How to write an opinion essay
Short answer: An opinion essay says what you think and gives reasons. State your opinion in the introduction, give one reason in each body paragraph with an example, and finish with a conclusion that repeats your opinion in new words.
🎯 I can give my opinion with reasons.
At a glance
| Part | Job | Example |
|---|---|---|
| introduction | your opinion | I believe schools should start later. |
| body paragraphs | one reason each, with an example | sleep, focus |
| conclusion | restates the opinion | A later start would help students. |
How to write it
- Decide your opinion.
- Choose two reasons.
- Write a paragraph for each reason with an example.
- Restate your opinion in the conclusion.
A model text
I believe schools should start later.
First, students need sleep. Teenagers who sleep eight hours remember more, so a later start helps learning.
Second, a later start improves focus. Tired students often lose attention in the first lesson.
In conclusion, a later start would help students sleep, focus and learn.
- The introduction gives the opinion.
- Each paragraph has one reason and an example.
- The conclusion restates the opinion.
Common mistakes
I believe because I believe.→ I believe this because students need sleep.
Give a real reason.Three reasons in one paragraph.→ One reason per paragraph.
Give each room.A new opinion in the conclusion.→ Restate the same opinion.
Stay consistent.
Opinion and argumentative
An argumentative essay adds evidence and answers the other side.
| Type | Support | Other side |
|---|---|---|
| opinion | reasons | not needed |
| argumentative | reasons and evidence | answered |
Check yourself
- What goes in the introduction?
Show the answer
Your opinion. Say it clearly.
- How many reasons per paragraph?
Show the answer
One. With an example.
- How does the conclusion end?
Show the answer
By restating the opinion. Use new words.
Rule cards that help
- No Article?: For things in general, use no a and no the: I like dogs. I drink milk.
- Joining words: and, but, or, so: and, but, or and so join two ideas of the same kind.
- I like swimming. I want to swim.: After like, use -ing. After want, use to and the plain action word.
Sounds that help
- Sentence Stress: Stress the words that matter
- Rhythm & Chunking: Give your reasons in chunks
- Saying it with feeling: Say it with feeling
Questions
How long is it?
Three to five paragraphs.
Can I use I?
Yes: I believe, In my opinion.
Where can I practice?
The articles and essays stone has opinion lessons.
Part of 📰 Articles and essays (stone 4 of the Learning Path). See also the English writing guide. Đọc bằng tiếng Việt.
Written for English learners by the English for Fun team. How we write our lessons · Last updated 2026-11-05.
Reviewed by Chinh Q. Hoang, PhD, founder, English for Fun · 2026-10-30