Series of Paragraphs Expressing an Opinion

Here is what the prompt will look like Here is what the prompt will look like. The instructions are always the same.. Only the topic changes from year to year. The topic will be one that teenagers can speak to based on their own experiences.

A Closer look at the Instructions... “Minimum of 3 paragraphs” “expressing an opinion on the topic” “develop your main idea with supporting details” Really means you need 4 or 5 (Introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs, conclusion) Make sure your write on the assigned topic; pick one side and stick to it You must support your opinion with reasons and examples The series of paragraphs should have an introduction, 2 or 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion Instructions What they mean

You will have two pages to write on You will have two pages to write on. Note that the instructions indicated that the “the space provided indicated the approximate length of writing expected... SO, you should try to write 2 pages! Elaborate your arguments (body paragraphs) by giving detailed examples and explanations

Your Opinion Planning your Essay... Reason #1 Example Explain Summarize Reason #2 Reason #3 This is a very important step, and is time well spent. Planning out your essay will allow you to organize your thoughts before you write You can think of your essay as a “House of Cards”... Your Reasons help to support your opinion... You don’t have to write a lot when planning, just enough to get your idea down

Extracurricular activities are important part of high school because... Let’s practice planning an essay together Have students brainstorm reasons for why extracurricular activities are an important part of high school (eg. Socializing, Exercise and Well Being...) For each reason ask students to give an example, and to explain it.

Introduction Answer the question, making sure that you clearly state your opinion. Provide one sentence listing the 3 main reasons for your answer.

Body Paragraphs You will write 2 or 3 body paragraphs One for each of the reasons listed in your introduction. Provide a specific example that supports your reason Explain it Restate the reason for a concluding sentence

Conclusion Restate your answer to the question (opinion) Summarize your 3 main reasons End with a final statement about the significance of the issue

Keep in mind! Skip a line in between each paragraph Use transition words For example: Also, In addition, furthermore, in conclusion, etc. Use proper sentence structure, grammar, and spelling Be sure your examples are specific. You may use examples from your own experiences.

Now, You Try! You have 30 minutes to write a supported opinion piece. Be sure to use the guidelines that have been provided for you. Students should only spend a maximum of 30 minutes on this task during the actual literacy test, as they must also complete 3 readings with questions, a short answer response, and multiple choice questions on grammar during the actual test

Topic: “Do students benefit from the two-month summer break”?

Review and Feedback Review the student exemplar and note the Annotations/Comments on the bottom Exchange your paper with a partner and provide constructive feedback on the following elements: Structure and Organization Ideas and development (including specific examples and explanations) Language

Hand out exemplar (Code 60) to students and have them review the exemplar and compare it to their own work. Have students exchange papers with a partner and score the opinion piece with the following rubric. Students are scored on “Topic Development” and “Conventions” – next slide