The opinion paragraph: plan, reasons, examples
IntroduzidoOne paragraph, ten minutes
- The Opinion task asks a question or makes a statement about a school topic. You write one paragraph of about 100–150 words in ten minutes.
- ETS rewards an opinion with substantial detail and development: clear reasons, each explained with a real example.
How long should your Opinion paragraph be?
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The handbook says about 100 to 150 words.
How many minutes do you have to plan and write the Opinion paragraph?
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Ten minutes for planning and writing.
This lesson's question
Some people think students should learn to cook at school. Others think cooking should be learned at home. Which do you prefer? Use reasons and examples to support your opinion.
What does the cooking question ask you to do?
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"Which do you prefer? Use reasons and examples."
Plan for two minutes, write for seven, check for one
- 2 minutes: choose a side and note two reasons with one example each. 7 minutes: write. 1 minute: check.
- Choose the side you can explain best, not the side you "really" believe. You are scored on development, not on your opinion.
Put the ten minutes in order.
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A short plan makes the writing faster and better organised.
You should choose the side you can explain best, even if it is not your strongest personal feeling.
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You are scored on development and language, not on which side you choose.
The paragraph shape
- Topic sentence (your opinion) → reason 1 + example → reason 2 + example → closing sentence that restates the opinion in new words.
- That is about 6–9 sentences, which is about 100–150 words.
Put the parts of the paragraph in order.
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Opinion, two developed reasons, close.
About how many sentences make a 100–150 word paragraph?
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About 15–20 words per sentence.
Develop each reason: say it, explain it, show it
- Say the reason: First, cooking at school is safer. Explain it: A teacher can show students how to use knives and hot stoves.
- Show it with an example: Last year my cousin burned her hand at home because nobody showed her how to use the oven.
- Say → explain → show is what "development" means. A reason with no example is only half developed.
Say, explain or show?
Develop each reason by saying, explaining and showing it
Match each sentence to its job.
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Say, explain, show = development.
A reason with no example is fully developed.
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Without an example, the reason is only half developed.
Linking words for an opinion
- Opinion: In my opinion, I believe, I prefer. Adding: First, Also, In addition, Another reason is.
- Example: For example, For instance. Result and close: As a result, That is why, For these reasons.
Match each linking phrase to its job.
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Each part of the paragraph has its own linking phrases.
___ example, when my class made dumplings, everyone wanted to try. (one word)
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"For example" introduces an example.
A model paragraph
In my opinion, students should learn to cook at school. First, cooking at school is safer. A teacher can show students how to use knives and hot stoves in the right way. For example, last year my cousin burned her hand at home because nobody showed her how to use the oven. Another reason is that students learn together. In a school kitchen, they can share jobs, try new recipes and taste each other's food. When my class made dumplings for a festival, even students who never cook at home wanted to try. For these reasons, I believe cooking lessons belong in every school. (≈ 115 words)
Which reasons does the model paragraph give? Choose all that apply.
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Two reasons, each with an example.
How does the model's closing sentence differ from its topic sentence?
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"Cooking lessons belong in every school" restates the opinion in new words.
Specific beats general
- General: Cooking is useful. Specific: If I can make three simple meals, I can help my parents on busy evenings.
- Numbers, names, places and real events make an example believable.
Which example is the most specific?
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Numbers and a real situation make it specific.
"Cooking is good" is a strong, specific reason.
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It is general; say why and show a real example.
Common mistakes
- Writing both sides without choosing one, or changing sides in the middle.
- Three or four reasons with no examples: many points, little development.
- Repeating the question as the whole topic sentence and closing.
A student writes: "School is good for cooking. But home is also good. Both are good." What is the problem?
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The task asks which you prefer; choose one side.
Which plan is better for ten minutes?
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Fewer reasons with real development beat many undeveloped points.
Which is the best topic sentence?
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A clear opinion in your own words, not a copy of the question.
Recap
- Two minutes plan, seven write, one check; one paragraph of 100–150 words.
- Topic sentence → two reasons, each said, explained and shown → closing.
- Choose the side you can explain best; use specific examples.
Write an opinion paragraph in ten minutes: "Should students have homework every day? Use reasons and examples."
A clear side, two developed reasons and a close is what development looks like.
Official sources
- Opinion task format (one paragraph, about 100–150 words, ten minutes) and Writing score descriptors checked on 15 November 2026 in the TOEFL Junior Test Taker Handbook (ETS, PDF).
- The question and model paragraph are original practice material.