Make Your Way 7, Schulbuch mit Audio-CD und CD-ROM

Writing: An opinion essay 28 a) For the Matura exam, you will be asked to write an opinion essay or argumentative composition of 350–400 words. In this essay you have to write about a given topic, usually one which people hold strong and differing views about. Your task is to present or argue your own opinion on the topic in a series of paragraphs, each point supported by evidence. Unlike the “for and against” essay, where you must present arguments for both sides of the topic and weigh them up against each other, in an opinion essay, your aim is to persuade the reader that your standpoint on the given topic is a strong and reasonable one. Like all essays, an opinion essay consists of the title , an introduction , a body or main section and a conclusion . The main section will contain the substance of your essay and will be made up of two or three paragraphs. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence , containing the main idea, followed by facts and examples to support your argument. Tips for writing an opinion essay • Decide what your position is on the subject you are given. • Brainstorm your ideas or make a mind map (see the “Writing station” of this unit). • Sometimes it can be easier to write the introduction to your essay after you have written the main section. • Organise your main section material into three or four paragraphs, each with a topic sentence and supporting ideas. • Make your argument as clear as possible so that it is easy for the reader to follow. You can do this by using linking words and phrases to join your ideas, e.g. also, because, despite, furthermore, however, in addition, in conclusion, just as, moreover, therefore, to sum up, unlike, whereas, while. b) Now look at this opinion essay question and read the sample essays that follow. “There are fewer female politicians, scientists and creative artists in the Western World than there are male.” Would you agree that we still live in a male-dominated society? Write an essay of about 350–400 words giving your opinion. 22 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv