1. Writing a Series of Paragraphs
Oakridge- O.S.S.L.T. Prep
Writing a Series of Paragraphs

2. Series of Paragraphs Expressing An Opinion
Learning Goals:
You will be able to analyse and discuss the features and components of a series of paragraphs expressing an idea/an opinion essay
You will be able to organize your ideas and support for writing a series of paragraphs expressing an opinion

3. Expressing an Opinion
Watch a short video of Rick Mercer’s expressing an opinion about distracted driving.
2. Was Mercer’s OPINION clear?
How did he support his opinion?
Did he provide a strong argument against distracted driving?

4. Expressing an Opinion
Watch the video again and pay attention to the points Mercer includes in his argument.

5. OSSLT Sample
This is what the task will look like on the OSSLT. It is always the first task in Booklet 2

6. OSSLT Sample
This is what the task will look like on the OSSLT Answer Booklet. Write it the Answer Booklet.

7. Looking at an exemplar...
Read the opinion essay/series of paragraphs (link below) expressing an opinion about the prompt:
“Should Dogs Be Banned From Public Parks?”
What do you notice about the features and components of this opinion essay?
Use a highlighter and/or make notes in the margins to indicate what you notice.
Link to Exemplar

8. Did you notice the following things while reading?
Is the essay about the topic given? (Are the following ideas addressed in the essay: dogs, banned; public; park?)
Does the essay have 5 paragraphs? (an introductory paragraph, 3 body paragraphs and a concluding paragraph)
Is each paragraph indented?
Is the opinion stated in the first paragraph?
It is clear that the author agrees OR disagrees with the statement? (NOT both)
In the three body paragraphs that support the author’s opinion, have they given a reason in each paragraph and relevant examples/facts to support them?
Does the author’s conclusion restate his/her position and summarize his/her main ideas?
Link to Exemplar with highlighted answers

9. Two more “tips” for writing the OSSLT series of paragraphs/opinion essay:
Create rough notes (in the space provided) BEFORE you start writing the series of paragraphs
Take time to re-read your series of paragraphs once you have finished and make any necessary changes

10. Writing a series of paragraphs/opinion essay...
Now let’s practice!
Writing a series of paragraphs/opinion essay...
Working in small groups you will be given a writing prompt.
Decide whether you AGREE or DISAGREE with the statement.
Write out your group’s statement.
Brainstorm your ideas about how you would support your argument.
Indicate the three (3) major supports you would use in your series of paragraphs
Statement: (agree OR disagree)
____________________________________________________________________
Paragraph/Argument 1 -
Paragraph/ Argument 2 -
Paragraph/ Argument 3 -

11. Writing Prompts Example topics (CHOOSE ONE):
Should the school year be 12 months instead of 10 months a year?
Should the minimum age for getting a driver’s license be raised?
Is what you are learning at school affecting the way you live your life right now?
Should the use of cellphones be banned at school?
Should school uniforms be mandatory?

12. When you are finished writing, share your arguments for the series of paragraphs/opinion essay with another group
Introduce your opinion by giving your argument statement (Agree or Disagree)
Explain each of your three arguments
Finish by emphasizing your overall argument (conclusion)
Listen to your partner feedback on the following:
Did they have a clear argument (only argued “one side”?) as a part of their introduction?
Did they have strong, well-explained details/facts for all three supporting arguments?
Did they finish with a strong conclusion?

13. Optional Activity: Slides 14 and 15
If not doing the optional activity go to slide 16.

14. As a class, use the statement below to create 3 examples and proof for the 3 body paragraphs for the series of paragraphs.
Is it a good idea for high school students to have a part-time job?
Statement of Opinion:
High school students should not have a part-time job....
Point # 1: Examples/Proof
Point # 2: Examples/Proof
Point # 3: Examples/Proof

15. As a class, use the statement below to create 3 examples and proof for the 3 body paragraphs for the series of paragraphs.
Is it a good idea for high school students to have a part-time job?
Statement of Opinion:
High school students should have a part-time job…
Point # 1: Examples/Proof
Point # 2: Examples/Proof
Point # 3: Examples/Proof

16. Oakridge - O.S.S.L.T. Prep Additional Supports:
When: Thurs Mar 21 - Tues Mar 26, Lunch
Where: Rm 226
Who: Everyone!

17. For further tips and information to help you prepare for the OSSLT:
Getting Ready:
Online Practice Test