Simple discussion 4 pages (1200 words minimum)

  

In this class, you will find that public policy and ethics play a very large role in how we perceive the environment and its quality. You will be required to  write an essay that is based on your own personal opinion about a controversial topic. Depending on your objective, your composition could be any length, from a short letter to the editor to a medium-sized speech, or a medium or long research paper. But every piece should contain some basic steps and elements.

Handout: How to Write an Opinion Essay

The basic five-paragraph essay structure, which you have probably used many times by this point, works extremely well for an opinion essay. It’s a starting point, and when you get to university your profs will expect a more complex approach to essay writing. If you feel confident about your essay-writing skills, you can certainly branch out into longer and more complex essays. But this basic five-paragraph outline is a good starting point, especially if you feel uncertain of your ability.

An opinion essay exists to prove your main point – your thesis. This should be clearly stated in your opening paragraph. Don’t leave the reader to guess what your position is on the issue – make a clear stand!