Literacy Test Preparation Writing a Series of Paragraphs (Opinion Writing)

Series of Paragraphs (5 paragraph format) Introduction Paragraph Body Paragraph #1 Body Paragraph #2 Body Paragraph #3 Conclusion Paragraph Transition Word

Series of Paragraphs Clarification: Although the test says “minimum of three paragraphs” infer this to mean three BODY paragraphs Therefore, include an introduction AND a conclusion with your three body paragraphs That makes FIVE paragraphs total

“Are cell phones necessary in teenagers’ lives?” Example: Topic: “Are cell phones necessary in teenagers’ lives?” Length: Approximately 2 pages- write on every line (do not skip a line) and do your best to fill all the space given

What to do BEFORE you write: Read all instructions carefully Read the topic carefully Identify all terms Focus on qualifying words like “most”, “best”, “necessary”, “required”; these words should determine your opinion and be used in your paragraphs Form an opinion about the topic

Brainstorm ideas about your topic in the Rough Notes section of your booklet (Nothing you write in this space will be scored) Select the side you will have the most to say about List reasons (supports) for your opinion as well as details, examples or facts to back them up Identify which of these supports is the weakest, second strongest to strongest Formulate your THESIS statement- the sentence that goes at the end of the introduction that states whether (or not) you AGREE with the question, and outlines possible reasons why

Example thesis: Cell phones are necessary (opinion) in teenagers’ lives because they help keep them safe (paragraph1), they are a useful tool for organization, (paragraph 2) and they allow them to stay connected to their friends and family. (paragraph 3)

Writing a series of paragraphs Decide on the format of your answer Which of your reasons will you list first, second and third- each general reason will become an entire paragraph Write your paragraphs in the third person- avoid “I think” or “I believe” as it is stronger to avoid using your own voice Decide on how to write your introduction- an interesting way to hook your readers

Introduction Paragraph Write a topic sentence- explain the topic or provide a definition if needed Include an opinion statement (thesis)- state your opinion about the topic and list your 3 supports Transition Word Move your reader from your introduction to your first support by using words like: “first”, or “to begin” Body Paragraph #1 Explain the weakest of your three supports Include examples and specific details to emphasize your explanation Explain how your support backs up your opinion

Transition Word Body Paragraph #2 Move your reader from the first body paragraph to the next support by using words like: “secondly”, “also”, or “next” Body Paragraph #2 Explain the second strongest of your three supports Include examples and specific details to emphasize your opinion Explain how your support backs up your opinion Move your reader from the second body paragraph to the third support by using words like: “thirdly”, “also”, or “finally”

Body Paragraph #3 Transition Word Conclusion Paragraph Explain the strongest of your three supports Include examples and specific details to emphasize your opinion Explain how your support backs up your opinion Transition Word Move your reader from your last body paragraph to the conclusion by using words like: “in conclusion”, “to summarize” or “overall” Conclusion Paragraph Re-state or re-word your opinion statement (thesis) Summarize your supports

Edit your work Review and edit all parts of your work Check to make sure you kept to your original opinion Check to see that you have responded to the topic fully and accurately Make sure your response is properly organized Correct any grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors