Giving Your Opinion in Writing
A2 · Writing Lab · about 20 minutes
1 · Learn
An opinion is not just a feeling — in writing, an opinion is a claim plus support. The simple formula is: Opinion + because + reason + example. “I think cities are better for young people because there are more jobs. For example, my brother found work in one week in Chicago.”
Signal your opinion clearly: I think…, In my opinion…, For me,… Then prove it. Readers respect opinions they can follow, even when they disagree.
2 · See an Example
Dogs or Cats?
In my opinion, dogs are better pets than cats. Dogs are friendly and loyal, and they are always happy to see you. When I come home from work, my dog waits at the door, and my bad day feels smaller.
Cats are beautiful, and I like them too, but they are independent. For me, a pet is a friend — and nobody is a better friend than a dog.
3 · Analyze the Example
- Opinion in the first line. “In my opinion, dogs are better pets than cats.” No hiding — the claim is clear from the start.
- Reason + mini-story. Friendly and loyal (reasons), then the dog at the door (example you can see).
- The other side, fairly. “Cats are beautiful, and I like them too, but…” — naming the other side makes your opinion stronger, not weaker.
- Closing restates with feeling. “A pet is a friend” — the last line returns to the opinion with a personal definition.
Useful Vocabulary
In my opinion, summer is best.
Dogs are loyal animals.
Cats are independent.
Big cities are exciting. For example, New York never sleeps.
I agree with you.
Useful Expressions
- In my opinion, …
- I think / believe that …
- … because …
- For example, …
- For me, …
Common Mistakes
✗ I think dogs are better. That is my opinion. Dogs are good.
✓ I think dogs are better pets because they are loyal and friendly. For example, my dog waits for me at the door every day.
An opinion without a reason and an example is just a shout. Support it.
✗ In my opinion, I think that maybe dogs are possibly better.
✓ In my opinion, dogs are better pets.
One signal is enough. Stacking “in my opinion + I think + maybe + possibly” sounds afraid.
✗ Cats are stupid and people who like them are wrong.
✓ Cats are beautiful animals, but for me they are too independent.
Attacking the other side weakens your writing. Be fair, then be clear.
4 · Guided Practice
Build the full formula: opinion (winter is the best season) + reason + example.
See a model answer
Example: “I think winter is the best season because the air is clean and quiet. For example, I love walking in the snow early in the morning.”
Choose the stronger line: (a) “In my opinion, I think that maybe tea is better.” (b) “In my opinion, tea is better than coffee.”
See a model answer
(b) — one signal, clear claim.
Write a fair sentence about the other side of: “Online classes are better.”
See a model answer
Example: “Classrooms are more social, and I understand that, but online classes give me time and freedom.”
5 · Write — Your Task
✍️ Write your opinion on a simple either/or topic (city or countryside, summer or winter, books or movies, online or classroom learning): state your opinion, give two reasons, add one example, mention the other side fairly, and close with a strong line.
Goal: 2 paragraphs, 8–10 sentences · Length: 90–120 words
- Use the formula: opinion + because + example.
- One opinion signal per sentence — no stacking.
- Be fair to the other side in one sentence, then return to yours.
6 · Check — Self-Check
Work through your checklist honestly, then run the Self-Check. It counts words and sentences and spots mechanical points — it does not grade your English. You are the editor.
Read a model answer for the task
For me, living in a small town is better than living in a big city. Life is slower and cheaper, and people know their neighbors. For example, my grandmother knows everyone on her street, and they all help each other.
Big cities are exciting, and they have more jobs — that is true. But I choose quiet mornings, clean air, and time with family. A simple life is a rich life.
7 · Improve & Rewrite
Weak version — rewrite it in your notebook first, then compare:
I think phones are bad. In my opinion I think maybe phones are bad for kids. That is all.
See an improved version
In my opinion, phones are bad for young children because they steal time from playing and reading. For example, my little cousin plays games for four hours a day and never goes outside. Phones are useful for adults, but children need real games, real friends, and real sleep.
Quick Quiz
Keep going
📘 Grammar deep-dive: Conjunctions & Linking Words: and / but / because / so🌱 Vocabulary Builder: the A2 Feelings Personality set🎤 Speaking Studio: say this lesson out loud← Previous lesson · A2 — all lessons · Next: Writing About Your Job or Studies →
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