Essay Writing Structure: Connectors, Grammar & Opinion Phrases
Paragraph 1: Statement and Opinion
Begin with a statement using the Present Perfect Passive. Examples you can use: It has been widely known that, It has been stated that, It has been suggested that, Studies have shown that.
Then write your opinion. Examples of connectors of opinion: As far as I am concerned, I honestly believe (or) think that, As I see it, It seems to me that, In my opinion,.
Paragraph 1 example: It has been widely known that teenagers work after school hours. As far as I am concerned about this topic, I honestly believe that this is a good or bad idea.
You can also start with the same statement and write your opinion by using a relative pronoun (“who”): It has been widely known that teenagers work after school hours. As I see it, and although I assume that there might be some who do not think the way I do, in my mind’s eye, I honestly believe that this is a good/bad idea.
Paragraph 2: First Reason and Example
In this paragraph, you need to provide the first reason and an example that supports it.
Begin with a connector of order: First and foremost, To begin with, (Do not forget to add a comma after the connector!)
Add a gerund (V+ing) after the connector: First and foremost, working after school hours can be beneficial or problematic for teenagers… (write your reason).
Provide an example with the connector “For example”. The second sentence will use the Present Perfect: “Recent research has shown that…” OR the Passive: “It is known that / It is understood that / It is believed that…”
Example with relative pronouns, gerund, 2nd conditional and Present Perfect: First and foremost, as I see it, and although I assume that there would be lots of people who do not think the way I do, working after school hours can be beneficial. It allows teens to make their own allowance. If they did, they would be able to buy their own stuff without asking their parents for money. For example, I have been working for three years and have learned to use my money wisely.
Paragraph 3: Second Reason and Example
In this paragraph, you need to provide the second reason and an example that supports it. Begin with a connector such as Secondly, In addition, or Moreover, and then add the 2nd conditional: if + subject + V2 (or) did not + V1 / were (were not) + subject, would/could (not) + V1 / be.
Examples of reasons: Secondly, if pupils didn’t work after school hours, they would be more focused on their studies. Moreover, if students worked after hours, they would learn to use their own money and spend it wisely. If pupils had fewer jobs, they would have more hours to study… (Explain with examples).
Paragraph 3 example: Moreover, if pupils didn’t work after school hours, they would be more focused on their studies and probably get higher grades in their exams. For example, my after-school hours require me to be totally at work, and that does not leave me much time to practice at home.
Paragraph 4: Conclusion
Summarize your opinion by using a connector with the Passive Voice and restate your opinion in different words. Suggest improvement by using the 2nd conditional.
a. Connectors with Passive Voice:
All things considered, = בסח הכל/ בהתחשב בכל הנסיבות
In light of the arguments presented above, = לאור הטיעונים המוצגים לעיל
For the above-mentioned reasons, = לאור הסיבות שהזכורו לעיל
As was previously stated, = כפי שכבר ציין
(You can also use the regular ones, such as On the whole, it is clear that or In a nutshell, but make sure you have at least ONE Passive Voice in your essay.)
Example: In light of the arguments presented above, working after school can be demanding, but it does have its benefits.
b. Suggestion with the 2nd conditional: If it depended on me, I would definitely support/reject this position. If I had to choose whether pupils should work or not, I would agree with this statement.
Paragraph 4 example: In light of the arguments presented above, working after school hours can be demanding, but it does have its benefits. If it depended on me, I would certainly support the idea.
A Full Essay Example
Question: Some people think that electric bikes are dangerous and should be banned. Do you agree or disagree?
Exercise: Highlight the connectors and advanced grammatical structures: Present Perfect, Passive, Gerunds, Relative Clauses, 2nd Conditional.
Paragraph 1 – Opening Opinion: Over the past few years, some people have viewed electric bikes as dangerous and thought that they should be banned. However, I disagree with this statement.
Paragraph 2 – Reason and Example (Gerund or Passive): First and foremost, riding an electric bike can be beneficial for reducing traffic on the road. Fewer cars will help to reduce the number of car accidents. Or, using the Passive (be + V3): First and foremost, it is known that electric bikes are not dangerous if ridden with care. A careful rider, who pays attention to the road and rides according to the rules, is as safe as any other vehicle.
Paragraph 3 – Reason and Explanation (2nd Conditional and Relative Clause): Secondly, if there were harsher age restrictions, there would be fewer accidents. This is due to the fact that most accidents are caused by younger riders who aren’t aware of the consequences. For example, my 13-year-old neighbor once rode on this type of bike and was injured because he did not wear a helmet.
Paragraph 4 – Closing Opinion (Past Passive and 2nd Conditional for suggestion): In a nutshell, as was previously stated, if I had to choose between using bikes or not, I would say that electric bikes are not necessarily dangerous and therefore should not be banned.
Useful Vocabulary
To Present an Argument For:
The major advantages of = היתרונות המרכזיים הם
A further advantage of = יתרון נוסף של
One major advantage of = יתרון אחד בולט
An additional advantage of = יתרון נוסף
The main advantage of = היתרון העיקרי
To Present an Argument Against:
One disadvantage of = חיסרון אחד
A further disadvantage of = חסרון נוסף
An additional negative effect for/of = השפעה שלילית נוסףת
One major drawback is = חסרון אחד מרכזי
To Conclude:
All things considered, = בסח הכל/ בהתחשב בכל הנסיבות
In light of the arguments presented above, = לאור הטיעונים המוצגים לעיל
Taking everything into account, = בשקול כל הגורמים
For the above-mentioned reasons, = לאור הסיבות שהזכורו לעיל
As was previously stated, = כפי שכבר ציין
Taking all this into consideration, = בהתחשב בכל הניל