Exercise 1
Read each group of sentences carefully. Choose the one sentence that has correct punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. The other sentences contain one or more errors related to these features.
Example: Which sentence is correct?
A) governments must act now, to protect the environment before it's to late.
B) Governments must act now to protect the environment before it is too late.
C) governments must act now to protect the Environment before it is too late.
Answer: B) Governments must act now to protect the environment before it is too late.
How to Write an Opinion Essay: How Can We Protect the Environment?
An opinion essay is one of the most common writing tasks in the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) examination. In this type of essay, you are asked to present your personal viewpoint on a topic clearly and convincingly, while also acknowledging opposing ideas. Environmental protection is a frequently examined topic because it affects everyone and generates genuine debate. Real-life examples of this genre include newspaper editorials, online comment pieces, and academic magazine articles. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to write a well-structured, formally registered opinion essay on environmental issues with confidence.
Essential Writing Rules & Sentence Structure
1. Write a Clear Thesis Statement
Your introduction must end with a thesis statement — a single sentence that states your overall opinion clearly. Do not simply repeat the question. Instead, take a position.
Example: It is this writer's firm belief that a combination of government legislation and individual responsibility represents the most effective path towards genuine environmental protection.
2. Use Topic Sentences to Open Each Body Paragraph
Every body paragraph must begin with a topic sentence that signals the main idea of that paragraph. This helps the examiner follow your argument clearly.
Example: One of the most significant measures that governments can take is the introduction of strict regulations on industrial pollution.
3. Develop Arguments with Evidence or Examples
Do not simply state an opinion. Follow each argument with a reason, a specific example, or a result. This demonstrates the depth of thinking required at B2 level.
Example: For instance, countries that have implemented carbon taxes have recorded measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions over the past decade.
4. Address the Counter-Argument
A strong B2 opinion essay acknowledges an opposing viewpoint before dismissing or qualifying it. Use concession clauses to do this elegantly.
Example: While it is true that individual actions alone cannot reverse climate change, it would be a mistake to underestimate the cumulative impact of millions of people making sustainable choices.
5. Maintain a Consistent Formal Register
Opinion essays must be written in a formal register throughout. Avoid contractions (don't, can't), informal phrasal verbs (cut down on), and colloquial language (loads of people). Use formal vocabulary consistently.
- Instead of look into → use investigate
- Instead of cut down on → use reduce
- Instead of a lot of → use a considerable number of or numerous
- Instead of bad for → use detrimental to
6. Punctuate Sentence Adverbs Correctly
When a discourse marker or sentence adverb begins a sentence or clause, it must be followed by a comma. This is a very common error at B2 level.
Correct: Furthermore, renewable energy sources have become significantly more affordable in recent years.
Correct: Nevertheless, the financial cost of switching to green energy remains a genuine obstacle for many households.
7. Use the Passive Voice for an Impersonal, Objective Tone
The passive voice is particularly useful in formal essays when you wish to make a point sound objective rather than personal.
Example: It has been widely demonstrated that single-use plastics contribute significantly to ocean pollution.
Example: Stricter environmental laws must be enforced if meaningful progress is to be achieved.
Useful Linking Words (Connectors)
The connectors below are appropriate for a B2 formal opinion essay. Use them to link ideas between and within paragraphs. Vary your choices — do not repeat the same connector more than once.
| Connector | Function / Use | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Furthermore | Adding a related point (formal) | Furthermore, the use of electric vehicles has the potential to reduce urban air pollution dramatically. |
| Moreover | Adding a stronger or more important point | Moreover, investing in renewable energy creates thousands of new employment opportunities. |
| In addition to this | Adding supplementary information | In addition to this, schools play a vital role in educating future generations about sustainability. |
| Nevertheless | Contrasting — despite what has just been said | Nevertheless, the transition to a greener economy will inevitably require significant investment. |
| Whereas | Direct contrast between two ideas in one sentence | Whereas wealthier nations have the resources to adopt green technologies, developing countries often do not. |
| While it is true that | Conceding a point before arguing against it | While it is true that recycling alone will not solve the climate crisis, it remains an essential first step. |
| Despite the fact that | Concession — formal alternative to 'although' | Despite the fact that many governments have pledged to reduce emissions, progress has been slow. |
| Consequently | Expressing a result or consequence | Consequently, deforestation has led to the irreversible loss of thousands of animal species. |
| As a consequence | Expressing result (slightly more emphatic) | As a consequence, air quality in major cities has deteriorated significantly over recent decades. |
| For this reason | Introducing a conclusion drawn from previous evidence | For this reason, it is essential that stricter penalties are imposed on companies that violate pollution laws. |
| On the one hand... on the other hand | Presenting two contrasting perspectives | On the one hand, nuclear energy produces no carbon emissions. On the other hand, it generates hazardous waste. |
| Taking all factors into consideration | Summarising before a final verdict | Taking all factors into consideration, it is clear that both collective and individual action is required. |
Model Writing Sample: Protecting the Environment — Whose Responsibility Is It?
The following is a complete B2 model opinion essay (approximately 180 words). Read it carefully, paying attention to its structure, register, and use of linking devices.
— INTRODUCTION —
Environmental degradation has become one of the defining challenges of the twenty-first century. Pollution, deforestation, and rising sea levels threaten both human wellbeing and the natural world. It is this writer's firm belief that protecting the environment requires coordinated action from both governments and ordinary citizens.
— BODY PARAGRAPH 1: First Argument —
Governments bear a particular responsibility in this regard. Stricter legislation must be introduced to limit industrial pollution, and companies that violate environmental regulations should face substantial financial penalties. Moreover, investment in renewable energy infrastructure — such as solar and wind power — must be significantly increased if nations are to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.
— BODY PARAGRAPH 2: Second Argument + Counter-Argument —
However, individual behaviour is equally important. While it is true that personal choices such as recycling or reducing energy consumption may seem insignificant, the cumulative effect of millions of people making sustainable decisions is considerable. Furthermore, consumer pressure on corporations has consistently proven to be an effective catalyst for change.
— CONCLUSION —
Taking all factors into consideration, environmental protection cannot rest solely on the shoulders of one group. Consequently, a shared commitment between governments, businesses, and individuals represents the only realistic path towards a sustainable future.
Word count: approximately 185 words
Essay Structure Breakdown
| Section | Content | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | General context + clear thesis statement | No contractions; formal vocabulary; thesis in final sentence |
| Body Paragraph 1 | Government responsibility + specific measures | Topic sentence + developed argument + passive voice |
| Body Paragraph 2 | Individual responsibility + counter-argument addressed | Concession clause ('While it is true that...') + evidence |
| Conclusion | Balanced summary + final personal verdict | Summarising connector; no new arguments introduced |
Key Phrases & Sentence Starters
Introducing Your Opinion & Thesis
- It is this writer's firm belief that...
- In my view, the most effective solution to this problem is...
- It is widely accepted that environmental protection requires...
- This essay will argue that...
Presenting Arguments & Evidence
- One of the most significant measures that governments can take is...
- It has been demonstrated that... / Research has shown that...
- For instance, countries that have introduced... have recorded...
- A particularly effective approach would be to...
- It is essential that stricter controls are placed on...
Contrasting & Conceding Points
- While it is true that..., it would be a mistake to assume that...
- Despite the fact that many people believe..., the evidence suggests...
- Although this argument has some merit, it fails to account for...
- Whereas some argue that..., others maintain that...
- On the one hand... On the other hand, however...
Concluding & Recommending
- Taking all factors into consideration, it is clear that...
- In conclusion, it is evident that both... and... must play a role in...
- On balance, the advantages of... outweigh the disadvantages.
- It is therefore recommended that governments and citizens alike...
- Ultimately, a sustainable future depends on...
Common Writing Mistakes to Avoid
❌ The environment is being destroyed, we must act immediately.
✅ Comma splice error — two independent clauses cannot be joined by a comma alone. Correct version: The environment is being destroyed; therefore, we must act immediately. Use a semicolon, a full stop, or a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses.
❌ Despite of the fact that progress has been made, pollution levels remain dangerously high.
✅ 'Despite' does not take 'of'. Use either 'despite' + noun/gerund, or 'in spite of'. Correct version: Despite the fact that progress has been made, pollution levels remain dangerously high. Alternatively: In spite of the progress that has been made, pollution levels remain dangerously high.
❌ Furthermore the use of fossil fuels contributes significantly to climate change.
✅ Sentence adverbs at the start of a sentence must be followed by a comma. Correct version: Furthermore, the use of fossil fuels contributes significantly to climate change. This rule applies to all discourse markers: However, / Nevertheless, / Consequently, / Moreover,
❌ I think that loads of people don't care about the environment, which is really bad.
✅ Informal register is inappropriate in a formal opinion essay. Correct version: It is this writer's contention that a considerable number of people remain insufficiently aware of the environmental consequences of their actions. Replace informal phrases with formal equivalents throughout.
Writing Checklist & Practice Task
B2 Opinion Essay — Writing Checklist
- ☐ My introduction provides general context and ends with a clear thesis statement.
- ☐ Each body paragraph begins with a focused topic sentence.
- ☐ I have developed each argument with at least one reason, example, or consequence.
- ☐ I have acknowledged and responded to a counter-argument using a concession clause.
- ☐ I have used at least three different linking devices from the connector table above.
- ☐ I have maintained a consistently formal register throughout (no contractions, no informal vocabulary).
- ☐ I have used at least one passive structure to create an impersonal, objective tone.
- ☐ All sentence adverbs (Furthermore, Nevertheless, Consequently) are followed by a comma.
- ☐ I have not introduced any new arguments in my conclusion.
- ☐ My essay is between 140 and 190 words in length.
Practice Writing Task
Read the following exam-style writing prompt and write your essay in 140–190 words.
Your teacher has asked you to write an opinion essay in response to the following statement:
"Protecting the environment is the responsibility of governments, not individuals. Ordinary people can do very little to make a real difference."
Write your opinion essay. In your essay, you should:
- state your overall opinion clearly in the introduction
- develop at least two arguments supported by reasons or examples
- acknowledge and respond to the opposing view
- write a balanced conclusion that reflects your personal verdict
Remember to: write in a consistently formal register, use appropriate linking devices, and aim for 140–190 words.
Now test your writing mechanics and sentence skills in the exercises below.
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