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Articles and opinion essays are key written production tasks in 2nde English.
🔹 The article (for a magazine, newspaper or website) :
• Has a headline (title) — catchy and informative
• Often has a by-line ('By [Name]')
• May have sub-headings
• Tone : can be slightly less formal, engaging, addressed to the reader (you/we)
• Opening : hook the reader
• Body : develop points with facts, examples, quotes
• Conclusion : summarise or call to action
🔹 The opinion essay :
• Fully formal
• States a clear position
• Structure : Introduction (thesis) + 2-3 body paragraphs + Conclusion
• Each body paragraph : topic sentence + explanation + example + link
🔹 Expressing opinions (formal) :
• In my view / opinion...
• I firmly believe that...
• It seems to me that...
• There is no doubt that...
• It could be argued that...
🔹 Concession language :
• While it is true that... / Although... / Even though...
• Admittedly... / One could argue that... Nevertheless...
• Despite the fact that...
📝 Sample article — School magazine :
HEADLINE : Should students be allowed to choose their own subjects?
BY Fatou Sow, Seconde B
Imagine going to school every day and studying only the subjects you are genuinely passionate about. Sounds ideal, doesn't it? The question of whether students should have more freedom to choose their curriculum is becoming increasingly relevant as education systems around the world are being reformed.
Those who support choice argue that students learn more effectively when they are motivated. Forcing a future engineer to spend hours studying poetry, or asking a budding writer to solve differential equations, seems counterproductive.
However, a completely free choice carries risks. Without core subjects, students may lack the broad knowledge needed to adapt to a changing job market. Furthermore, young people at 15 or 16 may not have the maturity to make wise long-term decisions.
In my view, the best solution is a balanced system: a solid common core, combined with optional subjects that allow each student to develop their individual strengths.
What is the difference between an article and an opinion essay in terms of tone?
Correction
An opinion essay is fully formal — no contractions, impersonal language, no direct address to the reader. An article may be slightly less formal — it can engage the reader directly ('Have you ever wondered...?'), use rhetorical questions, and adopt a more conversational tone while remaining well-structured.
What is a 'topic sentence'?
Correction
A topic sentence is the first sentence of a paragraph. It states the main idea of the paragraph clearly and concisely. The rest of the paragraph develops, explains and illustrates this idea.
Write an introduction for the essay: 'Is globalisation a positive force?'
Correction
Over the past century, globalisation has transformed economies, cultures and societies across the world. While it has undoubtedly brought prosperity and connectivity to many, its benefits have not been equally distributed. In this essay, I will argue that globalisation is a powerful but double-edged force: one that must be carefully managed to ensure that all communities — not just the wealthiest — can benefit.
How do you use concession language in an essay? Give an example.
Correction
Concession language acknowledges the opposing view before restating your own. Example: 'Admittedly, social media helps people stay connected across long distances. Nevertheless, its negative effects on mental health — particularly among teenagers — cannot be ignored.'
Write a strong conclusion for an essay arguing that sport should be compulsory in schools.
Correction
In conclusion, making sport compulsory in schools is not merely about physical fitness — it is about equipping young people with the resilience, teamwork and discipline they need throughout their lives. While some students may initially resist, the long-term benefits to their health, academic performance and social skills are undeniable. Education systems that ignore physical activity are, in effect, ignoring half of what it means to be human.