opinion essay upper intermediate

WRITING AN OPINION ESSAY – TIPS, STRUCTURE, EXAMPLES, EXERCISES

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Writing an opinion essay – Tips, structure, examples, exercises

Check the ‘explanation’ tab above before doing these exercises. choose the correct option to complete each gap..

• b. Although
• b. Because of
• b. because of
• b. in order to

Check the ‘Explanation’ tab above before doing these exercises. Complete each gap with one word from the box below.

Writing an opinion essay

Plan your ideas.

• Fact 1: their careers usually end in their 30’s.
• Fact 2: sometimes, they are even shorter because of injuries.
• Fact 1: Constantly followed by journalists and fans.
• Fact 2: Now, everyone uses their phones to take photos and publish them.

Organise your text

• Introduction
• Arguments or reasons that support your view.

Introduction. Paragraph 1

Arguments. paragraph 2, adding more points or ideas.

• In addition, …

Giving your opinion

• In my opinion, …
• In my view, …
• I think/feel that …
• I (truly) believe that …
• I am convinced that …
• I agree that …
• I disagree with/about …

Introducing examples

• For example, …
• For instance, …

Expressing contrast, purpose and reason

• Contrast: although, however, despite, etc.
• Purpose: to, in order to, so that, etc.
• Reason: because (of), since, due to, etc.

Introducing your conclusion

• In conclusion, …
• To sum up, …

Related Tests

A for and against essay – a balanced essay

Opinion essay – agree or disagree with a statement

Search form

An opinion essay.

Look at the essay and do the exercises to improve your writing skills.

Instructions

Do the preparation exercise first. Then do the other exercises.

Preparation

Check your understanding: multiple selection

Check your writing: matching - useful words and phrases, worksheets and downloads.

Are video games really a good way to keep fit? What do you think?

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20 English Essay Topics/Questions | B2 First (FCE)

The language of an English essay should be formal . Also, make sure that you justify all your ideas and that you use appropriate connectors to link your sentences and paragraphs .

How to write B2 First (FCE) essay?

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B2 First (FCE) Essay: Example Topics / Questions

Below is a sample list of academic essay writing topics/tasks for B2-level (intermediate) students. You can use them to practice writing English essays or to prepare for the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) exam

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 1 | First (FCE)

You have watched a documentary about young children in poor areas who leave school to work. Your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.

Teenagers are dropping out of school to find a job. How can we help them to continue their education?

Write about:

• family problems
• financial difficulties
• …………… (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 2 | First (FCE)

In your social studies course, you have watched a documentary on the potential effects of too much pollution on the air quality of city centres. Your professor has assigned you an essay to write.

Keeping the air quality in city centres at healthy levels for their residents is a concern for many places. How can we solve the problem of pollution in city centres?

• automobiles
• ………………  (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 3 | First (FCE)

In your education class, you have listened to a lecture on the importance of teaching foreign languages in school. Your teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Learning a foreign language helps students develop a set of important skills. Why should foreign languages be taught in schools?

• new cultures
•  employment
• …………. (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 4 | First (FCE)

You have listened to a radio programme about the problem of widespread starvation in many parts of Africa. Your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

In many parts of Africa, people are dying of starvation and lack of freshwater. Can these problems be solved?

• lack of organised farming
• …….. …….. (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 5 | First (FCE)

You have watched a video on a non-profit organisation working to stop the use of animals for testing medicines used by human beings. Now, your professor has asked you to write an essay.

Testing on animals is a standard in scientific research. What is the best way to deal with this problem?

• animals suffer
• outdated form of research
• …… ……..  (your own idea)

Get Your (FCE) Essay Checked!

B2 - essay topic / question 6 | first (fce).

You have listened to a radio programme about deforestation, the cutting down of trees in many wild areas around the world. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Many forests around the world are being destroyed for agricultural, commercial, or housing use without allowing time for the forests to regenerate themselves. What can be done to improve the situation?

• what contributes to the greenhouse effect
• ………. (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 7 | First (FCE)

In your English class, you have been talking about endangered species, animals or plants that will likely become extinct. Your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Around the world, many wildlife species are in danger of extinction. How can we protect endangered animals?

• hunting wild animals
• ………..  (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 8 | First (FCE)

You have watched a Youtube video about the problem of computer game addiction in children. Your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

More and more young people spend most of their time playing computer games. How can we help children to overcome this addiction?

• bad grades at school
• no social life
• ………… (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 9 | First (FCE)

You have listened to a radio programme about the impact of smoking on people’s health. Now, your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

Smoking is responsible for many health problems throughout the world. Do you think it should be made illegal?

• lung cancer
•  passive smoking
• ……………… (your own idea)

FCE, CAE, CPE

More than practice tests, b2 - essay topic / question 10 | first (fce).

In your English class, you have been talking about the problem of obesity in young people. Now your English teacher has asked you to write an essay.

In Europe and the USA a lot of young people have an obesity problem. What can be done to solve this problem?

• (your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 11 | First (FCE)

Has technology made a positive contribution to sport today?

• The use of technology to improve performance
• The use of technology in refereeing decisions

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 12 | First (FCE)

It is better to work at home than in an office. Do you agree?

• Contact with people
• Working hours

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 13 | First (FCE)

Life is harder for young people now than in the past. Do you agree?

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 14 | First (FCE)

Is it better to go shopping in small local businesses or large out-of-town shopping centres?

• Where things are cheaper
• Where service is better

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 15 | First (FCE)

Is it better to spend a summer holiday in the countryside or on the coast?

• Leisure options

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 16 | First (FCE)

Your teacher has asked you to write your response to the following statement taken from a recent newspaper article:

Do you agree that community service works better than fines?

• effort and time
• lesson learned
• ………………(your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 17 | First (FCE)

Is it true that we help the environment when we plant a tree?

• clear the air
•  ………….( your own idea)

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 18 | First (FCE)

Nowadays children are suffering from obesity, that was once considered to be meant for adults only. What are its causes and what solutions can be offered?

• busy lifestyle

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 19 | First (FCE)

Is it better to be the oldest or the youngest in a family?

• role of older sibling

B2 - Essay Topic / Question 20 | First (FCE)

Modern lifestyles can seriously endanger our health.

Do you agree?

• physical activity
• …….. (your own choice)

B2 First (FCE) Essay: Download (PDF)

Download B2 First (FCE) Essay: Topics (PDF)

Practice Tests Online

B2 first (fce) essay: assessement criteria.

Your essay will be assessed according to these four criteria:

Would you pass B2 First (FCE)?

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20 English Essay Questions (Intermediate)

Writing essays in English

Many of our students use our writing correction service to correct their CVs, application letters or work related emails or reports. However, if you would like to improve your English writing skills for general purposes, we recommend writing a selection of essays from the below questions.

We correct your essays, giving you valuable feedback on your mistakes, and advice on how to improve your written expression in English.

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Correcting written work in English

Intermediate Essay Questions

• Nowadays, food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people live? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.   
• How do movies or television influence people's behaviour? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.  Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.   
• Neighbours are the people who live near us. In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good neighbour? Use specific details and examples in your answer.   
• It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay.   
• In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think this is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details.   
• A person you know is planning to move to your town or city. What do you think this person would like and dislike about living in your town or city? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.   
• Is it better to enjoy your money when you earn it or is it better to save your money for some time in the future? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.   
• Some people like to travel with a companion. Other people prefer to travel alone. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.   
• Some people prefer to work for a large company. Others prefer to work for a small company. Which do you prefer and why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.   
• Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? You should never judge a person by external appearances. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.   
• Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Most experiences in our lives that seemed difficult at the time become valuable lessons for the future. Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.   
• Which would you choose: a high-paying job with long hours that would give you little time with family and friends or a lower-paying job with shorter hours that would give you more time with family and friends? Explain your choice, using specific reasons and details.   
• Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Technology has made the world a better place to live. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.  
• A foreign visitor has only one day to spend in your country. Where should this visitor go on that day? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.   
• Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Only people who earn a lot of money are successful. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.   
• You have the opportunity to visit a foreign country for two weeks. Which country would you like to visit? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.   
• Many students choose to attend schools or universities outside their home countries. Why do some students study abroad? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.   
• Every generation of people is different in important ways. How is your generation different from your parents' generation? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.   
• What changes do you think the 21st century will bring? Use examples and details in your answer.   
• You have enough money to purchase either a house or a business. Which would you choose to buy? Give specific reasons to explain your choice. 

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Giving Opinions

This is just my opinion, but...

This page lists useful expressions for the language function of giving opinions .

• I (really) think that …
• I believe (that) …
• I’m sure that …
• In my opinion / My opinion is …

Pre-intermediate

• I agree with …
• I feel that …
• I guess/imagine …
• I have no doubt that / I’m certain that …
• I strongly believe that …
• I’ve never really thought about this before, but …
• My personal opinion is that / Personally, my opinion is that …
• To be honest / In my honest opinion, …

Intermediate

• As far as I know, …
• I agree with the opinion of …
• I could be wrong, but …
• I’d definitely say that …
• I’d guess/imagine that …
• I’d say that …
• I’m absolutely certain that …
• I’m fairly confident that …
• I’m no expert (on this), but …
• I’m positive that …
• I’m pretty sure that …
• It seems to me that …
• It’s a complicated/difficult issue, but …
• My (point of) view (on this) is …
• Obviously, …
• Some people may disagree with me, but …
• This is just my opinion, but …
• Without a doubt, …
• You probably won’t agree, but …

Upper-intermediate

• After much thought, …
• After weighing up both sides of the argument, …
• Although I can see both points of view / Although I can understand the opposite point of view, …
• As I see it, ...
• Correct me if I’m wrong, but …
• For me/ From my point of view, …
• I am not very familiar with this topic, but …
• I do believe/ feel/think …
• I have come to the conclusion that …
• I might change my mind later, but …
• I reckon/suppose …
• I tend to think that …
• I’m not sure I’m the right person to ask, but / I have very limited experience of this, but …
• I’m pretty confident that …
• I’ve always thought that …
• If you ask me, …
• I'm (absolutely) convinced that …
• In my humble opinion / IMHO, …
• It could be said that …
• It seems clear to me that …
• It would seem to me that …
• My initial reaction is …
• Not everyone will/would agree with me, but …
• Personally speaking / Speaking for myself, …
• The way I see it (is) …
• To be (perfectly) frank, …
• To the best of my knowledge, …
• What I think is …
• You could say …
• After giving this matter some (serious) thought, …
• As far as I'm concerned, …
• As the old saying goes, …
• Having given this question due consideration, …
• I am of the opinion that …
• I can’t help thinking that …
• I know this is a minority view, but / I’m in the minority in thinking that …
• I tend towards the opinion that …
• I think it’s fair/reasonable to say …
• I’ll tell you what I think, …
• I’m entirely/quite convinced that …
• I’ve come the conclusion that …
• If I must come up with an opinion / If you (really) want my opinion, …
• In my limited experience, …
• It could/might well be that …
• Know what I think? …
• My opinion was best expressed by … when s/he said/wrote …
• My view/position on this (issue) (is clear and) is that …
• Off the top of my head, …
• Quite frankly, …
• There is a part of me that says …
• This may well be controversial, but …
• To my mind / To my way of thinking, ...
• To summarise my (rather complex) views on the matter, …
• What I always say is …
• With some reservations, …
• Without a shred/shadow of doubt, …
• You’d have to be crazy not to agree that / Any idiot can see that …

Are you a learner at B2 English level (upper intermediate) ? This section offers reading practice to help you understand texts with a wide vocabulary where you may need to consider the writer's opinion. Texts include articles, reports, messages, short stories and reviews.

Each lesson has a preparation task, a reading text and two tasks to check your understanding and to practise a variety of reading skills. Make a start today.

Choose a reading lesson

A Plastic Ocean: a film review

Read a review of the film 'A Plastic Ocean' to practise and improve your reading skills.

• Read more about A Plastic Ocean: a film review
• Log in or register to post comments

A short story extract

Read a section from a short story to practise and improve your reading skills.

• Read more about A short story extract

An email from a friend

Read an email from a friend you haven't heard from for a long time to practise and improve your reading skills.

• Read more about An email from a friend

Read a scientific article about asteroids to practise and improve your reading skills.

• Read more about Asteroids

Cultural expectations and leadership

Read an article about the different cultural expectations of a leader to practise and improve your reading skills.

• Read more about Cultural expectations and leadership

Instant messages

Read a conversation by instant messages to practise and improve your reading skills.

• Read more about Instant messages

Millennials in the workplace

Read a report on millennials in the workplace to practise and improve your reading skills.

• Read more about Millennials in the workplace

Star Wars and the hero myth

Read about how the film Star Wars follows a pattern found in myths to practise and improve your reading skills.

• Read more about Star Wars and the hero myth

The Buy Nothing movement

Read about the Buy Nothing movement and answer the questions to practise and improve your reading skills.

• Read more about The Buy Nothing movement

The sharing economy

Read about the sharing economy to practise and improve your reading skills.

• Read more about The sharing economy

Why bridges collapse

Read a civil engineering article about why bridges fall to practise and improve your reading skills.

• Read more about Why bridges collapse

Work–life balance

Read what four people have to say about their working hours to practise and improve your reading skills.

• Read more about Work–life balance

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