Problem-Solving & Opinions — Part 4
The Celpip Plus team
Written and reviewed against the official CELPIP scoring criteria
What you'll learn: the formal connectors and set phrases that structure a written opinion clearly and persuasively — the backbone of CELPIP Writing Task 2 essays, where organization is scored as closely as vocabulary.
Why register matters more in writing
Writing Task 2 asks for a structured opinion essay, and raters specifically evaluate how well ideas are connected and organized, not just whether the opinion itself is reasonable. The phrasal verbs from earlier lessons ("figure out," "come up with") are too casual for this task; instead, an essay needs formal connectors that signal structure — introducing a point, contrasting it, and concluding. This lesson builds that formal connective toolkit specifically for opinion writing.
Three jobs these phrases do
Formal connectors in an opinion essay do three jobs: they introduce a position (it is my firm belief that, from my perspective), they link supporting points (in addition, another key factor is), and they conclude persuasively (in light of the above, all things considered). An essay that only uses one of these three functions tends to feel either abrupt or repetitive, so this lesson deliberately covers all three.
Word bank: formal opinion-writing phrases
| Collocation | Meaning | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| it is my firm belief that | formally introduces a strong personal opinion | It is my firm belief that public transit should be free for students. |
| from my perspective | a formal way to introduce a personal viewpoint | From my perspective, remote work benefits both employees and employers. |
| another key factor is | introduces an additional supporting point | Another key factor is the environmental cost of frequent air travel. |
| in addition | adds a further point to support an argument | In addition, the policy would reduce long-term healthcare costs. |
| this is largely due to | explains the main cause behind a stated fact | Traffic delays are largely due to inadequate public transit funding. |
| all things considered | signals a conclusion after weighing multiple factors | All things considered, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. |
| in light of the above | formally summarizes prior points before a conclusion | In light of the above, I firmly support the proposed change. |
| it stands to reason that | introduces a logical, self-evident conclusion | It stands to reason that better training reduces workplace accidents. |
| a case in point is | introduces a specific supporting example | A case in point is the success of bike-sharing programs in Europe. |
| this is best illustrated by | introduces an example that clarifies a claim | This is best illustrated by the drop in emissions after the policy change. |
| taking everything into account | signals a balanced, final judgment | Taking everything into account, I believe the reform is necessary. |
| the underlying issue is | identifies the true, deeper cause of a problem | The underlying issue is a lack of investment, not a lack of ideas. |
Worked example — Writing Task 2 essay
Prompt: Some people believe that community problems are best solved by government action, while others believe individuals should take responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
"It is my firm belief that effective problem-solving in a community requires both government action and individual responsibility working together. From my perspective, government intervention is essential for large-scale issues; a case in point is how public health campaigns reduced smoking rates far more effectively than individual willpower alone. Another key factor is that individuals often lack the resources to solve structural problems on their own, and this is largely due to limited access to information or funding. In addition, when citizens do take initiative, this is best illustrated by neighbourhood clean-up programs that succeed precisely because government support provides the tools they need. It stands to reason that neither approach alone is sufficient. Taking everything into account, the underlying issue is coordination, not a choice between one approach and the other. In light of the above, I believe the most effective communities combine strong government policy with active citizen participation."
This essay uses ten formal connectors to organize a two-sided argument into a clear, persuasive conclusion — exactly the structure CELPIP Writing Task 2 raters are trained to reward.
Common mistakes
- "I believe that" repeated throughout — relying on a single opinion marker feels repetitive; vary it with it is my firm belief that or from my perspective.
- Missing a concluding connector — ending an essay without a phrase like all things considered or in light of the above makes the conclusion feel abrupt.
- "Because of this reason" instead of this is largely due to — a common but slightly awkward paraphrase where a cleaner fixed phrase exists.
- Overloading one paragraph with examples but no connector — a phrase like a case in point is or this is best illustrated by is needed to signal that an example is coming, rather than dropping it in unannounced.
Recap
Formal connectors give a written opinion the clear structure CELPIP Writing Task 2 raters are specifically trained to evaluate, guiding a reader through introduction, support, and conclusion. Practice by outlining a two-sided opinion essay and writing one sentence for each of the three connector functions — introducing, linking, and concluding.