Opinion Writing
Goal: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
1. Use the writing process (pre-write, rough draft, edit/revise, publish)
2. Introduce a topic or text clearly that gets the readers attention
3. State an opinion, and organize it in a way that:
a. ideas are logically grouped together
b. ideas support the writer’s purpose.
4. Provide logically ordered reasons that are supported by facts and details.
5. Link opinion and reasons using words, phrases, and clauses (e.g., consequently, specifically)
6. Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.
Goal: Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
1. Use the writing process (pre-write, rough draft, edit/revise, publish)
2. Introduce a topic or text clearly that gets the readers attention
3. State an opinion, and organize it in a way that:
a. ideas are logically grouped together
b. ideas support the writer’s purpose.
4. Provide logically ordered reasons that are supported by facts and details.
5. Link opinion and reasons using words, phrases, and clauses (e.g., consequently, specifically)
6. Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.
After you choose a topic to write about list as many pros and cons as you can for your topic. Seeing both sides of an issue will help you better understand how to support your argument or opinion.
Then examine your pro/con list and circle your three most persuasive reasons. You can choose more than three but you should have at least THREE solid reasons that support your opinion.
PREWRITE: Your pre-write might look something like this. It is important to to think through your arguments to be sure you choose
Your opinion statement:
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Audience: ___________________________
Reason #1 ______________________________________
Facts/my experiences to answer “so what?”
___________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Reason #2 ______________________________________
Facts/my experiences to answer “so what?”
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Reason #3 ______________________________________
Facts/my experiences to answer “so what?”
____________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Your opinion statement:
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Audience: ___________________________
Reason #1 ______________________________________
Facts/my experiences to answer “so what?”
___________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Reason #2 ______________________________________
Facts/my experiences to answer “so what?”
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Reason #3 ______________________________________
Facts/my experiences to answer “so what?”
____________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Fact vs. Opinion
It is important to know and understand the difference between fact and opinion. You want to be sure to back your opinions with strong reliable FACTS.
Using Good Research Methods to support your argument
1. Use reliable resources
2. Use KEY WORD searches NOT QUESTIONS 3. Advanced searches 4. Skim before using to be sure it is what you need. |
Using Transitional Words in an Argumentative Essay
The purpose of the argumentative mode, sometimes called the persuasive mode, is to change the way a reader thinks or behaves. A writer achieves this purpose by convincing a reader of the truth and logic in a particular argument he or she is presenting in the essay.
In order to be convincing, a writer should address more than one side of the argument in the essay. The writer will agree with one side, and will refute, or use information to argue against, another side. In an argumentative essay, a reader might come across some of the following uses of transitional words and phrases. These words and phrases will appear not only at the beginning of each new paragraph, but also within the paragraph, between ideas and before source information
When a writer remembers to order his or her details appropriately by including transitional words and phrases, it helps the reader follow the order and understand the argument being presented.
Begin and End With A Bang! Intros and Conclusions
Introduction
The introduction should be designed to attract the reader's attention and give her an idea of the essay's focus.
Conclusion The conclusion brings closure to the reader, summing up your points or providing a final perspective on your topic.
All the conclusion needs is three or four strong sentences which do not need to follow any set formula. Simply review the main points (being careful not to restate them exactly) or briefly describe your feelings about the topic. Even an anecdote can end your essay in a useful way.
The introduction should be designed to attract the reader's attention and give her an idea of the essay's focus.
- Begin with an attention grabber.The attention grabber you use is up to you, but here are some ideas:
- Startling information
This information must be true and verifiable, and it doesn't need to be totally new to your readers. It could simply be a pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point you wish to make.
If you use a piece of startling information, follow it with a sentence or two of elaboration. - Anecdote
An anecdote is a story that illustrates a point.
Be sure your anecdote is short, to the point, and relevant to your topic. This can be a very effective opener for your essay, but use it carefully. - Dialogue
An appropriate dialogue does not have to identify the speakers, but the reader must understand the point you are trying to convey. Use only two or three exchanges between speakers to make your point.
Follow dialogue with a sentence or two of elaboration. - Summary Information
A few sentences explaining your topic in general terms can lead the reader gently to your thesis. Each sentence should become gradually more specific, until you reach your thesis.
- Startling information
- If the attention grabber was only a sentence or two, add one or two more sentences that will lead the reader from your opening to your thesis statement.
- Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement.
Conclusion The conclusion brings closure to the reader, summing up your points or providing a final perspective on your topic.
All the conclusion needs is three or four strong sentences which do not need to follow any set formula. Simply review the main points (being careful not to restate them exactly) or briefly describe your feelings about the topic. Even an anecdote can end your essay in a useful way.