Opinion Essay Writing: Everything You Need to Know

We bet you may have never heard of an opinion essay. In fact, you're just about to type out the phrase "what is an opinion essay?" in your browser search bar. Do not be scared. You are just one of the numerous students seeking the answer to the same question, which makes it popular. Yes, it is a frequently asked question among students. Read on and be enlightened.

An opinion essay is a task with questions that allow students to express their thoughts on a specific topic. Students should be capable of articulating their views precisely while presenting unbiased logic-based opinions on specific issues. Some opinion essays demand that references be provided to back up the facts and claims in the essay.

Opinion essay writing is supported with examples and explanations, which the reader can defend and explain. The essay addresses the audience directly by saying "Dear Readers" or any phrase to that effect. The essay usually has a play, lecture, or book at its beginning, followed by a rhetorical question.

Before you know how to start an opinion paper, it is imperative to understand the definition, themes, prerequisites, and format. This article sheds much-needed light on how to write an opinion essay like a pro.

Dos and Don'ts of writing an opinion essay

Without further ado, here are the dos and don'ts to follow when writing an opinion essay.

Basic Dos

• Avoid using jargon and slang.
• A formal tone is your best choice. Writing an opinion essay is akin to writing a major speech.
• Introduce your topic clearly. Drop superfluous words and irrelevant information that have nothing to do with your topic.
• When writing an opinion essay, write in the present tense.
• List (and explain) the essential points. The presentation of an idea should begin with a very easy-to-understand topic sentence.
• Ensure you cite your sources correctly
• Keep all writing short and brief, especially when it comes to conclusions.
• Embrace logic. This helps for easy reading and following.

Basic Don'ts

• Avoid using colloquial language. They might seem to make points clear, but all they do is slow a non-reader down.
• Avoid using abbreviations. Replace the contractions with their non-contracted counterparts.
• Avoid using emotional vocabulary.
• Avoid using personal instances. Maintain a proper and formal writing style and tone.
• Avoid repeating arguments. If you have several related facts, combine them into a single argument.
• Avoid unneeded abbreviations. Your reader should be able to grasp what you're writing.
• Avoid using too many short, simple phrases. They are not common in scholarly writing.
• Avoid using imperative tones.
• Avoid using parentheses, dashes, and exclamation points. Be as discreet as possible.

Suggested opinion essay topics

Before learning about opinion essay structure, selecting from various opinion essay themes and topics is necessary. Choosing an essay topic or theme is a relatively simple process. Choosing an opinion issue that you are passionate about or interested in is best. This also guarantees that your paper is well-written and compelling. Otherwise, for you, the writing process may get tedious.

1. Should everyone become a vegetarian?
2. Is it wrong to use animals in circus performances?
3. Are CEOs paid too much?
4. Should Teens be allowed to do sleepovers?
5. What are the safest and most fuel-efficient vehicles of 2017?

Structure of opinion essay

Students may struggle with the overall format of the assignment when it comes to developing an opinion essay outline. For opinion articles, the typical five-paragraph essay style usually works effectively. However, determining what to put in each area may be challenging for newbies. This is why we recommend newbies follow this opinion essay structure before they begin writing. You start with the opinion essay introduction and then move downwards.

Below is the suggested structure:

Introduction

• Address your audience immediately and outline your given topic
• Cite poetry, drama, book, or speech
• Put the author's name and the publication date in brackets

Thesis

• Minimum of 1 (and maximum of two) sentences for a brief description
• Minimum of 1 (and maximum of two) sentences summarizing the entire essay
• One phrase linking to the first body paragraph

First body paragraph

• Supporting Argument
• Example
• Explanation
• One sentence linking to the second body paragraph

Second body paragraph

• Supporting Argument
• Example
• Explanation
• A sentence related to the third body paragraph

Third body paragraph

• Supporting Argument
• Example
• Explanation
• A sentence that connects to the conclusion

Conclusion

• A synopsis of the whole essay
• A definitive sentence

Conclusion

If you follow the guidelines above, you'll be able to write the best opinion papers anyone has ever seen. This is the stuff of legendary writers, so put it to practice today!

Also, remember to proofread and possibly edit your essay. Recheck your grammar, content, spelling, vocabulary, and so on. Ensure that your whole essay is an answer to the given question. Also, check if the citation and source you supplied are correct and up to date.