Essays answering questions such as “Do you agree or disagree with doing something?” frequently appear on entrance examinations. Learn the structure for answering them.
Basic Rules
Structure of an opinion essay (four-paragraph format):
1. Introduction: Raise the issue + clearly state your position
2. Body 1: Reason ① for agreeing (or disagreeing)
3. Body 2: Reason ② for agreeing (or disagreeing) (or a rebuttal of the opposing view)
4. Conclusion: Restate your position + summarize
How to write the introduction:
- “Some people think X, while others believe Y.” (Show that opinions differ.)
- “In my view, ...” (State your position.)
- “I have two reasons for this opinion.” (Indicate that you have several reasons.)
How to write the body: Use the PREP method in each paragraph. Clearly show the order with “First, ...” and “Second, ...”
How to write the conclusion:
- “In conclusion / To sum up, I believe that ...”
- Restate the main point from the introduction using different wording.
Responding to opposing views: To earn a high score, it is important to show that you recognize the other side’s opinion.
- “Although some argue that ..., I believe ...”
- “While X is true to some extent, the main issue is Y.”
Introduction: Should high school students have part-time jobs? Some say it teaches responsibility, while others worry it affects studies. In my view, students should have part-time jobs.
Body 1: First, working teaches money management. Students who earn their own money understand its value.
Body 2: Second, part-time jobs build social skills. Working with adults teaches communication and teamwork.
Conclusion: To sum up, while studying is important, part-time jobs provide valuable life lessons that classrooms cannot.
Points to Note
① Make your position clear: Saying “Both sides have good points” will not be valued by graders. Clearly state whether you agree or disagree.
② Limit your reasons to 2〜3: Giving too many reasons makes each one shallow. Developing 2〜3 reasons deeply earns a higher score.
③ Personal experiences vs. general statements: Personal experiences such as “In my school, ...” can be effective. However, supporting your point with general statements is stronger.
④ Keep quotations of opposing views short: “Some argue that X. However, I believe Y because ...” ← Introduce the opposing view in one sentence and immediately refute it.
⑤ Do not introduce new information in the conclusion: The conclusion is for summarizing, not for presenting a new point.
- Four-paragraph structure: Introduction → Body 1 → Body 2 → Conclusion
- State your position in the introduction
- Use the PREP method in the body, with First/Second to show order
- Recognize and rebut opposing views (Although some argue ...)
- Paraphrase the introduction in the conclusion; do not add new information
Practice
- Write a three-sentence introduction on the topic “Should English be compulsory in elementary school?” Clearly state your position.
- Write one sentence using the form “Although some argue that X, I believe Y” (Topic: the need for school uniforms).
- Give three alternative beginnings for a conclusion besides “In conclusion” and “To sum up.”