Essay Structure
This is the FIRST part of a balanced opinion essay. It introduces the topic and mentions BOTH sides of the issue.
The Introduction
This word means the GOOD points or benefits of something in a balanced opinion essay.
Advantages
Complete this opinion phrase: "I _______ that social media has both benefits and drawbacks."
I think (or I believe)
A student writes about smartphones. "One advantage is that students can look up information quickly." What should they add NEXT to properly support this point?
An explanation using 'This is because…', 'One reason is that…', 'For example…', or a personal experience
The conclusion should do TWO things. What are they?
1. Summarize the main points (advantages & disadvantages) AND 2. Give your final opinion
In this body paragraph, you give at least TWO reasons why something is good or helpful.
Body Paragraph 1 – Advantages
This word means the BAD points or negative effects of something in a balanced opinion essay.
Disadvantages
Which TWO phrases both mean 'in my opinion'? Choose from: 'In my view' / 'This is because' / 'From my perspective' / 'For example'
In my view AND From my perspective (also accepted: From my point of view)
TRUE or FALSE: In a balanced-opinion essay, the body paragraph about advantages should only mention good points and NEVER mention any problems.
TRUE – Body Paragraph 1 focuses ONLY on advantages. Disadvantages go in Body Paragraph 2.
A student's introduction says: "In this essay I will talk about pets." What is MISSING from this introduction?
It must mention BOTH sides of the issue (advantages and disadvantages / two different views about pets)
In this body paragraph, you explain at least TWO problems or negative points about the topic.
Body Paragraph 2 – Disadvantages
When you support an idea with facts, examples, or reasons, you are doing this to your argument.
Supporting (or backing up) your idea/argument
You want to show the OTHER side of an argument. Complete this sentence: "_______, some people believe that homework should be banned."
However (or: On the other hand)
A student's disadvantage paragraph says: "Social media is bad." Why is this NOT a strong point? What is missing?
It is too vague/general. It needs a clear explanation (reason/example/fact) to support WHY it is bad.
Read this sentence: "From my point of view, online learning is better because students can study at home." Name the THREE parts that make this a strong opinion sentence.
1. Opinion phrase (From my point of view) + 2. Clear opinion (online learning is better) + 3. Reason (because students can study at home)
This is the FINAL part of the essay. You summarize the main points AND share your own opinion here.
The Conclusion
An essay that looks at BOTH the good AND bad sides of an issue before giving a final opinion is called this.
A Balanced Opinion Essay
A student writes: "Phones are useful in class. _______ they can also be very distracting." Which linking phrase fits BEST?
However OR On the other hand OR Although
Give ONE advantage AND ONE disadvantage of doing homework every day. Each point must be a complete sentence.
Advantage: e.g., 'One advantage is that homework helps students practise and remember what they learned.' Disadvantage: e.g., 'However, one disadvantage is that too much homework can cause stress.'
A student uses the word 'because' four times in one paragraph. Which TWO other reason phrases could they use instead to add variety?
Any two of: 'This is because…' / 'One reason is that…' / 'For example…'
A balanced opinion essay has FOUR main sections. Name ALL FOUR in the correct order.
1. Introduction → 2. Body Paragraph 1 (Advantages) → 3. Body Paragraph 2 (Disadvantages) → 4. Conclusion
These are FOUR types of support you should use to strengthen your ideas in a balanced opinion essay. Name all four.
Facts, Examples, Reasons, and Personal Experience
Write a COMPLETE opinion sentence using ONE correct opinion phrase about school uniforms. The sentence must include your view AND a reason.
Any sentence using: 'I think/believe/In my opinion/In my view/From my perspective/From my point of view' + a clear opinion + a reason (e.g., 'I believe that school uniforms are helpful because they make everyone feel equal.')
How many advantages does a good Body Paragraph 1 need? How many disadvantages does Body Paragraph 2 need? AND what must you do after stating each point?
At least TWO advantages AND at least TWO disadvantages. After each point, you must explain it clearly (with a reason, example, or fact).
Write a COMPLETE conclusion (3–4 sentences) for an essay about whether students should use mobile phones in school. Include a summary of both sides AND your final opinion.
Should include: summary of advantages (e.g., useful for research), summary of disadvantages (e.g., distracting), final opinion using a phrase like 'In my opinion…' or 'From my perspective…' + reason.