Some of the class will be working on literacy test this period while the rest will be working with me on typing their opinion paragraphs. Please see below for Opinion Piece Literacy Test Prep:
This is what your instructions will look like on the literacy test for this task (although the topic will be different):
| Writing a Series of Paragraphs
Task: Write a series of paragraphs (a minimum of three) expressing an opinion on the topic below. Develop your main idea with supporting details (proofs, facts, examples, etc.). Purpose and Audience: an adult who is interested in your opinion. Length: The lined space provided for your written work indicates the length of the writing expected. Topic: Should smoking be allowed in public places? |
Tips for Writing an Opinion Piece
- Read the question and decide what position to take in the written response.
- Brainstorm for both “yes” and “no” before deciding which stance you will take in your response. Choose the side with the most effective supporting ideas and examples.
- Make sure that you take only one stance in your opinion piece. Do NOT be neutral in your response.
- Your stance must be stated clearly at the beginning and repeated at end of the opinion essay. Reword the question into a statement. For example, if the question is “Should students take gym throughout high school?” the response should start and end with “Students should take gym throughout high school” or “Students should not take gym throughout high school”.
- Your opinion piece must support the stance with reasons, examples, or facts.
- Your essay should contain five paragraphs: an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Make sure the divisions between paragraphs are clear (e.g. skip a line between paragraphs or indent).
- Additional paragraphs may be added as long as the response is no more than 2 pages.
- The response may be written using first person pronouns (i.e. “I”, “me”, “my”, etc.).
- Use clear topic sentences to start each paragraph.
- Use concluding sentences that restate topic and wrap up the idea to end each paragraph
- Use transitional words (e.g. also, secondly, finally) to link your ideas
- Include a clinching sentences that makes an general observation about the topic in your conclusion.
- Be sure to write in complete sentences and in formal English.
- Two pages will be provided for the response. Write as close to two pages as possible.
You are going to be provided with a sample opinion piece and asked to do things like “identify the topic sentence.”
Then your teacher will take you through the scoring guide that will be used to mark your opinion piece.
Finally, you will write an outline for an opinion piece on the following topic: “Is participation in extracurricular activities and important part of secondary school life?”
FOR MRS TIPPING’S STUDENTS ONLY:
I want you to put your outlines in your portfolio because you will have the option of using this as one of your opinion pieces that you will have to hand in to me. (in other words, it’s for marks)