Agreeing Or Disagreeing
In this independent essay question, you will be asked state whether you agree or disagree with a point-of-view. You will have 30 minutes to plan, write, and revise your essay. A good response will usually require that you write a minimum of 300 words.In this type of essay, you should:
- Concede the opposing view
- State your opinion
- Explain the reasons for your opinion
In this kind of essay, you are stating whether or not you agree with an idea or opinion. It is polite to concede that the opposing view also has merit. The following words and phrases express concession: although, even though, despite, and in spite of. It is a good idea to begin with a concession clause and then make a direct statement of opinion. This can be done in a single sentence.
| Concession clause | Statement of preference |
| Although there are some benefits for mothers who stay at home, | I disagree with the idea that mothers should not work.. |
| Even though some students may benefit from attending an all girls or all boys school, | I disagree that it offers a better educational experience for most students. |
| Despite the many brilliant thinkers from past generations, | I agree that technology helps students in today's schools learn faster. |
| In spite of the violence that is associated with guns, | I agree that people have a right to own them. |
Explaining the reasons for your opinion
Begin with an "outline sentence" to organize your ideas for the reader.
First sentence:
Although there are some benefits for mothers who stay at home, I disagree with the idea that mothers should not work.
Outline sentence:
There are three reasons why I believe this is true.
First sentence:
Even though some students may benefit from attending all-boys or all-girls school, I disagree that it offers a better educational experience for most people.
Outline sentence:
There are several examples that show how students benefit from being in a co-ed evironment.
First sentence:
In spite of the violence that is associated with guns, I agree that people have the right town them.
Outline sentence:
I have three main reasons for my opinion.
Then go on to list your reasons. Use phrases such as in the first place, also, in addition, moreover, and finally to introduce each new reason. Follow each reason with an example or detail.
Even though some students may benefit from attending all-boys or all-girls school, I disagree that it offers a better educational experience for most people. There are several examples that show how students benefit from being in a co-ed evironment.
First of all, students can learn better social skills by being around the opposite sex. For example, a friend of mine who attended an all-boys school had severe problems dealing with women after he graduated from high school.