Opinion Article

-Background info about the topic

-State your opinion using an opinion phrase

-What do you mean by opinion phrases?

As far as I am concerned/ It seems to me that/ I am inclined to believe that/ In my humble opinion

Ms Dina Sayed

Nowadays a significant number of naturalists have been campaigning against zoos, arguing that it is cruel to keep wild animals in cages, away from their natural environment. However, like many other people, it seems to me that zoos have a positive role to play.

Ms Dina Sayed

MB1- First reason behind your opinion

MB2- Second reason behind your opinion

MB3- 2 opposing opinions OR 1 opposing opinion with refutation

Ms Dina Sayed

-Why is this your opinion?

Reason--Explain/Expand--Examples/Result

-How should I start the first MB paragraph?

First and foremost/To begin with/ First of all

Ms Dina Sayed

-Why is this your opinion?

Reason--Explain/Expand--Examples/Result

-How should I start the first MB paragraph?

Another point worth noting/ Another reason behind my opinion

Ms Dina Sayed

First and foremost, many species of animal are in danger of extinction because their natural habitat is disappearing, due to deforestation. Some, like elephants are hunted for their ivory or tigers for their skin. Therefore, if animals are kept in captivity they can breed in safety, which will prevent the species from dying out.

Ms Dina Sayed

Another point worth noting is that keeping animals in captivity gives us the chances to see animals from all around the world without having to travel. Adding to the above, zoos can be used for educational purposes. For instance, schools can arrange trips to the zoo for students to know more about animals.

Ms Dina Sayed

-It's written in 2 steps

Step 1- On the other hand/ on the contrary, some people claim/assert/allege that

Step 2- You write 2 opposing opinions without explanation OR 1 opposing opinion plus refutation (Prove the other opinion wrong)

Ms Dina Sayed

On the contrary, some people claim that zoos cause wild animals to suffer away from their natural environment. However, this point is inaccurate. To elaborate, nowadays zoos are designed in a way that is similar to the animals' natural habitat so that they would not suffer.

Ms Dina Sayed

-You have to do TWO things:

1- SUM UP YOUR ARGUMENT

2- RESTATE YOUR OPINION USING AN OPINION PHRASE

-Concluding phrases

All things considered/ Taking everything into account

Ms Dina Sayed

Taking everything into account, and for the reasons mentioned above, I am inclined to believe that zoos have considerable benefits to both animals and humans.

Ms Dina Sayed