Articles

Opinion articles. Teacher's sample

Opinion articles present the writer’s personal opinion concerning the topic, clearly stated and supported by reasons and/or examples. The opposing viewpoint and reason can be included, together with an argument that shows that it is an unconvincing viewpoint.  The writer’s opinion is usually included in the introduction, and summarised or restated in the conclusion.

A good opinion article should consist of

·   An introductory paragraph in which you clearly state the topic to be discussed (+ your opinion).

·   A main body, in which points are clearly stated in separate paragraphs and exemplified or justified. An opposite point of view can also be presented.

·   A closing paragraph summarising the main points of the essay, in which you (re)state your opinion.

Important points to consider

·   Before you begin writing, make a list of the points you will present.

·   Present each point in a separate paragraph. A well-developed paragraph contains a clear topic sentence, which summarises the contents of the paragraph, as well as clear justification, explanation or example in support of the point presented.

·   Do not use informal style (e.g. contracted forms, colloquial language, informal abbreviations, etc).

Some good advice

·   Check the assessment criteria your teacher will use to evaluate your written assignment.

·   Be careful with presentation: blank space around the text, neat handwriting, no crossings-out …

·   Use appropriate linking words/phrases to link paragraphs, as well as to join sentences within paragraphs.

·   Skip ONE line between ALL the paragraphs.

·   If you use a Word Processor, check mistakes with a spellchecker. 

Revise your essay once your teacher has given it back to you. If you have questions about it, ask her

Why should we have good manners?

Good manners are essential to live happily among people. Without good manners we would only be slightly more civilised than animals.

To a certain extent good manners enable us to tolerate the disagreeable attitudes of others.  Nowadays in society you can find people of various cultural, racial, religious and professional backgrounds. Therefore we require great powers of endurance and social skills.

There is another factor to consider – Having good manners is synonymous with respecting others. Our speech and habits as well as our behaviour should not hurt the feelings of others or cause them any inconvenience. In addition, we should not talk badly about others or boast about our achievements or personal possessions. Furthermore, even if we are angry or upset,  we must try to use words in such a way that others are not offended.

However, some people feel that good manners hide our true feelings and so they are indicative of insincere or hypocritical behaviour.  I totally disagree with that view, as I believe that showing our true feelings often entails being offensive or disrespectful, which is counterproductive in our relationship with others.

To sum up, if we have good manners, we will have more friends and well-wishers. We will also have fewer conflicts with others, and are likely to encourage more respectful behaviour. In other words, we can lead a happier life.

[225 words]

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Informal writing letter, Student's sample

Texto de carácter personal contextualizado en el que se expresan noticias y puntos de vista con eficacia, se transmite cierta emoción, se resalta la importancia personal de hechos y experiencias, y se comentan las noticias y los puntos de vista de la persona a la que se escribe y de otras personas. (Cartas, informes, anotaciones en un diario, aportaciones a un blog, e-mail, etc.) De 200 a 250 palabras

You are 17.  You’ve been suspended for 3 days for not following the school dress code – you wore very low hip pants revealing your underwear.  Write a letter/e-mail to a friend telling them what happened, how you feel and what you will do.

23, Shakespeare Street

Stratford, UK

13^th March 2011

Hi Greg,

I know that I have been very lazy lately, but let me tell you something, you haven´t been the most loyal writer either. I haven´t heard from you in ages! Anyway, I have to tell you something that is driving me mad.

Last week I was suspended for three days from school, but guess why... The headmaster took me to his office and told me that I was not following the school dress code just for showing my thong, my sexiest one I should say.

I didn´t even know any dress code existed! Besides, all my school mates wear what they wont, some of them with terrible style, and they have never been warned. But worst of all, none of them complained to help me and just went to class and covered themselves as if we were living in the North Pole.

My parents are mad and I can´t go out for a month. Useless to tell them that these kind of rules are a direct attack to our freedom, our individuality and they hurt our self-expression.

However, this won´t stop me. Tomorrow, once I´m back to school, I will wear my shorter mini skirt and I don´t give a shit if I´m suspended again.

Hope my next letter is not sent under home arrest again. 

Please write soon.

See ya,

Lac,  the anti dress code militant

Informal writing e-mail. Student's sample

Texto de carácter personal contextualizado en el que se expresan noticias y puntos de vista con eficacia, se transmite cierta emoción, se resalta la importancia personal de hechos y experiencias, y se comentan las noticias y los puntos de vista de la persona a la que se escribe y de otras personas. (Cartas, informes, anotaciones en un diario, aportaciones a un blog, e-mail, etc.) De 200 a 250 palabras


You are 17.  You’ve been suspended for 3 days for not following the school dress code – you wore very low hip pants revealing your underwear.  Write a letter/e-mail to a friend telling them what happened, how you feel and what you will do.

Hi Vicky,

How’re things going?

  You’d never believe what happened to me yesterday! Do you remember the cool hip pants I bought last Saturday when we went to the mall? I was so impatient to use them for the very first time that I decided to wear them to go to High School. Have  you ever heard of a school dress code, BTW? Me neither! Well, apparently, I haven’t followed it because my underwear was shown. So, I was summored and now I’ve been sent home for three days! I told it to my parents, but they did not even lift a finger!! AMAZING, isn’t it?

   I feel so disappointed, ‘cos I thought they’d back me in that. I reckon I did nothing bad, but now I realise they consider my clothing to be appalling and daring. Guess what? I’m fed up! I’m sick of being told what to do all the time! I can’t stand unfairness!!

   So, as I’m supposed to follow the rules, I don’t want to let them down! The stupid dress code says “underwear must not be revealed”. And I won’t fail to comply! Next Friday, when I go back to school, I’ll be wearing my hip pants again, but no underwear underneath! Do you like the idea?

   I’ll tell you next chapter. Probably, I’ll be suspended for three more days but, who cares?

   Keep in touch.

   CU!

 Whoever