Aim: To answer a question and give your opinion
Method: An American based writing format for completing an opinion in a response to a question that compares two contrasting ideas or concepts;
Question: Which is more important to you, money (choice a) or happiness (choice b)?
Procedure: Think about the two choices (a) and (b). In your life right now your response may be different than your answer in life when you are much older. One way to answer this question is to write a comparative response.
Write the body paragraphs – pros and cons; 100 words. There is no research, you write your own ideas and you have to give reasons for your ideas. This is called your base ideas.
Body Paragraph 1: What does money provide for you in life? Think about all the positive aspects – called “pros” (+ve). Then, what are the “cons” (-ve) and explain. (100words)
Body Paragraph 2: What does happiness provide for you in life? Think about all the positive aspects – called “pros” (+ve). Then, what are the “cons” (-ve) and explain. (100words)
This paragraph is now based on your ideas, paragraph 1 and paragraph 2; and you develop your ideas by making comparisons. To help you make an opinion we often use the 3 scale evaluation. This is called your evaluative or comparative ideas.
Opinion Paragraph 3 (100words): Think about your opinion and write what you think “overall” and answer by selecting 1 or 2 or 3 out of the following;
- is money more important;
- or is money equally important;
- or is money less important;
than / as happiness? Write a short response first 30-35 words. This is an introduction to your comparative evaluation.
The next step: Is to think about your answer in the future: would your answer change in the year 2050? Select 1 – 2 – 3;
- my answer is the same
- my answer may change: select which is your answer
- unsure: you do not know
Write a short response second, 30-35 words.
The next step: Is to now provide an overall / final opinion based on your opinion paragraph (3). Also, it is a;
- summary of your content
- make some statements (to give your final impression) about your ideas “I intend to marry and as the husband I will have to support my family” – “I care more about happiness for my future family”
- it is difficult to compare all of the pros and cons concerning money and happines
The final 30-35words are very meaningful in your overall opinion and body paragraph 3. It is also very difficult to write.