Lesson 9 · Lesson guide
Writing Task 2: Opinion Essays — A Clear Position Throughout
Hello, my dear student!
Hello! Look at the band descriptors for Task Response. Band 6 says the writer “presents a relevant position although the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive”. Band 7 says the writer “presents a clear position throughout the response”. The difference is one word: throughout.
Many band 6 essays start by agreeing, spend the second body paragraph arguing the opposite, and end with “there are advantages and disadvantages”. The examiner finishes reading and still does not know what the writer thinks.
Today you will learn to choose a position before you write, state it in a precise thesis, make every topic sentence support it, handle the other side without changing sides, and write a conclusion that says exactly what the introduction promised.
See you in the exercises,Your teacher
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Three positions
For “To what extent do you agree or disagree?”, choose one before you plan.
Position 1
Completely agree (or disagree)
Both body paragraphs give reasons for your view. The simplest and safest structure.
- I firmly believe that university education should be free.
Position 2
Partly agree
You accept part of the statement and reject another part. The thesis must say which part is which.
- While online courses suit adults with jobs, I believe school-leavers benefit more from studying on campus.
The trap
“It depends” with no answer
“There are good and bad points” is not a position. If you partly agree, say exactly where you stand.
- Not: “Both sides have advantages.” → “Although …, I believe …”
Remember!
Choose → state (thesis) → support (topic sentences) → repeat (conclusion). The same position in all four places.
Where the position appears
Introduction
The thesis statement
The last sentence of the introduction: your answer to the question, clearly and briefly.
- In my view, the benefits of this policy far outweigh its drawbacks.
Body paragraphs
Topic sentences
The first sentence of each body paragraph gives one reason for your position.
- The main reason I support free education is that it widens access.
Conclusion
The same position, new words
Restate your view and summarise your reasons. No new ideas, and no change of mind.
- In conclusion, I remain convinced that …
Position mistakes I see every day
Not: Introduction: I agree. Body 2: However, this idea is completely wrong.Say: Body 2: Admittedly, some people argue … However, this does not change my view because …
Mention the other side, but answer it, so your position stays the same.
Not: In conclusion, there are both advantages and disadvantages.Say: In conclusion, although there are some drawbacks, I firmly believe the advantages are greater.
A conclusion must give your opinion, not just list both sides.
Not: Thesis: This essay will discuss this topic.Say: Thesis: I strongly agree that cities should ban cars from their centres.
Say what you think, not what you will do.
Check yourself
Your thesis says you completely disagree. Can a body paragraph mention the other side?
What is wrong with “In conclusion, it depends on the situation”?
Now it’s your turn!
8 short parts, each a little harder than the one before. Take your time: mistakes are how we learn.
— Your teacher