W Useful tips Starting off Think of who your readers are. What purpose does your article have? Should it inform, persuade, entertain, explain, give advice, … ? Start off by collecting ideas. Put them under different headings, which should be your paragraphs in the text. Title Think of a catchy title. Introduction Your opening paragraph should introduce the readers to the topic and make them want to keep reading. Use direct/indirect questions or anecdotes (short personal stories) to get your readership interested and try to involve them by using you, e.g.: • “Do you remember … ?” • “Are you thinking of buying … ?” • “Are you one of those people who … ?” Body Develop your points by using paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on one central point. Include examples to illustrate your point. You can use direct speech for things people said. Depending on the purpose of your article, you can use exclamation marks for emphasis. Conclusion Summarise the main points, give your opinion once more or express your feelings on a topic. Language Depending on the kind of article, use formal or informal language. Use a good sense of humour if suitable. An opinion essay Page 32 An opinion essay (also called argumentative essay) presents a personal point of view on a subject and aims to inform and persuade the reader. Checklist: Opinion essay • Make a list with arguments (for OR against a controversial issue). • Divide your text into clear paragraphs. • Write in neutral or formal style. • Do not use contractions (don’t, aren’t, …) because it can make your writing sound informal. • Use connecting words to link arguments. • Express your own opinion in a clear and logical way. • Include examples, facts, reasons, comparisons or contrasts to illustrate your point of view. Sample prompt You have come across a copy of Teen Health, an international youth magazine focusing on teenage health issues, in your school library. They are running an essay competition asking if smoking regulations in your country should become stricter or not. You decide to take part. In your opinion essay you should • analyse the negative sides of smoking or possible positive effects on people’s emotions, • outline the effects of smoking on our social lives, • discuss the consequences of smoking on our health. Give your opinion essay a title. Write around 400 words. life as a student, roaming around the bars and clubs in town! Even though it’s hard to be a teenager with all the consequences and dependence on parents, you always have to look at the whole picture. All of these first-time experiences help you to become who you are. Without this time of your life, you could never become a true adult. 30 35 3 162 Writing guide Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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