An opinion is only convincing when the reader can see why you hold it. Say what you think, then give a reason that really supports it, and add a short example if the task allows. This helps in any task that asks Que pensez-vous de… ? or Pourquoi aimez-vous… ?
It builds on connecting short sentences, because parce que is the most useful linker for reasons.
What makes a reason relevant?
A relevant reason answers the question “why does this make the opinion true for you?”. It adds new information; it does not repeat the opinion in other words. It also stays on the same topic as the opinion.
A strong paragraph has three parts: opinion, reason, example. The example is optional in a short task, but it shows control of the language.
How do I build it step by step?
- Choose your opinion phrase: je pense que, à mon avis, j’adore, je préfère.
- Add the opinion itself in a clear clause.
- Add parce que and a new fact: what causes the opinion?
- Add a short example with par exemple or en plus.
- Test the reason: if you remove the opinion, does the reason still make sense on its own?
Worked example
Question: Que pensez-vous de l’uniforme scolaire ?
Step 1, opinion: À mon avis, l’uniforme scolaire est une bonne idée.
Step 2, reason: why? Because everyone looks equal, and because mornings are easier. Choose the first: parce que tout le monde est égal.
Step 3, example: Par exemple, personne ne regarde les vêtements des autres.
Step 4, extra detail: En plus, je gagne du temps le matin.
Result:
À mon avis, l’uniforme scolaire est une bonne idée parce que tout le monde est égal. Par exemple, personne ne regarde les vêtements des autres. En plus, je gagne du temps le matin.
The opinion, reason and example each add something new. The paragraph also stays on one topic from start to finish.
The mistake to watch for
A common slip is to give a reason that only repeats the opinion, or one that has no link to it.
Mistaken answer: J’aime mon collège parce que c’est un bon collège.
The reason says the same thing twice. Another version, J’aime le français parce que j’ai un chat, is on topic for the writer but gives the reader no link.
The correction is to name what makes the school good: J’aime mon collège parce que les professeurs expliquent bien et les classes sont petites. Now the reason adds facts the reader can picture.
Check yourself
Try these on paper, then open each answer.
1. Opinion: Je préfère étudier le soir. Which reason is relevant? (a) parce que c’est calme et je me concentre mieux (b) parce que j’ai un frère (c) parce que le soir est le soir
Show answer
(a). It names a cause, quiet and better focus. (b) has no link to studying in the evening, and (c) repeats the idea without adding anything.
2. Write one opinion with a reason about homework.
Show answer
Many answers work. For example: À mon avis, les devoirs sont utiles parce qu’ils aident à réviser. Check that it has an opinion phrase, parce que and a clause that adds new information.
3. Add an example with par exemple to your answer to question 2.
Show answer
For example: Par exemple, quand je fais mes exercices de maths à la maison, je comprends mieux la leçon. The example is a specific situation, not a repeat of the reason.
Where this leads next
With plans, links and reasons, you can write a full draft. The next lesson shows how to revise a short draft using a self-review checklist. For opinion work in speech, see speaking preparation and interaction.
If your reasons often stall at “c’est bien”, a teacher can ask follow-up questions in French until the real reason appears. That is a natural part of online one-to-one French tuition.