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OPINION ESSAYS 


Three Kinds: a.) a suggestion (Fully agree or disagree) b.) a suggestion that compares two
things (partially agree) and c.) a suggestion to address a problem (propose own suggestions)

Artists and performers should be given by Many people decide on a career path early in
the government absolute freedom to their lives and keep to it. This, they argue,
show to the public their abilities and leads to a more satisfying working life, than to
skills. Do you agree or disagree? those who are changing career from time to
time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It has been proposed that governments do 22 April 2017
not impose any restrictions on how people in
the arts showcase their talents before their It has been said that workers who stick to one job
audience. While the proposal seeks to tend to have more satisfaction in their career than
promote the welfare of these artists, I fully those who keep on hopping from job to another.
disagree with it.
While it is true that sticking to one job is beneficial
to an employee, I only partially agree with the
Others may agree as they believe that artists given observation.

and performers are most effective when they It cannot be denied that an employee who has
do not have any restrictions to deal with. found his niche early and sticks to it is expected to
Some may think that without any barriers, enjoy many benefits in his career. For one, his job
performers express fully what they want to tenure is secured, so he gets to work in his
convey to their audience, and they can easily company until the day he chooses to retire.
reach their full potential as they can do Another, with years of experience, he will have
whatever they want in perfecting their craft.
more control over his work, so he will be less
stressful since what he does on a daily basis is
Be that as it may, I find the proposal already familiar to him. It is also noteworthy that
objectionable. First of all, it is the with the number of years one spends with a
government’s duty to promote morality and company, he shall have a much broader and wider
decency to the public. More often than not, network of connections that will truly give him
abuses escalate as artists who shall have satisfaction in what he does.

absolute freedom in tackling sensitive issues

such as sex and violence tend to express However, job satisfaction involves different factors
themselves liberally, which shall adversely and is defined differently by different people. Even
affect viewers who are still young and if sticking to one job guarantees stability, others
immature. Moreover, the government needs may associate boredom with it, and that is why
to exercise its power to censor and regulate some people change careers many times. Since
whenever the public’s welfare is at stake. job satisfaction is a relative concept, what a
Granting these performers absolute freedom person who is still young and single considers
would undermine government’s power to satisfying now may be totally different when he
maintain order in the society.
gets older and has his own family to take care of.
In short, it is not accurate to say that job
By and large, while it is unmistakably true satisfaction can only be found under similar
that performers easily reach their maximum circumstances. It varies from person to person.

potentials thereby making them very

By and large, while it is easy for a worker to be
effective in assuming their roles if they do
satisfied with his job if he has identified early what
not face any limitations, I am convinced that
he likes to do and sticks to it, it is also highly likely
certain amount of control from the
for other people to experience satisfaction at work
government be retained to maintain public
even if they transfer from one job to another a
morality and order.
number of times.

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Long distance travels by aircraft produce more

fuel and pollution than travels by car. Therefore,
non-essential travels, such as tourist travels,
should be discouraged for a better environment.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It has been proposed that airline passengers be Practice Test Questions:

discouraged from traveling if their purpose is for
leisure and entertainment so that we lessen air Classify which approach you would
pollution and have a better environment. While use:
there is some truth to this, I highly disagree with the
given proposal.
1. Studies show that criminals have
low educational levels. Some
Others may support the proposal as they identify people believe that they should be
that majority of those who travel by planes do so for educated to lower crime rates and
leisure purposes, and since business travel is more for them to find jobs after getting out
important than tourist travel, it is but sensible that of prison. To what extent do you
we discourage tourists instead of businessmen in agree or disagree? (June 2015)
order for us to limit effectively the number of planes
flying, and hence the amount of air pollution.
2. In order to solve environmental
problems, fuel costs must be
Be that as it may, I find the proposal too extreme. If increased. Do you agree or
this were to happen, more problems would arise. disagree? (Mar 25, 2017)
Firstly, tourism would die if tourists were
discouraged from traveling, and this would create 3. All the healthcare and education
more drawbacks. More would end up jobless, and needs of the people must be
economies would suffer. In addition, it is provided for free by the
everybody’s personal freedom to travel. Imposing government. Do you agree or
such restriction would limit a person’s inherent right disagree?
to travel using planes, and this is not constitutional
at all. To address air pollution effectively, it would 4. The government must spend its
be more sensible for the government to raise taxes resources in the prevention of
from among those who travel using planes. These sicknesses rather than in curing
travelers can still travel, and at the same time help illnesses. Do you agree or
generate funds in cleaning the air we breathe disagree?
through the extra tax they are paying. Another more
important step is to ensure that our aviation
technology is improved so that less pollution is
caused. The proposal at hand will not solve the
problem directly, but these two suggestions will.

By and large, while discouraging passenger tourists

from using the plane can, in a way, help address air
pollution, I honestly feel that there are other more
effective ways to observe to lessen air pollution.

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FOUR TYPES OF BALANCED ARGUMENT ESSAYS

To introduce types 1 and 2, divide the paragraph into two parts.

The first shall restate the ISSUE; the second shall contain the writer’s chosen view.

Language Bank:
INTRODUCTION -People’s views vary when talking about _________________.
-Issues regarding _____________ are highly debatable.
-There are two opposing views when it comes to _____________.

In introducing types 3 and 4, divide the paragraph into two parts. The first shall affirm
ISSUE the existence of the phenomenon; the second shall contain the writer’s assessment.
+
CHOSEN VIEW Language Bank:
It cannot be denied that……
It is no doubt true that…..
Indeed….

Some people think that the world is now one large village and we are all responsible
for each other. Others, however, argue that people in other countries should look
after their own people and not be concerned with other countries. Discuss both
1 views and give your own opinion.
TWO VIEWS:
CONTRADICTORY People’s views vary when talking about the extent of responsibility of one country to
another. While it is partly true that countries need to mind their own affairs, I highly think it is
much better if countries feel responsible over each other.

Some people think that changing people’s attitudes to other countries and cultures is
an important factor in reducing world poverty. Others, however, feel that the most
important method is trade. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
2
TWO VIEWS:
ALTERNATIVE Issues regarding how to address poverty are highly debatable. Although it is important for
people to change their attitude towards other countries to help solve poverty, I honestly
think that trade improvement is equally important.

Over the past few decades, with the help of the internet an unimaginable amount of
3 information has become widely available to the general public. Do the advantages of
PHENOMENON/ this development outweigh the disadvantages?
SUGGESTION:
ADVANTAGEOUS It cannot be denied that people nowadays have easy access to all types of information
OR
because of the Internet. Even if there are a number of drawbacks to this phenomenon, I
DISADVANTAGEOUS
highly believe that this development is more advantageous than disadvantageous.

Nowadays the way that people of all ages interact with each other is being shaped by
4 social media. Has this become a positive or negative development?
PHENOMENON/
SUGGESTION: It is no doubt true that humans, both old and young, have been influenced heavily by the
POSITIVE OR
social media in the way they communicate with each other. Despite the presence of some
NEGATIVE
setbacks, I highly believe that this development is more positive than negative.

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Some people think that it is wrong for humans to search for new worlds in space when we have so many problems
on our own planet. Others believe such searches help mankind to develop. Discuss each view and present your own
view.

Drill 1: Introduce the essay question by following the format found on previous page.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

SECOND PARAGRAPH:
This is where the writer presents the view he/she is not choosing. In discussing this part of the essay, it is important that the writer uses the third-person
perspective if it is type 1 or 2.

Language Bank:

In presenting the main idea: In explaining:

Some people argue that…. Many people think that………. Some claim that….. A number believe that…… They contend that… They feel that…
They maintain that…
They insist that… They aver that….

Some people argue that that it is not proper for humans to spend valuable resources in exploring the space as we have a lot more to discover and more
problems to solve on Earth. They contend that resources are better spent on Earth as our concerns here are more urgent and pressing. They maintain
that humans have now explored the space, yet a considerable number of questions remain unanswered as regards our very own seas for example. Some even
find it ironic for others to have a mine of information about the rest of the universe when questions about diseases and other more local problems continue to
place us in the dark.

THIRD PARAGRAPH:
This is where the writer presents his/her chosen view. To achieve cohesion, it is important that the writer begins with a good transitional device.

Language Bank: Nevertheless…. Conversely…. Contrarily….. On the contrary….Meanwhile…..

Nevertheless, I firmly believe that even if we have numerous unsolved problems here on Earth, it is vital that we continue our efforts in exploring the space.
First of all, it is because of these ventures that we have enjoyed advanced medical breakthroughs like doing distant surgical operations with the use of advanced
electronics. It is because of the need to create materials for space travel that some of our problems here on Earth have also been addressed. Secondly, it is
important that we explore the space so that we gather more information about our origins. It is by knowing our history that we can prepare for our future. For
as long as the efforts to address the local problems here on Earth and to know more about the Earth continue, I do not see anything wrong in reserving some of
our resources for outside exploration.

FOURTH PARAGRAPH:
This is where the writer concludes the essay. One practical step, just restate the second sentence of the first paragraph.

Language Bank: In the main, By and large, On the whole, All in all

By and large, while others question the need to explore outer space as we have more problems in our own world, I believe it is important to continue exploring
outside as many benefits are reaped in doing so.

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Some people think that the increasingly flexible working environment nowadays, such as working at
home, has a positive impact on workers’ lives. Others, however, feel this development is just a means
for organizations such as private companies to exploit workers for profit. Discuss both these views
and give your own opinion.

Suggested Time Schedule:

Planning : 5 minutes
Introduction: 5 minutes
2nd Paragraph: 10 minutes
3rd Paragraph: 10 minutes
Conclusion: 5 minutes
Editing: 5 minutes
________
40 minutes

Discussion of View Not Chosen:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Discussion of Chosen View:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Sample Answer

2nd Paragraph:

Some people believe that the concept of telecommuting is only conceived to take advantage of the workers.
They feel that this new concept is only observed so that regardless of the reasons that prevent an employee
from reporting for work, this new arrangement shall guarantee that an employee continues to render services
to his company even while he is at his home. Supporters of this view lament that businessmen do whatever
they want just to exploit their workers, and telecommuting is one of these forms of exploitation.

3rd Paragraph:

Nevertheless, I am convinced that being able to do flexitime and being able to work from home are two highly
wise arrangements in the modern workplace. These concepts actually originated because there were a
number of single parents who, despite the need to work, were also required to be present at home. The
introduction of these new concepts has revolutionized the workplace as single parents can now afford to juggle
both their personal and working lives. Through observing flexitime, a single mother can choose when she can
report for work depending on her arrangement at home. Likewise, under telecommuting, a parent who needs
to tend to a sick family member can still earn a living by being there next to his sick family member at home but
still continues to deliver work for the company by completing his computer work at home.

ALTERNATIVE VIEWS:

Some people think that the function of studying history at all levels is to teach young
people about historical facts and information, while others feel that its main function is to
acquaint them with the skills necessary in later life. Discuss each view and present your
own view.

SECOND PARAGRAPH:

Some people claim that the true purpose of offering history subjects to students is to make students
knowledgeable about specific facts and figures that were significant in the past. They insist that history
books are written simply for people to recall what specific events happened centuries ago. *Assuming the
opposite viewpoint, other people believe that the very essence of history is for students to glean from
the lessons their predecessors learned in the past. They insist that people read history books not to
memorize details but to apply all the good points that led to an accomplishment in a particular era.

THIRD PARAGRAPH:

My impression is that these two opposing groups need to meet halfway as the study of history is one-half
appreciation of the facts that took place and the other half deep regard for the lessons learned by people
who made a difference. I firmly believe that the study of history is not as meaningful when students only
limit their understanding to the veracity of details. Instead it is more wholistic if students also remember the
solutions that leaders observed in the past, so that the students can improve themselves and others when
they make their own decisions.

* Good expressions in separating the two views in the second paragraph:

- Differing from the preceding group, others claim that….
- Totally in disagreement with the first view, some maintain that….
- Assuming the opposite viewpoint, other people believe that….
- Upholding views to the contrary, some insist that….

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BALANCED ARGUMENT ESSAY (Type 3)

There is a sudden rise in the number of cheap flights nowadays. Do the advantages of this
outweigh the disadvantages?

It is no doubt true that highly affordable plane tickets are now very accessible. While there are
some corresponding drawbacks to this situation, I highly believe that this development is still more
advantageous.

On the one hand, the increase in the number of very affordable flights shall certainly worsen air
pollution as airplanes are proven to tarnish the air we breathe, and more flights would mean more
carbon dioxide emitted. Another problem is the rising level of stress that many passengers are
expected to experience not only inside airports, which typically end up becoming like flea markets
because of the flurry of activities happening inside, but also when they are inside planes ready to
take off as they shall soon realize how uncomfortable cheap trips are since these planes tend to be
very congested.

On the other hand, I am very much convinced that there are more advantages. Cheap flights mean
more people can travel, and this shall generally improve the tourism activities among many cities in
the world, which undeniably will bring forth more jobs to people since more tourists would mean
more money being exchanged. Moreover, cheap flights would mean easier mobility for everyone,
young and old and students and professionals, so goods and services are conveniently shared and
delivered from one destination to another.

In the main, although there are some drawbacks present with the advent of cheap flights, there are
still more benefits to be enjoyed, which I believe should be experienced by many passengers,
particularly those who are on budget but would like to travel the world.

Practice Questions:
A. Some people think that healthcare systems should focus on curing disease and illnesses. Others
believe that the true function of a healthcare system should be to prevent diseases and illnesses
through health education and preventive measures. Discuss each view and present your own view.
B. Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary
school rather than secondary school. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
C. Some people think that children should be encouraged to travel more while at school to broaden
their experience. Others think that not enough time is spent in the classroom learning the basics of
a good education. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

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ENUMERATIVE ESSAYS



Because of falling birth rates and better healthcare,

the world’s population is getting steadily older, and
this trend is going to cause serious problems for
society. What are these problems and what can be
done to address them?

It cannot be denied that more and more people live longer

because of improved healthcare, and this poses a number affirm phenomenon
of societal problems. In this essay, I shall enumerate the +
problems brought about by increasing older population and mention tasks
some ways on how to address these problems.

If the number of older people continues to escalate,

numerous problems are certain to arise. For one,
public services will not be delivered efficiently since there
will be more customers than there will be workers. As a
result, hospitals will be less functional and other industries
less productive. Another is the challenge that lies in the Body paragraphs:
hands of governments running welfare-based societies.
Owing to the fact that there will be more pensioners than TOPIC SENTENCE
there will be workers, this unequal ratio will surely lead to IDEA 1
the premature exhaustion of government resources. If this ELABORATION
debacle persists, societies will soon shut down as only a IDEA 2
few can perform the necessary activities to keep the ELABORATION
economies alive.

Nevertheless, this alarming possibility is solvable. By elaborations can be by

examples
simply encouraging the public to observe proper and
effects
responsible family planning, governments can ensure that
explanation
there will be enough people to attend to the elderly and
enough funds to support their retirement. Japan is a case
in point. The last economic crisis has shown its people the
negative impact their views about family planning have
created. To start encouraging families to bear more
children, the Japanese government has decided to offer its
people financial incentives.

By and large, population growth is, in general, frowned

upon, but if societies want to see the distant future, they
summarise
should continue producing new members. What should be body paragraphs
borne in mind, however, is, with population growth and
family planning, societies must never go extreme.

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HYBRID QUESTIONS

Investing in major infrastructure projects such More and more people travel internationally.
as motorways and other transport systems is What are the causes?
the best way to reduce unemployment and
boost economic development. Is this more of a positive development or a
negative one?
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
What other measures do you think might be It cannot be denied that the number of people
effective?
traveling overseas is growing. In this essay, I shall
identify the causes and explain why I think this has
It has been suggested that governments invest in more drawbacks.

infrastructure projects to combat unemployment

problems and to improve the economy,. While There are a number of reasons for the increase in
investing in infrastructure can definitely yield international travels. First of all, the need to be
positive results in the future, I do not at all agree educated about the world has fueled people’s
that this is the best solution available.
desire to explore other countries, and this appetite
has been whetted by the corresponding availability
Although it cannot be denied that spending on of cheap flights. Another obvious reason is the fact
infrastructure will partly address unemployment and that globalization has set the stage for people to
bring about economic benefits as additional roads travel overseas with ease. To illustrate, to boost
would mean more investors and hence more jobs, I their tourism activities, major cities all over the
do not believe that this is the best move world hold activities such as festivals and special
governments should take. As a matter of course, events to attract more visitors. These have
the suggestion is time-consuming. If the undoubtedly contributed to the accretion in the
government uses this as its tactic in addressing number of international travelers.

unemployment, it would take ages before road

projects are operational, and by then, the rate of Be that as it may, while this trend leads to many
unemployed people shall have peaked already.
benefits including gaining wider knowledge about
the world, having easy and fast economic
In contrast, I highly believe that there are more transactions with others and being able to live in
effective measures that governments can observe, one global village, I honestly feel that this is more
which shall bring about more immediate results. negative. At the moment, not much is being done
First of all, the government can directly invite to improve border controls in airports, so with easy
investors from other countries and make it easy for access to different cities, diseases become more
them to expand their businesses and employ more easily spread and global epidemics become a lot
people. Moreover, governments can strengthen the more common. The easier movement of people
security of their cities. With this, more businessmen worldwide has also caused a rise in global
will be encouraged to put up their ventures locally terrorism. Consuming a lot more fossil fuels than
as investors prefer to hold business in areas that are regular automobiles, planes, too, have a significant
free from any violence. Finally, another equally environmental impact by exacerbating the global
effective step is for governments to guide their warming we are currently facing. Finally,
people on what courses to take up so that when congestion in the more popular destinations are
they graduate from school, they have specific areas bound to happen, which shall eventually make
to fill in.
these places less attractive to visit.

By and large, while infrastructures can help address By and large, there are truly a number of factors
economic issues, I strongly feel that other measures why many people travel overseas, and while there
be observed to address fully and immediately the are a couple of advantages in this phenomenon, I
concerns at hand. am convinced that this is more disadvantageous.

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