow your focus and present a thesis statement at the end of the introductory paragraph.
Like the topic sentence of a paragraph, the thesis statement expresses the topic and states the main
idea of the essay.

Since the introduction is the section that first addresses your audience, it should immediately attract
their attention.

You can start your introduction paragraph by

a. giving general statements and then narrowing it down.

b. An interesting sentence or question tha

attention.
c. Giving background information/explanation of the topic for the
essay.
THE LAST SENTENCE: Thesis Statement which tells exactly what
this essay will talk about.

The first part of the introductory paragraph of an opinion essay often begins by explaining the topic:

Cell Phones in School

GENERAL The amazing thing about cell phones is

STATEMENTS that they are no longer just used for calling or texting. They have become an
indispensable multi- -edge technology at
your fingertips.
THESIS I believe students should be permitted to use them because cell phones do not
STATEMENT just allow students to stay connected with family and friends, they are also an
excellent learning resource.

Techniques for Writing Introduction Paragraphs

There are a number of methods for starting your essays. Sometimes more than one method can be
used to start your essay.

1. The funnel method

In this method, the first sentence is broad and general. It provides some general, common-sense
knowledge on the topic. Each following sentence is narrower and more focused. Finally, it narrows down
to your thesis. The important thing in this approach is that your funnel should not be too large, because
you will never be able to narrow it down. For example, if you start with the beginning of human history
to write about young people living on their own, it will take you ages to narrow down the idea.
Therefore, your funnel must be appropriately narrow at the beginning.
QUESTION: Your topic is . What is the most general idea to start your paragraph? How
do you narrow down the topic step by step?

Example paragraph:
Sentences are Technology makes our lives easier. One area that technology helps a lot is
from communication. We use many different technological tools for communication
general and mobile phones are the most common ones. People benefit from the mobile
phone in various ways. I think mobile phones are great tools for modern life.
(Thesis st.)
to specific

! Writing tip: When you use the funnel method, do not start with the Bing Bang. For example, do

2. Asking questions/Addressing the reader directly

Using questions to attract the attention of your readers is another useful strategy. Then, your essay
proceeds to answer the questions you have posed in the introduction. You should be asking meaningful
questions that lead the readers to think.
Example paragraph:
What do you see when you look in the mirror? Are you happy with your
reflection or would you rather look different? People have always tried to look
Asking a more beautiful and more attractive. They tried dressing up nicely, wearing
rhetorical accessories, and putting on make-up. Nowadays plastic surgery is in fashion.
question However, in my opinion, plastic surgery should be considered necessary only if
it really has physical and psychological benefits. (Thesis st.)
3. Turn-about
This strategy involves starting with the idea, belief, or opinion that is the opposite of your own claim or
thesis. You first present the opposite party's opinion, then you switch to your own opinion. In other
words, you do a turn-about. It is most common to introduce a turn-about with but, however, although,
and so on. This strategy is especially useful in argumentation.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE: If you use this technique in your introduction paragraph, please be careful not to
repeat the same ide

Example paragraph:
Today, everyone from 7 to 70 has a cell phone in their hands. Some people
problems, believe that using mobile phones may cause many problems. If people use them
disadvantages all the time, they may eventually suffer from many health problems. A person
who uses his/her mobile phone more than necessary may also disturb people
around him/her. Although mobile phones have some disadvantages, many
people benefit from them. Therefore, I believe that mobile phones are great
benefits
inventions for two main reasons. (Thesis st.)

EXERCISE 1: Read the introduction paragraphs. Can you identify the technique used in each
paragraph?

1. Scientists have been using animals in medical research for a long time. Since then, people have
discussed how ethical it is to use animals for the benefits of medical progress. People who support
animal rights believe that animals are equal to humans, and they are sensitive beings although their
I agree with this idea. I believe that they should have
equal rights with humans.

2. Today almost everyone over the age of thirteen carries a cell phone. Many school systems have

texting during classes. Others say it is because they interrupt the learning environment. However, I
definitely think that students should be allowed to use their cell phones in school since they are great
tools for school purposes and a necessity in any emergency situation.

3. Have you ever pondered the impact of technology on our daily lives? In this rapidly evolving digital
age, where smartphones and computers have become integral parts of our existence, it's crucial to
consider the effects of our constant connection to the virtual world. Do you find yourself questioning
whether this constant connectivity brings more benefits or drawbacks? I believe that technology shapes
our world and influences our everyday choices in many ways.
 WRITING THESIS STATEMENTS FOR OPINION ESSAYS
Since you will be writing about an issue and taking a side/position on that particular issue, you can use
the following graphic to help you plan and organize your thesis statement:

Issue / Topic
+
Position
+
2 reasons for support Thesis
=
Statement

1. it has little I think elementary school

nutritional value children should not eat fast
Elementary should not
school +
eat fast food +
2. it is expensive =
food because it has little
nutritional value, and it is
children expensive.
Issue/Topic Position 2 Reasons for Support Thesis Statement

PHRASES TO INTRODUCE THESIS STATEMENTS IN OPINION ESSAYS

In my opinion, In my view, Personally, I think that
It is clear that
I completely agree /disagree with
As far as I am concerned,

EXERCISE 2: Write a thesis statement for each opinion.

1. Opinion: Technology is improving our lives.

Reason 1: It allows Thesis statement: In my

+ + +is improving people
= to work at view, technology is
Technology home. improving our lives
our lives
because it allows people to
Reason 2: It provides
work at home, and it
students with instant
provides students with
information.
instant information.

2. Opinion: Moving to America is not easy for many immigrants.

Reasons: *language barrier *cultural differences
Thesis Statement: _________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
3. Opinion: Learning to write in English is difficult.
Reasons: *require time *require practice
Thesis Statement: _____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
4. Opinion: Life on Earth is getting more and more dangerous.
Reasons: *environmental problems *political problems
Thesis Statement: _____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
5. opinion Playing games online has some benefits on children
Reasons *language skills *critical thinking skills
Thesis statement: _____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
EXERCISE 3: Work in pairs. Choose your side and write a thesis statement for your opinion by giving
two reasons. Answers may vary.
1. Should everyone learn to code in the contemporary world?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Is travelling by your car bad for the environment?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
3. Is having a university degree sufficient to get a good job?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
4. Should everyone go to university?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

5. Is celebrity/influencer

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
6. Is it important to follow trends in fashion?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

REMINDER: As long as you make a good introduction (giving sufficient background information and
general information), a short version of a thesis statement as shown below is also CORRECT. Yet, you
can always write more complex sentences. That is, you can always do better
I believe that classrooms should be mixed due to two reasons.
I think that anti-smoking laws are unfair for two reasons.

WRITING PRACTICE 1: Now it is your turn to write an introduction paragraph to the topic given.

with this statement?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
 BODY PARAGRAPHS IN OPINION ESSAYS

In the body paragraphs of an opinion essay, you support your thesis statement with at least 2 reasons.
You develop each reason into a separate paragraph. Then, you need to present the opposing viewpoint
in another paragraph.

EXERCISE 3:
A. Read the essay and match the paragraphs (A-E) to the headings (1-5) below.
1 _____ second viewpoint & reasons/examples
2 _____ restate opinion
3 _____ opposing viewpoint & refutation
4 _____ first viewpoint & reasons/examples
5 _____ introduce topic and state your opinion
Diet without Meat
A Nowadays we are often told that we should eat meat as it is an irreplaceable protein, and it is
vital to our body. Some people think that as humans, we are designed to eat meat because that is a
habit we have taken from our ancestors. However, I personally believe that we should not consume
meat because it harms both our health and animals.
B In the first place, eating meat can be harmful for our health. To start with, the meat we
consume today is different than the one people ate in the past. Animals used to be in the nature and eat
grass, insects, or other foods, which are natural to them. The meat from this animal is now different
from the meat from a cow that was born and raised in a factory, which was given growth-promoting
hormones and antibiotics. What is more, some meat products are highly processed after the animals
have been slaughtered. They are smoked, cured, and then processed with various chemicals such as
preservatives. In fact, we think we eat healthily by eating meat, but we take in these chemical
substances, which are not good for us.
C Secondly, the meat industry is cruel to animals. For instance, animals are often kept in poor
conditions or in cages. This means that they cannot walk around, have natural light or fresh air. They are
also highly depressed. Studies show that cattle, pigs, chickens, and all warm-blooded animals can stress,
pain and fear. Moreover, the methods which are used for killing animals make them suffer.
D On the other hand, some people argue that meat is an essential part of our diet and vegetarian
food is boring and tasteless. They claim that human beings have been eating meat for thousands of
years and this is how we are designed. However, they seem to forget that we are in a modern world
now and things are changing fast. Besides, there are many healthy and tasty alternatives available, and
these can also provide valuable protein and vitamins to our body.
E In conclusion, I really think it's a promising idea to stop eating meat. We need to change our
habits for the better and choose a vegetarian diet. It's not just about being healthier; it's also about
helping the animals have a better future. So, let's make this positive change for ourselves and for the
well-being of our animal friends. (394 words)
B. Find the justifications for each viewpoint in the essay above and complete the table.
 VIEWPOINT 1 Supporting Ideas
harmful for our health given growth-promoting hormones and antibiotics
processed with various chemicals
VIEWPOINT 2 Supporting Ideas
cruel to animals poor conditions and cages
not walk around /have natural light/fresh air
cruel methods
OPPOSING VIEWPOINT REFUTATION
essential part of diet-for thousands many healthy and tasty alternatives available
of years valuable protein and vitamins
tasteless vegetarian food time is changing
this is how we are designed

PRESENTING THE OPPOSING VIEWPOINT

After you have presented your viewpoints that support your thesis statement, you need to present the
opposing viewpoint in paragraph 4. You should use certain phrases to introduce the opposing
viewpoint with a transition word that expresses contrast.

Follow the steps:

STEP 1: First, present the opposing viewpoint. Then, state specifically why they think like that.
Transition Words Phrases to introduce the opposing argument

However, it is argued that . . .

On the other hand, some people argue/believe that . . .
Nevertheless, there are people who argue that . . .
opponents of this view claim / say that . . .

STEP 2: REFUTATION

Now that you have presented the opposing viewpoint and the reason(s), you must attack and refute
two basic
methods of refutation:
a. COMPLETELY DISAGREE: Your
misleading information. Tell the reader why it is wrong.
USEFUL LANGUAGE

However, /But/On the other hand, I strongly disagree with this view because
However, /But/On the other hand, this
However, /But/On the other hand, they are wrong as

b. COMPROMISE: Agree that the opposing viewpoint is valid, but it is not powerful enough. Show that
your viewpoint is more compelling.
USEFUL LANGUAGE

However, they seem to forget

To a certain extent they are right.
On the other ha

Refutation Paragraph examples:

Example 1:
On the other hand, the opponents of mandatory uniforms say that students who wear uniforms cannot
express their individuality. They may be right to a certain extent. However, they forget that individual
performance is more valuable than individual expression through clothing. School uniforms give
students a sense of unity and students know that they are a part of a big community. I believe this
feeling is equally important.

Example 2:
Of course, there are people who argue that travelling by plane can be a nightmare, with airport delays,
cramped seats and turbulence to put up with. What is more, airplanes and airports are often targeted by
terrorists, which make some people think that travelling by plane is unsafe. However, they seem to
ignore the fact that the number of deaths caused by cars is larger than that caused by planes. For this
reason, travelling by plane is by far the safest way of travel.

Example 3:
On the other hand, some people say that the use of animals in research for developing cosmetics
products is cruel and unacceptable. They believe that testing of cosmetic products is completely
unnecessary and does not add any fundamental value for humanity. They may have a point. However,
they do not consider that if a drug is released into the market without careful testing, it could cause
severe damage to anyone who may consume it. Even though animals subjected to testing may suffer, it
is a necessary step to ensure the healing power of a drug.
! Writing tip 1: Sometimes you may find more support for an argument that you disagree with. So, it
might be a better idea to choose this argument and develop it for your essay.
! Writing tip 2: Use plural form of the nouns instead of singular.

He or she needs to be patient. They need to be patient.

WRITING PRACTICE 2:

Work in groups of three:

Write three body paragraphs related to the topic in the box below.
Decide if you agree or disagree with the topic.
Write a thesis statement.
Brainstorm ideas and find 2 viewpoints/reasons showing why you agree or disagree.
Take short notes for your first and second viewpoints.
Write body paragraphs for each viewpoint.
Do not forget to use linking words and transition words.
Get feedback from your instructor & other groups.

Example Group Work:

Group members Altan, Efe, Duru, Berrin

Topic:
agree or disagree?

Thesis Statement I believe that bullying is the biggest problem that children face today.

VIEWPOINT 1 Body Paragraph 1:

affect school
My first reason is that bullying affects school performance negatively.
performance
For example, students are unable to study well. They cannot focus on
their school assignments or lessons. They even avoid going to school in
Supporting Ideas order to protect themselves from bullies. As a result, these students
*unable to study well may fall behind so much that they cannot catch up later on. They feel
*avoid going to school disconnected from school and lose the opportunity to enjoy school
activities as well.
*miss some lessons
*feel disconnected
*not enjoy school
 VIEWPOINT 2 Body Paragraph 2:
*affect psychological -being. For
well-being example, many sufferers of bullying can develop aggressive behavior
Supporting Ideas towards others, so they have difficulty in developing and maintaining
*develop aggressive effective relationships. They may also avoid conflict and be socially
behavior isolated. As a result, they may lack confidence, feel bad about
*cannot develop themselves, have few friends, and spend a lot of time alone.
effective relationships Consequently, they feel more depressed and lonelier, which has
negative effects on both individuals and society.
*lack of confidence
*depressed and lonely
*negative for individual
& society

Of course, there are some people who argue that experiencing bullying at
OPPOSING VIEWPOINT
school can contribute to the development of coping mechanisms and
* development of coping
mechanisms and emotional strength of students. They also say that individuals who have
emotional strength of
experienced bullying firsthand may develop a heightened sense of empathy
students.
for others facing similar challenges at very young ages. However, they
* develop a heightened
sense of empathy seem to ignore the fact that while some may develop coping mechanisms
and empathy, many others experience lasting negative effects on their
REFUTATION
mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. It is inappropriate to
* lasting negative effects
on their mental health, generalize positive outcomes to the entire population of bullying victims.
self-esteem, and overall
well-being
* inappropriate to
generalize
 Group members
Topic: travelling with other

Thesis Statement

Body Paragraph 1:
VIEWPOINT 1

Supporting Ideas

Body Paragraph 2:
VIEWPOINT 2

Supporting Ideas

Body Paragraph 3:
OPPOSING VIEWPOINT

REFUTATION
 CONCLUDING PARAGRAPHS IN OPINION ESSAYS

A good essay definitely deserves a good ending. In the concluding paragraph of an opinion essay, you
may (1) restate your thesis in different words, and/or (2) summarize your reasons.

In your final comment, you may (1) suggest a solution; (2) make a recommendation or
(3) a prediction.

Your final comment should be powerful. You may also use quotations and ask a question to make the
concluding paragraph more interesting.

Today almost everyone over the age of thirteen carries a cell phone. Many
school systems have banned this item from school grounds. Many say it is due to the
Introductory
Paragraph
interrupt the learning environment. However, I definitely think that students should
be allowed to use their mobile phones in school since they are great tools for
school purposes and a necessity in any emergency situation.

All in all, I believe that cell phones should be permissible on school premises.
They can be used for academic purposes. In addition, cell phones are essential for
Concluding unexpected conditions. Before you are quick to criticize cell phones, think of the
Paragraph numerous advantages of possessing them.

Here is another sample concluding paragraph:

In some cities in the United States, teenage gangs create problems. The
problems range from noisy gatherings in the park to robberies. In certain instances,
Introductory
there are even deadly shootings. Some cities are trying to stop these activities by
Paragraph
keeping young people indoors and off the streets. Police departments say that
curfew laws to control teenage gangs are necessary, but I feel that such laws are
unfair and unconstitutional.

To summarize, making laws to stop teenage gang problems is a mistake.

Governments should not tell young people when they can and cannot be outside their
Concluding
homes. It is the responsibility of parents to see that their sons and daughters are safely
Paragraph
at home during the nighttime hours. It is also up to parents to teach their children to
respect others and become good members of society.
 Techniques for Memorable Conclusions
Some techniques you can use to write a memorable conclusion include making predictions, suggesting
results or consequences, recommending a solution or call to action, or use a quotation.

1. Make a prediction
Example:
All in all, the costs of attending college have been rising while sources of financial aid for students have
been disappearing. If this trend continues, fewer and fewer families will be able to send their children
through four years of college.

2. Suggest results or consequences.

Example:
To sum up, the costs of attending college are up and financial aid for students is down. Fewer and fewer
future members of the workforce are able to educate themselves beyond high school. As a result, the
nation will waste the intelligence, imagination, and energy of the young generation.

3. Recommend a solution or call for action.

Example:
In conclusion, it is clear that the system of higher education is in trouble. For many students, completing
four years of university is no longer possible because of increasing costs and low financial aid. To change
this trend, the government must increase its financial support of colleges and universities. Our future
depends on it.

4. Use a quotation.
Example:
All in all, there are many ways to be successful without being famous. Success cannot be defined by
fame.

BE CAREFUL: idea
in your body paragraphs if possible.
WRITING PRACTICE 3 (INDIVIDUAL/PAIR WORK): Choose ONE of the concluding paragraphs below and
re-write it with your own words. Use one of the techniques above to write your own comment.

1. All in all, I believe that school uniforms should be compulsory. As a result, children will be more
focused. It gives an effective message that all students are equal. Students will not lose their identity,
but they will learn new ways to express themselves.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. To summarize, I think that cell phones should be allowed in schools since they provide valuable
learning resources, and they are really useful in case of emergency. We are living in a digital age.
Therefore, teachers and administrators must find ways to incorporate this excellent multi-tool in our
schools instead of banning it.

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

WRITING PRACTICE 4 (INDIVIDUAL/PAIR WORK): WRITING AN OPINION ESSAY on

CELEBRITY/INFLUENCER CULTURE

Topic:

Write an opinion essay of at least 250 words explaining your view.

Members:
Topic:

INTRODUCTION
PARAGRAPH
 Body Paragraph 1:
VIEWPOINT 1

Supporting Ideas

Body Paragraph 2:
VIEWPOINT 2

Supporting Ideas

Body Paragraph 3:
OPPOSING VIEWPOINT

REFUTATION

CONCLUSION
PARAGRAPH
 SENTENCE PRACTICE: USEFUL SENTENCE STRUCTURES

EXERCISE 4: Re-write the sentences using structures given in the tables.

The Main Idea Method (How?)

S Verb Object by V+-ing Noun

People can find a job easily by improving their language skills.
You become more independent by coping with difficulties on your own.

1. The government can solve unemployment if they create more jobs.

_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Watching TV series, videos and films in English helps you improve your listening skills.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

CLAUSE PURPOSE CLAUSE

The doctor operated they could save his patient's life.
He turned on the radio SO THAT he could listen to the news.
I need to buy some detergent IN ORDER THAT I can wash my clothes.
We stayed up all night we could watch a meteor storm.

3. Mr. Kwan is studying the history and government of Canada. He wants to become a Canadian citizen.
(so that-can)
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4. Jane is taking a course in auto mechanics. She wants to fix her own car. (so that-can)
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5. During the parade, Daniel lifted his daughter to his shoulder to help her see the dancers in the street.
(so that-could)
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The Main Idea Purpose

Clause in order to + INFINITIVE

so as to

Most people live and work in a foreign country in order to have a better life.
6. Most people try to learn English so that they can find a job easily.
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7. Some students work in part-time jobs so that they can have some job experience.
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8. Po is saving his money so that he can travel in Europe next summer. (in order to)
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The Main Idea Purpose

CLAUSE in order not to + infinitive

I got up at around 5 a.m. so as not to
in order not to miss my flight.

9.
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10.
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11.
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adjective for+ Object to INFINITIVE

(Who?)
It is difficult for people to communicate in a foreign language.
beneficial for students to improve their language skills.
It can be easier for teenagers to complain about everything.

12. Old people can benefit from a 30 minute-walk every day.

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13. Using herbs for treatment may be better than using chemical drugs.
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14. Students can concentrate on their studies in the library more easily.
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S to INFINITIVE Noun

Young people to improve their language skills.

has/have the opportunity
You to experience new cultures.
15. Students who join in Erasmus Exchange programs can learn the basics of the local language in a
short time.
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16. People who live in big cities can reach good healthcare services and good schools for their kids more
easily.
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S give(s) + object +the opportunity/the chance to INFINITIVE Noun

Living to improve
abroad gives you the opportunity/the chance your language skills.

17. When you live abroad, you can experience an entirely different way of life.
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18. You can make friends on Facebook.

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S enable(s)+Object (Who?) to INFINITIVE Noun

Living abroad enables us to improve our language skills.
Moving abroad enables people to experience new cultures.

19. Students can access class materials online thanks to this new system.
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20. Doing exercise helps people lead a healthier and happier life.
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 EXPRESSING CONTRAST / CONFLICTING IDEAS
Connector(s) Examples
SVO, but SVO but
it.
SVO, yet SVO yet
it.
Although/Even though SVO, SVO We went for a walk although it was raining.
We went for a walk even though it was raining.
SVO although/even though SVO Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
Even though it was raining, we went for a walk.
Despite/In spite of + Noun/V+ing, Despite/in spite of his low grades, he was admitted to the
SVO university.
Despite/ In spite of getting low grades, he was admitted to the
SVO despite/in spite of + Noun/V+ing university.
We went for a walk despite/in spite of the rain.
SVO. However, SVO Charlie did his best to complete the report. However, Eric hardly
did any work.
SVO. On the other hand, SVO There are just five vowel sounds in English. On the other hand,
some languages have 30 or more.
While SVO, SVO While my father likes all kinds of music, my mother only listens
SVO while SVO to Turkish folk music.
My father likes all kinds of music, while my mother only listens
to Turkish folk music.
Whereas SVO, SVO Whereas Sweden has very cold winters, winters in the UK are
usually quite mild.
SVO, whereas SVO Winters in the UK are usually quite mild, whereas Sweden has
very cold winters.
Unlike + noun, SVO Unlike my father, I feel shy whenever I meet new people.
Unlike a fish, a frog can live in water or on land.

EXERCISE 5: Re-write the sentences with the given words.

1. Children slept although there was too much noise. (despite)
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2. Mary was in love with Tom, but she never talked to him. (although)
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3. In spite of feeling cold, we continued to walk. (However,)
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4. I like living in the city. My wife, on the other hand, prefers the countryside. (whereas)
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5.
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EXERCISE 6: Join the sentences using the linkers in brackets and any necessary extra words.
1. Energy drinks are a good source of caffeine. Too many can cause an addiction. (although)
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2. Students consume energy drinks in order to concentrate. They can cause headaches. (even though)
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3. Energy drinks contain many vitamins. They are very high in sugar. (although)
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4. Energy drinks are advertised as healthy although some may contain high amounts of artificial
sweeteners. (despite)
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5. Energy drinks are becoming more and more popular despite the high amounts of caffeine they
contain. (However,)
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6. Sugar free energy drinks can be very unhealthy in spite of the fact that they do not contain sugar.
(although)
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AVOIDING OVERGENERALIZATIONS IN WRITING

When you write, it is important not to make overgeneralizations, that is, statements that are so general
that they are not true.
Examples of overgeneralizations:
International students work harder than North American students. (This is not always true!)
Teenagers are always irresponsible. (This is not always true!)
To avoid overgeneralizations, do the following:
Avoid Never. Use rarely, hardly ever, almost never or usually . . . not.

People who have pets almost never get sick.

Young people do not usually like to stay at home at the weekends.
Avoid always. Use usually, almost always, or often.

Teenagers are often irresponsible.

Studying in a foreign language is usually very difficult.
Avoid the Use very few, hardly any, almost no, or almost none.
quantifiers no,
none Very few international students learn English easily.
Almost no parents want their kids to be punished at school.
Avoid all. Use almost all, most, many, or some.

Many international students work harder than North American students.

Most international students get better grades than North American students.
 CAUTION!

A cautious style is necessary in many areas of academic writing. It is needed to avoid statements
which are too simplistic. Such statements are rarely completely true.
Poor education leads to crime.
Caution can be shown in several ways:
1. Modal verb: Poor education can lead to crime.
2. Adverb: Poor education frequently leads to crime.
3. Verb/phrase: Poor education tends to lead to crime.
There is a tendency for poor education to lead to crime.
More examples for caution: These products . . .usually
Multiple factors may
Women tend to
Other studies suggest
EXERCISE 7: Complete the box below with more examples.

Modals Adverbs Verb / Phrase

can (example) frequently (example) tends to (example)
there is a tendency
(example)

EXERCISE 8: Rewrite the sentences in a more cautious style.

1. Private companies are more efficient than state-owned businesses.
More cautious: _____________________________________________________________
2. Computer manuals are difficult to understand.
More cautious: _____________________________________________________________
3. Older students perform better at university than younger ones.
More cautious: _____________________________________________________________
4. Global warming will cause the sea level to rise.
More cautious: _____________________________________________________________

4. Another way to express caution is to use quite, rather or fairly before an adjective.
That is a fairly accurate summary.
We found quite a significant correlation between the two items.
Her office is in a rather inconvenient location.
Quite is often used before the article. It is generally used positively, while rather tends to be used
negatively.
EXERCISE 9: Add the adverbs in parantheses into the right place in the sentences.
1. The survey was a comprehensive study of student opinion. (quite)
More cautious: _____________________________________________________________
2. The latest type of arthritis drugs is expensive. (fairly)
More cautious: _____________________________________________________________
3. The first-year students were fascinated by her lectures. (quite)
More cautious: _____________________________________________________________
4. The weather forecast predicted a gloomy day with continuous rain. (rather)
More cautious: _____________________________________________________________

OUTLINE PRACTICE (PAIR WORK): Choose one of the topics below and create an opinion essay outline
in the given table.

Do you think owning a pet is beneficial for people?

What are the three most important qualities of a good job?
Do you think that posting personal photos and videos online is a bad idea?

ESSAY OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION Thesis statement:

VIEWPOINT#1 Write your ideas in short notes.

+ Supporting ideas

VIEWPOINT #2 Write your ideas in short notes.

+ Supporting ideas

Write your ideas in short notes.

& Refutation

CONCLUSION Restatement of the thesis statement and final words

INDIVIDUAL STUDY: Now write an opinion essay of at least 250 words by using your notes in the
outline.
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 SAMPLE OPINION ESSAYS
Sports at School

healthy body, but also the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. Sports have been a part of
the school curriculum for many years. However, people are questioning whether to drop them in favor
of more academic subjects. I disagree with this viewpoint because I believe sports should not be cut
from school curriculums for a number of reasons.
To start with, sports are important for the general fitness and good health of children. In
particular, being active is the best way to keep fit and stay in shape. As a result, if children have sports
activities at school, they will have a more active life and easily avoid problems of obesity and related
health issues.
Secondly, sports encourage personal development. For example, team sports encourage team
spirit and co-operation. In addition, individual sports help people to show determination to win and
accept failure if they lose. Therefore, children can develop important life skills thanks to the school
teams or sports practices at their school.
On the other hand, some people believe that academic skills (literacy and numeracy) are much
more important than playing games. This means time spent doing sports at school takes time away from
academic subjects. They claim that sports can still be played outside school hours and should be
excluded from the school curriculum. However, they fail to consider that physical fitness is associated
with academic performance in children. When students are physically active, they develop mentally as
well and feel more responsible for their academic studies.
In conclusion, although some people think that sports at school take time away from academic
subjects, I strongly believe that they are an important part of the school curriculum and should not be
cut. They help students to stay fit and healthy and they help them develop useful life skills. I believe that
physical education should be as important as academic subjects at schools. (352 words)
Nursery Schools

someone else to watch them at home, so they are putting their children into nursery school while they
go to work. Some people feel that parents should stay home with their children, but I strongly believe
that nurseries are beneficial for many reasons.
To begin with, nurseries provide educational benefits for children. For example, they learn skills
like counting and recognizing the alphabet. As a result, when they start primary school, they already
have the abilities they need to do well. Many experts believe that early learning positively affects brain
structure.
Secondly, nurseries improve many important skills. They give children a chance to play and learn
to share with others their own age. Therefore, they develop self-confidence and social skills. They are
less shy and more comfortable interacting with other children and even elders.
On the other hand, it is argued that children who go to nursery are more likely to catch colds or
minor illnesses from other children. This means parents must take time away from their jobs to look
after them. However, they seem to forget that children can become ill anytime, anywhere. This should
not be an excuse to avoid sending their children to nursey school.
 To sum up, I believe that it is better for children to go to nursery school than stay home.
Nurseries can help develop education and social skills, while providing parents with a safe place to leave

future. (294 words)

Why You Should Not Smoke

Have you ever considered the harms of smoking? Nowadays many people know the harm but
many of them continue smoking.
affects our health, and when you smoke, you are not respecting people around you.
The first reason is that smoking affects your physical health. If you smoke, your physical
condition will be negatively affected, so it will be very difficult for you to succeed in sports. Also,
smoking produces lethal diseases like cancer and reduces the length and quality of your life.
The second reason is out of respect for the people around you. When you smoke, you not only
harm yourself, but you also harm all the people around you. They will be inhaling the fume, which is a
health risk for them as well. Thus,
Also
company.
On the other hand, some people may feel that smoking helps them to fight stress and they think
they only smoke when they feel stressed. However, they forget that there will be a day when they will
feel the need of a cigarette more often. They will find themselves smoking very frequently as it turns
into an addiction. As a result, they will never manage to get rid of the stress in the real sense.
To sum up, we should take care of ourselves and stop harming ourselves. We should also think
about all the people around us. If we refuse to smoke, we can have a better life. Remember that "If you
can dream it, you can do it." (290 words)

Having Many Options in Life

It is common nowadays to hear people complaining about the number of choices they have. They
are flooded with choices every second in their daily lives. When people are looking at their smart
phones, they can flip through various applications: social media networks, videos, games, online
shopping platforms. Within each category, they are offered tons of options. Some claim that this is
something problematic, and others say that having lots of options makes life easier. Despite its benefits
in everyday life, I believe that having many choices is problematic for our life.
First of all, the choices offered by technology and the Internet lead to confusion and exhaustion
as we have to make so many decisions about the content that we consume. The number of online media
options, for instance, is now almost endless. There are countless websites offering entertainment, news,
videos and music streaming, many of which are free. We had a choice of a number of TV channels in the
past, whereas we now have access to thousands of films and series through services like Netflix. These
choices that are available to us make us confused and exhausted. It is difficult to choose what we want
among all these options, and we may end up not finding what we are looking for.
Secondly, having too many choices leads to waste of money and materials. People are now used
to the luxury of being able to access everything they need. People are presented with too many options
for food, books, films, clothes, technological devices, etc. They are surrounded by ads everywhere
which urge them to consume more than they need. They spend a lot of time and money on the things

resources of the world.

On the other hand, some people believe that having too many choices in life brings about a
feeling of freedom to people. They think that having few options will make people feel frustrated or
blocked. For them, choosing whatever you need or want from a variety of choices is easier. They might
have a point. However, they forget the fact that it is a temporary feeling. Having too many choices
might seem liberating at first, yet if you are exposed to too many choices, it requires a lot of effort to
choose what you need. That might be exhausting. As a result of this, you may feel doubtful, indecisive,
stressful but not free.
In conclusion, we are faced with a huge number of options in most areas of life nowadays and
this might cause a lot of difficulties in our lives. For these reasons, we should limit the amount of choice
in our lives. This will definitely give us less stress and more satisfaction. Life will be simpler with fewer
options. (476 words)

Animal Testing should not be Banned

Nowadays animal experiments are widely used to develop new medicines and test the safety of
other products. Some people argue that these experiments should be banned because it is morally
wrong to cause animals to suffer or die. Each year thousands of dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, monkeys, and
other animals die in deadly dose tests. On the other hand, some others are in favor of them because of
their benefits to humanity. In my opinion, animal testing should not be banned for a number of
reasons.
The first reason is that many products must be tested on animals to ensure that they are safe for
use by humans. For example, diabetics would not be able to inject insulin to control their diabetes if it
had not been developed by testing it on animals. Moreover, the effects of certain chemicals such as
insecticides can be observed on animals and their offspring and results are achieved faster because
animals have shorter life duration than humans and the ability to reproduce easily.
The second reason is that these experiments are aimed at finding cures for diseases such as cancer.
Most of these tests cannot be done in any other way. Many famous lifesaving drugs were invented in
this way, and animal experiments may help us to find more cures in the future. For instance, forty years
ago, polio was a common tragedy amongst children. Animal testing led to the discovery of a vaccine and
now this disease is very rare in developed countries. These experiments clearly ensure human safety and
survival.
On the other hand, some people say that the use of animals in research for developing cosmetics
products is cruel and unacceptable. They believe that testing of cosmetic products is completely
They may have a point. However,
they forget that if a drug is released into the market without careful testing, it could cause severe
damage to anyone who may consume it. Even though animals subjected to testing may suffer, it is a
necessary step to ensure the healing power of a drug.
In conclusion, animal testing makes drugs safer for human consumption and paves the way for
future medical discoveries. It also means we are causing animals to suffer for our own benefit.
Therefore, companies must invest more in developing alternative methods that can replace using animal
experimentations. Until then, I am in favor of it provided that it is conducted under strict conditions and
there is no alternative. (420 words)

Death Penalty

penalty. It tells us that murder is wrong, and in our legal system, it is against the law. However, we still
see that murderers are sentenced to death. Thus, we ourselves indirectly commit murder. In my
opinion, the death penalty should be abolished, and murderers should be punished with life
imprisonment.
Firstly, we have no rights to kill other humans. The right to live is the basic right of any human
being and no one can violate this right, no matter what that person did. Moreover, innocent people can
sometimes face wrongful execution in courts. Such unfair sentences take away lives of innocent people
and make other citizens lose faith in law and justice.
Secondly, death penalty provokes revenge. When we were children, we used to take each
they would do the
same to take it back. This is called revenge. When a murderer kills someone, society takes revenge by
killing the murderer. Unfortunately, after their anger, and they
may reflect it to the society. As a result, this cycle never ends.
On the other hand, there are those who think that if someone murders someone, it is not
they deserve the death penalty. However, they forget that this is not a good solution
to the problem because rehabilitation of a guilty person is more important and beneficial for society.
Besides, criminals sometimes regret their actions. In this case, they should be given a second chance to
improve themselves.
In conclusion, the problem lies in the fact that death penalty is a tool for committing murder. It
should not be considered as a way to stop killing. I could not agree more with the idea that laws should
create a positive difference in society and save lives rather than destroy them. (341 words)
 ESSAY WRITING PRACTICE 1

PREPARE AN OUTLINE: Choose one of the topics below and create an opinion essay outline in the
given table.
Is having a university degree sufficient to get a good job?
Is travelling in your private car bad for the environment?
What are the qualifications of a good boss?

ESSAY OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION Thesis statement:

VIEWPOINT#1 Write your ideas in short notes.

+ Supporting ideas

VIEWPOINT #2 Write your ideas in short notes.

+ Supporting ideas

Write your ideas in short notes.

& Refutation

CONCLUSION Restatement of the thesis statement and final words

INDIVIDUAL STUDY: Now write an opinion essay of at least 250-350 words by using your notes in the
outline.
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 ESSAY WRITING PRACTICE 2
PREPARE AN OUTLINE: Choose one of the topics below and create an opinion essay outline in the
given table.
Is it important for people to have a healthy work-life balance?
Is it better to buy or rent a home?
What are the qualifications of a good parent in today's rapidly changing society?

ESSAY OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION Thesis statement:

VIEWPOINT#1 Write your ideas in short notes.

+ Supporting ideas

VIEWPOINT #2 Write your ideas in short notes.

+ Supporting ideas

Write your ideas in short notes.

& Refutation

CONCLUSION Restatement of the thesis statement and final words

INDIVIDUAL STUDY: Now write an opinion essay of at least 250-350 words by using your notes in the
outline.
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