1. Opinion Writing 9B
Heather Branch

2. Purpose The writers goal is to share his/her opinion or preference
I think that…

3. General Technique
The writer states what s/he thinks and why s/he thinks it.
I think that teaching high school is the best job in the world because you get to meet awesome teenagers, you have an hour preparation every day, and you rarely need to get involved in disputes between students. (thesis statement)

4. Audience
The writer wants to be heard and wants to share his/her ideas/opinions. S/He is not concerned with getting something; s/he wants to voice his/her thoughts.

5. Point of View
Because the writer is mostly concerned with stating his opinion, first-person (i.e., I) is always used.
Not me, me, me but I, I, I!!!

6. Attitude
Opinion writers are excited about their own ideas and eager to share them with whomever will listen.

7. Perspectives Presented
Opinion has a single-minded goal – Tell the reader what you think.

8. Starting Point
1. Pick a Topic 2. Decide what you think. 3. Write, draw, or talk about it.

9. Support
Opinion pieces rely ONLY on opinion and feelings.

10. Assignment - Opinion Essay
Must be a minimum of five (5) paragraphs:
An introduction
Three (3) body paragraphs
A conclusion
A typical paragraph is 5-10 sentences (NOT LINES).
A typical sentence has 7-10 words.
5 * 7 = 35 words/paragraph * 5 = 175
10 * 10 = 100 words/paragraph * 5 = 500
***So, your essay should be words!!!
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY!!!
Maximum 500 words please!

11. Introduction The introduction must:
Introduce the topic: catchy topic sentence! “Ever wonder what it would be like to be on the other side of the desk?”
Thesis statement “I think that teaching high school is the best job in the world because you get to meet awesome teenagers, you have an hour preparation every day, and you rarely need to get involved in disputes between students.”

12. Body Each body paragraph should support one idea or opinion.
Meet awesome teenagers
Hour prep/day
Rarely involved in disputes

13. Conclusion Must include:
An appropriate transition signal (Finally / In conclusion
Summarizes your main points
Leaves the reader with a thought to remember “So if ever I’m feeling down or frustrated with me job, I just remind myself of some of these benefits and I realize that I have the best job in the world!”

14. Form and Format Essay needs to be: Typed Double spaced Size 12
Times New Roman font
1st sentence of each paragraph indented.
Title page (see handout)