.jfif)
LISTENING
How to enjoy better conversations
8th 22nd November
How to save money at the supermarket
💬 Do you agree/half-agree or disagree?
- Being an only child is better than having brothers and sisters.
- You should always defend family members against the police, even if they have done something wrong.
- Mothers and daughters have a more difficult relationship than mothers and sons.
- If a couple doesn´t get on, it´s better for their children for them to divorce than to stay together and completely argue.
- If we want to save the planet, no couples should be allowed to have more than two children.
- Your "family" are the people who care about you, not necessarily your blood relatives.
- Your parents brought you up, so it´s your responsibility to take care of them when they´re old.
WRITING: AN OPINION COMPOSITION. (175 WORDS)
Useful Connectors for Opinion Compositions
- To introduce points: Firstly, To begin with, For one thing, One reason is that, On the other hand
- To add points: Furthermore, In addition, Likewise, Moreover
- To contrast: However, Nonetheless, In contrast, Although, Despite this
- To emphasize: It is essential to note that, Indeed, Without a doubt, Clearly
- To conclude: In conclusion, To sum up, Ultimately, All things considered.
Structure of an Opinion Composition
Introduction
- Purpose: Introduce the topic and clearly state your opinion.
- Tip: Provide some context or background to give the reader an idea of why the topic is relevant.
- Connector Examples: To begin with, In recent years, Many people believe that, It is often argued that…
Body Paragraphs
- Purpose: Present supporting arguments for your opinion. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea or argument.
- Structure:
- Topic Sentence: Introduce the main point of the paragraph.
- Explanation: Explain why this point supports your opinion.
- Example/Evidence: Provide an example, statistic, or real-life case to illustrate the point.
- Mini-conclusion: Summarize how this argument supports your opinion.
- Connector Examples:
- Adding points: Additionally, Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Not only … but also …
- Contrasting points: On the other hand, In contrast, Nevertheless, Despite this, Although
- Explaining reasons or results: This is because, Consequently, As a result, Therefore, For this reason
Counterarguments and Refutation
- Purpose: Acknowledge opposing views and refute them.
- Tip: Briefly mention a possible counterargument, then explain why it is less convincing or valid than your own argument.
- Connector Examples:
- Presenting the opposing view: Some may argue that, It is often suggested that, Critics claim that
- Refuting: However, Nonetheless, Even so, In reality, This argument fails to consider, In fact
Conclusion
- Purpose: Summarize your main arguments and restate your opinion strongly.
- Tip: Don’t introduce new arguments here. Instead, reaffirm your stance and leave a strong final impression.
- Connector Examples: In conclusion, To sum up, Taking everything into account, All things considered, Ultimately
Tips for Writing a Strong Opinion Composition
- State your position clearly: Make sure your opinion is clear from the beginning.
- Use formal language: Avoid contractions and colloquial expressions.
- Balance the argument: Present both sides if possible and address counterarguments.
- Include examples and evidence: Specific examples help strengthen your arguments.
- End with a strong conclusion: Summarize your points and reinforce your opinion
