Before you start — what this text type needs
State your opinion clearly in the topic sentence. Give 2–3 reasons, each with an example. Use because and as a result. Acknowledge the other side with Although or However. Suggest a solution before your conclusion.
Teacher’s notes — Part 2: Extra writing tasks (Opinion)
These four tasks recycle the opinion skills from Units 2 and 4: a committed topic sentence, reasons with examples, and a concession answered rather than merely mentioned. All four are debatable, so they also work as speaking warm-ups or as a class debate before writing.
The commonest failure is fence-sitting. A paragraph that says a topic is “both good and bad” without committing has not met the brief. Every model answer takes a side and keeps it, even while conceding ground.
Two models do not demonstrate as a result. The brief tells students to use both because and as a result, but tasks 2 and 3 use only because. If you are marking for both connectors, either say so when setting the task or use models 1 and 4, which do contain both.
Task 4’s model closes with However, not In conclusion, and its conclusion combines the two options rather than restating the opening view. That is a more sophisticated ending than the unit materials teach, and worth showing to stronger students — but do not mark other students down for using the taught pattern.
The model plans and the model answers are not word-for-word identical. Each plan gives the core sentence and the answer develops it — in task 1 the second half changes from “reduces social pressure” to “helps create a positive learning environment”. This is useful for showing how planning feeds drafting, but do not present the plan as the answer.
Should students be required to wear a school uniform?
OpinionShould students be required to wear a school uniform? Give your opinion and reasons in a paragraph of at least 130 words.
One paragraph · three parts · minimum 130 words.
My plan Notes first — then write.
My paragraph
Nothing is saved automatically. Copy or save your paragraph before you close this tab — only your own writing is saved, not the exercises.
Model plan and answer For modelling and for calibrating your marking.
| Topic sentence | In my opinion, students should be required to wear a school uniform because it promotes equality and reduces social pressure. |
| Body idea 1 | Reason 1: it reduces visible inequality between richer and poorer students — plus an example. |
| Body idea 2 | Reason 2: it creates a sense of belonging and school identity. Acknowledge the counter-argument (it limits self-expression) and offer a solution. |
| Concluding sentence | Restate the opinion and recommend a balanced uniform policy. |
Model answer · 155 words
In my opinion, students should be required to wear a school uniform because it promotes equality and helps create a positive learning environment. First of all, a uniform means that students cannot be judged or excluded because of the clothes they wear, which reduces the social pressure that many young people feel. For example, without a uniform, students from lower-income families may feel embarrassed if they cannot afford fashionable clothing. As a result, a uniform allows everyone to focus on learning rather than appearance. In addition, wearing a uniform encourages a sense of belonging and school identity, which can improve discipline and behaviour. Although some students argue that uniforms limit their freedom of self-expression, I believe this argument can be addressed by allowing students to personalise small details, such as accessories or hairstyle. In conclusion, I strongly feel that a well-designed school uniform policy benefits all students and should be a standard requirement in schools.
Is it better to live in a big city or a small town?
OpinionIs it better to live in a big city or a small town? Give your opinion and reasons in a paragraph of at least 130 words.
One paragraph · three parts · minimum 130 words.
My plan Notes first — then write.
My paragraph
Nothing is saved automatically. Copy or save your paragraph before you close this tab — only your own writing is saved, not the exercises.
Model plan and answer For modelling and for calibrating your marking.
| Topic sentence | In my view, it is better to live in a big city because it offers more opportunities for work, education, and social life. |
| Body idea 1 | Reason 1: more job and educational opportunities — example (universities, companies). |
| Body idea 2 | Reason 2: more cultural and social activities. However, acknowledge the problems (cost, stress) and offer a solution. |
| Concluding sentence | Recommend city life while acknowledging that personal preference matters. |
Model answer · 151 words
In my view, it is generally better to live in a big city because it provides far greater opportunities for personal and professional development. First of all, large cities have a wider range of employment options, and they are typically home to major universities, research centres, and international companies. For example, a young professional living in Istanbul or Ankara has access to a vastly larger job market than someone living in a small rural town. In addition, big cities offer a rich cultural and social life, with theatres, museums, sports facilities, and restaurants that a small town simply cannot provide. However, I accept that city life has real disadvantages — housing is expensive, traffic is heavy, and the pace of life can be stressful. Nevertheless, I believe that with careful planning and budgeting, the advantages of city living clearly outweigh the drawbacks for most young people who want to build a career.
Should students be allowed to use mobile phones during lessons?
OpinionShould students be allowed to use mobile phones during lessons? Give your opinion and reasons in a paragraph of at least 130 words.
One paragraph · three parts · minimum 130 words.
My plan Notes first — then write.
My paragraph
Nothing is saved automatically. Copy or save your paragraph before you close this tab — only your own writing is saved, not the exercises.
Model plan and answer For modelling and for calibrating your marking.
| Topic sentence | I believe students should not be allowed to use mobile phones during lessons because they are a serious distraction from learning. |
| Body idea 1 | Reason 1: distraction — phone use reduces concentration and academic performance. |
| Body idea 2 | Reason 2: social problems — comparison, cyberbullying. Acknowledge the counter-argument (educational apps) and offer a solution. |
| Concluding sentence | Recommend banning phones in class but allowing use at break times. |
Model answer · 147 words
I believe that students should not be allowed to use mobile phones during lessons because they are a serious distraction that significantly reduces the quality of learning. Research consistently shows that students who use their phones during class absorb less information and perform worse in assessments because they are unable to maintain sustained concentration. For example, even checking a message once can disrupt a student’s focus for several minutes afterwards. Furthermore, unrestricted phone use in the classroom can create social problems, including cyberbullying and unhealthy comparison between students. Although some people argue that phones can be useful educational tools — for example, for accessing dictionaries or research — I think these benefits can be achieved using school-provided devices under teacher supervision. In conclusion, I strongly recommend that mobile phones be banned during lessons, while allowing students to use them freely during break and lunch times as a reasonable compromise.
Is it better to study alone or to study in a group?
OpinionIs it better to study alone or to study in a group? Give your opinion and reasons in a paragraph of at least 130 words.
One paragraph · three parts · minimum 130 words.
My plan Notes first — then write.
My paragraph
Nothing is saved automatically. Copy or save your paragraph before you close this tab — only your own writing is saved, not the exercises.
Model plan and answer For modelling and for calibrating your marking.
| Topic sentence | I believe that studying alone is generally more effective than studying in a group, because it allows for deeper concentration. |
| Body idea 1 | Reason 1: fewer distractions; you can set your own pace and focus on weak areas. |
| Body idea 2 | Reason 2: self-discipline and independent thinking develop more strongly. Acknowledge the benefits of group study (motivation, explaining to others) and offer a solution. |
| Concluding sentence | Individual study as the foundation, with group sessions for review and discussion. |
Model answer · 149 words
In my opinion, studying alone is generally more effective than studying in a group, because it allows for deeper concentration and greater personal accountability. When you study alone, there are fewer distractions, and you are free to set your own pace — spending more time on topics you find difficult and less on material you already know well. As a result, independent study encourages stronger self-discipline and helps develop the ability to think critically without relying on others. Although group study has real benefits — such as staying motivated, sharing different perspectives, and practising by explaining ideas to classmates — these advantages can be outweighed by the risk of distraction, wasted time, and over-reliance on stronger students. However, I think the most effective approach combines both: use independent study as the foundation for learning new material, and then use group sessions for reviewing content, discussing problems, and testing each other before exams.