The opinion is a text-point that we encounter in the German language of the advanced level. Anyone who takes a position tries to make his or her position clear on a position or a situation and to justify these other persons (often outsiders) comprehensibly, convincingly and plausibly. The opinion may be formulated in the form of the reader’s letter, comment, complaint or request, as well as a proposal.
However, the position does not only play a role in the correspondence, but it can also be spoken orally. In this form it is called a statement (expression, assertion, explanation) and thus has a great and decisive meaning in discussions and debates.
Note: In this article, we would like to explain how you write an opinion, which aspects should be observed and the structure of the text. We also give an example and an explanation of what this essay is all about.
What is an opinion?
In principle, we always take a position when we position ourselves on a topic. This means that the simple utterance of whether one finds something good or bad is, in principle, to be interpreted as an explanation of opinion and as a component of the statement.
Let’s imagine, in the middle of our room is a red ball. The closer we get to the ball, the better we find it. We can use our position to express how we behave to the ball. Do we find it good that he is there or does not like us at all? If we are now in the room, we have certainly taken a position on the ball (facts).
In the German language, however, the essay is a preliminary step in the argumentation and thus in the discussion. Consequently, argumentative strategies should be practiced, applied and strengthened. Accordingly, it is not enough to make one’s own opinion and to position oneself. We must therefore base our point of view with arguments (argument types) and use a thesis (assertion).
Basically, it is therefore a matter of forming a thesis that clarifies one’s point of view, and it is also important to develop arguments in order to convince others of their own position in the course of the argumentation or to promote a clarification of the respective problem. Thus, we try to either deny or assert a claim, etc., etc..
For the final step to be successful, it is important to find arguments which are clearly related to the formulated thesis, whereby the addressee (recipient) of the letter or utterance should be specifically named. Examples can illustrate our arguments and make the statement comprehensible and comprehensible for outsiders.
In doing so, we can take a position on various things, whereby our attention can be placed on various aspects. For example, we can examine the views of an author, assess their opinions critically, or even examine the content, the statement or the effect of a text. Furthermore, it is conceivable to evaluate the argumentation of a text or to compare it with its own experiences.
Write an opinion
The reason for our writing basically determines the way in which we design the essay. For example, if we write a reader letter, it is sensible to use rhetorical stylistic means to receive the attention of numerous readers. On the other hand, if we write a complaint, it is more a matter of presenting the facts convincingly.
Read the text to which they should refer. Strike words and connections that they do not understand, and try to understand the statements and all the arguments of the text. What are the arguments in the text?
Look for the section to which you should refer. Subsequently, answer the W questions (what, who, where, when, how, why) in relation to the corresponding problem and write down all the information that the text provides.
You then develop arguments that speak for and against the particular problem. These arguments are of course supported by their own, personal opinion. Then sort the individual arguments by their strength → argument types.
Now take a look at the experiences you have made with the facts. What experiences have you had with the subject so far and how were they? You will use these thoughts in the conclusion of the statement to round them off.
Structure of the opinion
If you have done the preliminary work, you can devote yourself to the actual work step: the writing of the text. We would like to present you a possible structure at this point. However, since the latter does not follow a clear pattern with regard to the opinion, you can vary this partial and adapt it to your own ideas.
However, when designing the outline, please note that it divides the essay into the introduction, the main part, and the conclusion, which is the basic structure for each essay. Within these areas, however, you can freely decide how to build and formulate the text.
Possible structure of an opinion
introduction
Regarding the occasion (What is it about?)
Who writes? Clarification, from which position we write.
Presentation of one’s own position (What do we think or fear?)
Bulk
Justification of one’s own position by arguments (sorting from the weakest to the strongest argument so that the argument becomes stronger in the course of time) → Argument types
1. Argument and example
2. Argument and example
…
trailer
Conclusion: Taking one’s own point of view from the initiation and formation of a conclusion based on the previous argument. Under certain circumstances, you can make a proposal on how to solve the problem. What is the demand for the addressees?
Note: You can provide many arguments for your position. However, an opinion should come to the point. 2-3 arguments are usually sufficient. Write a reader letter, stylistic means are a great way to achieve a great effect. The rhetorical question and the appeal in the key part are particularly suitable in order to confirm our position on a lasting basis.
Tips on the drafting of the opinion
The main aspects of the opinion have already been clarified. However, there are some things that you should consider when composing, in order to achieve the greatest effect and not to make any logical or linguistic mistakes.
Subjunctive: If you include arguments in the text from the text, make sure they are in the subjunctive. Otherwise, there is a risk that the future reader will not be able to distinguish what comes from you and what the author does.
Prescribed text: If you are given a text to which you should refer when you write your opinion, you can go through the author’s argument in the main part piece by piece, using your own arguments.
Introduction, main section, conclusion: You can mark the individual areas of the opinion by paragraphs. Under no circumstances do you use interim headings. Try to show the reader where he is. The conclusion could be concluded, for example, with the words “Finally it can be stated that …”.