Writing: B1 Lesson 13: Writing a Basic Opinion Paragraph (I believe...)

Writing: Expository & Functional Writing

B1 Lesson 13: Writing a Basic Opinion Paragraph

Listen to the lesson examples here.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to write a clear, structured opinion paragraph using a topic sentence, supporting reasons, and a conclusion.

Before You Start 🧠

Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)

Let's learn these important words for building a paragraph.

Opinion

| មតិ, គំនិត

What you think or feel about something.

Reason

| ហេតុផល

The answer to "Why?". It explains your opinion.

Topic Sentence

| ប្រយោគប្រធានបទ

The first sentence of a paragraph. It states your main idea or opinion.

Conclusion

| សេចក្តីសន្និដ្ឋាន

The last sentence. It summarizes your idea or restates your opinion.

The "OREO" Method for Opinion Paragraphs 🍪

A simple way to structure your opinion paragraph is the OREO method. It's easy to remember and makes your writing strong and clear.

O

Opinion (មតិ)

State your opinion clearly. This is your topic sentence.

R

Reason (ហេតុផល)

Give a strong reason *why* you have this opinion.

E

Example (ឧទាហរណ៍)

Give a specific example to support your reason.

O

Opinion (មតិ)

Restate your opinion in a new way. This is your conclusion.

Example: Weak vs. Strong Paragraph

WEAK A2 Paragraph

"I like online learning. It is good. It is easy. I like it very much."

STRONG B1 "OREO" Paragraph

OIn my opinion, online learning is very effective for students in Cambodia. RThe main reason is that it is flexible. EFor example, students in the province can access top teachers from Phnom Penh without traveling. OThat is why I believe it is a great choice for our country.

Your Language Toolkit 🛠️ (Click 🔊)

Stating Your Opinion (O)

• In my opinion,...
• I believe that...
• I think that...
• It seems to me that...

Giving Reasons (R) & Examples (E)

• The main reason is...
• First, ... / Second, ...
• ...because...
• For example, ... / For instance, ...

Concluding Your Opinion (O)

• In conclusion,...
• For these reasons,...
• That is why I think...

Practice What You Learned 🎯

Quiz: Identify the Parts of the Paragraph

Read the sentences below. Which part of the O-R-E-O paragraph is each sentence? Click "Check Answers" when done.

1. "First, it allows people to work from anywhere, which gives them more freedom."

This is the...

• Opinion (Topic Sentence)
• Reason
• Example
• Opinion (Conclusion)

2. "In conclusion, I believe remote work is the future for many companies."

This is the...

• Opinion (Topic Sentence)
• Reason
• Example
• Opinion (Conclusion)

3. "I think remote work is a very positive trend."

This is the...

• Opinion (Topic Sentence)
• Reason
• Example
• Opinion (Conclusion)

4. "For instance, my friend works for a company in Singapore while living in Kampot."

This is the...

• Opinion (Topic Sentence)
• Reason
• Example
• Opinion (Conclusion)

Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)

• Opinion | មតិ, គំនិត
  What you think or feel about something.
• Reason | ហេតុផល
  The answer to "Why?". It explains your opinion.
• Example | ឧទាហរណ៍
  A specific thing that helps explain your reason.
• Effective | មានប្រសិទ្ធិភាព
  Working well and producing the result you want.
• Flexible | អាចបត់បែនបាន
  Able to change easily (e.g., time, location).
• Trend | និន្នាការ
  A general direction in which something is developing or changing.

Your Writing Mission ⭐

Write Your Own "OREO" Paragraph

Now, it's your turn to write! Choose one of the topics below and write one full O-R-E-O paragraph (4-5 sentences) in the comments or in your notebook.

• Topic 1: The best holiday in Cambodia.
• Topic 2: Why Facebook is useful (or not useful).
• Topic 3: The best food in your hometown.

Remember the structure:
1. (O) Opinion: "In my opinion,..."
2. (R) Reason: "The main reason is..."
3. (E) Example: "For example,..."
4. (O) Opinion: "That is why I believe..."