Mastering English Writing: Reviews and Opinion Essays
Writing English
Review Structure
1. Introduction: Present the subject of your review. Name the book or film and provide a brief introduction.
2. First Argument: Give arguments and opinions on the topic requested in the prompt.
3. Second Argument: Give arguments and opinions on the topic requested in the prompt.
4. Conclusion: Provide your overall impression and whether you would recommend it.
Example Review
In this review, I will discuss Pride and Prejudice, a classic novel by Jane Austen. Known for its sharp social commentary and memorable characters, it explores themes of love, class, and societal expectations, making it one of the most beloved works in English literature.
One of the novel’s strengths is its exploration of marriage and class. Austen critiques the pressure on women to marry for security rather than love, with Elizabeth Bennet rejecting suitors who offer financial stability but no emotional connection. Her evolving relationship with Mr. Darcy, moving from prejudice to mutual respect, is central to the story and offers a timeless reflection on overcoming misunderstandings in relationships.
Another key strength is the depth of its characters. Elizabeth is an intelligent, independent heroine, and Mr. Darcy’s transformation from prideful to vulnerable makes him one of literature’s most compelling romantic leads. Their growth throughout the novel is engaging and relatable.
In conclusion, Pride and Prejudice is a brilliantly written novel with rich characters, sharp social commentary, and a timeless romance. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys classic literature or insightful stories about love and society.
Opinion Essay Structure
1. Introduction: Explain the topic you will give your opinion on and state your position.
2. First Argument: Give reasons/arguments that support your opinion.
3. Second Argument: Give reasons/arguments that support your opinion.
4. Conclusion: Summarize your arguments and opinions.
Example Opinion Essay
The increasing cost of public transport has become a significant issue in many cities around the world. While public transport is essential for reducing traffic congestion and promoting environmental sustainability, the rising prices make it difficult for many people, especially low-income groups, to afford it. I believe that the high cost of public transport is a problem that needs to be addressed in order to make transportation more accessible and equitable for all.
First reason: Public transport should be affordable because it is a vital service for everyone, particularly those who cannot afford private vehicles. Many people rely on buses, trains, and metro systems to get to work, school, or other essential destinations. If public transport prices continue to rise, people may struggle to pay for their daily commutes, leading to financial stress and reduced access to important opportunities.
Second reason: High public transport costs also contribute to greater inequality in society. When public transport is too expensive, it disproportionately affects lower-income individuals and families who are already facing financial difficulties. This can create a cycle of poverty, as people without reliable transport may have less access to better jobs or educational opportunities, further limiting their social mobility.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the high cost of public transport is a serious issue that needs urgent attention. It affects not only people’s financial well-being but also their access to opportunities and services. I believe that governments should work to make public transport more affordable in order to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, can benefit from this essential service.
Connectors for Writing
Introducing Your Opinion:
- In my opinion – En mi opinión
- I believe that – Creo que
- From my perspective – Desde mi perspectiva
- It seems to me that – Me parece que
- Personally, I think – Personalmente, creo
- As far as I’m concerned – En lo que a mí respecta
- To my mind – En mi opinión
Giving Reasons:
- One reason is that – Una razón es que
- This is because – Esto es porque
- The main reason is – La razón principal es
- Due to the fact that – Debido a que
- This can be attributed to – Esto puede ser atribuido a
- For example – Por ejemplo
- For instance – Por ejemplo
- This is shown by – Esto se muestra por
Adding More Arguments:
- Furthermore – Además
- Moreover – Además
- Additionally – Adicionalmente
- What’s more – Es más
- On top of that – Aparte de eso
- Not only that, but – No solo eso, sino que
- Another point to consider is – Otro punto a considerar es…
Contrasting Ideas:
- However – Sin embargo
- On the other hand – Por otro lado
- In contrast – En contraste
- Nevertheless – No obstante
- Despite this – A pesar de esto
- Although – Aunque
- Even though – Aunque
Concluding:
- In conclusion – En conclusión
- To sum up – Para resumir
- In summary – En resumen
- Overall – En general
- All in all – En resumen
- To conclude – Para concluir
- In brief – En breve