In this A2-level English writing lesson, you’ll learn how to write an opinion essay step by step, including how to organize your ideas, use linking words, and express your opinion clearly and accurately.
🟩Example Opinion Essay
Read the essay below. Notice how the writer states their opinion and supports it with reasons and examples.
After leaving school, young people should work before continuing their studies. Do you agree or disagree?
When young people leave school, they must choose if they want to work or go to college or university. It is an important decision because it will have a big effect on their futures. Personally, I feel that it is better for them to work before continuing their studies, for several reasons.
Firstly, a college or university education is very expensive in most countries. Students usually have to pay for their courses and books. Many students live away from home, so they also have to pay for accommodation, food and bills. Often, they get into huge debt. However, if they work first, they can earn money to pay for their studies.
Secondly, work experience can help students decide what to study. For example, if a young person starts working in a shop or an office, after a few months, they may decide what they enjoy or don’t enjoy doing. This can help them choose a subject that will prepare them for the job they want. On the other hand, if they don’t work, they might spend time and money studying something that they won’t enjoy doing.
To sum up, I believe that young people should get a job before they go to college or university because it will allow them to earn money and learn more about working life. That way, they will probably have fewer problems later on.
🟩Structuring Your Opinion Essay
An opinion essay has four parts:
- Introduction – rephrase the question, say why it’s important, and state your opinion.
- Body Paragraph 1 – give your first reason with details or an example.
- Body Paragraph 2 – give a second reason (use linking words like Secondly, In addition).
- Conclusion – repeat your opinion and summarize your main points.
🟩The Introduction
- Rephrase the essay question in your own words.
- Explain why the topic matters.
- Clearly state your opinion.
Example: “Personally, I feel that it is better for them to work before continuing their studies.”
🟩The Main Body
Starting your paragraphs:
- Firstly… / Secondly… / Thirdly…
- In addition… / Additionally…
- For example… / For instance…
Showing contrast:
- However…
- On the other hand…
Making your statements accurate:
- Use adverbs: usually, often, sometimes
- Use quantifiers: many, most, some
- Use modals: can, may, might
🟩The Conclusion
Start with a concluding phrase and restate your opinion with your main reasons.
- To sum up…
- In conclusion…
- To conclude…
Example: “To sum up, I believe that young people should get a job… because it will allow them to earn money and learn more about working life.”
🟩Useful Phrases for Opinion Essays
Stating your opinion:
- In my opinion…
- I believe that…
- Personally, I feel that…
- I think that…
Giving recommendations:
- Young people should…
- It would be better to…
Adding reasons or examples:
- For example, …
- This is because…
- As a result, …
🟩Remember!
Always plan your essay first. Use clear paragraphs, linking words, and accurate language. Avoid strong generalizations—use words like usually, many, or might to sound more natural and precise.