Writing Guide: Opinion Essays, Reviews, and Formal Letters
OPINION ESSAY
Summary
- State your opinion on the given statement, using phrases like “I absolutely agree/disagree with this statement.”
- Provide two or three reasons to support your opinion, with justifications and examples. Use transition words like “firstly,” “moreover,” and “last but not least.”
- Summarize your opinion and reiterate your stance, using phrases like “To sum up” and synonyms of “I think.”
Structure
1st Paragraph
Introduce the topic and state your agreement or disagreement.
Examples: “I absolutely/totally/completely agree/disagree with this issue/statement/situation.”
2nd Paragraph
Express your opinion with two or three reasons, each with justification and an example.
Transition words: “firstly,” “at first,” “to begin with,” “for example,” “moreover,” “furthermore,” “for instance,” “finally,” “last but not least,” “eventually”
3rd Paragraph
Rephrase the topic and restate your opinion.
Examples: “As mentioned above,” “as we can see,” and synonyms of “I think.”
FOR AND AGAINST
Use modals like “may,” “might,” and “could.”
Summary
- Introduce the topic and mention the existence of arguments for and against it.
- Explain the advantages, starting with “On the one hand,” and providing examples and evidence.
- Explain the drawbacks, starting with “On the other hand,” and providing examples and reasons.
- Summarize the topic with a balanced perspective and state your opinion.
Structure
1st Paragraph
Present the topic and mention the presence of advantages and disadvantages.
2nd Paragraph
Explain the advantages, starting with “On the one hand.”
3rd Paragraph
Explain the drawbacks or disadvantages, starting with “On the other hand.”
4th Paragraph
Rephrase the topic as a balanced summary and provide your opinion.
REVIEW: BOOK / FILM
Summary
- Introduce the book/film with its genre, director, and significance. Briefly mention the plot.
- Elaborate on the plot without revealing the ending, highlighting key elements and the best aspects.
- Describe the animation, soundtrack, characters, and voice acting, using vivid adjectives and emphasizing their impact.
- Summarize your overall impression and provide a recommendation.
Structure
1st Paragraph
State the type of book/film (comedy, thriller, drama, etc.).
2nd Paragraph
Explain the plot chronologically without spoiling the ending, highlighting the best aspects.
3rd Paragraph
Recommend or not recommend the book/film, providing reasons.
REVIEW: RESTAURANT
Summary
- Introduce the restaurant’s name, location, and target audience.
- Describe the decoration, lighting, and space, creating a sensory experience for the reader.
- Evaluate the menu, food quality, and ingredients, using descriptive adjectives.
- State your recommendation and provide reasons.
Structure
1st Paragraph
State the restaurant’s name and location.
2nd Paragraph
Describe the atmosphere and decor.
3rd Paragraph
Evaluate the menu, dishes, ingredients, and service.
4th Paragraph
Provide your recommendation and reasons.
FORMAL LETTER: Letter to Complain
Salutation:
Dear Mr/Ms. [Last Name], or Dear Sir or Madam,
Body:
Express your dissatisfaction with the service or product, providing specific details and examples.
Examples:
“I am writing to complain about/to express my strong dissatisfaction at the awful/horrible/rude/impolite/disgraceful treatment I received (when) at (shop) in (where).”
“Firstly, when I asked for some information about the last iPad in the market, the shop assistant not only was ineffective/helpless but also he was impolite/(very/really) rude.”
“Moreover, when I got home, I realized that my iPad wasn’t the model I asked for. It…..”
Closing:
State your desired resolution, such as a refund, exchange, or apology.
Examples:
“As you can imagine I am really/quite/extremely upset/annoyed/. I must insist on a full refund/an exchange and a written apology, or else I should be forced to take further/legal action.”
“I’m looking forward to hearing from you.”
Signature:
Yours sincerely, (if you know the recipient’s name)
Yours faithfully, (if you don’t know the recipient’s name)
[Your Name]
FORMAL LETTER: Letter to Ask for Information
Salutation:
Dear Sir or Madam,
Body:
State your reason for writing and express your interest in the subject.
Ask specific questions using polite language.
Examples:
“I am writing to ask for some information about the museum exhibition. I am extremely interested in this museum because…”
“Firstly, I would like to know if it is necessary booking on a particular date for the visit, as…”
“Moreover, I would be interested to know if there is a maximum number in a group since in the history class we are over thirty students.”
“Finally, I wonder if you could send me the price list and specify if there is any group discount for our group of thirty students and two teachers who will accompany them.”
Closing:
Express gratitude and anticipation for a response.
Examples:
“I would like to thank you in advance for your help. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.”
Signature:
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
FORMAL LETTER: Letter Applying for a Job
Structure
- 1st Paragraph (Introduction): Explain your reason for writing and the specific job you are applying for.
- 2nd Paragraph: Provide personal details such as age, place of birth, language skills, and educational background.
- 3rd Paragraph: Highlight your relevant experience, skills, and personal qualities.
- 4th Paragraph: Express your availability and provide contact information.
Summary
Salutation:
Dear Sir or Madam,
Body:
State the position you are applying for and where you found the job posting.
Provide personal details and educational background.
Describe your relevant experience, skills, and personal qualities.
Express your availability and provide contact information.
Examples:
“I’m writing to apply for a job as a “profession” I read on “website” on 1st June.”
“I am “” years old, I was born in Barcelona, but I speak English, Spanish and Chinese fluently. I have completed a bachelor’s degree in “” at Oxford University.”
“I have some experience on “” as I have worked for 3 years as a “” in “…Company”. I have also participated in a group of social/scientific research. I am a very determined person. I like working in a team. I consider myself really effective/creative/patient and easygoing as I can easily work under pressure. Moreover, I will be willing to travel anywhere.”
“I would be very grateful if you consider my application. I would be available at (email@…com).”
Closing:
Express your anticipation for a response.
Examples:
“I am looking forward to hearing from you.”
Signature:
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
P.S.: I enclose my C.V.
FORMAL LETTER: Letter to Request
Opening:
Politely state your request.
Examples:
“I’m writing to ask if you would be so kind/generous as to …..”
“I wonder if you could possibly/ if it would be possible for you to help me with….”
“I would appreciate it if you could….”
“I’m writing to enquire if/ whether you could possibly tell/inform me …”
Closing:
Express gratitude and anticipation for a response.
Examples:
“I hope you will forgive me for taking up your valuable time.”
“I look forward to hearing from you.”
“Thank you in advance for your kind cooperation.”
FORMAL LETTER: Letter to Apologize
Structure:
- 1st Paragraph: Explain the reason for your apology.
- 2nd Paragraph: Describe the situation and express your regret.
- 3rd Paragraph: Conclude with a sincere apology and a commitment to prevent future occurrences.
Summary:
Opening:
State the reason for your apology.
Examples:
“I’m writing to apologise for being unable to… because…”
Body:
Explain the situation and express your regret.
Examples:
“I’m really sorry about his situation. It would not have happened if I (past perfect). I supposed that…because. However, …I regret this situation so much, which of course is entirely my fault.”
Closing:
Offer a sincere apology and a commitment to prevent future occurrences.
Examples:
“Nevertheless, I will be glad if you accept my apologies/ these invitations for…, and once more you accept our regret. I’m sure that this kind of situation won’t happen again.”
FORMAL LETTER: Letter to Give Information
Opening:
State the purpose of your letter.
Examples:
“I’m writing to inform you that/to advise you/to let you know”
“I’m writing in reply to your letter requesting information about…”
“I’m writing with regard to your enquiry about….”
Body:
Provide the requested information clearly and concisely.
Closing:
Offer additional assistance and express your willingness to answer further questions.
Examples:
“I hope /trust that I have been able to answer all of your questions.”
“I would be pleased to provide you with any additional information.”
“Please do not hesitate to contact me for further information.”
FORMAL LETTER: Letter to Advise
Opening:
State the purpose of your letter and acknowledge the request for advice.
Examples:
“I am writing in reply to your letter requesting advice about”
“I hope the following advice /suggestions will be of (some help for you”
Body:
Provide advice using appropriate language and suggestions.
Examples:
“It might be useful”
“I would like to offer one or two suggestions concerning with”
“I would (strongly )suggest /recommend +ING”
“You should/ought to”
Closing:
Express your hope that the advice is helpful and offer further assistance.
Examples:
“I hope that these suggestions have been useful.”
“I trust you will accept/follow this advice”
“I would be please to offer any additional advice you may require”
“Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further problems/questions.”