OPINION

DEFINITION

Opinion essay is written to impart the author’s viewpoint on a particular topic verified by reasons and examples. Sometimes, the opposing viewpoint is also suggested. It requires the author’s unbiased opinion on a particular problem and his/her capability to back his points up so that the readers can easily be convinced with his/her position.

Topic of opinion essay usually revolves around debatable issues. It cannot be facts but opinions. For example:

1. Women are better managers than men. Usually, women would agree with this topic while men won’t.

2. Mathematics and Science should be thought in English. People living in the urban area might agree with this topic while those who live in the rural are might not.

CHARACTERISTICS OF OPINION ESSAY

The most important elements of opinions essay are:

•  An introduction where the topic and the author’s opinion are stated clearly.
•  A main body where viewpoints supported by reasons are presented in several paragraphs.
• A conclusion where the main points of the essay are summarized and the author’s opinion is restated in other words.

In writing this essay, it is vital for a writer to:

•  Decide your opinion as for the topic discussed.
• Decide on your stand.
• Write your stand (agree/disagree) in your introduction paragraph.
• Make a list of viewpoints and reasons supporting your point of view.
• Write well-developed paragraphs.
• Use linking words and phrases to join the sentences and the paragraphs within the text.
• Start each paragraph with a topic sentence.
• •      Conclude the essay by restating your stand.

In order to express their viewpoint, the following expressions could be used:

• As far as I am concerned, …
• I am (not) convinced that …
• In my opinion/view …
• My opinion is that …
• I (firmly)believe …
• I (definitely) feel/think that …
•  I am inclined to believe that …

INTERNET BANKING

In these modern times, we use technology to do almost everything in our  daily lives. Something which could take hours to do, could be done in just a matter of minutes or even seconds. For instance, we now do not need to stand in a long line to conduct banking transactions. With just a click of a button, money can be banked in and bills can be paid for in the comfort of your own home. Personally, I think that internet banking is one of our greatest achievements as the transactions are safe, fast and convenient.

            We read about cases of robbery in the news almost everyday making it scary for some to go to banks to deposit or withdraw money. I believe that it is safe for us to make transactions through internet banking because we do not need to physically handle any ‘real’ money. For example, some people may make with retailers and will need to go to the bank to withdraw cash to pay their  creditors. It is extremely dangerous to carry a large amount of cash as there might be robbers waiting for you as you step out of the bank.

            Also, in my opinion internet banking saves time. One does not need to wait for hours standing in line to conduct a transaction. Transactions could be made in a matter of seconds depending on the speed of your internet. Just log into the bank website and have all the particular details of the account you are transferring or withdrawing money in hand, and with just a few clicks, the transaction is complete. No standing and waiting impatiently anymore.

            Besides being fast, I am convinced that internet banking is convenient. One does not need to look for transportation to get to  the bank. In the comfort of your own home or office, a person can make many safe and reliable transactions. You also save paper because there are no paper forms to fill in. All transactions are also recorded making it very convenient to review all the transactions made. In conclusion, as far as I am concerned, using internet banking is safe, fast and convenient. We no longer need to waste time standing in line, feel scared about carrying money and leave the house or office to conduct transactions. With the advent of  technology, many things are now made simple and safe for us to use.

PROCESS OF WRITING

Opinion essays should contain five paragraphs with a paragraph of introduction, three body paragraphs and a conclusion respectively.

Paragraph 1

INTRODUCTION

• Introduce your essay with a hook. A hook is what attracts your readers to keep on reading your essay. A hook introduces controversial issues. It can be a question, a surprising statement or even a story. A good hook will make readers want to knowmore about your essay.
•  After that, write background information to support your hook. This background information should contain details about the issues you are dealing with. IT will impart your stand and viewpoint to make the readers feel how the issue affects and involves them.
• Write your thesis statement and clearly state your main ideas.

Paragraphs 2, 3 and 4

BODY

• Write a topic sentence that has a controlling idea that supports the writers arguments (as mentioned in the thesis).
• Support the topic sentences with reasons, facts and explanations to help readers to understand the writer’s points. Provide examples to further pfoof your point.

Paragraph 5

•  Restate your opinion by using a more persuasive language to convince the readers.
• Use comments to reinforce writer’s viewpoints.