Give Reasons and Examples | English But Better

The key idea

I can support an opinion with a reason and a real example, instead of only saying what I think.

What is it for?

Learn to support opinions with clear reasons and real examples.

What you need to know

State your opinion clearly.
Explain why you have this opinion.
Give an example from everyday life.
Show what your reason and example tell the reader.
Choose one strong reason instead of several weak ones.

1. Give a reason for your opinion

An opinion tells the reader what you think. A reason explains why you think it.

Readers understand your ideas better when you explain your reasons. Use because or since to introduce a reason.

First, state your opinion.
Next, explain why you think this.
Make sure your reason supports your opinion.

I think buses should run more often because many workers finish late.

The opinion comes first. Because introduces the reason.

In my opinion, school meals are useful since they save families time.

Since introduces a reason that supports the opinion.

2. Add an example that shows your reason

A reason explains your idea. An example helps the reader understand it.

Use for example or for instance before a clear example. You can also use such as before examples in a list.

Choose an example from everyday life.
Use details that make your point clear.
Do not give an example that changes the subject.

Public transport saves money. For example, I spend less on bus tickets than on taxis.

The example shows how public transport can cost less.

Some shops offer useful services, such as home delivery.

Such as introduces one example of a useful service.

3. Connect your opinion, reason, and example

A clear paragraph follows a simple order: opinion, reason, example, and result.

You do not need to write every part in a separate sentence. Join ideas when they belong together.

Start with your opinion.
Explain the reason with because or since.
Add an example with for example or for instance.
Explain the result when it helps the reader.

I prefer shopping locally because it saves time. For example, the bakery is five minutes from my home.

The opinion has a reason and a clear example.

The bakery is close to home, so I can shop before work. This means that I have more time in the evening.

This means that introduces the result of an idea.

4. Choose one strong reason

One clear reason can support an opinion better than three weak reasons.

Choose a reason that matters to your reader. Then give a real example that makes the reason easy to understand.

Ask yourself why you believe your opinion.
Choose the reason that best supports your point.
Check that your example proves or explains the reason.
Remove examples that do not help your main idea.

I prefer cycling to work because it saves travel money. For example, I do not need to buy a bus ticket.

The example directly supports the reason about money.

I prefer cycling because it is cheap. For example, my kitchen has two windows.

The example does not support the reason, so it needs changing.

How to do it, step by step

State your opinion clearly.
Give one strong reason for your opinion.
Add a relevant example from everyday life.
Explain the result when it helps your reader.
Check that your reason and example support your opinion.

Formulas and key language

Use it for	Example	Another example
I think + opinion	I think village life is more peaceful.	I think public libraries are useful.
I believe + opinion	I believe daily exercise is important.	I believe local shops help families.
In my opinion, + opinion	In my opinion, buses should run later.	In my opinion, school meals save time.
I feel that + opinion	I feel that small classes help students.	I feel that parks improve local life.
opinion + because + reason	I walk to work because it costs nothing.	I cook at home because it saves money.
opinion + since + reason	I prefer mornings since I feel more alert.	I buy local food since it is fresh.
For example, + example	For example, my bus arrives every ten minutes.	For example, our library opens after work.
such as + example or examples	I enjoy outdoor activities such as walking.	We buy fresh food such as apples and carrots.
This means that + result	This means that I can save more money.	This means that workers have more travel options.

UK / US: Both British and American English use these phrases. Spelling may differ, but the writing pattern stays the same.

Level up: Replace basic words (good, very, nice) with stronger ones. See our A2 to B1 upgrades page.

Model text

City Life or Village Life?

Opinion 1

I believe living in a city offers more choices. There are more shops, workplaces, and public services nearby, which makes daily life easier for many people.

The writer gives a clear opinion and explains its main benefit.

Reason and example 1

One reason is that city transport is often more frequent. For example, my fictional character, Lina, takes a bus every ten minutes. She can reach her office without waiting for a long time. This means that she has more time for her family after work.

The reason has a clear example and a result.

Opinion 2

However, I also believe villages can offer a more peaceful lifestyle. There is often less traffic, so people may enjoy quieter streets.

The writer adds a second opinion and gives its main reason.

Reason and example 2

For instance, Lina's fictional cousin lives near a small park. He walks there each evening because the streets are quiet. What he likes most is the calm atmosphere, which helps him relax after work.

A specific example explains why village life may appeal to some people.

Conclusion

Both places have advantages. I would choose a city because transport and services are easier to access.

The writer finishes by making a choice and giving a reason.

Common mistakes

✗ I prefer the bus. It is cheaper.

✓ I prefer the bus because it is cheaper.

Because clearly connects the opinion with its reason.

✗ I enjoy village life because for example it is quiet.

✓ I enjoy village life because it is quiet.

Because introduces a reason, not an example.

✗ I like local shops. For example, they save travel time.

✓ I like local shops because they save travel time.

Because introduces the reason for liking local shops.

✗ I prefer buses since they are cheaper. Such as, I save money.

✓ I prefer buses since they are cheaper. For example, I save money.

For example introduces a complete example sentence.

✗ I prefer shopping nearby because it saves time. For example, my shoes are black.

✓ I prefer shopping nearby because it saves time. For example, the shop is five minutes away.

The example must support the reason about saving time.

Plan it, then check it

Plan

Write your opinion in one clear sentence.
Choose the strongest reason for your opinion.
Think of one real example from everyday life.
Add the result if it helps explain your point.

Check

Can the reader find my opinion?
Have I explained why I think this?
Does my example clearly support my reason?
Have I used connectors correctly?
Have I removed details that do not support my point?

Practice

EXERCISE:

Find the reason or example

Choose the sentence that gives a reason or the best example.

1.Which sentence gives a reason for using a bicycle?

Because introduces the reason for using the bicycle.

2.Which sentence is the best example of saving time?

Buying lunch near the office gives a clear example of saving time.

3.Which sentence gives a reason to use public transport?

Since introduces the reason for choosing the bus.

4.Which sentence is the best example of helping at home?

Washing the dishes is a specific example of helping at home.

5.Which sentence explains why a library is useful?

Because introduces a reason that supports the opinion.

6.Which sentence best supports the idea that walking is healthy?

The example shows how walking can provide regular exercise.

Now write

Your task

Give your opinion: Is it better to live in a city or in a village? Write 6-8 sentences. Start with your opinion. Give two reasons and one example for each reason. You may use these fictional details: Lina lives in a village, takes a bus to work, and visits a city market on Saturdays. Explain why you prefer one place. Finish with a clear final opinion.

Target: 6-8 sentences

Word bank

In my opinionI believebecausesincefor examplefor instancesuch asthis means thatpublic transportlocal shopsquiet streetstravel timesave moneynearby servicesdaily routine

Sentence starters

In my opinion, living in a ...
One reason is that ...
I believe this because ...
For example, people can ...
This means that ...
Overall, I would choose ... because ...

Use made-up details. Do not share private information about yourself or others.

Write in your notebook or in a document, then use the checklist below.

Check your writing

Have I stated my opinion clearly?
Have I given two reasons for my opinion?
Have I included an example for each reason?
Have I used connectors to link my ideas?
Does each example support the reason before it?

← Develop a Paragraph Choose the Right Linking Word →