Writing a Series of Paragraphs Expressing an Opinion

Details  express your opinion on a topic given to you  two lined pages are given for your series of paragraphs – you should aim to write approximately this much  divide your work clearly into at least three paragraphs: introduction, body and conclusion  You will be given a rough notes section that will not be marked – use this to organize and plan your writing

Tips:  Read the topic question and decide what position you will take in your response. You MUST argue only one side of the issue.  Clearly state your opinion/thesis (this is your overall argument) in the first paragraph.  In the body paragraph(s), state a main point and supporting details (proof, example, fact) that support your overall argument.  Provide multiple main points in the body of your series of paragraphs that support your opinion  Each body paragraph should be several sentences long.  Paragraph divisions must be clear – indent or leave an extra line between paragraphs  In the concluding paragraph, summarize your opinion.  Check for correct spelling, grammar and punctuation (conventions will be marked). Writing a Series of Paragraphs Expressing an Opinion

Writing Rubric for a Series of Paragraphs Expressing an OpinionCodeDescriptor 0 Nothing written in the space provided Response is illegible, off topic or irrelevant to the prompt 10 The response is related to the prompt but does not express an opinion. OR The response expresses an opinion with no supporting details or provides details unrelated to the opinion. There is no evidence of organization. 20 The response is related to the prompt, but only part of the response expresses and supports an opinion. OR The response is related to the prompt, and expresses and supports an opinion, but the opinion is unclear or inconsistent. There are insufficient supporting details: too few or repetitious. There is limited evidence of organization.

30 The response is related to the prompt and expresses a clear opinion. There are insufficient and/or vague supporting details or the connection of the details to the opinion is not always clear. There is evidence of organization, but lapses distract from the overall communication. 40 The response is related to the prompt. A clear and consistent opinion is developed with sufficient supporting details, however only some are specific. The organization is mechanical and any lapses do not distract from the overall communication. 50 (this is a pass) The response is related to the prompt. A clear and consistent opinion is developed with sufficient specific supporting details. The organization is logical. 60 The response is related to the assigned prompt. A clear and consistent opinion is developed with sufficient specific supporting details that are thoughtfully chosen. The organization is coherent demonstrating a thoughtful progression of ideas. Writing Rubric: Continued

Use of Conventions Rubric in the Series of Paragraphs Expressing an Opinion CodeDescriptor B Blank: nothing written in the space provided I Response is illegible, off –topic, or irrelevant to the prompt 10 Insufficient evidence to assess conventions OR errors in conventions interfere with communication 20 Errors in conventions distract from communication 30 (this is a pass) Errors in conventions do not distract from communication 40 Control of conventions evident in written work

This is what the Series of Paragraphs will look like on the test.

Practice: Using the prompt below, practice writing your two page Series of Paragraphs Task: Write a minimum of three paragraphs expressing an opinion on the topic below. Develop your main idea with supporting details (proof, 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 approximate length of the writing expected. Topic: Do teenagers place too much importance on what they wear?

Sample answers: Code 10 in writing

Sample answer: Code 30 in writing

Sample answer: Code 50 in writing

Extra Help?  March Break Camp I Can – March at DSSS. Cost is $10. See Ms. Stokes in the Student Support Office for sign-up, fee payment, questions.  Literacy Counting on You classes – Mondays after school started this week. See Ms. Stokes to sign up.  Visit eqao.com for sample tests and extra practice.