Unit 5: Prove your point

1. Introductory paragraph

This paragraph serves the purpose of introducing the topic of your opinion piece.

a) Hook

This sentence attracts the readers’ attention

b) Thesis

This sentence states your main idea or opinion, which you are to prove and support throughout the opinion piece.

c) Supporting ideas

These are the reasons to support your thesis

2. Body paragraphs

These paragraphs provide the facts, examples and explanations that support each idea proving your thesis.

a) Topic sentence

This sentence states what the paragraph is about. It must correspond to the thesis.

b) Example

This is an item of information that illustrates or reinforcesan idea.

c) Explanation

This is a detailed description of how the example relates and supports your opinion of the topic.

d) Concluding Statement

This sentence signals the end of the paragraph

3. Concluding paragraph

This paragraph gives the reader a sense of closure. It also summarizes what you have covered in the opinion piece.

4. Audience

This refers to the readers of your opinion piece. Thinking about audience influences your style of writing such as vocabulary, sentence structure and the proofs or evidence you use to support your thesis.

5. Informal

This is a relaxed style of writing that follows a less rigid structure. It includes a relaxed expression of opinion, observation, or humour.

6. Tone

This is the attitude you convey as you express your opinions about the topic.

7. Transitional words or phrases

These words or phrases link sentences and paragraphs. They also serve to strengthen the relationship between and among sentences. It helps your opinion piece to flow smoothly and read more coherently. (Examples: in addition, moreover, and furthermore)