Caleb S.
Caleb S.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Write an Effective Opinion Essay

13 min read

Published on: Feb 28, 2023

Last updated on: Feb 28, 2023

opinion essay

On This Page On This Page

Are you looking to express your opinion in a clear and convincing way? Crafting an effective opinion essay is the key to making your thoughts heard.

With this simple guide, you can easily do just that.

Here, we'll take you step-by-step through the process of writing a compelling opinion essay. So you can be confident when putting your thoughts into words.

Let's get started!

What Exactly is an Opinion Essay?

An opinion essay is a piece of writing that presents and defends an opinion or viewpoint on a particular topic. To make your argument convincing, you must back it up with facts, evidence, and logical reasoning.

What Makes an Opinion Essay Different from Other Types of Essays?

Opinion essays differ from other types of essays, such as argumentative or persuasive essays. It requires the writer to express their own opinion on a given topic.

Here's a table that compares the three types of essays:

Essay TypePurposeKey Features
Opinion EssayShare personal viewpoint on a topicBased on personal experience or knowledge


States an opinion without necessarily arguing for it


Does not require evidence or research
Argumentative EssayConvince the reader of a particular viewPresents a claim or argument with evidence


Refutes opposing views


Uses formal language and logic
Persuasive EssayInfluence the reader's behavior or beliefAppeals to emotions or values


Uses rhetorical devices such as pathos and ethos


Presents evidence to support the argument

How to Structure an Opinion Essay?

When crafting an opinion essay, it’s important to follow a specific essay structure.

The basic structure of an opinion essay is as follows:

  • Introduction: The introduction should introduce the topic and provide a clear statement of the author’s opinion. It should also include any background information necessary to understand the argument.

  • Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph should present a point or argument in favor of the writer’s opinion. It would be followed by evidence or examples to support it.

    Counter-arguments against the opinion can also be presented and discussed in this section. Although, they should not detract from the main points being made.
  • Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points and arguments made throughout the essay.

    Also, restate the author’s opinion in a clear, concise way. It may also point out any potential implications of accepting or rejecting their viewpoint.

Struggling to write an opinion essay? Check out this video for some helpful pointers!

Opinion Essay Outline

An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing that presents an argument or point of view on a particular topic. An outline will help organize your thoughts and provide structure for your essay.

Here is an example of what an outline for a great essay might look like:

Opinion Essay Outline

I. Introduction 
A. Introduce the topic and provide a brief description of the issue
B. Provide a debatable thesis statement

II. Body Paragraph 1
A. State and explain your first point of view
B. Provide evidence to support your opinion
C. Explain how this evidence supports your opinion

III. Body Paragraph 2
A. State and explain your second point of view
B. Provide evidence to support your opinion
C. Explain how this evidence supports your opinion

IV. Body Paragraph 3 (if needed)
A. State and explain a third point of view
B. Provide evidence to support your opinion
C. Explain how this evidence supports your opinion

V. Conclusion
A. Summarize the main points of the essay
B. Restate your thesis statement
C. Provide a final thought or call to action (optional)

By following this basic outline, you can ensure that your opinion essay will be well-structured and organized.

How to Write an Opinion Essay?

Writing an opinion essay requires careful organization and evidence in order to make your point convincingly.

Here are the necessary steps to write an opinion essay:

Choose a Topic

The first step is to decide on a topic that appeals to you and that you can research easily. Make sure you are familiar with the subject matter. It would help you to write about it from an informed perspective.

Organize Your Thoughts

Before beginning to write, take some time to organize your thoughts and opinions on the topic. Jot down notes or draw diagrams to visualize how each of your points relates to the main argument.

Find Evidence to Support Your Point of View

After you have taken the time to organize your thoughts, it is important to find evidence that supports your opinion. Research reputable sources and collect quotes, facts, or other information relevant to each point you are making.

Write Essay Conclusion

End with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and reiterates your main argument. Give a final thought about your chosen topic. Keep in mind how it has impacted you and how it could be used to make a difference.

Be sure to reference the evidence that you have gathered throughout your essay as well.

Proofread

Finally, proofread and edit your work for clarity and accuracy. Reviewing what you have written can help ensure that everything flows logically. Check grammar, punctuation, and spelling while you’re at it!

Your first order with us is FREE!

Order Now
Order Essay

Do's and Don't of Writing an Opinion Essay 

When it comes to writing an opinion essay, there are certain guidelines that should be followed.

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts of writing an opinion essay:

Do's:

  • Evidence: In order to make a convincing argument, your essay should include evidence that supports your point of view.
  • Relevant facts and statistics: Use facts and statistics from reliable sources to back up your arguments.
  • Logical flow: Make sure the points you are making logically follow one another in a clear and cohesive manner.
  • Counter-arguments: Address any counter-arguments against your opinion by providing evidence that disproves them.
  • Clear conclusion: The conclusion should restate your opinion clearly. It summarizes the main points made throughout the essay.

Dont's:

  • Unsupportive evidence: Make sure to avoid any irrelevant evidence in your essay that isn’t valid. Do not make claims that you cannot back up with facts or examples.
  • Unrelated information: Stick to the topic at hand and avoid introducing any irrelevant ideas or tangents into your essay.
  • Too much opinion: Although an opinion essay is based on personal beliefs, it should still be supported by evidence-based arguments.
  • Weak conclusion: Avoid summarizing the main points without restating your opinion or taking a stand on the issue you are discussing.
  • Poor grammar and punctuation: Make sure to review your work for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes before submitting it.

Examples of Opinion Essays

An opinion essay can be written on any topic that has two or more sides to it.

Here are these sample opinion essays:

Should College Education Be Free?

Education is an essential component of a person's life, but not everyone can afford it. Therefore, the debate on whether college education should be free has been ongoing for quite some time. From my perspective, I believe that college education should be free for everyone.

Firstly, making college education free would help to increase access to higher education, regardless of an individual's financial background. Education is a fundamental right that should not be limited by one's socioeconomic status. Additionally, students who come from low-income families often cannot afford college, and this results in many talented individuals being unable to realize their potential.

Secondly, providing free college education would lead to a more knowledgeable and skilled workforce, which would benefit the economy. As more individuals are equipped with advanced skills and knowledge, businesses and industries would benefit from a more skilled workforce. This would result in increased productivity, innovation, and a more competitive economy.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to making college education free. For instance, the cost of providing free college education would be substantial, and it is unclear how it would be funded. Additionally, some individuals argue that making college education free would result in a less motivated student body, as students may take their education for granted.

In conclusion, while there may be some challenges to making college education free, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Providing free college education would ensure that everyone has access to higher education and create a more skilled workforce, which would ultimately benefit society as a whole.


Should Capital Punishment Be Abolished?

Capital punishment, or the death penalty, is a controversial issue that has sparked intense debates among people for decades. Some people believe that it is an effective way to deter crime, while others believe that it is inhumane and should be abolished. From my perspective, I believe that capital punishment should be abolished.

Firstly, there is always a risk of executing an innocent person, which is a severe miscarriage of justice. Mistakes can happen in any system, and the justice system is not exempt from them. Therefore, it is possible that an innocent person could be executed, which would be a grave injustice.

Secondly, capital punishment is not an effective deterrent to crime. Studies have shown that the death penalty does not deter crime any more than other forms of punishment. Additionally, the countries with the highest rates of capital punishment do not necessarily have lower crime rates.

Furthermore, capital punishment is often used disproportionately against marginalized and vulnerable communities, such as minorities and the poor. This raises concerns about systemic bias and discrimination in the justice system.

Finally, the death penalty is an inhumane practice that violates human rights. No one has the right to take the life of another human being, and the death penalty is a cruel and degrading punishment that goes against the values of a civilized society.

In conclusion, capital punishment should be abolished because it is not an effective deterrent to crime, there is always a risk of executing an innocent person, it is often used disproportionately against marginalized communities, and it is an inhumane practice that violates human rights. Instead, we should focus on implementing more effective and humane forms of punishment that promote justice and rehabilitation

Learn how to write with these potential opinion essay examples:

Opinion Essay Topics

Looking for opinion essay topics? Opinion essays are a great way to express your beliefs and thoughts on various subjects.

Here are some topics to consider when writing an opinion essay:

  • Social media sites create more harm than good, Agree or Disagree?
  • Should the legal drinking age be lowered?
  • Is animal testing necessary?
  • Should the voting age be lowered?
  • Are video games beneficial or harmful to children’s development?
  • Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • Are beauty pageants beneficial to society?
  • Is it important to consume organic foods?
  • Should nuclear energy be used in place of fossil fuels?
  • What are the positive and negative effects of technology on our lives?

Expert Tip

If you're looking for advice on expressing your beliefs in an opinion essay without sounding too "preachy". Read this blog for more useful tips!

Opinion Essay Template

Check out the opinion essay template below to help you get started:

Opinion Essay Template

  1. Introduction
    Introduce your opinion on the topic and your main points.
  2. Body Paragraphs
    In each body paragraph,  present a different point to support your opinion. Make sure to include the evidence and reasons for each point.
  3. Conclusion
    Summarize your main points that support your opinion and reiterate your opinion on the topic. Express a sense of closure and provide an opportunity for further thought or action.
  4. Final Thoughts
    End with a call to action or thought-provoking statement that encourages readers to consider your opinion on the topic. This could be a question, quote, or suggestion for further research.

Transition Words for an Opinion Essay

Transition words are an essential part of any opinion essay. These words help to link your ideas and provide a logical flow for your paper.

Here are some examples of common transition words for an opinion essay:

  • In my opinion
  • To sum up
  • All in all
  • Then again
  • Above all
  • On the whole
  • I strongly believe
  • Besides that
  • To conclude
  • For this reason
  • Certainly
  • Most importantly
  • Nevertheless
  • Accordingly
  • As a result
  • In conclusion
  • Without doubt
  • Besides
  • Likewise/similarly
  • On the contrary
  • Conversely
  • However
  • Yet

Using transition words effectively can help make your opinion essay easier to read and understand.

Tips for Writing an Effective Opinion Essay

Writing an effective opinion essay requires good research skills and an understanding of how to present your argument clearly.

Here are some tips to help you get started.

  • Research: Before writing an opinion essay it is important to do research. Familiarize yourself with different arguments surrounding the topic.
  • Organizing Your Thoughts: Take some time to think about your main points and organize them into a logical order.
  • Gathering Evidence: Find evidence or examples to support each of your points. 
  • Structuring Your Work: Organize the evidence into a clear and logical structure. Make sure each body paragraph is focused on one main point and develops this idea in detail. 
  • Writing the Introduction: Provide a brief overview of the topic and state your opinion clearly. 
  • Writing the Conclusion: Summarize the main points made throughout the essay and restate your opinion. 

Expert Tip

Need help with structuring your essay conclusion? Check out this Read and learn how to write an impactful conclusion for any essay!

Follow these tips to make sure your opinion paper is well-written, organized, and persuasive!

Your first order with us is FREE!

Order Now
Order Essay

To wrap it all up,

Writing an opinion essay is a great way to express your thoughts and opinions on any given topic. With some research, organization, and structure, you can easily convey your point of view. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can write an effective opinion essay and make a strong argument.

Do you need help with essay writing? We provide a top-notch essay writing service for you.

With our experienced essay writer, you can be sure your paper will meet all the requirements set by your professor.

Our team of professionals ensures that every essay is written to perfection and meets the highest academic standards.

You can trust us to deliver quality papers to you!

So don’t hesitate - to contact us today and let us show you how great your paper can be!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good opinion essay topic?

You should choose an unusual or interesting story, talk about your personal experiences with some meaningful point in life, demonstrate how much research has gone into coming up with this point of view, or tell us what makes it so great from your own perspective. 

Choosing a good opinion essay topic is difficult because you have to make it about something that interests and relates to the reader. 

What is the purpose of opinion writing?

An opinion essay helps the students develop an understanding of their own viewpoints. Moreover, this kind of writing helps them put their thoughts on paper. 

What is the importance of opinion writing?

It's hard to argue the importance of subjectivity when it comes to opinion writing. Opinions backed up with evidence make for persuasive arguments because they allow readers a glimpse into where the writer is coming from. 

It helps them follow along more easily and be convinced by what you're saying as well. 

What are the features of opinion writing?

Here are the key features of opinion writing; 

  • Clearly defined thesis statement. 
  • A well-written introduction. 
  • Well researched and developed arguments and evidence. 
  • Clear and organized structure. 
  • A strong and impactful conclusion. 
Caleb S.

WRITTEN BY

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.

Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.

Keep reading