Skip to main content

Easy Steps to Write a Compelling Opinion Essay or Opinion Paper


How to write an opinion essay

To write effective opinion essays, you need to organize your ideas logically.

Opinion Essay Format

Opinion essay outline

Steps to write an opinion essay introduction

1. Start with a hook: Include an interesting fact or quotation to grab the reader's attention.

2. Give some background information: Provide the reader with some context to help them understand your position.

3. State your opinion: Clearly and concisely state your position on the issue at hand.

4. Support your opinion: Use evidence, examples, or reasoning to back up your position.

5. Address counterarguments: Acknowledge and refute any opposing views to your position.


Steps to write opinion essay body paragraphs

1. Start with a topic sentence that introduces the main point of your paragraph.

2. Use specific examples and details to support your main point.

3. Explain how your examples support your main point.

4. Conclude your paragraph by restating your main point or making a related point.


Steps to write an opinion essay conclusion

1. Briefly summarize your main points: Restate your opinion and the supporting evidence you provided in the body of your essay.

2. Leave the reader with a strong statement or call to action: Encourage the reader to agree with your opinion and take action on the issue.

3. End on a positive note: Reinforce the importance of your opinion and the positive outcomes that could come from taking action on the issue.


Opinion Writing - How to write an opinion paragraph

  • Start with a topic sentence that establishes the subject and your position on it.
  • Include compelling reasons for your opinion or evidence to support it.
  • Explain each reason in detail.
  • Let the reader feel your voice.
  • Use the final sentence to restate your view and summarize the ideas you presented in the paragraph.
  • Opinion Essay Example

    Some people think that schools are more effective if students are allowed to participate in running the school.

    Say whether you agree or disagree with this statement, and give your own opinion.

    Give reasons for your answer and include any examples from your personal experience or knowledge.



    How To Write An Opinion Essay

    Opinion Essay Examples

    Are schools more effective if students are allowed to participate in running the school?

    While greater student engagement in the education process is always to be encouraged, there are certain limitations as to what can be expected from students in terms of the daily operational activities of an educational institution. It is, therefore, necessary to adopt a balanced approach to student involvement while achieving the best possible educational outcomes.

    Undoubtedly, there are benefits to students becoming bigger stakeholders in their schools, such as helping develop a sense of responsibility and pride, in addition to them learning more about relevant decision-making processes. While many students may have various ideas regarding how to improve the school and its education experience, not all of these might be practical or desirable. It is important that those responsible for decision-making inform themselves about the students' viewpoint regarding the issues under consideration. However, students are not educational experts.

    Students should be a key part of the decision-making process by providing their unique perspective regarding their school and experience of the education process. However, they are generally unaware of the bigger picture and likely fail to grasp the implications of industry trends, national education policy, and the impact of a broad range of factors influencing educational outcomes. Therefore, encouraging greater student engagement in school policy decisions should be considered ensuring that any such involvement is a positive and constructive experience for all involved. It should not simply be a means to placate the students' desires to be further involved.

    Overall, the effectiveness of a particular school depends largely on a host of different factors which can impact outcomes, not all of which are within the control of the school authorities or students. Greater student involvement should be sought and encouraged; however, such involvement also needs to be tempered with identifying areas in which they can make an optimal contribution rather than involving students in all aspects of running their school.


    How would you answer this opinion essay question about students participating in the running of schools?


    Examples of Popular Opinion Essay Topics

    • - The death penalty: Is it an effective way to deter crime?
    • - Gun control: Is it necessary to regulate firearms?
    • - Social media: Are platforms like Facebook and Twitter making us more isolated?
    • - Education: Is the traditional educational system outdated?
    • - Immigration: Should illegal immigrants be deported?
    • - Legalizing marijuana: Will it reduce crime?
    • - Animal testing: Is it cruel and inhumane?
    • - Cloning: Is it ethically acceptable?
    • - Genetically modified foods: Are they safe to eat?
    • - The war on terror: Is it a justifiable conflict?
    • - Censorship: Is it ever justified?
    • - The patriarchy: Is it the root of all gender inequality?
    • - Feminism: Is it still relevant today?
    • - Electoral college reform: Is it necessary?
    • - Gerrymandering: Is it a threat to democracy?
    • - Lobbying: Should it be regulated?
    • - Climate change: Is it a hoax?
    • - Capital punishment: Is it a deterrent to crime?
    • - Life imprisonment: Is it a more humane alternative to the death penalty?
    • - Juvenile offenders: Should they be tried as adults?
    • - Drug legalization: Would it reduce crime?
    • - Cybercrime: Is it a real threat?
    • - Internet privacy: Should we be concerned?


    FAQ

    What is an opinion essay?

    An opinion essay is a piece of writing where the writer expresses their opinion on a particular topic. This could be something they feel strongly about, such as politics or religion, or it could be something more light-hearted like their favorite TV show.

    What are the key components of an opinion essay or opinion paper?

    There are three key components to an opinion essay: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.

    The introduction should introduce the topic of the essay and give the writer's opinion on it.

    The body of the essay should present reasons and evidence to support the writer's opinion.

    The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and restate the writer's opinion.

    How can I make my opinion essay more interesting?

    One way to make your opinion essay more interesting is to include examples to support your points. You can also use strong language to express your opinion forcefully. Finally, you can try to write in a style that is more personal and engaging.

    How is an opinion essay different from a persuasive essay?

    An opinion essay is different from a persuasive essay in that the opinion essay presents the writer's opinions without trying to convince the reader to agree. A persuasive essay, on the other hand, tries to convince the reader to agree with the writer's opinion.

    Is an opinion essay only for academic writing tests?

    No, an opinion essay can be written for any purpose. However, it is often used as a writing test for academic purposes.

    Is there a standard opinion essay structure to follow?

    There is no standard opinion essay structure, but most opinion essays will include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should state the writer's opinion on the topic, and the body paragraphs should provide reasons and evidence to support that opinion. The conclusion should restate the opinion and sum up the main points of the essay.



    Essay Writing Help