Opinion Panels

Declare it. Write a positive one-sentence opinion. Examples: “Gummi bears are the best candy.” “Bears contribute to the salmon shortage in rivers.” “My friend’s car is better than your friend’s.”

Pass your paper to the left. Then again.

“Brown is the new black.” Support it. Read the opinion, and then add three premises that support that opinion. Example: “Brown is the new black.” Runway designers have showcased more brown pieces than black in the last 5 years. More brown shoes have been sold at Target than any other color. I have bought at least three pairs of brown pants in the past three years and not one pair of black ones.

Pass your paper to the left 3 times.

“Brown is the new black.” Consider it. Read the opinion and statements. Put a star next to the most convincing/compelling support. Write a brief statement about WHY you chose this statement. Example: “Brown is the new black.” Runway designers have showcased more brown pieces than black in the last 5 years. This statement seems to be the most convincing, because runway designers often have the most influence over the types and colors of clothes that consumers will purchase and wear.

Pass your paper to the left. . . just once this time.

“Brown is the new black.” Prove it. Read what’s on the paper. Now, determine a research strategy for adequately supporting the chosen statement. Example: “Brown is the new black.” Runway designers have showcased more brown pieces than black in the last 5 years. Determine which designers to compare by looking through popular magazines or looking at what designers have more affordable lines at major department stores, and compare the number of mostly brown/black pieces available. Research sales figures of those chosen designers. Find journal articles in the Albertson’s Library regarding fashion trends to support statement with statistics and expert opinions.

Pass the paper back to its original writer.

Writer’s Reflection: Free write about what’s been written about your opinion. Are the supporting statements similar to your original ideas? What do you think about the research strategy? How can this be applied to your essay?

Declare it. Write a negative one-sentence opinion. Examples: “Gummi bears not are the best candy.” “Heelies should not be worn by children.” “Boise State should not raise the cost of tuition next year.”

Pass your paper to the left 3 times.

Support it. Read the opinion, and then add three premises that support that opinion.

Pass your paper to the left. Then again.

Consider it. Read the opinion and support. Put a star next to the most convincing/compelling statement. Write a brief statement about WHY you chose this statement.

Pass your paper to the left. Then again.

Prove it. Read what’s on the paper. Now, determine a research strategy for adequately supporting the chosen statement.

Pass the paper back to its original writer.

Writer’s Reflection: Reflect on this exercise. What did you learn about forming opinions, support, and proof? Were any steps confusing? Why? What does this say about the opinion essay writing process? Reading process? How did providing support for a positive opinion differ from the negative opinion? How might this play out in an essay?