The key idea
Choose one clear opinion, give one reason, and connect your reply to the first post.
What is it for?
Learn to write a short online post with one opinion and one reason. Learn to reply politely to another person's post.
What you need to know
- Start with the topic or main idea.
- Give one clear opinion.
- Add one reason with because.
- Reply to the person's idea or use their name.
- Use polite words and keep personal information private.
1. Write a short post
An online post shares your ideas with other people. Start with the topic. Then give your opinion and one reason. You can finish with a question. Keep your post short. You do not need a greeting or a long ending.
- Write about one topic.
- Give one opinion and one reason.
- Add a question if you want replies.
I like school lunches because they are cheap.
This sentence gives an opinion and a reason.
What about you?
This question invites other people to reply.
2. Give your opinion
Use simple words to share your opinion. Then explain why you think that way. The word because introduces your reason. One clear reason is enough for a short post.
- Use I think to share an idea.
- Use I like ... because ... to give a reason.
- Use For me, ... to share a personal view.
I think homework is useful because I practise at home.
The writer gives an opinion and explains why.
For me, mornings are better for studying.
The writer shares a personal opinion.
3. Reply to another person
A good reply connects to the first post. Use the person's name or repeat their idea. You can agree or disagree politely. Give a short reason for your answer.
- Use I agree with ... to agree.
- Use I don't agree because ... to disagree politely.
- Mention the person's idea so your reply is clear.
I agree with Ana because mornings are quiet.
The writer agrees and gives a reason.
I don't agree because I feel tired in the morning.
The writer disagrees and explains why.
4. Use a polite and safe style
Use short paragraphs and normal capital letters. Do not write every word in capital letters. This can look like shouting. Be polite when you agree or disagree. Never share private information in a public post.
- Start each sentence with a capital letter.
- Use a full stop or a question mark.
- Do not share your address or phone number.
- Do not share your full name.
I see your point, but I prefer studying at home.
The reply is polite and clear.
I like studying at home.
Normal capital letters make the sentence easy to read.
5. Posts and emails are different
An online post is often short. It usually starts with the topic. It may end with a question. An email often has a greeting and an ending. Both need clear ideas and polite words.
- A post usually goes straight to the topic.
- An email often starts with Hello or Dear.
- An email often ends with a name or a closing phrase.
- Both types need clear sentences and correct punctuation.
Post: I like our school library because it is quiet.
The post starts with the main idea.
Email: Hello Mia, I like our school library because it is quiet.
The email starts with a greeting.
How to do it, step by step
- Choose one topic.
- Write your opinion about the topic.
- Give one reason with because.
- Add a question if you want replies.
- Check your words, punctuation, and private information.
Formulas and key language
| Use it for | Example | Another example |
|---|---|---|
| I think + opinion. | I think school clubs are useful. | I think lunch breaks are too short. |
| I like + thing + because + reason. | I like our library because it is quiet. | I like group work because we share ideas. |
| For me, + opinion. | For me, mornings are better. | For me, reading at home is relaxing. |
| I agree with + person. | I agree with Ana. | I agree with Sam because school clubs are fun. |
| I don't agree because + reason. | I don't agree because mornings are too busy. | I don't agree because homework helps me practise. |
| I think so too. | I think so too. School lunches are important. | I think so too. Reading is useful. |
| What about you? | I like studying at home. What about you? | I think sports are useful. What about you? |
| I understand your idea, but + opinion. | I understand your idea, but I prefer the afternoon. | I understand your idea, but I like quiet places. |
UK / US: British and American English sometimes use different words. Both are fine if you use them clearly.
Model text
A Post About Study Times
Original post
I think students should study in the morning because they feel fresh after breakfast. I like studying before lunch. The house is often quiet, and I can finish my work early. In the afternoon, I can play outside or help my family. What about you? Do you prefer mornings or afternoons?
The post gives a topic, an opinion, and a reason. It ends with a question.
Reply 1: Agreeing
I agree with Mia because I feel ready to learn in the morning. I eat breakfast, pack my books, and start my work. I also have more free time later. For me, mornings are a good time to study.
The reply uses Mia's name. It agrees and gives a reason.
Reply 2: Disagreeing politely
I don't agree because I feel tired early in the morning. I prefer studying after lunch. I have more energy then, and I can think clearly. I understand your idea, but different times work for different people.
The reply disagrees politely. It gives a reason and respects another view.
Common mistakes
✗ I like school clubs I meet friends.
✓ I like school clubs because I meet friends.
Use because to connect your opinion and your reason.
✗ I am agree with Ana.
✓ I agree with Ana.
Use agree without am.
✗ I don't agrees with Sam.
✓ I don't agree with Sam.
Use the base verb after don't.
✗ i think lunch is important.
✓ I think lunch is important.
Always write I with a capital letter.
✗ I agree with Ana because.
✓ I agree with Ana because mornings are quiet.
Give a reason after because.
✗ I like mornings Why?
✓ I like mornings. Why?
Use a full stop before a new sentence.
Plan it, then check it
Plan
- Choose a simple topic, such as school or food.
- Write your opinion in one sentence.
- Add one reason with because.
- Write a reply that agrees or disagrees politely.
Check
- Does your post have one clear opinion?
- Does your reason explain your opinion?
- Does your reply connect to the first post?
- Are your words polite and easy to read?
- Have you removed private information?
Practice
Choose the best post or reply
Choose the best answer for each item.
1.Which sentence gives an opinion and a reason?
The sentence gives an opinion and explains why.
2.Mia says, I like group work. What is the best reply?
The reply connects to Mia's idea and gives a reason.
3.Which sentence politely disagrees?
The sentence disagrees and gives a calm reason.
4.Which sentence invites other people to reply?
The question asks other people to share their ideas.
5.Which sentence is best for a short online post?
The sentence gives one clear opinion and one reason.
6.Leo says, I prefer studying at home. Which reply connects best?
The reply names Leo and explains the agreement.
Match each post part
Match each post part with the correct sentence.
1.Topic
2.Opinion
3.Reason
4.Agreement
5.Question
Complete each post or reply
Write one word in each gap.
1.I school clubs are useful.
Think introduces your opinion.
2.I like this class we learn new things.
Because gives the reason for your opinion.
3.I with Ana because her idea is clear.
Agree shows that you have the same opinion.
4.I don't because mornings are busy.
Use agree after don't.
5.For , studying at home is easier.
For me introduces a personal opinion.
6.I like reading. What about ?
You asks the other person for their opinion.
Correct one small mistake
Rewrite each sentence with one correction.
1.I think school clubs useful.
Use are before useful.
2.I am agree with Ana.
Do not use am before agree.
3.I don't agrees with Sam.
Use agree after don't.
4.I like lunch I meet my friends.
Because connects the opinion and the reason.
5.what about you?
Start a sentence with a capital letter.
Now write
Your task
Read this post: "I think students should study in the morning." Write a reply in 4-6 sentences. Agree or disagree, and give one reason. You can ask one question, too.
Word bank
agreethinkbecausemorningafternoonstudyquietbusytiredreadybetterschoolhomelearnprefer
Sentence starters
- I agree because ...
- I don't agree because ...
- I think ...
- For me, ...
- I prefer ... because ...
- What about ...?