Writing An Opinion Piece OSSLT PREP 2015 - 2016

If you were absent last week … Come to room 233 this Friday at lunch

MINDS ON

GET OFF THE BUS! Should high schools be peanut free? Should an art credit be mandatory? Is it fair that high school students go trick-or-treating? Should high school students wear uniforms? Should you write in pen or pencil?

What is an opinion piece? Take a side (yes or no) Convince the reader Need specific examples to support your position

OSSLT WRITING TASK

STEPS FOR WRITING AN OPINION PIECE Write your final copy using the 5 paragraph format Pick 2 direct examples that support each of your reasons. Brainstorm 3 reasons to support your point of view. Decide yes or no for the question?

Teenagers do not place too much importance on what they wear. Teenagers place too much importance on what they wear.

MUST answer the question asked Paragraph 1 (2-4 sentences) Clearly state your opinion. State your 3 reasons that support your opinion (in one sentence or 3 separate sentences) Paragraph 2-4 (6 or more sentences) Topic sentence: State your first reason. Provide a specific example Explain how your example supports your reason Provide a different specific example Concluding sentence: Summarize the paragraph Paragraph 5 (2-4 sentence) Topic Sentence: Clearly restate your position Summarize the 3 reasons that support your opinion (It will look similar to first paragraph but different wording)

REVIEW AND MODEL TOPIC: Is it fair for schools to restrict the kinds of foods children may bring to school in their snacks and lunches? Brainstorm ideas

Tips – how to get organized Brainstorm your ideas before you start writing Pick a side – YES or NO   FINANCIALLY STABLE Lululemon yoga pants Nike shoes, Birks 1 BRAND NAMES Crooks and Castles American Eagle, Hollister, Aeropostale 2 FIT IN AT SCHOOL Athletes wear Under Armour Lululemon yoga pants 3

STUDENT CHECKLIST Organization Content Paragraph 1: First sentence states your opinion (use words directly from the question) State the 3 reasons to support your opinion Paragraphs 2-4: Topic sentence that gives a clear reason to support your opinion Two examples to support and explain your reason  Concluding sentence Paragraph 5: First sentence restates your opinion (use words directly from the question) State the 3 reasons to support your opinion (reword first paragraph) Organization 5 clearly marked paragraphs – indented, no blank lines Transition words and phrases to link ideas (First, Second, Third, Next, Also, As well, In conclusion) Does it sound right? Re-read

ACTION

ACTION Complete the opinion piece on page 11 -12 Students with scribes and/or using technology will practice today.

CONSOLIDATION

CONSOLIDATION Review the checklist and make sure you did everything