|at Kool Skatkat|
Some essays give a balanced view of a topic. They show differing opinions. Other essays are more opinionated. This lesson gives an example of how to write an essay which expresses an opinion.
Writing – A Range of Ways to Express Ideas
There are several ways to express ideas. Look at the groups of sentences. Choose one from each group and write it out in your notebook or copy it and paste it into a word document.
There is no doubt that the business world is controlled by large companies.
The world of business is undoubtedly controlled by large companies.
Nobody doubts that the world of business is dominated by large multi-national companies.
Note the three ways to express “doubt”.
In some cases these companies have more power than national governments.
In many cases these large corporations have more revenue than national governments.
There are many cases where these multi-nationals are more powerful than the governments of the countries where they operate.
Note the three roughly parallel terms: companies, corporations and multi-nationals.
Freedom or Control – Two Views
Some people say that the advertising market should be completely free.
Some hold that the world of advertising should be left alone to promote any product that is not illegal.
Some people are of the opinion that large companies and advertisers should be allowed to promote any product which is not illegal.
Other people are of the opinion that some products should never be advertised.
Others think that some things should not be advertised.
Others hold the opinion that there should be limits on what companies can advertise.
Others hold the opinion that there should be limits on what can be advertised.
The Problem – Stating the Problem
The problem with advertising is that it is too powerful.
The problem with complete freedom of advertising is that it exerts too much influence.
The problem with freedom of advertising is that it has too much of an effect on people’s minds.
Some products should not be advertised.Some things should never be advertised.
There are some things which we should not advertise.
There are some products which should not be allowed to be advertised.
The advertising of tobacco products is banned in some countries.
The promotion of tobacco products is illegal in some jurisdictions.
The advertising of tobacco products is not allowed in some nations.
The reason for this is the effect on public health.
The effect on public health is the reason for this.
The detrimental effect on national health and the cost of treating tobacco-related illness is the reason.
Some people think there should be bans on the advertising of sweet sugary drinks and junk food.
Some think that junk food should be added to the categories of things which should not be advertised.
Some people hold the opinion that junk food should not be allowed to be advertised.
The cost of treating health problems which are caused by unhealthy products is immense.
The cost of treating health problems which are caused by products that are freely promoted is huge.
The expense of dealing with the effects of unhealthy products like tobacco and junk food is too much.
Freedom is important but public health is also important.
It is important to have freedom in economic life but it is also important to be aware of public health concerns.
Freedom to advertise and do business is one thing but we must not forget the government’s duty to take care of its citizens.
The Vulnerability of Children
Children are vulnerable to advertising.
Children are especially vulnerable to advertising.
There is no doubt that children are especially vulnerable to powerful advertising campaigns.
The minds of the young are susceptible to influence by powerful economic interests.
We have a duty to ensure that young people are protected from unhealthy messages.
We have to make sure that youth is not influenced by the advertising of unhealthy products.
We should ensure that our children are not overly influenced by large corporations, which will advertise anything they can sell even though it is a public health risk.
Finding a Balance
How do we find a balance?
How do we strike a balance?
How do we protect the freedom of advertisers and safeguard the health of society at the same time?
The next two groups are sentence halves. Choose one from the first set and one from the second set and make one complete sentence:
There should be no limits on the advertising of most products.
The advertising of most products does not need to be controlled.
It is not necessary to control or prohibit the advertising of most things.
but there are some things which should never be advertised.
but there are some things which should not be advertised.
but there are some things which should not be allowed to be advertised.
The sentences are connected by the link word “but”.
An Alternative View
Here are some ways to express an alternative opinion. Again, choose one sentence from each set, if you want to express this opinion:
People are adults and should be treated as adults.
Adults should be allowed to make their own choices.
Adults should be allowed to make their own choices and companies should be allowed to advertise anything.