Writing an essay of opinion is an important skill for high school students to learn. Definitely add writing opinion essays to your high school lessons plans and academic writing activities! Here’s how to tackle introducing opinion writing into your learning for English class, language arts, or fun writing projects for students.
All About Essay Of Opinion Writing For High School Students
Before we get to how do you write an opinion essay, let’s cover some basics (including an opinion essay definition). Be sure to scroll to the bottom for essay of opinion topics if you need some ideas for your homeschool writing projects! Let’s start with defining an essay giving opinion…
What is an essay of opinion?
An essay of opinion, also known as a persuasive argumentative essay, is a type of writing that presents a writer’s opinion on a particular issue or topic and supports it with evidence and reasoning. The goal of this type of essay is to help the reader understand the writer’s point of view.
Argumentative Essay vs Opinion Essay
An argumentative essay and an opinion essay are similar in that they both express a writer’s perspective on a particular topic. However, there is a key difference between the two.
An argumentative essay aims to convince the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view through presenting evidence and reasoning. It typically includes a thesis statement that takes a clear position on the topic and presents arguments that support that position.
The writer must use credible sources to back up their claims, anticipate and refute counterarguments, and provide a strong conclusion that reinforces their argument.
On the other hand, an essay opinion aims to express the writer’s personal viewpoint on the topic, without necessarily attempting to persuade the reader to agree with them. While evidence and reasoning can still be used to support the writer’s opinion, there is less emphasis on convincing the reader and more on sharing the writer’s perspective.
The writer may use personal anecdotes, experiences, or examples to illustrate their opinion, but there is less pressure to provide a comprehensive argument in an essay about opinion.
In summary, the main difference between an argumentative essay and an opinion essay lies in their purpose. An argumentative essay seeks to persuade the reader, while an opinion essay seeks to share the writer’s viewpoint.
Both are great tools for helping high school students develop debate skills and critical thinking schools — important life skills!
Why is it important to write an opinion essay?
It is important for a high schooler to be able to write an essay of opinion for several reasons:
- Develops critical thinking skills: Writing an essay of opinion requires students to analyze and evaluate evidence and arguments, develop their own opinion, and defend it with logical reasoning. These skills are essential for academic and personal success.
- Prepares for college: Most college courses require students to write argumentative essays, and being able to write one well is crucial for success in higher education.
- Encourages self-expression: Writing an essay of opinion allows students to express their own opinions and perspectives on a particular issue. This not only helps them to clarify their own thinking but also encourages them to engage in meaningful dialogue with others.
- Enhances writing skills: Writing an essay of opinion requires students to structure their writing effectively, use proper grammar and punctuation, and communicate their ideas clearly and effectively. These skills are important for success in all areas of life.
- Develops research skills: Writing an essay of opinion requires students to research and gather evidence from various sources. This helps them to develop their research skills and learn how to evaluate sources for reliability and accuracy.
Being able to write an essay of opinion is an important skill for high schoolers to develop, as it prepares them for college and beyond, enhances their writing and critical thinking skills, encourages self-expression, and helps them develop research skills!
Steps To Writing An Essay Of Opinion
How To Write An Opinion Essay
Here are the steps a high schooler can follow to write an essay of opinion.
What makes a good opinion essay?
1. Choose a topic: Choose a topic that you are passionate about or one that you have a strong opinion on. It could be something that affects you personally or a broader issue that you care about.
2. Research the topic: Gather as much information as possible on the topic, from various sources such as books, articles, websites, and interviews. Make sure to use reliable sources.
3. Formulate a thesis statement: Your thesis statement should clearly state your opinion on the topic and give a brief explanation of the reasons behind your opinion.
4. Outline your essay: Create an outline of your essay that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Organize your main points in a logical and coherent order.
5. Write the introduction: The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide background information on the topic. It should also include your thesis statement.
6. Write the body paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on a specific point that supports your thesis statement. Make sure to include evidence from your research to support your opinion.
7. Write the conclusion: The conclusion should summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement in a new way. It should also provide a final thought or call to action.
8. Edit and proofread: Once you have completed your essay, take time to review it carefully. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure that your argument is logical and clear. Consider having someone else read it and provide feedback.
9. Format and submit: Follow any formatting requirements provided by your teacher. Once you have completed all the necessary steps, submit your essay.
Opinion Essay Structure
Here is a basic opinion essay structure…
How To Format Opinion Essay
- Introduction: This is where you introduce your topic and provide some context for your opinion. You should also clearly state your thesis, which is the main point you will be arguing throughout the essay.
- Body Paragraphs: These paragraphs should provide evidence and reasoning to support your thesis. Each paragraph should focus on a single point or argument, and should include specific examples and evidence to back up your claims. You should also acknowledge counterarguments and address them in your essay.
- Counterarguments: This section is dedicated to acknowledging the opposing viewpoint and addressing it. You should explain the opposing viewpoint in a fair and unbiased way, then provide reasons why your argument is stronger. It’s way more than just an essay expressing opinion!
- Conclusion: In the conclusion, you should summarize your main arguments and restate your thesis. You can also offer some final thoughts or recommendations related to the topic.
Remember to use clear and concise language, and to organize your thoughts logically and coherently. It’s also important to use proper citation if you are using outside sources to support your arguments.
What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement is the main idea or argument that you will be making in your opinion essay. It is usually one or two sentences long, and it should clearly state your opinion on the topic you are writing about.
Think of your thesis statement as the roadmap for your essay – it tells your reader where you are going and what to expect along the way. It should be clear, concise, and focused on your main argument.
For example, if you were writing an opinion essay on the topic of climate change, your thesis statement might be something like: “Climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate action from individuals, governments, and businesses alike.”
This statement clearly expresses your opinion on the topic and sets the stage for the arguments you will make in the rest of your essay.
Remember, your thesis statement should be specific to the topic and reflect your own unique perspective. It should also be supported by evidence and examples in the body of your essay.
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Here’s how to write opinion essay introduction…
Opinion Essay Introduction
The introduction is the first thing your reader will see, so it’s important to make it interesting and engaging. You want to grab your reader’s attention and give them a reason to keep reading.
One way to do this is to start with a thought-provoking statement or a question that relates to your topic.
For example, if you’re writing about the importance of recycling, you might start by asking, “Did you know that Americans generate about 254 million tons of trash every year?”
After grabbing your reader’s attention, it’s time to introduce your topic and state your opinion. Be clear and concise in your thesis statement, which is the main point you want to make in your essay.
For example, “In my opinion, recycling is essential for protecting the environment and reducing waste.”
Remember to keep it casual and relatable, but also focused.
How many paragraphs in an opinion essay?
There is no fixed number of paragraphs in an opinion essay, as it can vary depending on the length and complexity of the essay. However, a typical opinion essay might consist of three to five paragraphs.
The first paragraph of an opinion essay is usually the introduction, which introduces the topic and presents the writer’s thesis statement – their main argument or viewpoint.
The middle paragraphs of the essay provide supporting evidence and reasons to back up the writer’s opinion. These paragraphs should be logically organized, with each one focusing on a specific point or argument. Each paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph and is followed by supporting sentences and examples.
The final paragraph of an opinion essay is the conclusion, which summarizes the writer’s argument and restates their thesis statement in a new way. The conclusion may also provide a final thought or call to action related to the topic.
Overall, the number of paragraphs in an opinion essay should be determined by the writer’s organization and the amount of evidence and reasoning needed to support their opinion.
Mistakes To Avoid For Opinion Essays
Avoid these common mistakes when writing an essay of opinion.
- Avoid using jargon or technical language that your reader may not understand. Your goal is to communicate your ideas clearly, so stick to language that is clear and concise.
- Don’t use slang or overly casual language that may not be appropriate for an academic essay. Be mindful of your tone and word choice.
- Avoid making sweeping statements without backing them up with evidence or reasoning. Your opinion should be based on solid arguments and supporting evidence, not just a vague feeling or assumption. You don’t just want opinion without evidence!
- Avoid relying too heavily on personal anecdotes or experiences. While personal stories can be powerful, they should be used in moderation and only when they directly support your argument.
- Avoid being too repetitive or redundant. Make sure that each paragraph and sentence adds something new to your essay, rather than simply restating the same point over and over again.
- Don’t plagiarize. Make sure to properly cite any sources you use and avoid copying and pasting from other people’s work.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to writing an effective and persuasive opinion essay that showcases your critical thinking skills and ability to communicate your ideas clearly and concisely.
WRITING TIP: Using Grammarly is super helpful for making sure you have good sentence structure and you’ve avoided plagiarizing!
Useful Tips And Tricks For Writing an Essay Of Opinion
Opinion Essay Checklist:
- Start with a clear thesis statement that clearly states your opinion on the topic. This will help you stay focused and on track throughout the essay.
- Use evidence and examples to support your arguments. This could include statistics, research studies, or real-life examples.
- Address potential counterarguments and provide evidence to refute them. This will show that you have considered multiple perspectives on the issue.
- Use clear and concise language that is easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or overly complicated vocabulary.
- Use transitions to connect your ideas and make your essay flow smoothly. This will help your reader follow your argument more easily.
- Edit and proofread your essay carefully. Check for grammar and spelling errors, and make sure that your writing is clear and easy to understand.
- Read your essay out loud to make sure it sounds natural and flows well. This can help you identify any awkward sentences or phrases.
- Use an appropriate tone for your audience and the topic. Avoid being too formal or too casual, and aim for a tone that is appropriate for an academic essay.
Essay Writing Resources
Helpful Writing Resources For High School:
- How To Write Any High School Essay: The Essential Guide
- How to Write a 5-Paragraph Essay Step-by-Step: Step-by-Step Study Skills
- How to Write for Class: A Student’s Guide to Grammar, Punctuation, and Style
- Fun-Size Academic Writing for Serious Learning: 101 Lessons & Mentor Texts–Narrative, Opinion/Argument, & Informative/Explanatory
- Creative Writing for Junior and High School: 16 Weeks of Prompts and Creative Writing Analysis grades 6-12
- Opinion Writing for Kids video (this is for younger kids, but breaks down opinion writing in easy to understand terminology so the series is worth a watch!)
- Free writing lesson video
Opinion Essay Topics and Ideas
Examples of opinion based articles for students:
- Should school start later in the day?
- Is social media beneficial or harmful to teenagers?
- Should students be required to wear uniforms in school?
- Should standardized tests be abolished?
- Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling?
- Should college be free for all students?
- Should there be more restrictions on gun ownership?
- Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
- Should the death penalty be abolished?
- Do parents have a right to check children’s phones / social media?
- Should cell phones be allowed in schools?
- Is technology making people more isolated?
- Should professional athletes be allowed to kneel during the national anthem?
- Is it ethical to use animals for scientific research?
- Should the government provide more funding for the arts?
- Should parents be allowed to choose the gender of their unborn child?
- Is climate change a serious threat to our planet?
- Should plastic bags be banned?
- Should schools teach financial literacy to students?
- Is vegetarianism a healthier way of living?
- Should prisoners have the right to vote?
- Should schools offer more vocational training?
- Is TikTok unsafe for teens?
- Should parents be held responsible for their children’s crimes?
- Is this the hardest generation to be a kid / teen?
- Should the drinking age be lowered?
- Should all schools have a mandatory community service requirement?
- Should the internet be censored?
- Is Zoom an effective way to learn for kids?
- Is virtual learning effective?
- Should there be limits on free speech?
- Is homeschooling better for students with learning disabilities?
- Should junk food be banned in schools?
- Should schools teach students about mental health?
- Should parents be able to track their children’s online activity?
- Should schools teach sex education?
- Is the music industry too focused on appearance rather than talent?
- Should there be more regulation of social media influencers?
- Should public schools be allowed to teach religion?
- Should zoos be banned?
- Should celebrities be held to a higher moral standard?
- Should there be more restrictions on vape use?
You can use one of these topics or any agree or disagree essay examples as your starting point!
Sample Of Opinion Essay
Here’s a short sample of an essay of opinion on social media to give you an idea about structure and voice. Your essay of opinion will likely be longer and more robust, but this will give you an idea about this type of essay.
In my opinion, social media has both positive and negative impacts on our lives. On the one hand, social media has made it easier for people to connect and communicate with each other across distances, especially during the pandemic. Social media platforms have become a source of news, entertainment, and information, and have helped people stay connected with their loved ones.
On the other hand, social media has also been criticized for its negative effects on mental health, such as causing anxiety and depression, as well as the spread of misinformation and fake news. Additionally, social media can lead to a lack of face-to-face interaction and real-life experiences, as people spend more time glued to their screens.
In conclusion, while social media has its benefits, it’s important to be mindful of its potential drawbacks and use it in moderation. We should strive to find a balance between staying connected and engaged online, while also engaging in meaningful real-world interactions and experiences.
We hope these essay of opinion tips were helpful! Good luck!
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