Identify the exact opinion task

• Do you agree or disagree
• To what extent do you agree or disagree
• Is this a positive or negative development

Rule: Give a clear stance in the introduction and repeat it in the conclusion.

Core building blocks

• Thesis: one line that answers the question
• Body 1 and Body 2: one idea each, with mechanism and evidence
• Conclusion: restate stance and main reasons, no new ideas

Mini template A — Full agree

Intro

• Paraphrase topic.
• Thesis: I agree that X is beneficial because A and B.

Body 1

• Topic sentence: A improves Y by mechanism M.
• Evidence: one concrete detail or small number.
• Link: This supports the view that X is beneficial.

Body 2

• Topic sentence: B reduces risk through mechanism N.
• Evidence: one line.
• Link: Therefore X should be encouraged.

Conclusion

• I agree because A and B deliver larger gains than alternatives.

Mini template B — Full disagree

Intro

• Thesis: I disagree with X because A and B create costs.

Body 1

• Topic sentence: A harms Y by mechanism M.
• Evidence line.
• Link back to stance.

Body 2

• Topic sentence: B limits outcomes through mechanism N.
• Evidence line.
• Link.

Conclusion

• I disagree overall since the drawbacks outweigh any minor benefits.

Mini template C — Partial agreement

Intro

• Thesis: X has some benefits, but overall I lean toward Y because A and B.

Body 1

• Topic sentence: Where X works well is A by mechanism M.
• Evidence line.
• Small limit line.

Body 2

• Topic sentence: However, B matters more because mechanism N affects most users.
• Evidence line.
• Link to preference.

Conclusion

• On balance Y is stronger, though X can help in limited cases.

Mini template D — Positive or negative development

Intro

• Thesis: This is a positive development because A and B.
  or
• Thesis: This is negative due to C and D.

Body 1

• Topic sentence: A benefits group G by mechanism M.
• Evidence line.
• Link.

Body 2

• Topic sentence: B creates durable gains through mechanism N.
• Evidence line.
• Link.

Conclusion

• Overall the trend is positive or negative for the stated reasons.

Plug in frames you can copy

• X improves Y by reducing Z.
• X leads to result R through mechanism M.
• Although critics argue P, the stronger view is Q since mechanism N produces outcome O.
• The main benefit is A, while the key risk is B.

Evidence that sounds real

• City pilot, school program, company policy, survey bite
• Use round figures and short time frames
  • After a 6 week trial, use rose by about 15 percent.
  • When buses came every 5 minutes, wait times fell by roughly one third.

Linkers and cohesion pack

• Addition: moreover, in addition, also
• Contrast: however, whereas, while
• Result: therefore, consequently, as a result
• Stance: I contend, this essay supports, on balance

Common traps and fast fixes

• No stance in intro → add a direct thesis line.
• Two ideas in one body → split or make one subordinate.
• Vague claims → add a by or through clause.
• Story examples → keep to two lines with one measure.
• Heavy hedging → choose a clear position and maintain it.

10 minute writing routine

1. 2 min: underline task words and pick template A to D.
2. 2 min: write thesis with two reasons.
3. 4 min: draft two topic sentences with mechanisms and one evidence line each.
4. 1 min: add conclusion that mirrors the thesis.
5. 1 min: quick end check for stance, linkers, and one idea per body.

One page fill sheet

Thesis
I [agree disagree think it is positive negative] because [Reason 1] and [Reason 2].

Body 1 topic sentence
[Reason 1] improves or reduces [Outcome] by [Mechanism].

Evidence
In [place or group], after [action], [metric] changed by about [amount].

Body 2 topic sentence
[Reason 2] improves or reduces [Outcome] through [Mechanism].

Evidence
A brief case or number.

Conclusion
On balance, I [stance] since [Reason 1] and [Reason 2] matter most.

Final checklist

• Clear stance in intro and conclusion
• One idea per body with mechanism
• One compact evidence line per body
• Linkers varied and accurate
• No new ideas in conclusion

Final advice
Pick the right template in seconds, write a precise thesis, then build two clean paragraphs with mechanism led topic sentences and short evidence. This keeps your argument tight, readable, and easy to score well.