What is a problem? Any thing, matter, person, etc, that is difficult to deal with, solve, or overcome. What is a solution? A way to solve the problem that you are having.

What makes a Great Opinion Paragraph? The problem is clearly stated at the beginning. A possible solution is given for the problem. Reasons support the solution. Facts and examples help explain reasons and persuade readers to agree with the solution. Exact words are used to help the reader understand the problem and solution.

Activity: In the second paragraph find a fact or an example that explains a reason.

Exact Words Writers choose exact words to help readers better understand their ideas. Choosing exact words over vague, general words helps writers clearly present a solution or reasons to support that solution. INSTEAD OF THIS…THE AUTHOR WROTE THIS. Leaves help nourish the tree. “..Sugary sap made in the leaves travels down other passages in the trunk, taking food to different parts of the tree.” (p79)

ACTIVITY Look for interesting details for the following statements. 1.- Saps have a way of keeping insects from harming trees (SB 77). (SB 50) 2.- The bark changes as a tree ages. (SB 82)

ACTIVITY Look for interesting details for the following statements. (ANSWERS) 1.- some saps have strong smells that keep insects from eating trees. 2.- The smooth bark on a young tree gradually becomes rough and cracked as the tree gets older. Practice Book page 34

Facts and examples: Good writers use facts and examples to explain their reasons. Using solid facts and examples will help you sound sure of your ideas. This will help you to persuade your readers. OPINIONEXAMPLES You should carry first-aid supplies when you hike or camp. If someone is injured in a remote location, you need to take the right action immediately before seeking more help.

FLOW CHART

Clear problem and solution  Writers organize their writing so that their purpose is clear. When writing a problem/solution paragraph they state the problem at the beginning so that readers understand what needs to be solved.  Good writers also offer a clear solution with reasons, facts, and examples to support it. Example: Unclear ProblemClear Problem After school, I have a lot to do and then there is dinner and homework. There is not enough time after dinner for me to finish my homework. The sentence sounds smoother, and its shows that the ideas in the two sentences are related.

Your turn…. A SCIENCE MAGAZINE NEEDS TO DECIDE WHAT PLACE TO WRITE ABOUT NEXT. WHAT MIGHT BE A GOOD ARTICLE AND WHY?