General English Level 6 Version 2.1 © 2004 acl Pty Ltd GELEV6 Unit 02 Topic 03.doc  LANGUAGE FOCUS 03 Written opinions In this activity we will look at how to give written opinions. 1. Introduction Rani writes: In my opinion your editorial, "A new tower for York Square?", was totally biased and very much pro-development. Let's look at the other side of the argument. In the opening paragraph Rani says what her letter is about. As this is a letter of opinion, Rani says what her main opinion is, "In my opinion your editorial … was totally biased and very much pro-development." In the opening paragraph or introduction we say what we are writing about. Rani tells us that she is giving her opinion with the phrase, In my opinion ... When we give our opinion we can say, in my opinion … We can also say, it is my belief that ..., I believe that …, I feel that…, I think that… We don't use informal phrases like I reckon …, If you ask me … Look In my opinion It is my belief that I believe that I feel that I think that the King George building should not be demolished. 2. Supporting reasons a. Structure Rani writes: Firstly, the claim that our city skyline has 'little of interest' is nonsense. Secondly, you don't mention that there has been little public consultation about the proposed construction and its effect on our heritage. Thirdly, your editorial argues that the poor facilities of King George are a good reason for knocking it down. Finally, your definition of a successful city, one that accommodates more offices and companies, is too narrow. After she introduces her letter Rani gives supporting reasons for her main opinion. Rani puts her reasons in order of their importance. She puts her most important reason last, because this is the strongest place in the letter. When we write our opinions, we also have to give supporting reasons. We sometimes (but not always) put the reasons in order of their importance, with the most important last. Rani orders her reasons with firstly, secondly, thirdly, finally. These words make it easier for her reader to follow her argument. We call this prefacing. Find out more about ordering and prefacing in TOPIC 01 History or progress, Activity 03, in this unit. 52