Opinion composition

Criteria for assessment
Content
Organization
Vocabulary
Grammar
Spelling and pronunciation

Comment on the following statement.
Some people think that we should take an active part in protecting endangered species. Others believe that it is not our responsibility.
What is your opinion on this problem?
Write 200-250 words.

Composition.
It is one of the great disasters of this century that people have slowly managed to destroy certain species by hunting, pollution and deforestation. I believe that ordinary people can and should do something to protect endangered species.
One example of action that we can take is to join a local conservation group, and get involved in the activities that the group organizes. For example we could offer to talk to schools about the problem of endangered animals of a local area. Furthermore, we should refuse to buy anything that contains animal products from endangered species, such as fur coats, alligator skin shoes, or cosmetics made form whale oil.
In my view the best way for ordinary people to help endangered species is education. If schools gave lessons which raised awareness of the problems, children would understand that their own future is going to be bleak without a rich variety of wildlife on the planet.

Useful Phrases for Writing Opinion Essays.
To express opinion:
In my opinion
In my view
I strongly believe that
From my point of view
To introduce conflicting viewpoints:
It is argued that
People argue that
Opponents of this view say
There are people who oppose
There are those who claim that

Write an opinion essay
Some people say that schoolchildren can do nothing to help solve the environmental problems. Others think that they can.
What is your opinion on this problem?
Write 200-250 words.

Linking words.
Contrasting points
Although/Even though …
… yet
… . However, …
… . Nevertheless, …
In spite of/despite (the fact that) …