Writing: Opinion, Argumentative and Persuasive Writing (Simple Opinion) (B1) - Lesson 2: Giving Simple Reasons and Examples to Support an Opinion

B1 Lesson 2: Giving Simple Reasons and Examples to Support an Opinion

In our last lesson, you learned how to state your opinion clearly. However, a strong writer doesn't just say what they believe; they explain *why*. To make your opinion convincing¹, you must support² it.

Today, we will learn how to support your opinion with two powerful tools: Reasons and Examples.

Why Your Opinion Needs Support

An opinion without support is weak. Look at the difference:

• Weak Opinion: I think living in a city is better. (The reader asks, "Why?")
• Stronger Opinion: I think living in a city is better because there are more job opportunities. (This gives a clear reason.)

The Structure: Point - Reason - Example

A great way to structure a simple opinion paragraph is to follow this pattern:

1. POINT: State your opinion clearly. (This is your topic sentence).

2. REASON: Give a reason³ why you believe your point is true. Answer the "why?" question.

3. EXAMPLE: Give a specific example⁴ that shows your reason in action. This makes your argument real.

Deconstructing a Paragraph

Let's look at a paragraph and identify its parts.

(Point) → In my opinion, smartphones have made our daily lives much more convenient.

(Reason) → The main reason is that they allow us to access important services from anywhere.

(Example) → For example, instead of going to the bank, we can use an app on our phone to pay our bills or transfer money instantly.

B1 Opinion Support Checklist

When you write an opinion paragraph, ask yourself:

• ✔️ Did I state my main point (opinion) in a clear topic sentence?
• ✔️ Did I give a logical reason that answers "why" I believe my point?
• ✔️ Did I give a specific example to prove my reason is true?
• ✔️ Have I used signal words like "because," "for example," or "for instance"?

🧠 Practice Quiz: Reason or Example?

Read the opinion and the sentence. Is the sentence a REASON or an EXAMPLE?

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Opinion: It is important to protect the forests around Kampot.

Sentence: This is because forests are home to many rare animals and help prevent flooding.

Answer: Reason (It explains WHY it is important).

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Opinion: The new coffee shop is very popular.

Sentence: For example, I went there yesterday afternoon and there were no empty tables.

Answer: Example (It gives a specific case that shows the shop is popular).

📝 Homework: Support Your Opinion

In the last lesson, you wrote three opinion statements. Your homework is to choose one of those opinions and build a paragraph to support it.

1. Write your opinion statement as the first sentence (your Point).
2. Write a second sentence that gives a clear Reason.
3. Write a third sentence that gives a specific Example to support your reason.

Use the Point-Reason-Example structure and the checklist to help you.

Example:

(Point) I believe that learning to speak English is essential for young Cambodians. (Reason) The main reason is that it opens up many better career opportunities. (Example) For instance, many high-paying jobs in the tourism and business sectors in Phnom Penh require fluent English speakers.

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Convincing / Persuasive: (Adjective) - គួរឱ្យជឿ / បែបបញ្ចុះបញ្ចូល - Capable of causing someone to believe that something is true or real. ↩
2. To support: (Verb) - គាំទ្រ - To give evidence or facts to show that an idea or statement is true. ↩
3. Reason: (Noun) - ហេតុផល - A cause, explanation, or justification for an action or belief. It answers the question "Why?". ↩
4. Example: (Noun) - ឧទាហរណ៍ - A specific thing that shows a general rule or idea is true. ↩
5. Argument: (Noun) - ការ​ជជែក​វែកញែក - A reason or set of reasons given to persuade others that an action or idea is right or wrong.