An opinion essay is a type of essay that demands that students express their feelings or thoughts about a subject matter. Different examples and arguments always back up this expression of thoughts. Some good opinion essay topics include: “should women be allowed to lead countries?” “Should minors decide who gets their custody?” Many opinion essay ideas you can glean from can be gotten on the internet.
How to write an opinion paragraph
There are many ways to start an opinion essay paragraph. One of these is to use opinion essay hooks. You can also begin your opinion essay paragraph with a topic sentence. This sentence usually gives a general overview of the whole paragraph. Another thing to do in your paragraph is to give verifiable facts and evidence to support your opinion.
Give clear details explaining why you hold your opinion. In the last sentence of the paragraph, bring your ideas together and make your stand clear. By the time you are done, your readers should be in no doubt about what your stand is.
How to write an opinion essay
Having an opinion essay outline is a good way to begin. This helps you to plan what you are going to write and how you are going to write it. It will also help you to stay aware of the middle of the essay. Some of the things you should take into account while writing your opinion essay include the following:
- Be formal
Your opinion essay should be written the same way you would write your speech if you were to present before your president. It would help if you were very formal. There should be no use of slang, colloquialisms, or any informal language at all. Make it business-like but not too boring.
- Introduce your topic clearly
From the introduction of your opinion essay, the reader should be able to understand what you are writing clearly. Don’t use expressions that have no bearing on the essay. Define all necessary terms, and don’t hesitate to state your opinion. It is expected that you have carried out extensive research so you can back up your opinion.
- Write in the present tense
An opinion essay should be written in the present tense. It is your opinion, and you are still alive therefore do not use the past tense. Using past tense will mean you no longer hold that opinion.
- Argue logically
Even though it is your opinion, you are expected to argue logically. You cannot say, “it is just my opinion, and that is it.” You cannot argue a fact without giving logical reasons for your opinion. Note, however, that this can only be done when you have researched the topic. Your argument can only be logical if it is evidence-based. Evidence and facts can only be derived from intense research. Your arguments must prove that you know what you are saying.
- Cite sources correctly
If you are referring to what others have said or done in your essay, ensure you cite them properly. It would help if you did not take credit for what others have done or said. That will be regarded as plagiarism.
- Avoid contractions
Opinion essays are formal; you should, therefore, not use contracted forms while writing them. Instead of saying, “we can’t be sure,” say, “we cannot be sure.” Unnecessary abbreviations should also be avoided. The first mention must be written out in full if you use abbreviations.
- Don’t be imperative
When writing your opinion essay, don’t write it as if you are commanding your reader. You want to give your opinion without making it look like you are shoving it down your reader’s throat. Do not use imperative sentences in an opinion essay.
- Avoid repetitions
Repeating what you have said will give your reader the idea that you do not have an opinion. It would help if you did not repeat arguments when writing an opinion essay. After explaining a point, move to another. This is why you should have an outline to guide you.
- Avoid using personal examples
Using your life experiences to form an opinion is myopic. When writing an opinion essay, you should avoid using personal examples. Rather, use facts and illustrations gathered from research. This makes your opinion more objective rather than sentimental.
Conclusion
The first thing when writing an opinion essay is to have an opinion. You cannot sit on the fence. Let it be clear what your position is about that topic and back it up with facts that can be verified. You do not need to compare the advantages and disadvantages; you must state your opinion logically.