ELT365 · Day 206 — Opinion Essays: Beyond the Five-Paragraph Formula

Idea — The five-paragraph essay formula produces predictable, weak writing at B2+. Teaching learners to argue — claim, evidence, concession, rebuttal — produces stronger thinking and stronger prose.

Example — A body paragraph saying “Some people think X, but I disagree” is weaker than one that says “X holds in limited cases; however, when Y, it fails because…”

Try — Take a learner’s opinion paragraph. Identify: is there a claim? Evidence? Concession? Rebuttal? Add whichever is missing in the next draft.

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