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Task2 - Opinion (Practice)

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12 views

Task2 - Opinion (Practice)

Uploaded by

Dao khanhchi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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OPINION ESSAY

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. General statement

� introduce an opinion.

● Many people think/ say/ feel/ believe that … ● There is a common belief that …

● A growing number of people … that … ● Many people hold the view that ….

1.2. Thesis statement

⮚ If you agree:

• I am strongly convinced that this statement is true, and this essay will provide the reasons.
• I am of the opinion that this statement is true, and this essay will explain why.
• I firmly hold the belief that this statement is true, and this essay will explain why.
• In my opinion, there is little to disagree with this statement and this essay will explain why.

⮚ If you disagree:

• I firmly hold the belief that this statement is deeply flawed, and this essay will explain why.
• It is my conviction that this statement is not sound, and this essay will explain why.
• In my opinion, there is little to agree with this statement and this essay will explain why.
2. BODY
2.1. Supporting your opinion
The structure of a good main body paragraph has 2 parts:

● Topic sentence

● Supporting sentences

E.g: “Students should be able to grade their teachers”.


(Topic sentence) First and foremost, allowing students to evaluate their teachers can provide useful
feedback that can be used to improve teaching practices. (Explanation) Since students are the main
subjects in the classroom who spend a significant amount of time experiencing the activities guided by
their teachers, they can provide many valuable insights into what works and what does not through their
opinions. (Example) For example, if a majority of students indicate that a particular teaching method is not
effective, the teacher can modify their approach to better suit the needs of their students. (Result)
Gradually, this can not only facilitate the teachers’ professional development of but also enhance the
teaching quality.
2.2. Writing counterarguments and refutation
The writer’s opinion: I am strongly convinced that zoos should be abolished for a number of reasons.
Main ideas to support the writer’s opinion: their negative effects on animals and the lack of conservation
efforts.
X (Counterargument) Some people may say zoos offer educational benefits. (Refutation) However, they
are wrong.
✔ (Counterargument) Some people may say zoos offer educational benefits. (Explanation) They argue that
zoos provide the opportunity for people to see and learn about wild animals and that this will inspire them
to contribute to conservation. (Refutation) However, this is not true because visitors to zoos are mainly
interested in entertainment rather than educating themselves. Besides, zoos cannot provide people with a
genuine learning experience as captive-bred animals do not display their natural behaviors in such
environments.
Step 1. Introducing the counterargument
- On the other hand, some people are of the opinion that + counterargument.
- One might argue that …
- Critics/ Opponents of this idea may claim that …
- Supporters/ Advocates of this idea may assert that …
E.g.,
• Opponents of zoo abolition claim that zoos offer valuable educational purposes.
• On the other hand, some proponents of formal examinations believe that exams make people work hard
because students need to work throughout the course as they know they have to prove themselves at the
end.
Step 2. Explaining the counterargument (Specifying opposing ideas)
Step 3. Refutation + explanation
- However, I believe that it still carries flaws. In fact, (your explanation).
- However, I oppose this line of reasoning as it ignores (your explanation).
- However, I strongly believe that this line of reasoning is not sound because (your explanation).
PRACTICE 1:
Turn the following sets of essay notes into two sentences. The first sentence should introduce the
counterargument and the second sentence should add details to it. Number 1 has been done as an
example.
1. television/ good for children /// educational/ helps/ learn
➔ Proponents of television may argue that watching TV is actually good for children. They claim that it is
educational and in fact helps them learn.
2. robots/ replace teachers/ future /// more efficient.
............................................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................................................................

3. teachers/ able/ physical discipline /// reduce/ misbehavior.


............................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................
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4. take gap year/ waste of time /// people/ become lazy/ not want to work/ return.
............................................................................................................................................................................

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............................................................................................................................................................................

PRACTICE 2: Match the writer’s opinions (1–7) with the correct opposing opinions (a–h).
1. Using credit cards is easier than using cash.
2. It is best to divide the cost of group dinners evenly.
3. Owning a house is better than renting an apartment.
4. It is important to take vacations to rest and relax.
5. Buying a car is too expensive, so people should take public transportation instead.
6. If you are on a budget, you should shop at inexpensive clothing stores.
7. People should not take out loans.
8. Staying home on weekends is a good way to save money.

a. However, cheaper clothes may wear out more quickly than expensive ones.
b. On the other hand, property taxes and home maintenance can cost more.
c. However, you should not spend money on a trip if you are in debt.
d. On the other hand, buses and trains are often expensive, too.
e. However, you should not use credit cards too often.
f. On the other hand, it is often necessary to borrow money for school.
g. However, this may be unfair to people who choose cheaper meals.
h. On the other hand, you could simply spend less on outside entertainment.

PRACTICE 3: Read each opinion and circle the correct counterargument.


1. The utility company should raise its prices.
a. Some people think the utility company’s prices should increase.
b. Some people think the utility company should spend less money instead of raising prices.
c. Some people think the utility company provides a good service.
2. Parents should give their children a weekly allowance.
a. However, children should not get an allowance unless they earn it.
b. However, children should get at least $10 for allowance.
c. However, children should try to do well in school.
3. The government should spend more money on scientific research.
a. On the other hand, it is more important to spend money on education.
b. On the other hand, scientific research should be a priority.
c. On the other hand, many scientists make important contributions.
4. People should not take out loans.
a. However, it is important to avoid borrowing money.
b. However, debt can be difficult to pay off.
c. However, home and school loans are often necessary.
5. The government should raise taxes to build new roads.
a. On the other hand, private companies could spend more money on roads.
b. A tax increase would help pay for new roads.
c. We need new roads all around the country, not just in our state.

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