How to Write an Opinion Essay

How to Write an Opinion Essay

 Opinion essays are one of the most essential tools to express perspectives on different subjects. An opinion essay seeks to support or oppose an idea by an author, therefore giving an articulate position. In-depth research and logic must back an excellent opinion essay to support all the ideas brought forth.

Just by definition, opinion essays might be assumed only to cover very complex topics. However, this is not the case because students can provide opinions on even the most obvious topics or ideas.

Research has shown that students write opinion essays, short responses, or short essays at least once every week. This article provides clear guidance on how to write an outstanding opinion essay, regardless of whether it is a subject considered simple or complex.

What is an Opinion Essay

Before you embark on writing an opinion essay, you need to understand what it is to capture all the aspects. In simple terms, an opinion essay is a write-up where a writer presents their point of view on a subject or a topic. Understanding that an opinion essay is based on facts helps the writer understand the need for a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

How to Write an Opinion Essay

 	
Determine the Topic 

The choice of a topic determines how easy or difficult it will be to develop the opinion paper. It is usually advisable to select a topic that you are familiar with. With the help of the internet, it is now easy to write opinion papers on any subject. This is because the resources are readily available. The internet is also a valuable source for identifying different topics that can be used to develop opinion papers. Students are also highly advised to use their instructors to develop topics that they can provide for logical reasoning to support their opinions.

Establishing the importance of your opinion is also critical in determining whether your chosen topic is worth exploring and if it would be easy to express your opinion.

 	
Engage in Research

An opinion essay is solely based on facts and data on a particular subject. To effectively put out your opinion, conducting in-depth research and data analysis where necessary research is very important.

There are very many sources of information that can help you conduct your research, and they include published literature sources. With the internet, it is now to get a wider variety of information at the touch of a button. It is important to note how to differentiate relevant information to you and the one that might be helpful.

Parts of Opinion Essay

 	
Introduction

When writing an opinion essay, the introduction should fully bring on board the reader. Through reading the introduction, the reader should be able to tell what the opinion essay is all about. The introduction should be as captivating as possible. You can do this by giving a fact, asking a rhetorical question, giving an unpopular opinion, or quoting about the subject. Where you quote another author, you should always recognize them by including their name and the year in which their work was published. In this section, you should also state your opinion on the subject matter.

 	
Body 

The body should be at least two to three paragraphs. In the second paragraph, you should have a thesis statement. Conducting research helps you to develop a strong thesis statement. The third and fourth paragraphs should provide your opinion and clearly explain your argument. Similar to the first paragraph, you should quote your source of supporting information.

 	
Conclusion

The conclusion should be a short paragraph summarizing the thesis statement, the opinion, and the justification. There should be no new information introduced in the conclusion paragraph.

 	
Proofreading

Proofreading allows you to get rid of spelling and grammar mistakes. Proofreading also helps to establish sections lacking a good flow of ideas and make the necessary amendments. There are a variety of resources that can be used to proofread. However, using a friend to proofread your opinion essays is always advisable.

Common Dos and Don'ts of Writing an Opinion Essay

 	
Dos
 	
When writing an opinion essay, always stick to the formal format. Formal writing should include the introduction, body, and conclusion.
 	
Always acknowledge other authors you quoted in your work by indicating the author's name and the year their work was published.


 	
Use concise information that is only relevant to the subject in discussion. To avoid confusion, avoid using examples but stick to the facts.


 	
Don'ts
 	
Do not include the merits and demerits in an opinion essay, as it brings contradiction.
 	
Do not use informal/ colloquial language.


 	
Avoid the use of emotional vocabulary.


 	
Avoid the use of short forms.

Example of an Opinion Essay 

To act as a guide, below is an example of an opinion essay on 'The Need for Stricter Gun Control Laws'

Gun violence is a major issue affecting many countries worldwide, leading to massive loss of lives. Gun deaths worldwide are approximately 250,000 yearly; the United States is among just six countries that make up half of those deaths (CNBC, 2018). We must advocate for stricter gun laws to reduce this considerably large number. Reviewing gun control regulations to include comprehensive background checks, limited sales of firearms, and banning weapons used in assaults are key in ensuring that the members of the public are protected and the number of deaths is reduced. 

The first step towards enforcing stricter gun control laws is the implementation of comprehensive background checks for all potential gun buyers. From private and online sales, it has been established that one in five-gun sales is conducted without a background check (Brandy, 2018). By conducting comprehensive background checks, it would be easy to ensure that guns only are handled by responsible citizens. This can also be achieved by limiting points of sale. Gun shows and online platforms which create loopholes and where it is not easy to conduct background checks should be eliminated.

The second most important measure in gun control is the ban on assault weapons, including semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns. This is because military firearms have been a major contributor to massive shootings. By implementing a comprehensive ban on assault weapons, many deaths can be reduced. 

In conclusion, the urgent need for stricter gun control laws cannot be overstated. Through comprehensive background checks, limitations on firearm sales, and banning assault weapons a significant process can be made to reduce gun violence in the United States. We can create a safer and more secure society by advocating for these measures. 

 

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