Published 22 May 2025
Table of contents
Writing an opinion essay is more than simply sharing what you think. That’s something better left for Instagram comments.
An opinion essay is a structured way to present your stance, explain your reasoning, and support your ideas with evidence.
This type of assignment is common in academic settings because it builds essential writing skills like logical organization, critical thinking, and argumentation. Students are often asked to complete a paper because it pushes them to analyze alternative perspectives and articulate a clear opinion on a topic while learning to defend it through facts and examples. That’s why many look for write me an essay services to get professional assistance when they feel overwhelmed.
In this article, you’ll discover every aspect of how to write an opinion essay. Feel free to thank us later 🙂
A personal opinion essay is a formal piece of writing where you present your perspective on a specific topic and back it up with evidence and logical reasoning. While your opinion is central, it’s not enough to simply state what you believe. You must:
Note: The tone should remain formal and objective, even when expressing personal viewpoints.
One of the cases where opinion essays are used the most is IELTS! In IELTS Writing Task 2, you’re asked to write an essay expressing your opinion on an issue or question.
A well-crafted IELTS opinion essay answers the question directly but also showcases the writer’s ability to:
Surely, writing under time pressure can feel overwhelming. And you may risk losing points due to clarity issues or vaguely relevant information. But it’s okay! It’s going to be okay, until you have some professionals like EduBirdie by your side. If you are searching for ‘pay someone to write my paper’ service, EduBirdie is always here to assist you with any essay issue!
When learning how to write an opinion essay, it’s crucial to understand how it differs from other academic writing forms. To help clarify these distinctions, the EduBirdie team created a detailed table comparing different essays:
| Essay Type | Main Focus | Goal | Use of Evidence | Tone |
| Opinion Essay | Presenting and supporting one’s personal stance | To explain your position with logic | Supports own opinion with examples | Formal, logical |
| Argumentative Essay | Exploring multiple viewpoints, including opposing sides | To argue for a position with balance | Uses evidence from various sides | Formal, objective |
| Expository Essay | Providing factual explanations without focusing on personal stance | To explain or inform | Relies on facts, research | Neutral, explanatory |
| Persuasive Essay | Trying to convince emotionally while still using logic | To persuade readers to agree | Combines evidence + emotional appeals | Persuasive, emotive |
The main difference is that, unlike persuasive essays, which aim to stir emotions and sometimes appeal to readers’ feelings, opinion essays rely on logical reasoning. On the contrary, an expository essay is the most different: it neither seeks to convince nor argue but to explain facts objectively.
When you finally sit down to write an opinion paper, you must know the exact things to include. For example, it can distinguish between a strong, persuasive piece and a weak, unsupported argument. Check the list below to avoid the second case!
✅ Dos
If you’re unsure how different essays handle tone and structure, check out this guide to the different types of essays to see what makes an opinion essay unique.
❌ Don’ts
Following these simple dos and don’ts can transform your writing from a casual opinion into a compelling academic opinion essay. And now, it’s perfect timing to explore how to structure your essay effectively.
A well-structured personal opinion essay ensures your argument unfolds logically and keeps the reader’s attention from start to finish. At its core, an opinion essay follows the classic and logical order of a three-part format: introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Set the stage
The introduction serves two essential purposes: grabbing the reader’s interest and clearly stating your opinion. Here, you must start an opinion essay by setting up the topic, briefly explaining its significance, and ending the paragraph with a strong thesis statement that reveals your position.
Develop and defend
The body of your opinion paper typically consists of two or three body paragraphs, each focusing on a single supporting point. Every paragraph begins with a clear topic sentence that signals the main idea, followed by explanation, evidence, and real-life examples to support it:
Topic sentence: “Mandatory school uniforms reduce peer pressure among students.”
Explanation: Uniforms level the playing field by minimizing visible economic differences.
Example: Research from XYZ University shows a 30% drop in bullying related to clothing after implementing uniforms.
Topic sentence: “Uniforms save families time and money when preparing for school.”
Explanation: Parents spend less on trendy clothes; students waste less time choosing outfits.
Example: A survey found that 70% of parents reported lower annual spending on clothing in schools with uniform policies.
Remember: main points should link to your thesis, reinforcing your stance with evidence.
Reinforce and reflect
The conclusion isn’t a space for new arguments — it’s where you reaffirm your opinion and highlight the key benefits of your stance. Restate your thesis in different words, briefly summarize your main points, and end with a closing thought or call to action.
You know about dos and don’ts and the perfect opinion essay outline, so it’s time to start creating your perfect piece! How to do so? The flow is easy if you know the rules. Therefore, follow EduBirdie’s pieces of advice and enjoy the process:
Determine your position on the topic, ensuring your stance and main thesis statement are clear and defensible. This initial clarity will guide the direction of your entire essay.
Once your position is established, conduct comprehensive research to find credible evidence that supports your viewpoint. This may include statistical data, expert opinions, or real-life examples. Gathering robust evidence is crucial for substantiating your arguments and enhancing the essay’s persuasiveness.
Organization is key to effective opinion writing.
Once your draft is complete, step back and review it. Check that each sentence flows smoothly into the next, and that your opinion paragraph stays focused on its main idea.
Editing is not just about fixing grammar — it’s your chance to refine tone, tighten wording, and enhance clarity. Look for places where your argument could be sharper or additional explanation might help.
Now that you’ve mastered the structure, let’s look at a sample outline for an opinion essay on global warming. The first opinion essay example demonstrates how to build a compelling argument while following a clear format. The second one also integrates a clear thesis, logical reasoning, and supporting evidence!
Topic 1: “Is global warming the biggest threat to humanity?”
Introduction sample:
“Climate change has become one of the most pressing challenges of our time. To my mind, global warming poses an unprecedented risk to ecosystems, economies, and public health. This essay will argue that immediate global action is essential to mitigate its devastating effects.”
Body paragraphs sample:
“Firstly, rising temperatures lead to more frequent natural disasters, such as floods and wildfires, threatening millions of lives worldwide. According to recent research, climate-related disasters have tripled in the last four decades, illustrating the negative effects of inaction. Secondly, global warming accelerates biodiversity loss. For instance, polar bears are losing their habitats due to melting ice caps, which affects entire food chains. These examples show that global warming is not just an environmental issue but a direct danger to human survival.”
Topic 2: “Can individuals make a real difference in fighting global warming?”
Introduction sample:
“While large-scale policies are crucial in addressing climate change, I believe individual actions also play a pivotal role. This essay will argue that personal choices — such as reducing waste and conserving energy — contribute meaningfully to combating global warming.”
Body paragraphs sample:
“One key point is that collective individual efforts add up. If millions reduce their carbon footprint by limiting car use, choosing renewable energy, and adopting sustainable diets, the cumulative impact can be significant. Research shows that household energy use accounts for roughly 20% of global emissions. Additionally, individual actions inspire wider change by influencing social norms and encouraging businesses to adopt greener practices. Therefore, even small personal decisions can lead to a ripple effect, pushing society toward sustainability.”
As you can see, in both essays, each point develops a specific argument supported by facts and evidence, adhering to the ideal opinion essay structure. Readers will clearly see the connection between the thesis and the supporting details. Remember to maintain logical flow between paragraphs to guide your audience through your reasoning.
Lastly, we’ve gathered ten fresh topics to inspire your next opinion papers. Choose one that aligns with your interests, and don’t forget to apply the right tips when forming your argument!
For more inspiration, check out this collection of opinion essay ideas from EduBirdie to spark ideas for your next assignment.
After reading this guide, even the best writers might fall into simple traps. Therefore, we collected some typical mistakes that you’d better avoid:
Noticing and correcting these pitfalls in your essay will help it stay sharp, structured, and, most importantly, persuasive!
We hope this article gave you the tools and tips to confidently write an opinion essay without spending too much time wondering where to begin. Whether drafting the first paragraph, forming a strong thesis statement, or building body paragraphs with supporting arguments, you aim to present a clear thesis statement with the central thought and provide evidence using logical reasoning.
A strong opinion essay introduction, solid structure, and relevant sources will help you develop your own opinion into a persuasive, well-argued essay.
☝️ Remember: Strong writing skills start with practice — start writing, share your ideas, and let your evidence support your main arguments!
Q1: Can I use “I” in an opinion paper?
Yes, you can use “I” in a personal opinion essay, since you’re expressing a personal viewpoint. However, it’s best to use it sparingly to maintain a formal tone and focus on the argument rather than personal storytelling.
Q2: What if I don’t have strong thoughts on the topic?
That’s normal. In such cases, choose the side you can support more easily with evidence. Check other opinion essay examples. The strength of an opinion essay lies in the argument and structure, not in personal passion.
Q3: What is an example of opinion writing?
An opinion piece in a newspaper or an argumentative blog post can be considered opinion writing examples. In academic settings, a typical example will present a clear thesis, structured body paragraphs, and well-supported claims.
