Technology. Writing an opinion essay

Technology Writing an opinion essay

Look at the High-Tech Generation!

Do this puzzle and you‘ll read the name of one of the most successful computer companies.

• Do several things at the same time
• Open information, when we can get and use it
• Connection to
• State, present
• Catched on
• Look for information in the Net
• Keep information
• Computer program, providing information
• Device, machine

• A 1 Laura is looking at mobile phones in a shop window. 1 True 2 False 3 Not stated
• A 2 Laura wants to buy a new phone to send text messages. 1 True 2 False 3 Not stated

• A 3 Dave believes that using technology has made people more anti-social. 1 True 2 False 3 Not stated
• A 4 Both Laura and Dave would like to use the Internet when they are not at home. 1 True 2 False 3 Not stated
• A 5 Dave is worried about the Internet having harmful effects on young people. 1 True 2 False 3 Not stated
• A 6 Laura’s parents monitor her use of the Internet.

1 True 2 False 3 Not stated

• A 7 In the end, Laura was going to think about buying an internet phone. 1 True 2 False 3 Not stated

Let’s discuss!

• Teenagers today are hooked

on technology. Is this a positive or a negative thing?

• What is your opinion?

Mind the term!

• Opinion essay is a piece of writing in which we present our personal opinions on a particular topic.

Mind the style!

• Opinion essays are usually written in formal or semi-formal style.
• Therefore, we do not use short forms, colloquial expressions or personal examples.

Mind Grammar & Vocabulary!

• We normally use present tenses in opinion essays
• Don’t forget appropriate linking words/phrases to list and support our viewpoints and to introduce the opposing viewpoints.

Mind the structure

• Introduction

(Para 1)

introduce the subject and state

your opinion clearly

• Main Body

(Para 2) your first viewpoint and

reasons / examples

(Para3) your second viewpoint and

reasons / examples

(Para4) opposing viewpoint and

reasons / examples

• Conclusion

(Final Para) restate your opinion using

different words

Essay

Sample

Paragraph 1

• If you are a typical teenager today, you use your MP3 player on the way to school, you text your friends all day and then surf the Net, send emails, instant messages or play on your games console in the evenings. In my opinion , teenagers are completely hooked on technology and I believe this has positive effect on their lives.

We introduce the topic and our opinion clearly.

Paragraph 2

To start with, using the gargets and devices that are available because of new technology makes life more enjoyable. For example, MP3 players make travelling more entertaining. In addition, media devices such as mobile phones and laptops allow access to information and entertainment and make communication easier and faster.

We present our first viewpoint supported by examples and reasons.

Paragraph 3

Secondly, technology is a valuable resource that has allowed teens to learn new skills. For instance, many teenagers today are able to multi-task and do research using the Internet. Furthermore, they have learnt keyboard and computer skills that will help them at school and later in their working lives.

We state the second viewpoint justified by examples and/or reasons.

Paragraph 4

On the other hand, there are those who believe that technology has had a negative effect on today’s teenagers. They say that teens become distracted and waste their time with their gadgets instead of concentrating on more important thongs such as schoolwork. As a result, teens become antisocial as they prefer to communicate digitally instead of face-to-face.

We write the opposing viewpoint justified by examples and/or reasons.

Paragraph 5

In conclusion, teenagers’ use of gadgets and devices enriches their daily experiences in many ways. As technology advances, I think teenagers will be better prepared for the future.

In the last paragraph, we restate our opinion in different words .

If you are a typical teenager today, you use your MP3 player on the way to school, you text your friends all day and then surf the Net, send emails, instant messages or play on your games console in the evenings. In my opinion , teenagers are completely hooked on technology and I believe this has positive effect on their lives.

To start with , using the gargets and devices that are available because of new technology makes life more enjoyable. For example , MP3 players make travelling more entertaining. In addition , media devices such as mobile phones and laptops allow access to information and entertainment and make communication easier and faster.

Secondly , technology is a valuable resource that has allowed teens to learn new skills. For instance, many teenagers today are able to multi-task and do research using the Internet. Furthermore, they have learnt keyboard and computer skills that will help them at school and later in their working lives.

On the other hand , there are those who believe that technology has had a negative effect on today’s teenagers. They say that teens become distracted and waste their time with their gadgets instead of concentrating on more important thongs such as schoolwork. As a result , teens become antisocial as they prefer to communicate digitally instead of face-to-face.

In conclusion , teenagers’ use of gadgets and devices enriches their daily experiences in many ways. As technology advances, I think teenagers will be better prepared for the future.

All in all for instance it seems to me that like what is more in my view first of all consequently furthermore alternatively

Enter our Lyceum Competition!

The Internet:

for better or for worse?

The Internet makes life more enjoyable for teens.

Teens prefer to communicate digitally instead of face-to-face

The Internet teaches young people new skills.

Teenagers become antisocial.

Match the topic sentences to the supporting sentences. Viewpoints Reasons

• A To begin with, learning how to use the Internet prepares you for the future.
• B On the other hand there are certain disadvantages to teenagers, surfing the Internet long

• 1. If you want to know something you no longer need to go to the library or ask a teacher.

• C First of all, the Internet has increased our ability to communicate

• 2. It’s not necessary to use letters to contact people.

• D Furthermore, the Net gives us instant access to information and knowledge.

• 3. Students can be distracted from activities at the lesson.

4 . Future employers will need employees who are used to working with the Internet

Fill in the gaps in the sentences below. I agree with / In my opinion / I am totally against / For example / In conclusion /

?

• In my opinion, the Internet has a positive effect on teenagers lives.

• For example, you can type a question in an Internet search engine and it will look for a site that will help you answer it.

• I agree with people complaining about some sites on the Internet.

• In conclusion , it is clear that the Internet has changed our lives forever.

5 . I am totally against sites on the Internet encouraging violent behaviour.

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?

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Enter our Lyceum Competition!

The Internet:

for better or for worse?

Write an opinion essay.

“ The modern world relies on technological devices too much ” ( 120-180 words)

Thanks for your work!