Developing writing
An opinion essay 1
Read the essay. Which sentence best summarises the writer’s opinion? a Online shopping has some advantages, but the writer prefers high street shopping. b The advantages of high street shopping are significantly greater than online shopping. c High street shopping has many benefits, but the writer prefers online shopping.
Give your opinion in the introduction. Use linkers: Although , As a result , Furthermore , In addition , In conclusion , On balance , etc. Use formal language.
Organise your ideas into clear paragraphs. Include different arguments that support your opinion.
We all know more and more people are buying things on the Internet every day. Although online shopping has its advantages, I believe that the benefits of shopping on the high street outweigh the drawbacks. Firstly, if you buy on the high street, you can try something before you buy it and you can ask for help from a shop assistant. This means you are more confident about what you buy. Online marketing can sometimes be misleading. You can’t see the products, the sizes are often different from what you expected and products are sometimes poor quality. As a result, consumers may buy items that they later have to return, which is a waste of time. It is not eco-friendly either, because it involves extra packaging and the use of more resources, which means more pollution. Furthermore, there are many delays with online shopping. If you buy on the high street, you have the product immediately. In addition, many shops are closing down because of too much online shopping, so by buying in the high street you also help to keep your neighbourhood shops in business. Shopping locally also means that taxes are paid in your country. In conclusion, I prefer high street shopping over e-commerce. On balance, I am convinced that high street shopping is better for the planet and my country.
Summarise your opinion in the conclusion.
Tick ( ) the six ideas that are mentioned in the opinion essay. 1 Online shopping is easier because there aren’t any queues or stress. 2 High street shopping makes ecological sense. 3 Online shopping can’t match the enjoyment of high street shopping. 4 You are more likely to buy something which you keep if you shop on the high street. 5 Online shopping is taking business away from local economy. 6 You have more time to compare prices if you shop on the high street. 7 You can get good advice from the person selling the product. 8 Internet purchases can sometimes be disappointing.
Complete the sentences with these useful linkers. as • furthermore • d espite the fact that • firstly • in contrast • s econdly • s ince 1 , I strongly believe that people can make a better decision if they buy online. , shopping online is more convenient. 2 With online shopping you have time to browse for products. , you can compare the prices between websites. 3 there is a lot of fraud on the Internet, most online stores are safe. 4 , high street shopping can be more entertaining compared to online shopping. 5 Online shopping is more ecological it saves people going on shopping trips. 6 you have to travel to the centre of town, high street shopping causes more pollution.
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Great students’ tip
Improving your writing To improve your writing, always do a plan before you start, grouping ideas into paragraphs. Think about the structures you want to use and include these in your plan, too. Use linkers to connect the text. When you finish, check your work thoroughly. Have you covered all the points in the task?
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Unit 10
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