can you use i in an opinion essay

Using “I” in Academic Writing

Traditionally, some fields have frowned on the use of the first-person singular in an academic essay and others have encouraged that use, and both the frowning and the encouraging persist today—and there are good reasons for both positions (see “Should I”).

I recommend that you not look on the question of using “I” in an academic paper as a matter of a rule to follow, as part of a political agenda (see webb), or even as the need to create a strategy to avoid falling into Scylla-or-Charybdis error. Let the first-person singular be, instead, a tool that you take out when you think it’s needed and that you leave in the toolbox when you think it’s not.

Examples of When “I” May Be Needed

• You are narrating how you made a discovery, and the process of your discovering is important or at the very least entertaining.
• You are describing how you teach something and how your students have responded or respond.
• You disagree with another scholar and want to stress that you are not waving the banner of absolute truth.
• You need “I” for rhetorical effect, to be clear, simple, or direct.

Examples of When “I” Should Be Given a Rest

• It’s off-putting to readers, generally, when “I” appears too often. You may not feel one bit modest, but remember the advice of Benjamin Franklin, still excellent, on the wisdom of preserving the semblance of modesty when your purpose is to convince others.
• You are the author of your paper, so if an opinion is expressed in it, it is usually clear that this opinion is yours. You don’t have to add a phrase like, “I believe” or “it seems to me.”

Works Cited

Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin . Project Gutenberg , 28 Dec. 2006, www.gutenberg.org/app/uploads/sites/3/20203/20203-h/20203-h.htm#I.

“Should I Use “I”?” The Writing Center at UNC—Chapel Hill , writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/should-i-use-i/.

webb, Christine. “The Use of the First Person in Academic Writing: Objectivity, Language, and Gatekeeping.” ResearchGate , July 1992, doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.1992.tb01974.x.

J.S.Beniwal 05 August 2017 AT 09:08 AM

I have borrowed MLA only yesterday, did my MAEnglish in May 2017.MLA is of immense help for scholars.An overview of the book really enlightened​ me.I should have read it at bachelor's degree level.

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Dr. Raymond Harter 25 September 2017 AT 02:09 PM

I discourage the use of "I" in essays for undergraduates to reinforce a conversational tone and to "self-recognize" the writer as an authority or at least a thorough researcher. Writing a play is different than an essay with a purpose.

Osayimwense Osa 22 March 2023 AT 05:03 PM

When a student or writer is strongly and passionately interested in his or her stance and argument to persuade his or her audience, the use of personal pronoun srenghtens his or her passion for the subject. This passion should be clear in his/her expression. However, I encourage the use of the first-person, I, sparingly -- only when and where absolutely necessary.

Eleanor 25 March 2023 AT 04:03 PM

I once had a student use the word "eye" when writing about how to use pronouns. Her peers did not catch it. I made comments, but I think she never understood what eye was saying!

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• Tips & Guides

How To Avoid Using “We,” “You,” And “I” in an Essay

• Posted on October 27, 2022 October 27, 2022

Maintaining a formal voice while writing academic essays and papers is essential to sound objective. 

One of the main rules of academic or formal writing is to avoid first-person pronouns like “we,” “you,” and “I.” These words pull focus away from the topic and shift it to the speaker – the opposite of your goal.

While it may seem difficult at first, some tricks can help you avoid personal language and keep a professional tone.

Let’s learn how to avoid using “we” in an essay.

What Is a Personal Pronoun?

Pronouns are words used to refer to a noun indirectly. Examples include “he,” “his,” “her,” and “hers.” Any time you refer to a noun – whether a person, object, or animal – without using its name, you use a pronoun.

Personal pronouns are a type of pronoun. A personal pronoun is a pronoun you use whenever you directly refer to the subject of the sentence. 

Take the following short paragraph as an example:

“Mr. Smith told the class yesterday to work on our essays. Mr. Smith also said that Mr. Smith lost Mr. Smith’s laptop in the lunchroom.”

The above sentence contains no pronouns at all. There are three places where you would insert a pronoun, but only two where you would put a personal pronoun. See the revised sentence below:

“Mr. Smith told the class yesterday to work on our essays. He also said that he lost his laptop in the lunchroom.”

“He” is a personal pronoun because we are talking directly about Mr. Smith. “His” is not a personal pronoun (it’s a possessive pronoun) because we are not speaking directly about Mr. Smith. Rather, we are talking about Mr. Smith’s laptop.

If later on you talk about Mr. Smith’s laptop, you may say:

“Mr. Smith found it in his car, not the lunchroom!” 

In this case, “it” is a personal pronoun because in this point of view we are making a reference to the laptop directly and not as something owned by Mr. Smith.

Why Avoid Personal Pronouns in Essay Writing

We’re teaching you how to avoid using “I” in writing, but why is this necessary? Academic writing aims to focus on a clear topic, sound objective, and paint the writer as a source of authority. Word choice can significantly impact your success in achieving these goals.

Writing that uses personal pronouns can unintentionally shift the reader’s focus onto the writer, pulling their focus away from the topic at hand.

Personal pronouns may also make your work seem less objective. 

One of the most challenging parts of essay writing is learning which words to avoid and how to avoid them. Fortunately, following a few simple tricks, you can master the English Language and write like a pro in no time.

Alternatives To Using Personal Pronouns

How to not use “I” in a paper? What are the alternatives? There are many ways to avoid the use of personal pronouns in academic writing. By shifting your word choice and sentence structure, you can keep the overall meaning of your sentences while re-shaping your tone.

Utilize Passive Voice

In conventional writing, students are taught to avoid the passive voice as much as possible, but it can be an excellent way to avoid first-person pronouns in academic writing.

You can use the passive voice to avoid using pronouns. Take this sentence, for example:

“ We used 150 ml of HCl for the experiment.”

Instead of using “we” and the active voice, you can use a passive voice without a pronoun. The sentence above becomes:

“150 ml of HCl were used for the experiment.” 

Using the passive voice removes your team from the experiment and makes your work sound more objective.

Take a Third-Person Perspective

Another answer to “how to avoid using ‘we’ in an essay?” is the use of a third-person perspective. Changing the perspective is a good way to take first-person pronouns out of a sentence. A third-person point of view will not use any first-person pronouns because the information is not given from the speaker’s perspective.

A third-person sentence is spoken entirely about the subject where the speaker is outside of the sentence.

Take a look at the sentence below:

“In this article you will learn about formal writing.”

The perspective in that sentence is second person, and it uses the personal pronoun “you.” You can change this sentence to sound more objective by using third-person pronouns:

“In this article the reader will learn about formal writing.”

The use of a third-person point of view makes the second sentence sound more academic and confident. Second-person pronouns, like those used in the first sentence, sound less formal and objective.

Be Specific With Word Choice

You can avoid first-personal pronouns by choosing your words carefully. Often, you may find that you are inserting unnecessary nouns into your work. 

Take the following sentence as an example:

“ My research shows the students did poorly on the test.”

In this case, the first-person pronoun ‘my’ can be entirely cut out from the sentence. It then becomes:

“Research shows the students did poorly on the test.”

The second sentence is more succinct and sounds more authoritative without changing the sentence structure.

You should also make sure to watch out for the improper use of adverbs and nouns. Being careful with your word choice regarding nouns, adverbs, verbs, and adjectives can help mitigate your use of personal pronouns. 

“They bravely started the French revolution in 1789.” 

While this sentence might be fine in a story about the revolution, an essay or academic piece should only focus on the facts. The world ‘bravely’ is a good indicator that you are inserting unnecessary personal pronouns into your work.

We can revise this sentence into:

“The French revolution started in 1789.” 

Avoid adverbs (adjectives that describe verbs), and you will find that you avoid personal pronouns by default.

Closing Thoughts

In academic writing, It is crucial to sound objective and focus on the topic. Using personal pronouns pulls the focus away from the subject and makes writing sound subjective.

Hopefully, this article has helped you learn how to avoid using “we” in an essay.

When working on any formal writing assignment, avoid personal pronouns and informal language as much as possible.

While getting the hang of academic writing, you will likely make some mistakes, so revising is vital. Always double-check for personal pronouns, plagiarism , spelling mistakes, and correctly cited pieces. 

 You can prevent and correct mistakes using a plagiarism checker at any time, completely for free.

Quetext is a platform that helps you with all those tasks. Check out all resources that are available to you today.

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Encyclopedia for Writers

Writing with artificial intelligence, using first person in an academic essay: when is it okay.

• CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 by Jenna Pack Sheffield

Related Concepts: Academic Writing – How to Write for the Academic Community ; First-Person Point of View ; Rhetorical Analysis; Rhetorical Stance ; The First Person ; Voice

In order to determine whether or not you can speak or write from the first-person point of view, you need to engage in rhetorical analysis. You need to question whether your audience values and accepts the first person as a legitimate rhetorical stance. Source:Many times, high school students are told not to use first person (“I,” “we,” “my,” “us,” and so forth) in their essays. As a college student, you should realize that this is a rule that can and should be broken—at the right time, of course.

By now, you’ve probably written a personal essay, memoir, or narrative that used first person. After all, how could you write a personal essay about yourself, for instance, without using the dreaded “I” word?

However, academic essays differ from personal essays; they are typically researched and use a formal tone . Because of these differences, when students write an academic essay, they quickly shy away from first person because of what they have been told in high school or because they believe that first person feels too informal for an intellectual, researched text. While first person can definitely be overused in academic essays (which is likely why your teachers tell you not to use it), there are moments in a paper when it is not only appropriate, but also more effective and/or persuasive to use first person. The following are a few instances in which it is appropriate to use first person in an academic essay:

• Including a personal anecdote: You have more than likely been told that you need a strong “hook” to draw your readers in during an introduction. Sometimes, the best hook is a personal anecdote, or a short amusing story about yourself. In this situation, it would seem unnatural not to use first-person pronouns such as “I” and “myself.” Your readers will appreciate the personal touch and will want to keep reading! (For more information about incorporating personal anecdotes into your writing, see “ Employing Narrative in an Essay .”)
• Establishing your credibility ( ethos ): Ethos is a term stemming back to Ancient Greece that essentially means “character” in the sense of trustworthiness or credibility. A writer can establish her ethos by convincing the reader that she is trustworthy source. Oftentimes, the best way to do that is to get personal—tell the reader a little bit about yourself. (For more information about ethos, see “ Ethos .”)For instance, let’s say you are writing an essay arguing that dance is a sport. Using the occasional personal pronoun to let your audience know that you, in fact, are a classically trained dancer—and have the muscles and scars to prove it—goes a long way in establishing your credibility and proving your argument. And this use of first person will not distract or annoy your readers because it is purposeful.
• Clarifying passive constructions : Often, when writers try to avoid using first person in essays, they end up creating confusing, passive sentences . For instance, let’s say I am writing an essay about different word processing technologies, and I want to make the point that I am using Microsoft Word to write this essay. If I tried to avoid first-person pronouns, my sentence might read: “Right now, this essay is being written in Microsoft Word.” While this sentence is not wrong, it is what we call passive—the subject of the sentence is being acted upon because there is no one performing the action. To most people, this sentence sounds better: “Right now, I am writing this essay in Microsoft Word.” Do you see the difference? In this case, using first person makes your writing clearer.
• Stating your position in relation to others: Sometimes, especially in an argumentative essay, it is necessary to state your opinion on the topic . Readers want to know where you stand, and it is sometimes helpful to assert yourself by putting your own opinions into the essay. You can imagine the passive sentences (see above) that might occur if you try to state your argument without using the word “I.” The key here is to use first person sparingly. Use personal pronouns enough to get your point across clearly without inundating your readers with this language.

Now, the above list is certainly not exhaustive. The best thing to do is to use your good judgment, and you can always check with your instructor if you are unsure of his or her perspective on the issue. Ultimately, if you feel that using first person has a purpose or will have a strategic effect on your audience, then it is probably fine to use first-person pronouns. Just be sure not to overuse this language, at the risk of sounding narcissistic, self-centered, or unaware of others’ opinions on a topic.

Recommended Readings:

• A Synthesis of Professor Perspectives on Using First and Third Person in Academic Writing
• Finding the Bunny: How to Make a Personal Connection to Your Writing
• First-Person Point of View

Brevity – Say More with Less

Clarity (in Speech and Writing)

Coherence – How to Achieve Coherence in Writing

Flow – How to Create Flow in Writing

Inclusivity – Inclusive Language

The Elements of Style – The DNA of Powerful Writing

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, is it acceptable to use 'i' in a college essay.

Hi everyone, I'm working on my college essay, and I'm wondering if it's okay to use 'I' in my writing. I've heard that using first-person can be frowned upon in formal writing, but I also want my essay to be personal. Can I use 'I' in my college essay, or should I avoid it? Thanks!

Hi there! It's absolutely fine to use 'I' in your college essay. College essays are meant to be personal and provide insight into who you are as an individual. Using first-person is actually encouraged in this context.

While it's true that first-person can be frowned upon in some formal writing, college essays are an exception to this rule. The goal is to showcase your unique experiences, perspective, and voice. By using 'I', you'll be able to create a more engaging and authentic narrative.

Just remember to strike a balance between sharing your personal experiences and demonstrating your ability to write coherently and effectively. Make sure you're still presenting a well-organized essay with a clear focus. Good luck with your essay, and feel free to ask any more questions if you need assistance!

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• Knowledge Base
• Academic writing
• Taboo words in academic writing

Words and Phrases to Avoid in Academic Writing

Published on February 6, 2016 by Sarah Vinz . Revised on September 11, 2023.

When you are writing a dissertation , thesis, or research paper, many words and phrases that are acceptable in conversations or informal writing are considered inappropriate in academic writing .

You should try to avoid expressions that are too informal, unsophisticated, vague, exaggerated, or subjective, as well as those that are generally unnecessary or incorrect.

Bear in mind, however, that these guidelines do not apply to text you are directly quoting from your sources (including interviews ).

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Table of contents

Too informal, too exaggerated, too subjective, generally incorrect, other interesting articles.

Academic writing is generally more formal than the writing we see in non-academic materials (including on websites). It is also more formal than the ways in which we normally speak. The following words and phrases are considered too informal for a dissertation or academic paper.

Informal sentence starts

Some words are acceptable in certain contexts, but become too informal when used at the beginning of a sentence. You can replace these with appropriate  transition words  or simply remove them from the sentence.

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Using vague terms makes your writing imprecise and may cause people to interpret it in different ways. Always try to be as specific as possible.

Academic writing is usually unadorned and direct. Some adverbs of frequency (such as always and never ) and intensifiers (words that create emphasis, such as really ) are often too dramatic. They may also not be accurate – you’re making a significant claim when you say something is perfect or never happens.

These terms do sometimes add value, but try to use them sparingly.

Some words and phrases reveal your own bias. For instance, if you state that something will obviously happen, you are indicating that you think the occurrence is obvious – not stating a fact.

Expressing your opinion is appropriate in certain sections of a dissertation and in particular types of academic texts (such as personal statements and reflective or argumentative essays ). In most cases, though, take care when using words and phrases such as those below – try to let the facts speak for themselves, or emphasize your point with less biased language.

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Certain words and phrases are often used incorrectly, even by native speakers of a language. If you’re exposed to such mistakes often enough, you may start to assume they are correct – but it’s important that you don’t let them creep into your writing.

You should also bear in mind that some of these mistakes relate to things we all frequently mishear (for instance, we often think the speaker is saying would of instead of would have ).

In general, you should also try to avoid using words and phrases that fall into the following categories:

• Jargon (i.e., “insider” terminology that may be difficult for readers from other fields to understand)
• Clichés (i.e., expressions that are heavily overused, such as think outside of the box and at the end of the day )
• Everyday abbreviations (e.g., approx. , ASAP, corona, stats, info )
• Slang (e.g., cops , cool )
• Gender-biased language   (e.g., firemen , mankind )
• Generally unnecessary (e.g., redundant expressions that do not add meaning, such as compete with each other instead of simply compete)

Reflective reports and  personal statements  sometimes have a less formal tone. In these types of writing, you may not have to follow these guidelines as strictly. The preface or acknowledgements of a dissertation also often have a less formal and more personal voice than the rest of the document.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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Ultimate Guide to Writing an Opinion Essay

• Rachel R.N.
• June 14, 2023
• How to Guides

An opinion essay is often given to students at all levels of schooling. In this type of essay, the writer has to say what they think about a certain topic or issue and back up their point with evidence and examples. Students should learn how to write opinion essays because they teach them how to think critically and how to explain and defend a point of view. Opinion essays are an important part of academic writing, but they are also a great way to learn persuasive communication skills that you can use in your personal and professional life. This article will tell you everything you need to know about how to write an opinion essay. It will also give you 50 examples and ideas to help you get started. We will talk about the basic structure of an opinion essay and how to make a strong argument and back it up with facts and examples.

This guide will give you the tools you need to learn how to write a good opinion essay, whether you are a student looking to improve your academic writing or a professional looking to improve your persuasive communication skills .

What You'll Learn

Understanding Opinion Essays

Opinion essays are a type of academic writing in which the writer has to say what they think about a certain topic or issue. In an opinion essay, the writer should back up their point of view with evidence and examples and try to get the reader to agree with them. The point of opinion essays is to teach students how to think critically and talk in a way that makes others want to agree with them. If students want to do well in school, on the job, and in their personal lives, they need to have these skills. Opinion essays are different from descriptive or narrative essays because the writer has to take a clear stance on a certain topic and back up their claim with evidence and examples. It’s also important to have a clear thesis statement that explains the writer’s point of view.

Elements of an Opinion Essay

An opinion essay typically includes the following elements:

1. Introduction paragraph : The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide background information on the topic. It should also include a clear thesis statement that outlines the writer’s position.

2. Body paragraphs: The body of the essay should provide supporting evidence and examples to support the writer’s argument. Each paragraph should focus on a single point and should begin with a topic sentence that relates back to the thesis statement .

3. Supporting evidence and examples: It is important to use evidence and examples to support the writer’s argument. This can include statistics, facts, quotes, and personal experiences.

4. Counter arguments: It’s also important to address counter arguments or opposing viewpoints in an opinion essay. This shows the reader that the writer has considered alternative perspectives and has still arrived at their own position. Addressing counter arguments can also strengthen the writer’s position by showing that they have thought critically about the issue .

5. Conclusion paragraph: The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and restate the thesis statement . It should also leave the reader with a final thought or call to action.

Opinion essays are an important genre of academic writing that require critical thinking and persuasive communication skills. To write an effective opinion essay, it is important to have a clear thesis statement , use supporting evidence and examples, address counter arguments, and provide a strong conclusion. By mastering the elements of an opinion essay, students can develop their writing skills and become more effective communicators.

Opinion Essay Structure and Outline

Let’s look at an example of an opinion essay to comprehensively understand the structure of an opinion essay

The Impacts of Globalization on Local Economies

Globalization has become a heated topic of debate, with many differing perspectives on its effects. In this persuasive essay, I will form an opinion and provide a point of view on how globalization impacts local economies. As college students interested in reading different viewpoints, you’ll learn about writing an effective opinion piece.

To begin an opinion essay, the most important thing is to establish a clear thesis stating the main argument or belief. My thesis is: While globalization creates economic opportunities through trade and investment, it also poses challenges for local businesses trying to compete with larger multinational corporations. Both the positive potentials and negative pressures of globalization must be carefully considered.

The body of your opinion essay should logically organize evidence to support your stated perspective. One key benefit of globalization is giving local producers access to international markets, strengthening export revenues. Trade agreements facilitate selling goods and services across borders. Additionally, foreign direct investment from multinational companies can create new jobs and transfer technology/skills.

However, globalization also exposes local businesses to heightened competition which can be challenging for smaller firms. They may struggle to match the economies of scale, resources, and distribution networks of huge conglomerates. Domestic companies must innovate to avoid losing market share. There are also concerns about job losses if companies move production overseas.

While globalization allows corporations to efficiently manage worldwide supply chains and operations, this same flexibility enables circumventing local labor laws and taxes. Developing nations may engage in regulatory undercutting to attract investment, harming worker rights and the environment. Governments must strike a careful balance.

In crafting this opinion essay, I defined key concepts related to globalization’s impacts through examples local and international companies. Drawing on evidence from both sides strengthened my argument that globalization has significant trade-offs for local economies. For writers and students, seeing exactly how an opinion essay is structured with a clear thesis, body paragraphs explaining the perspective, and consideration of counterpoints can serve as a useful exercise.

Ultimately, opinion essays require logically organizing one’s thoughts and reasoning on a particular topic. Drafting an outline first, and then revising and proofreading, will improve the flow and persuasiveness. While all viewpoints are important to acknowledge, a good opinion piece persuades readers toward the author’s stance through a crystal clear thesis and well-supported arguments.

This basic opinion essay provides a simple guide on how to write persuasively about globalization’s effects. By establishing a position, giving evidence pro and con, defining key terms, and directly addressing the prompt of analyzing local economic impacts, the goal is to help the reader understand both sides while making a case for the writer’s perspective. For college students starting to pen opinion pieces, examples like this can strengthen essential academic writing skills.

Writing Process of an Opinion Essay

Writing an opinion essay requires careful planning and organization. Here are the steps to follow when writing an opinion essay:

1. Pre-writing strategies: Before you start writing, it’s important to brainstorm ideas and gather information on your topic . This can include researching your topic , making a list of arguments and counterarguments, and creating a mind map or outline.

2. Outlining an opinion essay : Once you have gathered your ideas, create an outline to organize your thoughts and develop a clear structure for your essay . Your outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

3. Writing the introduction: The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide some background information on the topic. It should end with a thesis statement that clearly states your position on the issue.

4. Developing body paragraphs: The body of the essay should provide supporting evidence and examples to support your argument. Each paragraph should focus on a single point and should begin with a topic sentence that relates back to the thesis statement.

5. Using evidence and examples to support your argument: Use evidence and examples to support your argument. This can include statistics, facts, quotes, and personal experiences.

6. Addressing counter arguments: It’s important to address counterarguments or opposing viewpoints in an opinion essay. This shows the reader that you have considered alternative perspectives and have still arrived at your own position. Addressing counter arguments can also strengthen your position by showing that you have thought critically about the issue.

7. Writing the conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis statement . It should also leave the reader with a final thought or call to action.

Tips and Techniques for Writing a Strong Opinion Essay

To write a strong opinion essay, follow these tips and techniques:

1. Writing with clarity and precision: Use clear and concise language to express your ideas. Avoid using too many complex words or phrases that may confuse the reader.

2. Crafting an effective thesis statement: Your thesis statement should be clear and concise, and it should clearly state your position on the issue.

3. Using transitional words and phrases: Use transitional words and phrases to connect your ideas and make your essay flow smoothly. Examples include “however,” “on the other hand,” and “in addition.”

4. Avoiding logical fallacies: Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that can weaken your argument. Examples include ad hominem attacks, straw man arguments, and false causality.

5. Editing and proofreading: After you have written your essay, take the time to edit and proofread it carefully. Look for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure that your ideas are presented clearly and logically.

Writing an opinion essay requires careful planning, organization, and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined above and using the tips and techniques provided, you can craft a strong and persuasive opinion essay that effectively communicates your position on the issue at hand.

10 Opinion Essay Examples

To help you understand what makes a strong opinion essay, here are 10 examples of well-written opinion essays, along with a detailed analysis of what makes each essay effective:

1. “The Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet” by Jane Smith

2. The Importance of Early Childhood Education” by John Doe

3. The Negative Effects of Social Media on Teenagers” by Sarah Johnson

4. The Pros and Cons of Online Learning” by Tom Brown

5. “The Need for Stricter Gun Control Laws” by Emily Davis

6. “The Ethics of Animal Testing” by Rachel Lee

7. The Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health” by David Nguyen

8. “The Importance of Diversity in the Workplace” by Maria Hernandez

9. The Harmful Effects of Plastic Pollution on the Environment” by Alex Lee

10. The Need for Universal Healthcare in the United States” by Samantha Jones

Each of these essays effectively communicates the writer’s position on a particular issue and provides strong supporting evidence and examples. By analyzing these essays , you can learn important lessons about how to effectively structure and develop an opinion essay.

50 Opinion Essay Topics That Will Impress Your Professors

To help you choose a topic for your opinion essay, here are 50 unique and engaging opinion essay topics that are relevant and important:

1. The impact of social media on interpersonal communication

2. The benefits and drawbacks of homeschooling

3. The role of technology in modern education

4. The need for stricter penalties for hate crimes

5. The impact of climate change on the global economy

6. The ethics of genetically modified foods

7. The impact of automation on jobs and the workforce

8. The effects of video games on children’s behavior

9. The need for better mental health support in schools

10. The benefits and drawbacks of remote work

11. The impact of social media on mental health

12. The need for stronger anti-bullying policies in schools

13. The effects of the gig economy on workers’ rights

14. The benefits and drawbacks of artificial intelligence

15. The impact of fast fashion on the environment

16. The ethics of animal agriculture

17. The need for more affordable housing in urban areas

18. The impact of immigration on local communities

19. The effects of screen time on children’s development

20. The need for stronger gun control laws

21. The impact of social media on political discourse

22. The benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources

23. The need for stronger anti-discrimination laws

24. The effects of legalization of marijuana on society

25. The impact of automation on the environment

26. The ethics of human cloning

27. The need for more accessible healthcare in rural areas

28. The effects of income inequality on society

29. The benefits and drawbacks of online dating

30. The impact of virtual reality on society

31. The need for stronger data privacy laws

32. The ethics of artificial intelligence in decision-making

33. The effects of social media on democracy

34. The impact of globalization on local economies

35. The benefits and drawbacks of autonomous vehicles

36. The need for stronger measures to combat cyberbullying

37. The effects of air pollution on public health

38. The ethics of euthanasia and assisted suicide

39. The impact of the sharing economy on traditional industries

40. The need for better access to mental health care for veterans

41. The benefits and drawbacks of cryptocurrency

42. The impact of space exploration on society

43. The ethics of gene editing

44. The need for stronger measures to combat human trafficking

45. The effects of social media on body image and self-esteem

46. The impact of automation on the future of work

47. The benefits and drawbacks of a cashless society

48. The need for stronger measures to combat domestic violence

49. The effects of social media on relationships

50. The impact of artificial intelligence on education

Choose a topic for your opinion essay that is important to you and about which you have strong feelings. Use the ideas and tips in this article to come up with a strong argument and back it up with proof and examples . With these tools, you can write a great opinion essay that will impress your professors and get your point across clearly.

1. What is the difference between an opinion essay and a persuasive essay?

An opinion essay and a persuasive essay are similar in that they both require the writer to express their viewpoint on a particular topic or issue. However, a persuasive essay is more focused on convincing the reader to take a particular action or adopt a particular viewpoint, while an opinion essay is more focused on expressing the writer’s personal perspective on the issue.

2. Can I include personal anecdotes in my opinion essay?

Yes, personal anecdotes can be a powerful tool for supporting your argument and making your essay more engaging. However, it’s important to ensure that your anecdotes are relevant to the topic and that they support your overall argument .

3. How do I address counterarguments in my essay?

To address counterarguments in your essay, consider presenting them in a separate paragraph or section of your essay . Then, explain why you disagree with the counterargument and provide evidence and examples to support your position.

4. How do I choose a topic for my opinion essay?

Choose a topic that you are passionate about and that you have a strong opinion on. Consider current events , social issues, or topics related to your field of study.

5. What is the recommended length for an opinion essay?

The length of an opinion essay can vary depending on the assignment requirements. However, a typical opinion essay is usually around 500-800 words.

6. What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing an opinion essay?

When writing an opinion essay, some common mistakes to avoid are not having a clear thesis statement, using weak or irrelevant evidence to back up your argument, not addressing counterarguments, and not proofreading your essay for mistakes. It’s important to take the time to carefully plan and edit your essay to make sure it clearly shows your point of view and gives strong evidence and examples to back up your argument.

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Opinion Essay

A Step-by-Step Guide to Write an Effective Opinion Essay

16 min read

Published on: Feb 28, 2023

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

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Are you looking to express your opinion in a clear and convincing way? Crafting an effective opinion essay is the key to making your thoughts heard.

With this simple guide, you can easily do just that.

Here, we'll take you step-by-step through the process of writing a compelling opinion essay. So you can be confident when putting your thoughts into words.

Let's get started!

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What Exactly is an Opinion Essay?

An opinion essay is a piece of writing that presents and defends an opinion or viewpoint on a particular topic. To make your argument convincing, you must back it up with facts, evidence, and logical reasoning.

What Makes an Opinion Essay Different from Other Types of Essays?

Opinion essays differ from other types of essays, such as argumentative or persuasive essays. It requires the writer to express their own opinion on a given topic.

Here's a table that compares the three types of essays:

How to Structure an Opinion Essay?

When crafting an opinion essay, it's important to follow a specific essay structure. The basic opinion essay structure is as follows:

• Introduction: An opinion essay introduction should introduce the topic and provide a clear statement of the author's opinion. It should also include any background information necessary to understand the argument.
• Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph should present a point or argument in favor of the writer's opinion. It would be followed by evidence or examples to support it. Counter-arguments against the opinion can also be presented and discussed in this section. Although, they should not detract from the main points being made.
• Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points and arguments made throughout the essay. Also, restate the author's opinion in a clear, concise way. It may also point out any potential implications of accepting or rejecting their viewpoint.

Struggling to write an opinion essay? Check out this video for some helpful pointers!

Opinion Essay Outline

An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing that presents an argument or point of view on a particular topic. An outline will help organize your thoughts and provide structure for your essay.

Here is an example of what an outline for a great essay might look like:

Here is another example for opinion essay ielts - structure:

By following this basic outline, you can ensure that your opinion essay will be well-structured and organized.

What to Include in an Opinion Essay

To craft a compelling opinion essay, it is important to include the following elements:

Logical Reasoning: Use logical reasoning to connect your evidence to your opinion. Clearly explain how the evidence supports your viewpoint and address any potential counterarguments. Ensure that your reasoning is clear, coherent, and easy for the reader to follow.

Personal Reflection: Share your personal experiences or observations that have influenced your opinion. This adds depth and authenticity to your essay and helps the reader understand the perspective from which you're approaching the topic.

Counter Arguments: Anticipate and address counterarguments to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Present counterarguments objectively and refute them with well-reasoned responses. This shows that you have considered alternative viewpoints and strengthens your position.

Clear Structure: Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph should focus on a single point or supporting argument. Use topic sentences to introduce each paragraph and provide smooth transitions between ideas.

Use of Persuasive Techniques: Employ persuasive techniques such as rhetorical questions, analogies, or emotional appeals to engage and persuade your readers. However, be cautious not to rely solely on emotional appeals without logical reasoning.

Proper Citations: If you use external sources or references, ensure proper citations and adhere to the appropriate citation style (e.g., MLA, APA). This demonstrates integrity and strengthens the credibility of your essay.

What not To Include

While writing an opinion essay, it is important to be mindful of certain elements that should be avoided. Here are some things you should not include in an opinion essay:

Personal Bias: Avoid basing your arguments solely on personal beliefs or biases. Instead, support your opinion with objective evidence and logical reasoning.

Emotional Appeals without Reasoning: While it is acceptable to evoke emotions in your readers, do not rely solely on emotional appeals without providing solid reasoning and evidence. Emotions should supplement your arguments, not substitute for them.

Sweeping Generalizations: Avoid making broad generalizations without sufficient evidence or support. Ensure that your claims are backed by credible sources and specific examples.

Lack of Counterarguments: Failing to acknowledge or address opposing viewpoints weakens your essay. Engage with counterarguments and provide counter-evidence to demonstrate your ability to consider different perspectives.

Informal Language: Maintain a formal tone throughout your essay. Avoid slang, colloquialisms, or overly casual language. Use appropriate academic language and vocabulary.

How to Write an Opinion Essay?

Writing an opinion essay requires careful organization and evidence in order to make your point convincingly.

Here are the necessary steps to write an opinion essay:

Choose a Topic

The first step is to decide on a topic that appeals to you and that you can research easily. Make sure you are familiar with the subject matter. It would help you to write about it from an informed perspective.

Organize Your Thoughts

Before beginning to write, take some time to organize your thoughts and opinions on the topic. Jot down notes or draw diagrams to visualize how each of your points relates to the main argument.

Find Evidence to Support Your Point of View

After you have taken the time to organize your thoughts, it is important to find evidence that supports your opinion. Research reputable sources and collect quotes, facts, or other information relevant to each point you are making.

Write Essay Conclusion

End with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and reiterates your main argument. Give a final thought about your chosen topic. Keep in mind how it has impacted you and how it could be used to make a difference.

Be sure to reference the evidence that you have gathered throughout your essay as well.

Finally, proofread and edit your work for clarity and accuracy. Reviewing what you have written can help ensure that everything flows logically. Check grammar, punctuation, and spelling while you're at it!

Do's and Don't of Writing an Opinion Essay 

When it comes to writing an opinion essay, there are certain guidelines that should be followed.

Here are some essential do's and don'ts of writing an opinion essay:

• Evidence: In order to make a convincing argument, your essay should include evidence that supports your point of view.
• Relevant facts and statistics: Use facts and statistics from reliable sources to back up your arguments.
• Logical flow: Make sure the points you are making logically follow one another in a clear and cohesive manner.
• Counter-arguments: Address any counter-arguments against your opinion by providing evidence that disproves them.
• Clear conclusion: The conclusion should restate your opinion clearly. It summarizes the main points made throughout the essay.
• Unsupportive evidence: Make sure to avoid any irrelevant evidence in your essay that isn't valid. Do not make claims that you cannot back up with facts or examples.
• Unrelated information: Stick to the topic at hand and avoid introducing any irrelevant ideas or tangents into your essay.
• Too much opinion: Although an opinion essay is based on personal beliefs, it should still be supported by evidence-based arguments.
• Weak conclusion: Avoid summarizing the main points without restating your opinion or taking a stand on the issue you are discussing.
• Poor grammar and punctuation: Make sure to review your work for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes before submitting it.

Examples of Opinion Essays

An opinion essay can be written on any topic that has two or more sides to it.

Here are these opinion essay examples:

Learn how to write with these potential opinion essay examples:

Opinion Essay PDF Example

Opinion 3 Paragraph Essay Example

Short Opinion Essay Examples PDF

Opinion Essay IELTS Example

Opinion Essay IELTS Band 9 Example

Opinion Essay About Internet Example

Opinion Essay Topics 5th Grade

5-paragraph Opinion Essay Examples

Abortion Opinion Essay Example

Climate Change Opinion Essay Example

Opinion Essay Topics

Looking for opinion essay topics? Opinion essays are a great way to express your beliefs and thoughts on various subjects.

Here are some topics to consider when writing an opinion essay:

• Social media sites create more harm than good, Agree or Disagree?
• Should the legal drinking age be lowered?
• Is animal testing necessary?
• Should the voting age be lowered?
• Are video games beneficial or harmful to children's development?
• Should the death penalty be abolished?
• Are beauty pageants beneficial to society?
• Is it important to consume organic foods?
• Should nuclear energy be used in place of fossil fuels?
• What are the positive and negative effects of technology on our lives?

Here are some more opinion essays topics - IELTS:

• Should governments ban smoking in public places?
• Should the government fund space exploration?
• Should students be required to wear school uniforms?
• Is social media a positive or negative influence on society?
• Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

If you're looking for advice on expressing your beliefs in an opinion essay without sounding too "preachy". Read this blog for more useful tips!

Opinion Essay Template

Check out the opinion essay template below to help you get started:

Transition Words for an Opinion Essay

Transition words are an essential part of any opinion essay. These words help to link your ideas and provide a logical flow for your paper.

Here are some examples of opinion essay phrases :

• In my opinion
• On the whole
• I strongly believe
• Besides that
• To conclude
• For this reason
• Most importantly
• Nevertheless
• Accordingly
• As a result
• In conclusion
• Without doubt
• Likewise/similarly
• On the contrary

Using transition words effectively can help make your opinion essay easier to read and understand.

Tips for Writing an Effective Opinion Essay

Writing an effective opinion essay requires good research skills and an understanding of how to present your argument clearly.

Here are some tips to help you get started.

• Research: Before writing an opinion essay it is important to do research. Familiarize yourself with different arguments surrounding the topic.
• Organizing Your Thoughts: Take some time to think about your main points and organize them into a logical order.
• Gathering Evidence: Find evidence or examples to support each of your points. 
• Structuring Your Work: Organize the evidence into a clear and logical structure. Make sure each body paragraph is focused on one main point and develops this idea in detail. 
• Writing the Introduction: Provide a brief overview of the topic and state your opinion clearly. 
• Writing the Conclusion: Summarize the main points made throughout the essay and restate your opinion. 

Need help with structuring your essay conclusion? Check out this Read and learn how to write an impactful conclusion for any essay!

Follow these tips to make sure your opinion paper is well-written, organized, and persuasive!

To wrap it all up,

Writing an opinion essay is a great way to express your thoughts and opinions on any given topic. With some research, organization, and structure, you can easily convey your point of view. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can write an effective opinion essay and make a strong argument.

Do you need help with essay writing? We provide essay writing help online for your academic writing needs. Our team of professionals ensures that every essay is written to perfection and meets the highest academic standards.

You can also trust our essay writer  to deliver quality papers to you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 3 parts of the opinion paragraph.

The 3 parts of the opinion paragraph includes:

• Introduction: It should provide the reader with an overview.
• Body Paragraphs: The paragraphs should present information to support your arguments.
• Conclusion: It should summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement.

What are some examples of opinion writing?

Examples of opinion writing include opinion articles, persuasive essays, editorial pieces, and reviews.

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IELTS Opinion Essay: Choosing one side or partially agreeing?

In an IELTS opinion essay, you can either agree, disagree or take a balanced approach which means to partially agree. However, you need to learn more so that you fulfil the requirements of the higher band scores.

See the answers to the 4 questions below. Also see useful links for writing task 2 below. All tips are for GT and Academic students.

1. Is it better to choose one side?

It won’t alter your score if you choose to support one side or partially agree. As long as you give a clear opinion, the examiner will be happy.

If you don’t understand a partial agreement essay, then choose one side. It’s easier to choose one side for most students and you can still get band score 9 by choosing one side.

Sometimes it might be hard to find enough ideas to support one side. In this case, go for a partial agreement. BUT if you need training to learn how to do this correctly.

2. Will you get a higher score if you partially agree?

No. It’s doesn’t matter what your opinion is – one side or partial. The only thing the examiner wants is a relevant opinion which is fully explained.

3. Can you write a discussion essay instead?

NO. Let me repeat that – NO !!! An opinion essay is only about your opinion. It is not about what other people think. You can’t change the type of essay you have been given. Look at the instructions below:

• You must explain both sides of what other people think and also give your opinion
• You must present your opinion and nothing else. Your opinion must cover all aspects of the essay question.

4. Can you use “I” or “my” in an opinion essay?

Yes. Of course. You MUST use “i” or “my” – it’s the only way to give your own personal opinion. Look at the language below:

• it is believed / it is considered / it seems – This language does not express your own individual opinion. It is perfect for discussion essays but it can’t be used for your own views.
• I think / I agree / I disagree / In my opinion – This is how you clearly express your view. The examiner wants to see this language when you give your opinion.

Useful Links for IELTS Writing Task 2

Click below to open useful links for IELTS writing task 2:

When to give your opinion

How to write an introduction

Using “I” or “my”: Free Video

Using quotes and idioms

All Writing Task 2 Tips & Model Essays

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Would this essay work on the opinion essay:

Q.) Public celebrations (such as national days, festivals etc) are held in most countries. These are often quite expensive and some people say that governments should spend money on more useful things. Do you agree or disagree?

Ans: The public display of culture through celebrations has been a matter of debate for years as most people argue for its necessity as it contributes to a huge loss in the nation’s capital. In the meantime, certain groups of people often express their dissatisfaction to the government cutting funds to such events, debating in support of large public celebrations, with the argument that those public celebrations are the sole identity of the nation. Both the arguments are much compelling as there doesn’t exist a harsh dark and light in the situations, but it lies in the gray area in actuality.

Public celebrations including festivals, jatras(cultural rallys popular in Nepal), national days, ets are unique to a culture,group or a place, and are the markers for their identity. So, cutting funds to those celebrations for sparing some bucks for the government might risk these unique heritages to go to extinction as we move throughout the years. Moreover, it may risk the extinction of an entire culture which for a country with a diverse heritage like Nepal, based predominantly on cultural tourism might be a much bigger problem in the future. The government cutting corners in some public celebrations while not in others, might also come off as discriminatory to the people of different cultures having their faith attached to those events.

On the other hand, in the time of an economic crisis like the one we are currently in, the government spending their funds off lavish displays and events could be debated as an unwise decision. People can debate how those funds can be utilized in works of social reforms and development rather than a lavish display. Furthermore, as the government has its own limitations for the sources of revenue, spending it off for events which might bring profit to the nation through tourism rather than on solid projects and developments works that are guaranteed to bring back the investment would be a better decision if taking things logically.

Taking all those things in consideration, it is fairly a matter dependent upon the situation and the economic state of the nation. If I were the one to decide, considering the current situation of the government, I would probably choose to mobilize the funds to development projects rather than extravagant public displays.

“Parents should encourage children to spend less time on studying and more on doing physical activities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

For this kind of question, can I say I think studying and physical activities are equally important?

Similarly, “Some people think the government should not spend on international aid because there are disadvantaged people in their country, such as the unemployed and homeless. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Can I say I think solving issues in their country and spending money on international aid are both important?

Do I have to say which one is more important than the other one?

When you have an opinion essay with two issues, you must address them both. But you don’t want to sit on the fence. You need to think more deeply about your opinion. You will usually find that you feel more strongly about one side than the other. Or you might find that you agree with A in a certain situation and B in another situation. Looking at the first question. Are you really trying to say that study and physical activities should have equal time spend on each? At the moment, school children study for about 7 hours a day and have one hour homework. They do physical activities for no more than about 1 hour a day. So, are you saying that schools should completely alter their curriculum and have 50% study and 50% physical activity? Really? I doubt you think this. Do you really want children playing games outside for four hours a day and only studying for four days? This is a common example of not analysing your thoughts enough. IELTS writing is about thinking more deeply and presenting a well thought out point of view. Think very carefully about how you express your opinion and explain it. For example, you could say studying should take priority but at the same time physical activity should be increased in schools and made available as extra curricular activities. Also note, the essay question is not about which is more important, it is about how much time should be spent on each. Pay very close attention to the wording in the question so that you address the issue directly. Hopefully, now you can apply these principles to the second question.

It was the what extend do you agree question.. Instead of writing “I partially agree” I wrote “as per my view.. And stated both points about my partial agreement with the statement but I didn’t write I partially agree.. Will this make me suffer a huge loss..? Please reply Thank you

There are no specific words that must be used in IELTS. If you agree with the statement, you don’t need to write “I agree” specifically. If you partially agree, you don’t need to use those particular words. IELTS is about meaning and clarity, not rules about using one or two words.

Hi Liz, I have an opinion essay of my own to write and I am quite confused as to what approach I should take with the topic. “Traditions can be found all over the world, some of them ancient and some of them recent. They often serve to bring communities together, but can also be the subject of heated debate and controversy. To what extent do you believe traditions can be harmful?” If I choose partially agree, how should my essay be structured? Should I write about how traditions could be harmful in one paragraph, and list out how it might not be the case in other situations in another paragraph? Wouldn’t that seem more like a for and against essay instead? Thanks a lot!

Where did you get this essay question? Did you get it from an Official IELTS website or an Official IELTS test book, if so which one?

Hi liz, I am confused on how to write an essay being agree partially. Essay- Today, the life expectancy of people is much higher than before. Some people think that older people should continue to be involved in the workforce.

I hope for your reply 🙏

In that essay question there is only one issue – do you think older people should continue to be involved in the workforce? If you partially agree, it means you do not fully agree. In other words, there might be one or two reasons why you do not fully agree with it. You therefore have to state what those reasons are and in what cases you do actually agree.

In this case (To what extent do you…), If I take one side and explain it further, isn’t it similar to an Agree or Disagree essay? (Here I am assuming that in an Agree or Disagree essay we have to take one position.)

There is no difference at all between “to what extent..” and “do you agree/disagree”. They are the same instructions paraphrased.

Thank you Liz.

For this essay – paying all workers the same salary in a company promotes harmony and respect amongst colleagues. To what extent do you agree or disagree. Can I write an essay like this: I strongly disagree with the above statement and in this essay will discuss the reasons as to why first of fall its impractical to pay the same salary and then will elucidate the reasons as to why paying all the employees the same salary will in fact result in a less harmonious work environment.

Thanks a lot for your help!

Sounds like you have been learning phrases to put in your essay. Do NOT use learned phrases “this will essay discuss the reasons…” / “then elucidate the reasons as to why…” The examiner is not stupid. The examiner knows these are not your own language. Each sentence must be uniquely created by yourself. Why don’t you just write normally: “I strongly disagree with the above statement because it is impractical to pay the same salary and cause friction in the work environment.”. Be clear. Be direct. Safe the details for the body paragraphs.

Hi Liz! Thank you so much for your reply. English is kind of my first language and I am used to using those phrases. Should I tone down my English for IELTS? Thanks again for your great help!

If English is your first language, you should write naturally. This is not an academic essay, it is a formal essay. You don’t use academic phrases. You write naturally and avoid informal tones or language. The title “academic ielts” is given because the test is often taken for entry onto educational courses. The essay itself is only formal in nature.

Thank you! This is really helpful.

I myself am an IELTS trainer (for the past year after being in the BPO sector for 20 years) and am a fan of yours and your IELTS tips, lessons, and videos that you have generously posted for free have been immensely helpful to me and my students. In continuation to the above hot discussion on opinion essays, I would like your say on the below situation.

One of my students had written an essay on the below question.

“Modern technology products such as smartphones and wearables are very addictive and should be banned. To what extent do you agree or degree with this view?”

He took an one-sided view (like many students would prefer to do or were taught to do) that “I completely disagree with the statement.” and wrote about the necessity of smartphones, advantages of the industry generating employment to many and revenue to government in the form of taxes, etc. (He did not mention about the addictive part whether he agrees it is addictive or not). I felt the task is not met like you rightly pointed out in one of the comments above(do you concur).

However, I feel there are two parts in the statement a) smart phones are addictive and b) it should be banned.

So shouldn’t we address both parts, that is, whether I agree if they are addictive and if so whether banning it is the solution for the same.

In that case there cannot be an answer which says I completely disagree with the statement unless you mean to say they are not addictive and hence need not be banned.

Are the below options correct: OPTION I: I partially agree with the statement a) it is addictive however disagree with b) should be banned, probably use can be restricted or limited.

OPTION II: One-sided, I agree they are addictive and hence need to be banned.

OPTION III: One-sided, I disagree, they are not addictive and hence need not be(should not be) banned.

Are there any other variations possible. Thanks for taking your valuable time to read/respond to this lengthy post, which in my humble opinion will be of great help to all other millions of IELTS aspirants worldwide who visit your web page.

You have hit the nail on the head. Your understanding of the question is correct. Your understanding of a one-sided view when there are two issues to address is correct. The only other option you haven’t tackled is a specific view point: I agree they are addictive, however I think banning them is not the right solution – a better solution would be X. It is a great way to fully address and expand the topic given. I hope that helps.

Thank you Liz for your clarification. I’m doubly happy. God bless you for your wonderful work and big/kind heart.

Hello Liz! I am really worried about opinion essays! I ordered the advanced lesson but it says ‘not supported’. I don’t know what to do. Please help me .My exam is on saturday.

Please email me with more details about your problem: [email protected] . Do this immediately. Thanks

Hii Liz what can we write to give a partial view ?

Hi liz, Does it affects my TR score if I only discuss about “Benefits of planting tress” and do not talk about “building houses” in the following essay:- My thesis statement is: I completely agree that planting trees is more significant to solve many problems confronted by urban dewellers than constructing infrastructure.

Some people think that planting trees in open spaces in cities and towns is more important than building houses. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It would negatively affect your score. Your opinion is “I believe planting trees is more important than housing”. You must explain why planting trees is important and why housing is not so important. Answer fully!

Hi Liz! How can I improve doing T/F/NG reading questions?

See this tips on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-lessons-information-and-tips/

Hi Liz, I just recently took my IELTS exam last Saturday.I may say thay I am blessed with my writing task 1 and 2 topics. In writing task 1, I need to write a letter from a complaints that turns a commendation for the staff. Writing task 2, is need to give my opinion from the suggestion that suggestion that all ages of students to join in same class. I hope this will help. Now, I’l pray that all my exam ,reading and listening will have a good results. God is good I know! 🙂 from Mhae

Thanks for sharing and good luck with your results 🙂

I pray for best,thank you for helping us to our review.God bless Us!

That test I had it on the 26th! I said that I believe that children should learn both of them. I don’t know why they gave me only 6…I’m struggling with the writing and I don’t know where I’m doing so many mistakes…I sit this exam for 4th times and I am quite desperate because I don’t know what I should change…I watched your videos, I worked a few books…and nothing….only 6. Thank you!

If u agree you cannot explain about world history. Throughout your essay should be about local history and supporting sentences. Watch her advanced ielts videos. She is explaining more in detail.

Your opinion must answer the all issues. If you agree, then your opinion is that local history should be taught and world history should not be taught. That is your full opinion.

If you agree – then you need to explain why you think money shouldn’t be spent protecting wildlife and also what other problems should be solved with the money.

Hello Liz, How can I buy all three advanced writing videos together? As each purchase cost can extra fee for international transaction, buying together would be beneficial, if that is possible.

I’m sorry but I haven’t put them in a package yet.

Dear LIZ I get more motivated when I read your texts. Although my handwriting is not much more qualified, but I’m preparing for IELTS test.Actually, I live in Finland as an asylum seeker, considerd to my teacher’s opinion I am not ready to take ILETS test yet. Would you please share me some links for improving my writing and listening? Thank you so much

I would be happy if I could submit, but because I live here illegally without any Bank account. That’s made me crazy.

Check your email – I just sent you a present 🙂

You’re not only the best teacher ever, you’re the model of human being. Thanks for inspiring me!

Hi Liz, Can i use words such as ‘what is more ‘OR ‘ to be more clear’ to explain my points between paragraphs? Thanks in advance

See my list of linking words: https://ieltsliz.com/linking-words-for-writing/ . Then see my main writing task 2 page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Hi mam, 7 years back I took ielts exam & I got 6.5 overall . Later I stopped thinking of exam as it finds difficult for me to reach the required score.But after watching all your lessons I am planning to take exam again .Really impressed by all ur videos . Thanks you so much .

My exam is tomorrow I have one question please help me

In any questions like agree or disagree, advantages or disadvantages, to what extent do you agree or disagree??? In such OR questions…can we partially agree or disagree?? Can we fully go for disagree or agree??

Can we write for example in body paragraph(if we agree) writing 4 positive points and in next paragraph 3 points showing its negative side and in conclusion going with agree one

please reply

Hi my best ielts teacher,kindly tell me if it is correct to write your opinion as ,”This essay agrees with the statement or should i always write, “In my opinion.Thanks in advance

If you want to give YOUR opinion, you need to use “I”. The words “this essay …” does not express your opinion.

In the partially agree,is it possible to write 2 body paragraphs on agree and 3rd one on disagree. I am little confuse about it.

Thanks in advance

For the Partial Agreement/Disagreement Essay (Balanced View) is it possible to still write 4 Paragraphs with such essay or it must be 5 paragraphs?

You can have either four or five paragraphs in writing task 2. It depends on your main points.

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16 Other Ways to Say “In My Opinion” in an Essay

Is it ever okay to express a personal opinion in an essay? If you do, is the phrase “in my opinion” a suitably formal way to start?

We’re here to answer all these pressing questions, but that’s not all! We’ve also compiled a list of synonyms for the phrase “in my opinion” so you’re never at a loss for words!

Other Ways to Say “In My Opinion”

• It could be argued
• From my perspective
• As I see it
• One might argue
• It would seem
• It is my belief
• As far as I’m concerned
• From my point of view
• I would argue
• In the author’s opinion

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• In general, you should avoid using the phrase “in my opinion” in an academic essay.
• “It could be argued” is a better phrase to use in an essay, thesis, or dissertation.
• In professional settings, you can use the phrase “from my perspective” to change your phrasing from time to time.

Stay where you are! In the next section, we’ll discuss our choice of synonyms for “in my opinion” in more detail. We’ll even provide a few helpful examples.

Afterward, we’ll discuss whether you can use the phrase “in my opinion” in an essay. Are there any circumstances where it’s appropriate?

It Could be Argued

If you’re trying to figure out how to say “in my opinion” in an essay, “it could be argued” is a great choice.

Firstly, this phrase removes the personal pronoun “I.” Some professors and academics believe that first-person phrasing should be avoided in formal writing. Therefore, this would be a better option to use if you want to appease the person grading your paper.

Secondly, this phrase sounds more objective than the highly subjective original phrase. In many cases, readers don’t want to know the opinion of the author. Instead, they want to know what conclusions the author has drawn from their thorough research.

Finally, let’s look at a couple of examples making use of this alternative:

It could be argued that Fraud’s conclusions were based on only a very narrow sample of Western males and that his findings are, therefore, limited in this respect.

Although bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin are often praised as the inventors of heavy metal music, it could be argued that this genre initially developed in African American rock spaces.

From My Perspective

If you’re wondering how to say “in my opinion” professionally , we would go with “from my perspective.”

Essentially, this phrase is just a direct synonym for “in my opinion.” It is not a superior phrase to the original, but you can use it to mix up your language from time to time.

For example, it never hurts to change your phrasing in the workplace or in formal emails to your colleagues. It’s perfectly okay to express your opinion about work matters with your fellows.

Nonetheless, in academic writing, this phrase may be considered too subjective. Therefore, a more academic alternative may be better if you want to express this sentiment in a more formal way.

Consider the following professional examples to see this phrase in action:

From my perspective , reaching a settlement would be the most beneficial solution for all parties involved.

There is no difference between these two alternatives from my perspective , but if you think one is more suitable than the other, I will trust that.

Can You Say “In My Opinion” in an Essay?

In normal circumstances, it is suitable to start a sentence with the phrase “in my opinion” where you are expressing a viewpoint.

However, the phrase “in my opinion” is not suitable to use in an academic essay. You should never start an essay or thesis statement with this phrase.

Moreover, many academics believe that outwardly expressing a personal opinion in an argumentative or narrative essay is bad writing. Many professors urge their students to avoid the use of personal pronouns like “I” or “my.”

That being said, there are exceptions to this rule . In fact, in recent years, many academics have stated that academic papers ought to be more accessible. This means they should be written in a more straightforward manner that anyone can understand.

Proponents of more accessible writing may be quite comfortable with phrases like “in my opinion.” Therefore , we would suggest speaking to the person who is going to grade your essay and learning what they’d prefer before you start.

In conclusion, as a rule of thumb, you should avoid using the phrase “in my opinion” in an essay. However, we recommend communicating with your professor to determine their preferences before you start.

If you think you might make use of our list of synonyms in your future essay writing, why not bookmark this page to keep them nearby?

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Tackling the Personal Essay: Tips from a Notre Dame Admissions Counselor

Published: August 30, 2024

Author: Zach Klonsinski

If you ask almost any admissions professional which part of reading applications is their favorite, it’s likely their answer will be a resounding, “The essays!” Essays are where we get to engage with students’ hopes, fears, dreams, life experiences (and more) in their authentic voice. We are humbled every year getting to “meet” all the incredible young people who are applying to Notre Dame through their essays!

Yet, writing an essay introducing yourself can be really hard. Maybe you’ve never done so before, or you haven’t for a really long time, and often it will seem really awkward. That’s OK!

It feels hard because it is–or at least it can be.

Don’t worry, though! I love sharing tips with applicants about the personal essay that will hopefully help you see it as an opportunity to learn more about yourself and then share that discernment with the colleges who will be fortunate enough to receive your application!

Getting started

The easiest way to get started is by simply brainstorming! I love using pen and paper (I’m anti-pencil, though I realize that may be a divisive opinion). The physical materials help me feel less constrained by technology, though you may find the technology comforting.

Use bulleted lists or short phrases to capture ideas, life experiences, values, and more. Every day, set aside five minutes to write about yourself or your college discernment process without stopping to think. Where does your mind lead you when you get out of your own way?

Ask your friends and family to help you identify values that are important to you or things that make you.. well… you! Often it’s easier to highlight and say nice things about someone else than it is ourselves, so lean on those who know you well!

Group these collective nuggets to see if any patterns or stories emerge. Do you see any prompts on your application that align with your brainstorming? The Common Application, for example, has seven to choose from, including a make your own prompt! Start writing on one that makes you pause, as that means you might have something to say! Don’t be afraid to go longer than your word count or to use an atypical form of writing.

While that specific level of chaos may not work for you, I always recommend staying away from sentences and avoiding constraining yourself while writing because…

Editing is more than spelling and grammar!

When we want to “edit” something, it can be tempting to start–and just as quickly end–with spell check. (Yes, your essay should have proper spelling and grammar, but please know we are not reading your essay with a red pen “grading” every single comma.)

What is far more important–though also far more intimidating–is your essay’s content.

What really improved my writing actually had nothing to do with me–rather, it was finding trusted editors to give me honest and constructive feedback. While it’s tempting to have your best friend or family member read your essay, I’ve found my best editors possess a strong rhetorical mind, ask thoughtful questions, and are not afraid to tell me when something isn’t working the way I think it is.

This may describe someone close to you, but maybe not. Maybe there’s a classmate or teacher who you have always admired, even if you don’t know them that well. Editing is an incredibly vulnerable process; don’t be afraid to lean into that vulnerability! I promise that a strong editor who works with your voice and style–rather than rewriting your essay how they would have–will help bring forth an authentic essay you didn’t even realize you could write!

Speaking of, authenticity will lead to your best essay

The best application essay is the one that helps us get to know you. Period. Full stop. Any topic can be a good topic, any topic can be a bad topic. At the end of the day, the topic you choose to write about is only a gateway to help us get to know you!

Let’s think of it another way. Say you printed out your essay at your school, without your name or other identifying information on it, and someone who knows you picked it up and read it. If they said, “I bet this is (your name)’s essay,” I can already tell you’re on the right track. There’s something truly you about it!

Where can I find more about writing application essays?

I’m so glad you asked! On our On-Demand Sessions webpage , you can find a number of helpful recorded sessions from our College Application Workshop series. One of them, co-presented by yours truly, is called “Crafting the Perfect College Essay”. My colleague Maria Finan and I present our own tips and tricks for about 20 minutes and then take questions from a virtual audience for the remainder of the 45 minute session. I invite you to check it out, as well as the other sessions we have recorded!

Ready to Write Your App Essays? Advice from an Admissions Counselor on the Notre Dame Supplement

Zach Klonsinski is a senior assistant director with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

He is the regional counselor for Minnesota, Missouri (Kansas City), Wisconsin, Rwanda, Kenya, France, Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Monaco, and China - Beijing

• Read Zach's profile.

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