Exam information | Giving opinions

For a Task 2 essay you will often be asked to give your own opinion. You should also include a range of other viewpoints to show that you understand both sides of an argument.

To give your own opinion, use phrases such as In my view/ opinion and verb phrases such as I think that/ I believe that ....

To show other people's opinions, use According to + group of people (e.g. parents/ scientists / politicians) ....

Use verb phrases such as Some people think that / Many people believe that / People argue that / Other people claim that....

Other verbs include suggest/ state / say.

1. Read the sentences and decide if they are the writer’s opinion or the opinion of other people. Write WO (writer’s opinion) or OPO (other people’s opinion).

1. According to the government, traditional families are the happiest.

2. There are many things that can make people happy. In my view, family and friends are the most important.

3. Some teachers believe that children should learn how to manage money at school. They suggest that this could help the economy in the future.

4. I believe that the government should provide more financial help to poor families.

5. My personal opinion is that having an enjoyable job is essential for happiness.

6. Many people argue that all citizens should pay as little tax as possible.

7. I think that wealthy people should pay more tax.

8. Parents often claim that they need more money.

Now underline the phrases which introduce each opinion in sentences 1 -8 above.

Exam tip | Your opinion
For Task 2 you should say briefly what your own opinion is in the introduction to your essay so that this is clear from the start.

2. Read the introduction to the essay below and underline the phrases used to introduce the writer’s opinion and the opinions of other people.

If people have more money, they are generally happier. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Money is important in life but it does not always bring happiness. Some people say that having more money makes life less stressful, while other people argue that happiness can be found in other aspects of life such as work, family or hobbies. In my view, having more money does not make people happier but it makes life easier. There are two reasons for my opinion.

Answer these questions about the introduction.

1. What do some people say?

2. What do other people argue?

3. What does the writer think?

4. How many reasons will the writer give for his / her opinion?

3. Write an introduction for the following essay title. Remember to give your opinion and introduce the opinions of other people. Use your own ideas and the notes in the box to help you.

Personal happiness comes from being successful in life. How far do you agree with this statement?

Exam tip | Agreeing and contrasting opinions
Use the main body of your essay to explain your opinion and agree or disagree with the opinions of other people. Use linking words such as in addition, similarly and also when describing ideas connected to one viewpoint, and use however, yet, on the other hand, and although to introduce contrasting points.

4. Complete this paragraph for the essay in Exercise 2 using suitable linking words. (Think about whether each sentence or clause agrees or contrasts with what has just been said.)

Firstly, I believe that money makes life easier because it reduces stress and worry. Families who have enough money to spend on accommodation, food and clothing are less stressed and so have fewer arguments. (1) , children from wealthy families often do better at school, (2) this may be because they can afford to pay for good schools. (3) , some people think that money cannot solve all family problems. (4) they believe that love from parents is more important than money for bringing up children. (5) .I think that it can be difficult for parents to be positive and loving if they are always worrying about money.

Now continue this paragraph giving your own opinions and the opinions of other people. Use the notes in the box and add your own notes. Remember to use linking words correctly.

Secondly, having more money can help people plan for the future so they have more control over their lives. ...

saving money for children's education - children have better future getting a better job increases income - can buy more possessions - better life saving money for old age - less need to ask others for financial help Your ideas:

5. Complete the following paragraph with suitable referencing words, e.g. pronouns, this and that and linking words.

Happiness is considered very important in life. What are the best ways to be happy?

One of the best ways to be happy is to try to develop a positive attitude to life. In my opinion, (1) approach can help people to reduce stress and negative feelings. (2) can be much happier simply by thinking about all the good things in their life: family, friends, good health and pets. They can (3) focus on improving things they are less happy about such as getting a better job or moving to a new place. (4) many other people say that (5) isn't easy for people who have serious money problems or no chance of changing their life.

(6) factors can often cause people to have problems with stress and ill health. (7) problems can affect how happy someone is (8) staying positive can still help in these situations.

Now write another paragraph for this essay question.