Writing: B2 Lesson 7: The 'Opinion' (Persuasive) Essay: Arguing One Side

Writing: Argumentative & Discursive Writing

B2 Lesson 7: The "Opinion" (Persuasive) Essay

Listen to key concepts and examples.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to plan and write a strong persuasive essay that argues one side of an issue, using a clear thesis, strong evidence, and a refutation of the opposing view.

Before You Start 🧠

Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)

These are the building blocks of a persuasive essay.

Persuade

| បញ្ចុះបញ្ចូល

To convince someone to do or believe something.

Thesis Statement

| និក្ខេបបទ

The main idea or argument of your essay, in one sentence.

Counter-Argument

| អាគុយម៉ង់ប្រឆាំង

The opinion from the *other* side of the argument.

Refute

| បដិសេធ

To prove that an argument or statement is wrong.

What is a Persuasive (Opinion) Essay?

A persuasive essay has one simple goal: to make the reader believe your opinion. It is not balanced. You must choose one side and defend it from start to finish. You are a lawyer convincing a jury, not a judge explaining both sides.

The 4-Part Structure of a Strong Persuasive Essay

1. The Introduction (Hook & Thesis)

Hook: Grab the reader's attention with a surprising fact or a rhetorical question.
e.g., "What if we could solve city traffic tomorrow?"

Thesis: State your main argument clearly. This is the most important sentence in your essay.

"I strongly believe that all public transportation in cities should be free."

2. Body Paragraphs (PEEL Method)

Each body paragraph supports your thesis. Use the PEEL method:

• Point: State your main idea for the paragraph.
• Evidence: Give a fact, statistic, or example.
• Explain: Explain *how* the evidence proves your point.
• Link: Link this paragraph back to your main thesis.

(P) "First, free public transport would drastically reduce pollution." (E) "For example, a 2023 study in Berlin showed a 20% drop in car use..." (E) "This clearly demonstrates that when cost is removed, people choose eco-friendly options..." (L) "...proving that making buses free is a key step to a cleaner city."

3. The Counter-Argument (Acknowledge & Refute)

This is a B2-level skill. You show you understand the *other* side, and then you explain why it's wrong (you "refute" it).

Acknowledge: "Some people might argue that..." or "While it is true that..."

Refute: "However, this argument is flawed because..." or "This view overlooks the fact that..."

"While it is true that free transport costs money, this argument overlooks the fact that we already pay billions in road maintenance and pollution-related healthcare."

4. The Conclusion (Final Punch)

Don't add new ideas. Your goal is to leave the reader convinced.

• Restate Your Thesis: Say your main argument again in different words.
• Summarize Key Points: Briefly remind the reader of your 1-2 strongest reasons.
• Call to Action: Tell the reader what should happen next.

"In conclusion, free public transport is the most effective solution. By reducing pollution and saving citizens money, it is an investment we must make. It is time for our city council to act."

Persuasive Language Toolkit (Click 🔊)

Use strong, confident language. Avoid weak words like "I think" or "maybe."

Strong Adjectives (Instead of "good" or "bad")

• essential, crucial, vital
• ineffective, harmful, disastrous

Persuasive Phrasing

• It is undeniable that...
• We must remember that...
• It is clear that...

Practice What You Learned 🎯

Quiz: Check Your Understanding

Choose the best answer for each question about persuasive essays.

1. What is the *main goal* of a persuasive essay?

• A) To explain both sides of an argument equally.
• B) To tell a personal story about your life.
• C) To convince the reader to agree with *one* specific opinion.

2. What is a "thesis statement"?

• A) The one-sentence summary of your main argument.
• B) A surprising fact used to get the reader's attention.
• C) The argument from the opposite side.

3. Why should you include a "counter-argument" in your essay?

• A) To show that you are confused and can't decide.
• B) To show you understand the other side and can prove it is wrong.
• C) To fill space and make the essay longer.

Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)

• Persuade | បញ្ចុះបញ្ចូល
  To convince someone to do or believe something.
• Thesis Statement | និក្ខេបបទ
  The main idea or argument of your essay, in one sentence.
• Counter-Argument | អាគុយម៉ង់ប្រឆាំង
  The opinion from the *other* side of the argument.
• Refute | បដិសេធ
  To prove that an argument or statement is wrong.
• Concession | ការអនុញ្ញាត
  A point you "give" to the other side (e.g., "While it is true that...").
• Call to Action | ការអំពាវនាវឱ្យធ្វើសកម្មភាព
  The final sentence telling the reader what to do (e.g., "We must act now.").

Your Writing Mission ⭐

Write Your Persuasive Essay

Your mission is to write a 4-paragraph persuasive essay (around 200-250 words) on one of the topics below.

Choose one topic:

• Smartphones are bad for students.
• All university education should be free.
• Tourism is the best industry for Cambodia's future.

Your essay MUST include:

1. An Introduction with a clear thesis statement.
2. One Body Paragraph with a PEEL structure supporting your thesis.
3. One Counter-Argument Paragraph where you acknowledge and refute the other side.
4. A Conclusion that restates your thesis and gives a final thought.